by Jean James
Fully rested by then, Katherine wanted to get on with her life. She needed a new job, boat repairs, and a place to stay. The last hospital report said that Iris was healing without complications, but Katherine wanted to visit her. She fretted and paced the motel room. Someone had brought her suitcase while she slept. It contained all the items she had requested, but she looked at the clothes in disinterest. Nothing seemed quite right. She needed to go shopping before she saw Lee—if he ever came again.
The next morning she arose early, after suffering a troubled night of dreams. She awoke and knew, beyond any doubt, how much Lee meant to her. But what did she mean to him? After everything they had gone through together, were they still only friends?
He had never said anything to indicate he might feel more than that. He had held her close during extreme circumstances, but any warm-natured person might have acted the same. There had been no word from him since that night. Did that mean it was over? Should she forget him?
She sat on the edge of her bed and let hope flow through her. She wouldn’t give up without a fight. I’ll go out and buy a magnificent dress, and I’ll…a knock on the door interrupted her mental declarations. “Come in,” she called.
Lee burst through the door bearing breakfast.
Shock petrified her for a few seconds as her recent thoughts reverberated through her mind. Here he was, and she had no time to prepare. Her second look affirmed there were platters—two of them. Ah, he plans to eat with me! Katherine felt the color rise in her face when she realized that she not only didn’t have on a new, knockout dress, but she also still wore his robe. What would he think? Her intended boldness fled. The silence intimidated her, and she tried to think of something commonplace to talk about.
“Lee, I don’t know if anyone’s remembered about my boat. It needs pumped out every couple of days.”
“I’ve looked after it. You should dry dock it and get it repaired and painted.”
“You forget that I don’t have a job now. I’ll have to hoard my money until I’m employed again.”
“You may not have to worry about that for a while. You should receive compensation for informing. These were mostly federal offenses, and they covered much more territory than you realize. I think you can afford to have your boat done.”
“Could they start work on it right away?”
“I’ll see to it. Any special orders? Paint color? What will you name it?”
“It will remain the Miss Iris. Rob just called and told me about Captain Dale’s death. He said the hospital would release Iris shortly. Will she be all right? There’s no one to look after her while she’s recovering.”
“Sure there is. Iris and Aunt Molenda have become great friends, and my aunt plans to stay with her until Iris is totally recovered. That’s funny, because they’re both so different. Molenda is rather assertive, and Iris is so easygoing, but they’re both strong women. When my aunt heard that Iris wanted to visit Dale, and that no one would let her because of her condition, Aunt Molenda insisted that a nurse roll Iris’s cot in beside Dale’s bed. Iris got to talk with him for quite a while before he passed away.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m glad the women like each other. But you said Molenda was independent and used to living by herself.”
“She is—or was. She told me that after all those days tucked away in that tiny room, she rather liked the idea of a little company now. By the way, I have a gift for you—not from me. Iris sent it to you. She had me get it from her house.”
Katherine took the wrapped package. The tag read, “To Captain Katherine—Love, Iris.”
She opened it in wonderment and found a handsome new captain’s cap, all white, black, and gold. Katherine bowed her head and let the tears flow—happy tears, joyous tears. Lee sat silently beside her. When she finally sat upright, Lee placed the hat on her head.
“I think Iris knew Dale was involved in crime,” Katherine said. “That knowledge is what shamed her into leaving church those many years ago. She often looked sad, as if she hid a secret.”
“A terrible secret. But her heroic deed that night made the headlines.”
“I’m so glad. She came from a large family—seven children. I’m sure it will mean a great deal to all of them.” Katherine looked at the neglected platters of food. “Is this breakfast you’ve brought us? We’d better eat before it gets cold.” She forced down a bite of cold scrambled eggs. “Was your boat OK after its bump?” she asked in an attempt at small talk. Her campaign to win his affection had gone kaput.
“Yes.”
“It took quite a jolt.” She put down her fork and stared at the cold food.
“Uh-huh.”
“Will you have to testify in court, too?” She picked the fork up again.
“Yes.”
His one-word answers maddened her, and she wished he wouldn’t look at her. It flustered her, and her cheeks felt hot again. She considered jabbing the fork into him, but instead dropped it back onto her tray, set her tray aside, and stared at the wall.
“Have you seen Rob recently,” she tried.
“Today.”
“I’ll bet he’s glad this is all over,” she tried again in desperation.
“Yes.”
Embarrassed tears tried to fill her eyes. If only he would stop looking at her.
“What did you want to talk about now?” he asked quietly. “Don’t you have any more questions?”
Her head snapped up. He was teasing her—and at such a time! She saw laughter in his eyes through the blur of her tears.
His closeness impeded her vision as he seized her and kissed her with lips that burned her face and neck, with arms that held her as if he never wanted to let go.
It’s the robe. I always did look good in green. Thank You, God.
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AMDG