“And after Lee?” Mallorie asked.
Liz exhaled softly and her expression changed as tried to decide what words to say. She would made a lousy poker player.
“Marie didn’t really change until after he died,” she said.
“Nobody talks much about Lee. All I know about him is that he apparently liked to party and didn’t care what people thought of him,” Mallorie said.
“Well sweetie, that’s pretty accurate. He had the reputation of someone that liked to drink and get wild. I only met him a couple of times. All I know is he was polite to me but he didn’t take anything from anybody,” Liz said.
“Granny and granddaddy still hate him,” Mallorie said.
“Well...in your granny’s case, I can see why. She was used to getting her way with everything but from what I understand Lee put her in her place. Again this is hearsay - but he supposedly even told her to go to hell when she tried to forbid Marie from getting engaged,” Liz said.
“I can see Granny being so enraged at not being on control him because that’s just how she is, but why does Granddaddy hate him? I mean I would think that he would appreciate anyone standing up to her. He’s told that’s one of the things he loves about me the most is my independence,” Mallorie said.
“That’s another trait you share with your mom – that sense of independence. But as to why Earl hated Lee, I can only guess. Based upon conversations with your mom and Bud, I gathered that Lee had no respect at all for Earl because he allowed Edna to be so dominant in his life. For that reason, Lee basically treated Earl like dirt,” Liz added, “I think that sense of being his own man was probably what attracted your mom to him.”
“And after Lee died, mom changed,” Mallorie said.
“That’s putting it mildly. The light went out in her eyes. I can’t really describe it. It was like she was here without really being here. I really thought that spark was gone for good...and then you were born. And slowly but surely, she started becoming her old self,” Liz said with a fond smile. “I’m not saying there weren’t days that she didn’t grieve but those days were growing less and less. And then came that sad night.”
“I know Granddaddy took it hard. I’ve heard he started drinking,” Mallorie said.
“Has Bud talked to you about this?” Liz asked.
“Some,” Mallorie answered.
“Earl...drank a lot and for a long time. It wasn’t common knowledge,” Liz said.
“How about Granny? How did she react?” Mallorie asked.
“I honestly can’t tell you. She withdrew from pretty much everything and everybody for several months. Edna didn’t even attend the funeral. Some said it was because the grief was too much and others said she simply didn’t care. I honestly don’t know which – if either – the truth was,” Liz said.
“What did Bud say about how she acted?” Mallorie said.
“Typical Bud. He said she was ‘crazier than a shithouse rat’ but never elaborated and I never pressed him on it,” Liz said.
“In the days that followed my mom’s death, how did Bud take it?” Mallorie asked.
Liz shook her head.
“He was in shock but he did everything he could to help Earl,” she said.
Mallorie looked at the pictures and back to Liz.
“What did he do?” She asked.
“The biggest thing I guess, was that he shielded Earl and made sure the funeral was very small and private. Between him and Bill Kantrell, they shuttled Earl back and forth and kept him out of public view until he got straightened out. I do know that Edna approved of that – she wanted to protect Earl and make sure he stayed in office,” Liz said.
“That sounds about right,” Mallorie said.
Liz took a long look at Mallorie, who sat with tears in her eyes.
“It’s none of my business honey but you’ve never really asked me about any of this before...are you okay?” I mean is something going on?” Liz asked.
“I, uh, think maybe we could grab some drive-thru later and go somewhere a little private and have lunch? We could talk more freely then,” Mallorie said as she blotted her eyes with a tissue.
“Sure. We’ll leave at noon if can get Brenda to watch the front while we’re out,” Liz said.
They were interrupted when Ed entered the building.
“I quit smoking about 20 years too damn soon,” he huffed as he walked past both women on his way to his office.
“Nice seeing you too Ed,” Liz called out.
***
Jett walked into Alvin’s office. The current city hall was built in 1966 and had never been renovated. The walls of the office featured oak colored wood grain paneling and was covered by various diplomas, degrees, and pictures. Like Jett’s office, the photos depicted various stages of life from the state police academy, assignments at various posts, family photos, and selected scenes from his college football career. Jett noticed one with Alvin embracing another player who wore number sixty-eight – that player was Jett.
“Remember that game? You had a great day,” Alvin said.
“Yeah, the win over Knoxville Military Institute our junior year,” Jett said.
“You know, I think that game had a big part of us winning the conference championship our senior year – just the confidence we picked up, you know?” Alvin asked.
“You’re probably right,” Jett said.
“Have a seat. Now what’s the big secret that you had to see me in private about?” Alvin asked.
“I have a big favor to ask. I need a copy of one of your files – a suicide from 1981,” Jett said.
If Alvin was surprised he didn’t show it.
“Since it was a suicide, I’m guessing it is a closed case,” he said.
“Yes, it is,” Jett said.
Alvin gave him a curious look.
“No big deal – it’s a public record as I’m sure you’re well aware,” he said.
“Yes it is but...the fewer people that know about this the better. The ideal thing would be for only you to know about it,” Jett said as Alvin got up from his chair and walked over to a mini-fridge behind his desk in the right hand corner of the small room.
