Blood Sisters

by Melody Carlson

  Just yesterday, I be thinking ’bout this Aunt Constance somebody that Carmen told me ’bout. I be thinking Carmen liked this Aunt Constance person, and she say only ’cause of her she still keeping me round. So I ask Carmen ’bout this aunt I ain’t never heard nothing of before and don’t even remember and she get all weepy and say, “Constance was my best friend.” So, I ask her, “Where is Constance now?” Then Carmen look at me, and I be thinking she almost looking like she like me a little. And she say,

  “Your Aunt Constance be dead, Pearl She died when you was just little. Don’t you remember her?” I just shook my head. It figures. Just when I think of an aunt that might get me outta here and back to my mama, I find out that she be dead. What’s up with that, God?

  But right after that Carmen start getting herself all in a huff, saying my mama a liar and a cheat (but I know she’s not) and saying she gonna fix my mama and she gonna fix me and she gonna get herself some money and she gonna get Larry back. And I be a thinking (but I keep them thoughts to myself) you wanna get Larry back? You crazy, girl. Larry be bad news, and you best just let that man go and hope he never come back. But Carmen ain’t too smart. Miss Molly say she too messed up to know up from down. And I think Miss Molly be right.

  Dear God, why do everything have to be so sad and hard for me? My life ain’t nothing like them people I see on Miss Molly’s TV set. They all wear nice clothes that match, and they laugh a lot. They got themselves family and nice houses to live in with pretty things all ’round. But me, I gotta sit down here in this stinky old cardboard box with spiderwebs and them nasty ol’ rats creeping all around everywhere. Now what be fair about that, God? I don’t mean no disrespect, but it seem to me you not doing your job just now. Seem to me you be sleeping or something. Wake up, God! Wake up and take care of your little Pearl. I need help, God, and I be thinking you the only one can help me. Wake up! Please, wake up!

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  AS JUDITH RAN DOWN the dark street, the night sky-exploded with flashes of brilliant light, followed by loud booms that echoed in her chest. Knowing that each blast of light exposed her every step, she decided to change direction, hoping to throw off her pursuer. In the next moment of darkness, she dodged around a pickup and turned her course toward the lodge. She paused for a split second, to catch her breath. But the footsteps were still coming her way. She knew she couldn’t lead her pursuer to the clinic and risk exposing Hank. So in the next explosion of light, she changed direction again, heading back down toward the lake this time, hoping to appear as if she had a purpose, but then she stumbled over something and fell to the ground, landing hard on one knee. She scrambled in the darkness, her knee throbbing in pain as she tried to stand. But before she got to her feet, a pair of hands grabbed her by the shoulders.

  “Stop!” he hissed as he pulled her up. Suddenly, she felt the world spinning around, and she feared she might actually faint as the dark sky burst into light again. But by the glow of bright orange sunburst overhead she could almost determine his features. Or else she was hallucinating.

  “Adam?” she gasped, tears now streaming down her cheeks. “Is it you... what are you...”

  “Shhh!” He pulled her with him toward the shadows of a darkened building, then gently brought her close to him, whispering, “Are you okay?”

  At this point, she collapsed into his arms and began to sob. “Oh, Adam, I... I can’t go on... I can’t take this anymore. It’s too... too hard.”

  She felt one hand stroke her hair, the other gently pat her back as he held her close. And despite all that was going on around her, she actually felt safe. “It’s okay,” he said in a soothing voice. “You’re doing a fantastic job, Judith. Just like a pro. We’re really proud of you. You’ve managed to get some good information on tape. Some things that will really help our case.”

  She pulled back and looked at him in surprise. “Really?”

  He nodded, then took out a handkerchief and wiped her wet cheeks. “Yes. You’ve been totally amazing. I’m sorry it’s getting so complicated right now, but there’s a lot going down. And we really need you to hang in there. Do you think you can continue?”

