Blood Sisters

by Melody Carlson

  “Best to be prepared.” He headed back to his room. “But I’ll be praying too.”

  “I think that’s our best defense.” She carried Jasmine’s box back into the living room and sat down on the couch, pulling one of the blankets they’d used for Aunt Lenore over her. She looked down at the box in her lap, then closed her eyes and tried to imagine Jasmine. Not the hopeless, defeated Jasmine that she’d been imagining during the past several weeks, but instead she imagined a vibrant, alive, and happy Jasmine—like the one in the birthday photo.

  “What do you want me to do now, Jasmine?” she whispered under her breath. Then added, “Please, show me God.” She sat in the dimly lit room, her legs curled under her, almost afraid to breathe, as she waited. And then it came to her. Three simple words. She didn’t hear the words audibly, but she sensed them deep within her soul.

  Find my Pearl.

  Suddenly, she remembered the verses underlined in Jasmine’s old Bible. The one about not throwing your pearls before the swine, and the other about the man who sold

  everything to purchase the pearl of great worth. Of course, these were meant to be clues. And she had found them. And even the mother-of-pearl box was a clue in itself. For, of course, Jasmine was the mother of Pearl. And perhaps it was up to Judith to find this little lost Pearl and get this letter to her. And suddenly, she felt no guilt about reading this letter. It was as if it were meant to be read by her. As if, it would lead her to Pearl.

  She carefully opened the envelope and slipped out the two thin sheets of stationary. She recognized the paper, just like the ones she had stolen from Burt’s desk when she’d written down the phone numbers in Washington. And perhaps those numbers would even help her to locate Pearl and her daddy now. Judith’s hands trembled as she read the words written by her dear friend’s own hand.

  My dear, sweet Pearl,

  First off, let me say how much I love you. I have missed you more than I can say with words. You are Mama’s special angel, you know, my own little Pearl. And I know it is your birthday today, and you are five years old. I wish I could be with you. And I hope it won’t be long. But just in case, I am writing this letter. And I will leave it safely with my aunt. And if anything happens to me, I will pray that you will get it somehow.

  I want you to know that I would never have left you if I’d had any other choice. But I had no choice, my love. You are too young to understand everything that has happened, my sweet. But there are things you need to know. Most of all you need to know how much your daddy and I love you.

  But you also need to know that your daddy is gone now Angels have taken him away and we won’t see him again until we join him up in heaven. And you may hear stories about how a bad man killed your daddy, and these stories are true, but you need to remember that God is bigger and stronger than that bitter old bad man. And even though that bad man killed your daddy, he couldn’t hurt your daddy’s soul. And your daddy is safe with God now. No one will ever hurt him again. Not ever.

  Judith had to stop reading now for her eyes had filled with tears, and she didn’t want them to fall on the letter and ruin it. She set the letter aside and wiped her tears on the rough woolen blanket. But hard sobs continued to puH on her. So Jasmine’s husband had been killed. Poor Jasmine. But were the words “‘bitter old man” referring to Burt Morrison? Had he actually taken it upon himself to murder Jasmine’s husband? Or perhaps he’d hired someone else to do it. She picked up the letter again.

  The next thing I want you to know, little Pearl, is that your Aunt Constance tricked me when she took you away. She said it was to protect you from someone in our family who is very wicked. And at the time, I was so frightened and desperate that I believed her. I even gave her lots of money to take care of you until I could come for you. But I didn’t know that she was being controlled by someone else. Someone who had power and money and wanted to take you away from me. Someone who tells me everyday that unless I obey and stay here that you will be hurt. And I don’t want anyone to hurt you, and so I stay here in my prison. But even though I miss you, I am glad that you are still alive. And everyday I pray that someday I will figure out a way to escape this place and find you.