“Want a Diet Pepsi?” He asked as he pulled a can of soda out.
Jett shook his head as Alvin popped the top on the can.
“You want to tell me what this is about?” He asked as he returned to his desk chair.
“Remember Earl Atkins?” Jett asked.
“The former mayor? Sure I do. Why?” Alvin asked as he took a sip.
“His daughter committed suicide in 1981. Lately, some information has surfaced that could suggest that it wasn’t a suicide,” Jett said.
“That would make it a homicide investigation,” Alvin said as he eyed Jett who nodded quickly.
“Only if I can find proof that it wasn’t a suicide. And it might turn out to be a false lead,” he said.
“Why not let me and my guys handle it? I mean, that’s what we do,” Alvin said.
“I appreciate your position but like I said, we need to keep this very low key. There could be political ramifications if it turns out to be a dead end. You or any of your officers don’t need to be involved – at least not officially. I’m asking as a friend,” Jett said.
Alvin stared at him for a moment, allowing the words to sink in.
“I’ll get you the file but promise me if something does develop that you won’t try to take care of it yourself. Promise me you’ll let us handle it,” he said.
“I promise. I’m just trying to get to the truth – if we don’t already have it,” Jett said.
“What’s the name?” Alvin asked.
“Marie Atkins. The date will be April 1981,” Jett answered.
Alvin stood up again and took another drink of his Diet Pepsi.
“Wait here,” he said.
***
Maggie made it back to her room following a quick lunch. Her roommates – Mollie and Serenity, the Evans sisters – were st
ill in class. The room was neat, orderly, and looked like it belonged to a trio of co-eds. She placed her tablet case on her desk along with her purse. Maggie took out her cell phone to double check for any texts. Seeing none, she started to send Dan a quick message but changed her mind. Maggie wanted to hear from him but she didn’t want to be a pest either.
She sat on her bed. Fatigue suddenly overwhelmed her. It seemed as though she was starting to feel the effects of the late night conversations with Dan and the extra studying for the approaching finals. Maggie untied her pink and white sneakers and slipped them off. She stretched out on the bed to relax and closed her eyes. Without intending to do so, Maggie opened her eyes not in her room at the U of L but in Crystal Springs in the apartment she would soon call home – at least for the summer.
Unpacked cardboard boxes and heavy plastic gray bins sat around the room and she stood in the middle of the room, trying to decide where to start unpacking.
“I’d set up the coffee pot first. You’re sure to need it before you get everything set up,” said a voice from behind.
Maggie wheeled and froze when she saw the unknown woman with sandy hair and green eyes.
“Who are you?” She said.
The pretty young woman didn’t smile but didn’t appear to be threatening either as she rubbed a hand over one of the double-stacked gray bins as she walked over to the old brown leather sofa and took a seat.
“Consider me a neighbor and an old friend of Bud’s. I heard you were moving to Crystal Springs and I wanted to get a closer look at you,” the woman said.
“An old friend?” Maggie asked with a slightly raised eyebrow.
“Well, relatively speaking,” the stranger said.
Maggie studied her closely.
“You look familiar,” Maggie said.
“I look like a lot of women – especially in a college town,” the woman said.
Maggie approached her, still looking at her, trying to remember from where she might know her.
“What’s your name?” She asked.
“That’s not important. What is important is the new job you’re getting ready to start. Jett has a lot of confidence in you. He’s going to be counting on you to take on more than I’m sure even he knows right now,” the woman said.
“Is he another old friend?” Maggie asked.
“Not really, but we are acquaintances,” the woman said with a friendly enough smile. But her eyes belied the smile. They lacked warmth. They reflected the quality of someone aggressively trying to close a business deal rather than offer encouragement.
“And how do you know that he’s going to turn to me and not someone more experienced on the staff?” Maggie asked.
“Let’s say I have insight into the situation. And as to why he’ll turn to you, he knows you and trusts you. You’re smart and have great instincts. Plus he has a son that will...what’s the phrase...have your back? He knows he doesn’t have to worry about you as long as you have a built-in bodyguard or if you’d prefer, guardian angel,” the woman said.
“Guardian angel? Excuse me for being skeptical, I mean this whole conversation is more than a little odd,” Maggie said.
“Maybe, but it’s your dream. And I’ve wasted enough of your time. Good day Maggie,” the woman said just before she disappeared into thin air.
Startled, Maggie woke up from the dream. She found herself stretched out on the floral print bedspread on her twin bed.
Now wide-awake, she held her hands up. They were trembling.
Maggie got up and found her cell phone. Her hands were shaking so badly she could hardly type. In fact, she had to stop several times to make corrections to her simple message: “Please call ASAP.”
***
Bud stood leaning across the metal rail - and its latest thick coat of green paint – looking out at the Cumberland River. The water was clear – or at least as clear as river water got in the area. It was another beautiful spring day and the sun reflecting off of the water made Bud glad he’d remembered his sunglasses.
“I sure am glad you called. It’s too pretty to be stuck inside a dusty old office today,” Bill said as he approached.
The policeman-turned-politician was breathing a little hard by the time he joined Bud at the rail.