  She nodded slowly, taking in a ragged breath and wiping the tears from her cheeks. “Yeah. I… I think so.” But her hands still shook uncontrollably. “I’ll try. I really will.” She stood up straighter now. “I’m sorry about falling apart like that. I was just so terrified. Actually, I still am.”

  “Yeah, we all are.” He took her by the arm and gently guided her along. “We’ve got to get you to the clinic now. Hank and a buddy are getting Aunt Lenore out as we speak. But we’ve got some other problems brewing that we’ve got to deal with tonight. So we’re really hoping you can drive yourself and Aunt Lenore out of here right now. Do you think you can do that, Judith?”

  Her knees felt wobbly as she walked, and she clung more tightly to his arm. She didn’t want to continue being strong anymore. She wanted someone else to take care of her. “I… I don’t know. I thought Hank was going to—”

  “We desperately need Hank right now, and every other hand we’ve got here as well. Things are starting to break loose, and it’s getting dangerous, Judith.”

  They were on the back side of the clinic now, close to the parking area. “I want to do this, but I just don’t know if I can,” she whispered. “I desperately want out of here, and I want to help Aunt Lenore, but—”

  “We don’t know what might happen before the night is over,” said Adam in a hushed voice. “We’ve learned of a group that’s planning a hit on the jail after midnight. They’re hoping to teach those Paxton boys a lesson, but at the same time some of the men, especially Burt and Hal, suspect the BATF are here right now and they’re trying to get their boys together on that. By the way, you were right about Hal’s guns—he has gotten some of them illegally.” Adam glanced around the corner then continued. “But if all that isn’t enough, we’ve also got a faction of members and new recruits who believe the world’s coming to an end—they can be the most dangerous of the lot because they get all paranoid and trigger happy and ready to hole up with their families in those big bunkers out behind the lodge. It sounds crazy, but this place is like a powder keg right now. And we gotta get you and Aunt Lenore out ASAP, you understand?”

  “But what about the others?”

  “Others?”

  “You know, the women and children and—”

  “We’ll do everything we can to keep this place from blowing sky high. We plan to make some arrests and hopefully defuse some situations before they get out of hand. But it’s anyone’s guess what could happen before the night is over.”

  She noticed someone going out the side door now. “Is that Hank?” she whispered.

  He glanced over his shoulder. “Yes. Let’s wait until they get her all loaded safely in and then slip over. By the way, you were right about that nurse practitioner too—she’s not one of them. All we had to do was tell her who we were and she lit out of here with no questions asked.” He glanced at his watch. “Okay, this is the plan. I’ll get you ladies to the gate, but you’re on your own after that.” He reached for her hand now. “Don’t worry, Judith, you’ll do just fine. I know you can do this. I’ll start the engine just as they begin the grand finale of the fireworks. All that noise should provide us with about five minutes where I can really drive loud and fast. Hopefully by the time this thing ends we’ll be almost over to the new development.”

  “But how can you—”

  “An alternate route.” He peered over to where two men had completed loading what appeared to be Aunt Lenore into the back of a Jeep. “Come on, let’s go.”

  Within seconds, Adam and Judith were in the front seat, windows opened, waiting in silence for the grand finale to start. And just as quickly, Hank and the other man disappeared out into the night. Judith peered around to see poor Aunt Lenore, wrapped in blankets and buckled snugly into the seatbelt. “Are you okay?” asked Judith, but the old woman
only nodded, her face a mask of pale fear.

  Then just as the noise began, Adam started the engine and took off straight into the woods behind the clinic. He drove over lumps and bumps for what seemed like ages but was actually only several minutes, then cut back onto the main road, but quite a distance past the clubhouse now. He drove as fast as the curving road allowed. Judith could barely breathe as he careened around sharp corners, but somehow the Jeep managed to stay upright and on the road.

  “Okay, now just keep going straight, slightly to your right,” she told him as he came to the end of the development road.

  “Hold on,” he yelled, not slowing as he hit the rough ground.

  She clung to the dashboard with one hand and pointed with the other. “The road’s straight ahead.” she shouted above the din.

