Catalyst

by Ross Richdale

  "I see," Renee replied. "I'll forgive you for being abrupt, then." She relaxed and switched the conversation back to her father and herself with Lem providing the supporting ear.

  They spoke for such a long time that the cellphone beeped to indicate her card would soon expire. "I must go." Renee said a quick goodbye and was about to click off when she heard Lem talking.

  "Can I take you out for supper on Thursday evening? I hear there are good restaurants near your place."

  "But we're sixty miles from Seattle."

  "That's no problem," Lem replied with a chuckle. "I'll find you. I'll be there at six. Okay?"

  "It's a date," Renee said and tried to conceal a tingling feeling inside.

  "And Renee. Thank you for calling. It's the most welcomed call I've had all day. Remember, I love you."

  "I love you, too, Lem." Renee responded as the line went dead. She turned to where Courtney had jammed herself beside her and listened to her last comments. "Don't say a word, Courtney. Not one word."

  "I only..."

  "Not one."

  Courtney grinned, gave a shrug and shouted in exasperation. "I just wanted to say, Grandma is taking us out for supper but if you aren't interested…"

  "I am." Renee laughed as she swung out with her crutches. "I'd forgotten how hungry I am."

  ****

  It still wasn't noon when the Blazer turned from I-90 into Spokane after a journey of just under four hours. However, instead of stopping there as they had originally intended, the four travelers continued. They headed onto Highway 2 that took a more northerly course across Washington. It was a long but beautiful journey with Courtney and her grandmother enraptured by the scenery of high peaks and fir forests as the scenic highway wound through the Cascade Mountain Range for over a hundred miles. By evening they had reached the west coast and Jack took over the driving. Fifty minutes later they turned inland, traveled the last few miles along a valley and turned down a long drive between fields of potatoes. At the end, surrounded by trees and a wide expansive lawn, was a two story wooden farmhouse. The drive circled around to the back where a traditional barn filled the backyard.

  "It's lovely," Courtney whispered.

  Renee, though, had her eyes on a brand new, pearl white Cadillac parked in front of the barn. She frowned. "More estate agents." she muttered as they pulled in behind the other automobile.

  "I don't think so," Courtney replied. "I can see someone you can't."

  Renee swung around, stared across her friend's shoulder and broke into a smile. "It's Lem."

  Renee was out of the Blazer and hobbling forward without remembering to grab her crutches. Lem met her halfway between the two vehicles and grabbed her in his arms.

  "So this is the right place?" he said.

  "Yes," Renee replied. She reached up and kissed him on the cheek. "But how come you're here?"

  "Well, I happened to be in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop in."

  "Sixty miles up the interstate." She gazed at the Cadillac. "You didn't have to hire this flashy auto, though."

  "It's not hired."

  Renee was surprised. "It's yours?"

  Lem nodded and flushed.

  "Look," Courtney screamed from the Cadillac's door. "It's all leather inside. Can I sit in it, Lem?"

  "Sure. Take it for a drive, if you like."

  "You mean it?"

  "The key's inside."

  Mere seconds later the Cadillac reversed and headed down the drive, while Renee, with Lem's hand firmly in her own, headed for the house. When they reached the back veranda, the family dog came bounding up the drive with its tail thumping.

  "Zona." Renee laughed and rubbed the dog's ears. "How are you, boy?" She glanced at Lem, who stood near with a slight smile. "This is Arizona but he's usually called Zona."

  "Hi, Zona," Lem said and rubbed the dog's back.

  Large brown eyes inspected him, looked across at Renee and back. The tail that had stopped wagging began again when it was obvious she approved of this stranger.

  "Welcome home. Zona and I came over to feed the cat but didn't expect you until tomorrow." A different voice interrupted them.

  Renee looked up to where a woman in her mid-forties appeared. "Oh, hi Diane," she said and turned to Lem. "This is Diane Ellis, our neighbor from across the road. Diane has been looking after Zona and keeping an eye on the place."

  "I recognize you from the TV news, Lem" Diane said. "I saw your car here and came to check but a young girl drove it out."