  You are the only thing that keeps me alive, my sweet Pearl. Knowing that my life keeps you safe and sound gives me the strength I need to face another day. And I pray that whoever has you will see what a wonderfully smart and beautiful little girl you are. I hope they are taking very good care of you, baby. I pray that they are. And someday, I know we will be back together again. And someday, a long, long time from now, I hope that you and me and your daddy will all be back together too. But until I see your pretty face, always remember that I love you, my sweet I will always love you—forever!

  All my love,

  Mama

  Carefully, Judith refolded the letter, placed it back in the envelope and back in the box. She put the other things back too, then closed the lid with a dull thud and held the box close to her. Fresh tears were streaming down her face again. She leaned her head back against the couch and took in a long, ragged breath. How could a person survive such sadness?

  Suddenly, she remembered Jasmine’s words about how it was Pearl who kept her alive from day to day. But if that were so, why had she suddenly decided to give up? To take her own life? Had she finally reached the end of her strength, or become too depressed to continue? Was it possible that she had received news that Pearl was no longer alive? That might surely prove to be her final straw. And what if Pearl were dead right now? And if she were dead, where had those three words come from? Find my Pearl. They had seemed so real just a moment ago. In fact, they still did. And yet...

  She closed her eyes and tried to pray for wisdom and understanding. Asking God if those three words had come from him or were simply created from her own imagination. But she felt her own exhaustion creeping in on her, and before long her words and thoughts became jumbled until she could no longer focus on the meaning. She felt herself surrendering to a restless sleep.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

  SHE AWOKE AT THE sound of footsteps coming toward her. It took her a moment to remember where she was, but then she looked up to see Jack going into the kitchen. “What time is it?” she asked groggily.

  “Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you.” Jack looked at his watch. “It’s not quite six, but I thought I’d make some coffee.”

  She jumped up. “Oh, dear, I’d better check on Aunt Lenore.”

  “Don’t worry. I just looked in on her, and she’s sleeping soundly. Might as well let her rest.”

  She followed him into the kitchen. “Have you heard anything new, Jack?”

  He shook his head as he filled the coffee carafe. “Nothing too specific anyway. Sounds like the fire’s being contained though. And they’re saying it was fireworks related after all. But you can’t be too sure who’s putting a spin on what.”

  She glanced through the kitchen window and across the backyard to where Aunt Lenore’s house sat. “Do you think it’s safe to go back over there? I don’t have anything but the clothes on my back right now, and I’d like to take a shower and clean up.”

  He grew thoughtful as he measured out the coffee. “I hate to let you out of sight just yet, Judith, least ’til I hear something from Adam. But you could take a shower here, and I’ll bet you might find a fresh shirt in Adam’s closet. Or I can loan you one of mine.” He grinned. “Although you might prefer Adam’s selection better. And I doubt that he’d mind much considering the circumstances. Do you mind?”

  “No, I understand. I just wish he’d call or something.”

  “You’re not the only one.”

  Judith took a quick shower, thankful that at last she could remove the wire, then slipped on a clean gray T-shirt that she’d found in Adam’s closet. It was the first thing she’d seen there and hadn’t wanted to dig around too much. As it turned out it was a Trailblazers’ shirt—her favorite pro basketball team. She smiled as she tucked the well-worn sh
irt into her jeans. Hopefully, Adam wouldn’t mind.

  She peeked into Josh’s room to see Aunt Lenore sitting on the edge of the bed now, tentatively placing one bare foot on the floor. “Here, let me help you,” said Judith, moving swiftly to her side. “You don’t want to push this at first.” She slipped the hospital slippers onto her feet. “Just take it slow and easy. Allow yourself time to build up your strength.”

  “I’m sure you’re right, dear, but just being out of captivity makes me feel stronger somehow.” She stood and leaned on Judith, then took a step. “Just help me to the bathroom, please.”

  After visiting the bathroom, Judith walked Aunt Lenore out into the living room and got her settled on the couch. “Would you like some breakfast?” she offered.

  “I’ve already started some oatmeal,” called Jack from the kitchen.

  “Oatmeal,” said Aunt Lenore with a small smile. “That sounds just lovely.”

  “How about some juice to go with it?” called Jack.