  “Looks like the party’s over.” Adam spoke loudly as he gripped the wheel and continued driving fast. “It’s possible that someone has noticed our lights from the other side of the lake by now.”

  “Will they follow us?” she asked as they finally hit the dirt road and turned into the protection of the wooded area.

  “They might try. But, don’t worry, there’s plenty of other things to distract them.”

  “I see the gates ahead!”

  “Hold on, ladies!” Adam yelled. “I’m busting right through!”

  “Are you sure—”

  But it was too late. She closed her eyes as she heard the loud crash. But when she looked up they were on the other side of the road, and Adam was already pulling the Jeep to a stop. “You take it from here, Judith. Drive straight to my house and Pops will take care of everything.” He peered into the backseat. “Hang in there, Aunt Lenore. You’ll be home safe before long.”

  “Thank you.” Her voice came out in a hoarse whisper.

  “Be careful, Adam,” warned Judith. “I’d like to see you again.”

  He grinned. “Right back at you.” Then he took off running back toward the lake.

  Judith gunned the engine and took off in the direction that she hoped was toward town. She drove fast—faster than she’d ever driven before. But as she drove she prayed. This time out loud so Aunt Lenore could hear. After a few more minutes, she saw the road that led to the main entrance of the lake, and her heart began to pound even harder. What if they were coming after her right now? What if they chased her? Where would she go? What would she do? She prayed again. Just then she noticed a glowing orange light off to her left. She looked over to see what looked like more fireworks, only lower this time. As low as the treetops. Was there a fire out at the lake?

  “Oh, God.” she prayed with fervor, “please, take care of Adam and Hank and the others—and please, protect Ellen—”

  “Ellen?” said Aunt Lenore from the backseat.

  “Yes,” Judith called over her shoulder. “Ellen’s back there.” She didn’t mention the strange glowing light she’d just seen. Hopefully it was just more fireworks. But somehow she didn’t think so. It was too low. Too orange. She continued driving nearly eighty miles an hour until she reached the edge of town. Then, not wanting to draw attention to herself, she slowed down. And finally, after what seemed like hours, she pulled into Adam’s quiet driveway. She leaped out of the car and over to Aunt Lenore’s door. Jerking it open, she looked at the old woman’s face. “Are you okay, Aunt Lenore?”

  She leaned her head back and sighed wearily. “I’ve been better, dear.”

  Judith smiled and unbuckled the seatbelt. “Wait here while I get Jack to help us.”

  She ran up to the door and began to pound, wondering what she would do if Jack wasn’t here. But thankfully, he opened the door. “Did you bring Miss Barker?” he asked.

  “Yes,” said Judith breathlessly. “She’s in the car. Can you help me?”

  They soon had Aunt Lenore settled on the couch, and Jack made a pot of tea as Judith sat with the perplexed old woman, reassuring her that everything would be okay now. “I know that ride must’ve been an awful ordeal for you,” said Judith as she stroked her wrinkled hand. “I’m so sorry we had to do it like that. But we needed to get you out of there quickly.”

  “It’s all right, dear.” Aunt Lenore shook her head sadly. “I’m just glad to be out of my prison cell.”

  “Did it feel like that?” Judith looked into her eyes.

  “I was afraid I would die there, Judith.” She sighed and leaned her head back, looking fragile and helpless in her pale pink nightgown. “But I was trying to hang on.”

  Jack set a wooden TV tray before them, then returned bringing them each a steaming cup of tea. “Did you see Adam then, Judith?” he asked eagerly as he sat down across from them.

  “Yes. He had to go back to the lake and help out.” She took a sip of tea, wondering if she should mention seeing what she feared was flames in front of Aunt Lenore. There seemed no sense in upsetting the old woman further.

  Jack leaned forward, placing both hands on his knees. “Things might get ugly over there tonight.”

  Judith studied him curiously. He seemed like such an ordinary old guy in his plaid shirt and dungarees. “Just how much do you know about all this, Jack?”