  "I see you're a good neighbor," Lem replied and shook the woman's hand. "I should have realized nothing can escape you country folk."

  "And Courtney just had to take the flashy auto for a drive," Renee said.

  The trio headed indoors where Diane was introduced to Amy and invited to stay for coffee. Courtney arrived with a look of achievement, tossed the car keys at Lem, said a quick hi to Diane and rubbed Zona down. Again, the dog looked at his mistress with intelligent eyes before accepting the newcomer.

  Renee smiled at the familiar kitchen. It was good to be home and to have Lem with her was a special bonus. However, she noticed that when Zona glanced at Amy, his eyes turned from excitement to apprehension and for a moment his tail stopped wagging.

  ****

  CHAPTER 12

  The November day was cold, wet and depressing. Renee pulled the cape over her damp hair, zipped her jacket and raced from her Cavalier Sport Coupe through the puddles to the mall. It was good to get away from the restraints of a plastered ankle and to drive and do other normal things in life.

  She reached the mall and brushed back her cape. Courtney was to be here but was nowhere in sight. Oh well, Plan B. Whenever they missed each other the agreement was to meet in a nearby food court. She walked there with a slight limp, a legacy from her accident, bought a coffee and small slice of pie and found a vacant table.

  As she sat gazing at the crowded tables, her mind switched reviewed the last few months. Having Amy around was good for her father but it did have its downside. Oh, she was genuine enough.

  She sighed, ripped open a packet of sugar and stirred it in her coffee. Perhaps she should try harder. After all, it was only little issues that were difficult, being tidy for example. She'd always been one to relax at home and spread things around. Since her dad's stroke the top floor had become her own. She used one bedroom like an office and spread documents and papers everywhere.

  She grinned at the exasperation she had felt when she arrived home one evening to find a new desk shifted in and the place immaculate. Even potted plants and new curtains were placed in the sunny bay window. It was lovely but she felt her privacy had been violated and though she attempted to hide her disapproval, her father knew how she felt. However, instead of backing her as he usually did, he remained silent. By default, this gave Amy the go ahead to make other changes. The place wasn't home any longer.

  Renee sighed and sipped her coffee.

  "Okay, what is it that keeps you oblivious to everything around, Grandma, work, or your last romp with Lem?"

  Renee jumped in fright. "Courtney. I wish you'd stop that terrible habit of sneaking up."

  "Sneaking. I've been standing here patiently for five minutes. You were in a trance. If I didn't know better I'd swear you were on the downside of an Ecstasy pill."

  "Thanks."

  "Well?" Courtney repeated. She placed a tray of food on the table and pulled out a chair. "Is it me?"

  "Of course not. Remember when you said you wished we were still down in the cave in our own little world, just us and nobody else."

  Courtney nodded.

  "I feel a little like that now."

  "Just you and Lem?"

  "You, too. It wouldn't be the same if you weren't there."

  "But no Grandma or those pains at work."

  "Exactly." Renee flushed and regretted her honesty. "I'm sorry. Amy is a great person and I think Daddy loves her."

  "I know." Courtney sighed. "I've n
oticed the tension and I guess I don't help. It's happened before, you know."

  "What?"

  "Grandma. She starts off being loving and oh so kind." Courtney rolled her eyes. "Then she takes over. There was another old guy back in Michigan she moved in with. It lasted almost a year before his family intervened. They accused her of being after his money and…" She shrugged. "Anyhow, Maurice, that was the guy's name, followed his family's advice and booted her out."

  "You do explain things beautifully, Courtney," Renee replied with a chuckle.

  "Well, he did," the girl growled. "Mind you, Grandma was better off without him. I was trying to show she's no angel, that's all."

  "I think Dad and her get on okay," Renee added. "It's my relationship with her. I don't want to hurt him."

  "You haven't. That, I'm sure."

  Renee stared earnestly at her companion. Their bond filled a vacuum from her earlier life. They were real friends, something she hadn't experienced since high school days.

  "Oh, hell." Courtney interrupted her thoughts. "Here you go again."