  The old woman nodded. “Yes. That would be nice.” She sniffed. “And is that coffee I smell?”

  “Can I get you a cup?” asked Judith.

  “Oh, would you, dear? I haven’t had coffee in ages.”

  Judith joined Jack in the kitchen. “I think she approves of the menu.” she said with a smile. She poured a cup of coffee and took it to Aunt Lenore, setting it on the TV tray still there from last night. Then she returned and got out the orange juice.

  “How about you, Judith?” Jack asked as he filled a bowl with steaming oatmeal. “Can I interest you in some breakfast too?”

  “I don’t feel a bit hungry.” She poured a glass of juice. “I don’t even think I could eat right now.”

  “Well, maybe just some toast then.”

  “Okay I’ll take this out to Aunt Lenore.”

  “Tell Jack this is good coffee,” said Aunt Lenore as Judith placed the oatmeal and juice on the tray.

  Judith returned to the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee. “This waiting just makes me feel so antsy. Isn’t there any way we can find out what’s happening?”

  Just then the doorbell rang and Judith jumped, spilling the hot coffee down her hand. She looked at Jack. “Who do you think that is?”

  “Stay back while I check and see.” He quickly opened a pantry and pulled out a rifle.

  Judith stared at the gun. “Do you really think—”

  “You never know. You ladies stay back.”

  She watched as he went over to the front window and peered through the crack in the drapes. “Oh, it’s just Hank,” he called, relief evident in his voice. He laid the gun on the floor and went to unlock the door. “Hank,” he said warmly, “come on in. You’re just in time for breakfast.”

  Hank stepped into the room with his cap in his hands. “Morning, ladies,” he said politely as he followed Jack into the kitchen. Judith went in to join them.

  “Just coffee for me, Jack,” said Hank as he sat down in a kitchen chair.

  “Well, spill the beans, son.” said Jack eagerly as he placed a full mug in front of him. “What’s going on up at the lake? We’re dying to hear the whole story.”

  Judith sat down across from Hank. “Yes. How’s Adam?”

  Hank frowned. “Well, that’s what I’ve come to tell you.”

  Judith swallowed hard then glanced at Jack. His countenance seemed to shrivel. She felt the same. “What is it, Hank? Please, just tell us.”

  “Well, we don’t know anything for sure except that he’s missing.”

  “Missing?” Jack had a slight look of relief.

  “How long has he been missing?” asked Judith.

  “Well, we began making arrests right after the fireworks ended. Surprisingly, it was going nice and smooth at first, relatively speaking, that is. Our men began apprehending some of the men real quiet like as they were heading towards home. And Adam was with some of the guys who were making arrests at the lodge—some of the men, including Burt Morrison, had planned an emergency meeting after the fireworks show. But then that danged fire broke out on the east side, just behind the lodge, and well, it got a little crazy about then. And a few people got hurt. No fatalities that we know of. At first, we thought it was an effort on the militia’s part to throw things off. And, of course, they assumed we were the ones trying to burn them out. But as it turned out, it really was just the result of a misfired bottle rocket. But by then we’d already called for our reinforcements that we’d had standing by outside of the compound. A good thing as it turned out, since we had a few unexpected surprises before the night was over. And then the wind had picked up, and at one point we thought the fire was going to just burn the whole danged place down to the ground.”

  “So you lost track of Adam following the arrests at the lodge?” Jack was trying to piece this together. “When things got crazy, as you say?”

  “Yes, it was actually about the time our reinforcements began arriving, I think. There was some shooting going on and people were running all over the place.”

  “Was Burt Morrison arrested?” asked Judith.

  Hank nodded soberly. “He’s in custody as we speak.”

  “Good.”

  “How about Hal Emery?”

  “Yep. All totaled I think we arrested about fifty men. Of course, some charges may not stick, but it was the best way to defuse the situation before it got out of hand.”

  Judith sighed. “So what happens to the rest of the people?”