  He sat up straight and grinned. “Well now, Adam tried to keep it from me, but I’ve got my own ways of finding things out. I know how and when to listen.” He nodded back towards the bedrooms. “Got me a citizen’s band radio too.”

  Judith smiled. “Well, I’m glad you were here to help us.”

  “When can I go home?” asked Aunt Lenore weakly.

  “Well, ma’am,” Jack pressed his lips together. “That all depends. But you’d better plan on spending the night here tonight. We’ll be cozy, but we’ve got room aplenty. We need to wait until Adam gives us the all clear signal before we make any moves.” He slapped his palm across the forehead. “Good night, I almost forgot—I’m supposed to get that Jeep in the garage.” He stood quickly. “Judith, if you ladies are finished with your tea, you could go ahead and

  get Miss Barker all settled into the bedroom at the end of the hall, the one on your right.”

  Aunt Lenore set down her empty cup. “I’m afraid I’m still rather shaky on my feet, Judith. Can you help me?”

  “Of course. I’m sure you’ve become weak from being bedridden for so long.” Judith helped lift her to a standing position, then wrapped an arm securely around her waist. “You’re light as a feather, Aunt Lenore. I could probably even carry you.”

  “Don’t you even think of it.” But she leaned into her as they walked. Judith could hear the old woman taking quick, short breaths.

  “Let’s just take it easy,” said Judith as they moved slowly down the hallway. “I’m sure it’ll take you a day or two to get back into gardening shape.”

  “My garden...” Aunt Lenore sighed.

  Finally, Judith got her into the small room and seated on the twin bed against the wall. “I’m guessing this is Jack’s grandson’s room,” she said as she moved a skateboard away from the bed. Then she slipped off Aunt Lenore’s hospital slippers and helped her to lie down. “His name is Josh, and he’s a very nice boy.”

  “Josh,” repeated Aunt Lenore as she leaned back into the pillow. “I hope he doesn’t mind giving up his bed tonight.”

  “I’m sure he doesn’t.”

  Aunt Lenore sighed heavily and closed her eyes. “Don’t know why I should be so tired now, seems all I’ve done is sleep lately.”

  “Well, you’ve had quite a night. Just rest up and hopefully you’ll be back in your own house by tomorrow.”

  She opened her eyes again. “But just in case, Judith, there are things I should tell you.” She shuddered. “Just in case I don’t wake up.”

  “Oh, Aunt Lenore.”

  She held up a withered old hand. “Please, let me speak.”

  Judith sat on the edge of the bed and took Aunt Lenore’s hand in hers. “Okay, but just don’t wear yourself out too much.”

  Aunt Lenore took a deep breath as if thinking, per
haps arranging her thoughts. “It was that day when you came to see me, Judith, that I realized how badly I had let our dear Jasmine down.”

  “But how?”

  “By not finding out what had happened. So I went into the spare room and got out her box.” Aunt Lenore peered over at Judith. “Have you seen her box?”

  “The jewelry box with mother-of-pearl?”

  Aunt Lenore nodded.

  “I saw it, but I thought it was yours. I never opened it.”

  “Well, it was that very day that I opened the box. And that’s when I saw those photos. And at last, I understood.” She took in a breath and exhaled slowly. “And that evening, Ellen called me. She was checking up on me.”

  “They’d just returned from Mississippi?”

  “Yes. And well, I just let her have it. I told her I knew all about Jasmine—that I knew everything. I told her that she and Burt should be ashamed of themselves for treating their own daughter like that. I told her that they were the ones to blame for her death, and that I wouldn’t have been surprised if Burt had pulled the trigger himself.” She groaned and closed her eyes now.

  Judith stared in wonder. “And what did Ellen say?”

  “She hung up on me.”

  “Oh.”

  Aunt Lenore opened her eyes again. “But Burt and some other man came over that night. Ellen wasn’t with them, of course. And they bullied me until I thought I might have just keeled over and died right then and there. In fact, I got a little breathless and light-headed. And then they told me