  ****

  On Friday the office problems were put in perspective. Even Annette Usborne's constant complaints could be tolerated. The elder William was still in charge and it was only his friendship and support that kept Renee at Usborne, Usborne and Westendarp and of course, the more interesting workload. She spent much of her time on civil cases with her success rate in court noted by the increase in approaches to the firm for representation.

  "So you'll be in court on Tuesday?" Annette asked as the women filed the last documents.

  "Yes," Renee replied. "The Escantia case. Rosa Escantia just snapped after years of abuse." She shrugged. "A manslaughter charge is totally unfair, let alone second degree murder."

  This was Renee's first major criminal defense case. The firm had been appointed by the court to defend a Hispanic migrant worker accused of killing her husband. There was no doubt she had stabbed the man but when Renee sifted through the evidence and with some difficulty obtained the woman's confidence, a violent history of wife abuse was uncovered.

  "And you have nothing to pull out of the hat?"

  "Not really. We will stress the abuse she suffered for a decade and why she reacted after her husband thrashed her because his supper was cold. Unfortunately, she is still in a highly emotional state. If the DA gets her rattled I'm afraid her chances of an acquittal are slim."

  "And you've briefed her on this?"

  Renee bristled. "I have. She realizes the importance to remain calm."

  "Okay." Annette smiled for first time. "I know you're doing everything possible to help the poor woman. Thank you."

  Renee glanced up but the compliment seemed genuine. "Thanks Annette," she said. "It is difficult to stay detached in this case but that is the only way we can help Rosa."

  "See you on Monday, then?"

  "Sure. 'Bye."

  She gathered up her inevitable briefcase and took the elevator to the basement car lot. Thoughts of another weekend with Lem made the downpour outside almost seem exciting.

  ****

  The storm buffeted the Cavalier as soon as she turned onto the street. The traffic was heavy, driving at a snail's pace and motorists had headlights on. Renee pressed the radio button to an easy listening station and grinned. It was always classical music that played at home now.

  She swore when a light turned yellow, braked and squinted though the swishing windshield wipers. Someone waved from the curb, a figure cut in front of oncoming traffic and flung the passenger door open.

  "Just about missed you." Courtney panted. She slung a backpack in the back and jumped in.

  "I wasn't going home."

  "Good. Seattle it is," Courtney replied and switched the radio to a rock station.

  "I'm staying with Lem," Renee protested. "Anyhow, you can't just take off to Seattle. I'll drop you at the bus depot."

  "You take off every weekend and leave me to deal with Grandma," Courtney argued.

  "But you work on Saturday."

  "I swapped my shift and will do next Wednesday instead."

  The turnoff to the interstate appeared but Renee pulled to the curb. She turned to face her friend. "I'll take you home," she said in a determined voice. "You can't just come to Seattle."

  Courtney stared back. "Look, I won't get in the way. I can be discreet." She produced a sodden pamphlet from her raincoat pocket. "I'm doing what you suggested anyway."

  Renee had to smile. "Okay, what is it?"

  "That community college in Seattle. If I enroll now, I can complete the year and receive my high school graduation diploma. I explained I missed out only on the last month and got the info from my old school."

  "That's grand but why this sudden decision?"

  "The college telephoned me and said there was a vacancy but I have to confirm my application and bring my references and resume to an interview. I knew you were going there, so here I am."

  Renee stared at the swirling wipers but made no attempt to move the car forward. "Does Amy know about this?"

  "Grandma? No. Why?"

  "Well, don't you think you should tell her? How do you think she'll feel when you don't arrive home tonight?"

  "I thought she annoyed you."

  "Me, yes but this is about you. She cares for you, Courtney. Look, I want you to call and tell her everything you told me. If you don't, I'm driving this car straight home."

  Courtney glowered, shrugged and took a cellphone from her pocket. She punched in a number and waited. "Grandma," she said a moment later. "Courtney here…."