“Sounds like you need to cut back on the Marlboro’s and donuts,” Bud said.
Bill shook his head and dismissively waved his left hand.
“Nonsense. That’s the diet that gave this beautiful figure,” he huffed.
“Beauty’s in the eye of the beholder and you’re near-sighted,” Bud said as he returned his gaze to the river and the boat with two older men fishing. Bill chuckled between light wheezes and fixed his gaze on the fishermen.
“About time for the catfish to start biting,” Bill said.
“Yeah, I’d say in another week or so,” Bud said.
“So what’s on your mind that you couldn’t talk to me about in the office?” Bill asked.
“I just want this conversation to be between the two of us,” Bud said.
“Okay. What’s on your mind?” Bill asked.
“I’ve had something on my mind lately. Thinking a lot about the past, maybe it’s just part of getting old,” Bud said as he turned to Bill who twisted his face into a grimace.
“That’s one of the easier parts of getting old,” he said.
Bud grunted.
“But not all memories are pleasant,” he said.
“True. Is there a specific unpleasant memory on your mind?” Bill asked.
“Yeah, there is. I’ve been thinking a lot about Marie Atkins lately,” Bud said.
Bill’s expression turned cold and hard.
“I think about her too, from time to time. But it was a long time ago and I’ve learned to let it go. You’d be well served to do the same,” he said.
“Have you ever had reason to suspect that foul play might have been involved or maybe that someone helped her?” Bud asked.
Bill shook his head and looked at the fishermen again, clearly bothered.
“You asked me that in 1981. I’ll tell you what I told you then: It was a suicide. She was a troubled girl that just couldn’t handle life. Her idiot boyfriend went and got himself killed by playing the rich asshole and left her to raise a baby – something she obviously wasn’t ready to do,” he said as he returned his eyes to Bud.
“Wait a minute. Is this because you’re banging Marie’s daughter? Geez Bud. C’mon, think with the right head. Don’t try to impress her by looking for something that isn’t there. Stop chasing ghosts,” Bill added.
Bud allowed his lips to curl in wry smile.
“I wasn’t aware that my sex life is common knowledge,” he said.
“It’s all over town. Besides, Edna mentioned something about it yesterday when I called to check on Earl,” Bill said.
“How is Earl?” Bud asked.
“Still going downhill. He keeps having crazy dreams and nightmares. Sometimes he knows who I am and sometimes he don’t. It’s probably a good thing he’s so out of it as far as Mallorie’s concerned. Edna’s so disgusted with her – and I might add, you – she doesn’t care anymore,” Bill said.
“Well, I’m all tore up over Edna’s feelings,” Bud said calmly.
Bill glared at him for a moment then broke into laughter.
“I figured that’d be your attitude. Listen, it’s none of my business who you’re screwing. If you’re happy, I’m happy. But please, stop torturing yourself about something that happened a long time ago that nobody could have prevented. She was set on killing herself and she did it,” he said.
“But she seemed so happy in the days before it happened – so much like her old self,” Bud said.
“I know. She fooled us all...Such a pity. Marie was a beautiful girl. She would have made some lucky guy a wonderful wife,” Bill said.
Bud nodded as he watched his old friend.
“That’s why it makes no sense,” he said.
&n
bsp; “What made no sense was her getting tangled up with that no good piece of crap Lee,” Bill said.
“She could’ve done so much better,” Bud agreed.
“Damn right she could,” Bill said.
“But speaking from the experience of three ex-wives, let me say nobody controls who they fall in love with,” Bud said.
“Three. Damn. One ought to be enough for anybody,” Bill said.
“How long have you and Kim been married?” Bud asked.
“Twenty-eight years next month,” Bill answered.
“Wow. That’s a long time. I’ll give you credit. You found the right one and was smart enough to know it,” Bud said.
“I’m not sure she would agree with that but I don’t think she’s going anywhere,” Bill said.
“I think you’re right,” Bud added, “Listen, I would like to go see Earl before he’s too far gone. You think we could maybe ride out there sometime?”
“It’s a free country. You can go anytime you’d like. I’d think with your girlfriend you’d always be somewhat welcome not matter how distasteful Edna finds your...relationship,” Bill said.
“That’s probably true but you and I did a whole helluva lot for Earl and Edna both after Marie died. I think maybe Edna would be agreeable about letting me say my goodbyes in private if you were with me,” Bud said.
Bill shook his head.
“They’ve been awfully good to me Bud and you know Edna. She doesn’t forgive. In her eyes, if I showed up at your side I’d be frozen out and as long as Earl’s been out of politics, Edna still has plenty of clout. I know this makes me sound like the most selfish bastard in the world but I still need her for last term,” Bill said.
Bud merely nodded.
“Listen, you’ve been my friend for almost as long as Earl. I understand completely and I wouldn’t want to put you in a bad spot with Edna,” he said.
Bill breathed a sigh of relief.
“I really appreciate that,” he said.
“So you say Earl’s having nightmares?” Bud asked.
“Yeah, from what I understand, they’ve been pretty bad for the past couple of weeks - must be the dementia,” Bill said.
“Yeah, I’m sure it is,” Bud agreed.
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