  “Well, there will be some tax evasion investigations and probably some property foreclosures. It’s a real rat’s nest out there. We’ve had them under investigation for some time, but had to play it out real careful to avoid another disaster. Plus, these people aren’t your normal rednecked bigots. These guys have had access to money and power and they’ve played their hands real careful and smart. Well, sort of. This whole Fourth of July celebration with a loosening of security proved to be just the opportunity we needed to get in.” He looked at Judith. “And it helped having you in there too. A lot of your tips turned out to be right on. And some of those tapes will be used for evidence. Thanks for your help.”

  She nodded. “Yes, but what about Adam? Do you think he’s okay? Is he in danger? Is anything being done to find him?”

  “Yes,” said Jack urgently. “What about Adam?”

  “We’ve got a search party going on right now.” Hank shrugged. “Time will tell.”

  “So, how’s the atmosphere in the rest of the town?” asked Judith. “Is it safe to leave this house?”

  “Sure,” said Hank. “I think everyone who’s any real threat is pretty much locked up right now. Plus, this place is crawling with Feds who are keeping an eye on things.

  It’ll probably take at least a week or two to sift down and wrap things up around here. But you can expect a lot of changes.”

  “That’s a relief. Then maybe I can get Aunt Lenore settled back into her house today.” Judith frowned. “I just wish we knew what was going on with Adam. Is this a normal thing? Do FBI guys just go missing like this? Don’t they have some way of checking in with each other?”

  “Well, yes. And I suppose that’s what’s troubling us most. We haven’t heard a word from him.”

  Jack just shook his head and stared down into his cup. Then finally he looked up. “Well, I know my son, and if anyone can make it out of a tough situation, it’s Adam Jackson Ford.”

  “Right,” said Hank. “And now I better go. I’ve got some paperwork to do.”

  “Thanks for the report,” said Judith in a flat voice, not feeling nearly as confident as Jack.

  Not long after Hank left, Judith cut through the backyard over to Aunt Lenore’s and opened up the house. Then she got out her car and drove around the block to the front of Adam’s place, where she eventually helped Aunt Lenore outside and into the car.

  “Did you realize that you were so close to home last night?” asked Judith as she drove back around the block and pulled into Aunt
Lenore’s driveway.

  “I had no idea where I was at. But I knew I was in good hands.” Aunt Lenore looked out the window and shook her head. “Goodness, you should’ve just let me walk home.”

  Judith forced a small laugh. “Well, I don’t think you’re quite ready for that yet.”

  After getting Aunt Lenore settled into her house, Judith went outside to quickly water the garden and check on things. She even peeked over the gate to see if she could spot Martha anywhere, but saw no sign of her. When she

  returned to the house, she found Aunt Lenore happily puttering in her kitchen.

  “Oh, it feels so good to be home.” she said as she filled the teakettle.

  “But you still need to take it easy.” warned Judith. “Let me help you with that.”

  “No, dear, it’s like I’ve always said, the more I can do for myself, the longer I will last.”

  “Okay.” But Judith stood close by just in case. Finally the teakettle began to whistle and Judith persuaded Aunt Lenore to sit down and allow her to make the tea.

  “Here you go,” said Judith as she placed the pot on the table and sat down across from her. “Shall I pour?”

  “Yes, that might be wise for now. I suppose my hands are still a bit unsteady.”

  Judith filled both their cups. “I went through Jasmine’s box last night.”

  Aunt Lenore nodded, then took a sip.

  “And I know about Jasmine’s daughter and husband.”

  “Yes. Pearl. Such a pretty little girl, isn’t she?”

  “Yes. Did you know that Jasmine’s husband was killed? Probably murdered?”

  Aunt Lenore set down her cup and looked at Judith. “I was afraid it was something horrible like that. When I first saw those photos, I remembered the frightened look in Jasmine’s eyes when she visited me before. And I suspected that Burt may have done something barbaric and unconscionable. And it just sickened me. That’s when I had that awful conversation with Ellen.”

  “Ellen...” Judith said the word yet felt no feeling.