  She repeated her news and listened for a long time. Her expression told Renee nothing but the conversation appeared to switch to the cost of the community college. "I can get a student loan, Grandma…. Yes... Of course… Why? You will?" Courtney's voice became excited as she listened again. "Thanks, Grandma but you don't need to, you know. Yes, Renee said it was fine to stay with her. See yah Monday."

  She clicked off and brushed a strand of wet blonde hair from her eyes. "You're always right, aren't you?"

  "Why? What happened?"

  "Grandma was delighted and said she would pay the full cost of college fees. Reckoned it was far cheaper than two terms at Miss Shelton's, anyway. So Seattle, here we come."

  "But what about a change of clothes?"

  "All here." Courtney nodded at her bag in the back seat.

  "So it wasn't a sudden decision, was it?"

  The teenager reddened. "Well, sort of. They phoned me yesterday but I thought if I told..."

  Renee shook her head. "Oh Courtney, you are the limit but for God's sake, switch the radio to my station."

  "Sure, Renee." The girl grinned impishly. "A classical station, wasn't it?"

  ****

  Lem drove his Cadillac into the parking spot next to the Cavalier, gathered a bunch of flowers from the seat and headed for the elevator.

  "Hi, Lem," said a youth, one of the building's assistant janitors. "Who's the bunch of flowers for, Renee or the other gorgeous creatures attracted to your apartment?"

  "What others, Chris?" Lem replied. He was used to the cheeky comments.

  "That slick honey blonde who came with Renee and a sophisticated brunette all dolled up looking for you an hour back. I must admit she looked as sour as hell. She waited awhile then left."

  Lem frowned but realized who the two women were. He expected Courtney but wondered why Nikki had called. Oh well, no doubt she would return. He glanced at his flowers, smiled, placed them in the car and walked out of the basement into the street. Five minutes later he returned from a small flower shop a block away with a second identical bunch. Armed with both, he headed to his apartment.

  Except for a light reflecting from the kitchen, the interior was in darkness. Lem pulled his shoes off and sneaked up the tiny entrance lobby and peeked in the kitchen door. Renee and Courtney were deep in conversation with their backs to him. He tiptoed forward and with a bunch of flowers in each hand c
uddled the pair.

  "Flowers for two beautiful ladies," he whispered, squeezed them close and waited for a reaction.

  He got one but it was unexpected. Renee ducked to the right, while Courtney swung around, placed her arms around his neck, cuddled up provocatively and plastered a sloppy kiss on his lips.

  Poor Lem blushed and glanced desperately at Renee for assistance.

  "Well, play with fire." Renee laughed.

  "That was to thank you." Courtney kissed him again on the cheek and let him go.

  "What for?"

  "I know it was you who got me into Northside Community College," Courtney responded. "I found a copy of the letter they wrote to you."

  "And flowers for us both, you old romantic," Renee added. She took the bunches and kissed Lem's still flushed face.

  "You heard me come in?"

  "Not really." Courtney laughed. "Chris rang over the intercom and told us you were on the way."

  "There's no loyalty around this place."

  "More like his excuse to talk to Courtney." Renee chuckled. "The poor boy had to glue his eyes back in place when we arrived."

  This time it was Courtney who attempted to cover her flushed cheeks by glaring at Renee. "Rubbish," she growled.

  Lem grinned, felt at peace with the world and momentarily forgot about his wife's visit. He caught Renee's eyes and saw the love reflected there. My God, in her business suit she looked more beautiful than ever.

  ****

  CHAPTER 13

  Courtney was up and dressed by seven and though she'd be the last to admit it, felt nervous. Her interview at Northside Community College wasn't until ten that morning so there was plenty of time. The others were asleep, so she decided to watch the latest clips on MTV. Out of consideration, the tiny overhead television was turned down to a dull roar and the girl mimicked the gyrations of the singer when she heard the doorbell ring. She frowned, tiptoed out and peeped through the spy hole.

  "Oh shit," she whispered. She recognized the woman. It was Nikki Erksberg.

  Neither Lem nor Renee were up, so consoling herself that at least it wasn't a mugger, Courtney opened the door and peered through the gap allowed by the security chain.