The Essence of Shade
Page 8
“They were shot.”
She gasped, pulling Tyler closer.
“Did your daughter mention any plans for the night?”
“She wasn’t supposed to be home.”
“Were you aware of any drug activity at the house?”
“I—I wasn’t sure.”
“We’ve been watching the house. We believe they were cooking methamphetamine and selling it.”
Her breath seized. She had suspected, but hearing it validated her suspicions. She recalled the odd smell. Too numb to speak, she swayed Tyler back and forth, clutching him like a rag doll.
Kent continued, choosing his words delicately. “We suspect it may have been a drug deal gone bad. We must ask you to come in and identify the body. Is there anyone available to take care of your grandson?”
“Body?” she cried, her body racked with grief. “Oh, Addy, Addy. Why? Why were you home? My beautiful Addy.”
“Gamma’s sad?” said Tyler, dabbing her eyes with his tiny hand.
Kent asked again about calling someone. She gave him Mary’s number.
Mary arrived with Pastor Dave. She rushed toward Shade, embracing her and Tyler. Fear crept over Tyler’s face, accompanied by hiccupping sobs.
Pastor Dave wrapped his arms around them, bowing his head and said a silent prayer. “I’ll go with you to the morgue. Why don’t you get dressed? Mary can stay with Tyler.”
The coroner escorted her into the frigid, stark room. Fluorescent lights buzzed overhead. The repulsive odor of death jarred her senses. Resting atop a shiny metal table lay the covered body. Pastor Dave stood at her side, bracing her. The coroner peeled back a corner of the white sheet, revealing Adeline’s handsome, undamaged face. She looked so cold. Frozen. Grief exploded in Shade’s mind like a grenade. She squeezed her eyes shut and nodded as the tears escaped in a steady stream.
“She looked so peaceful,” said Shade, on the drive home. “I don’t understand. She was at the hospital. Overnight. And now she’s gone—forever. Do you think she’s in heaven?”
“I can’t answer that,” said Pastor Dave. “Only God knew Adeline’s heart.” He patted her hand. “I remember her as a young child. She always had a thousand questions. Always searching for truth. A beautiful girl. But you need to focus on Tyler. You have a big responsibility ahead of you—raising him alone. Keep God at your side, and He’ll walk you through.”
“Tyler, Grandma wants to talk to you so listen carefully,” said Shade, sitting outside on the cushioned glider. She stroked his hair, her arm around him. “You’re going to live with me. You’re not going back home. This is your home now. Your mama and Jaime went away forever, and they’re not coming back. And they want you to stay with me.”
“Jaime sleep? I go home?” said Tyler. Little pools formed in his crystal blue eyes.
Her heart turned to liquid. “No, my darling. You’re gonna stay with me. Forever. You’ll sleep here every night.”
Tyler’s uncertainty faded. “Sleep at Gamma’s? Forever?” he said, clapping his hands and bouncing in his seat.
She pulled him onto her lap and held onto him before he squirmed free. “I wanna get down,” said Tyler. And off he went, running through the yard, chasing a butterfly.
Emotion seeped. She reflected on the good times with Addy, before Stan ruined her. Such promise. Such beauty. She could have done something with her life, but it wasn’t meant to be. Gone forever. No turning back.
Detective Kent Monroe reviewed the Lane/Holder case file on his desk. He had been observing the farmhouse for months, waiting for more evidence of drug activity before making arrests. He did a background check on both Adeline and Jaime. Adeline’s record came back clean. Jaime had earlier arrests for drunk driving and drug possession. He also did a check on a previous renter. Scott Bailey. The guy caught himself on fire in the pole barn while lighting a meth pipe. He later expired. Scott had a long arrest record. Armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, driving under the influence, and drug trafficking. Kent made a note to look into Scott’s former acquaintances. He also needed to talk to the mother of Adeline again, Shade Lane, about the night of the murder. She mentioned Adeline was supposed to be staying overnight at the hospital. What happened? Why was she home? Kent wanted to know more about their friends.
Kent interviewed the mother of Jaime Holder, a nice woman by the name of Donna. She seemed pretty choked up. Said she hadn’t seen Jaime in a few weeks. He usually came by once a week and called at least twice a week. They spoke on Saturday morning. Everything seemed fine. He told her he would come over Sunday and take her to dinner. She seldom visited his place, but when she did she noticed nothing unusual, other than the messy condition of the home.
Adeline died of a single gunshot wound to the chest. Jaime had two gunshot wounds; one to the face and one to the chest. It appeared they had been caught unaware. Jaime may have been sleeping or passed out on the sofa. Based on the position of Adeline’s body, she may have stepped in front of Jaime, taking the first bullet intended for him. There were no shell-casings at the scene. Odd. Meth pipes burned next to the victims’ bodies.
A neighbor called 911 after hearing gunshots around three a.m. The caller didn’t see vehicles on or near the property at the time of the assault. Said caller lived approximately one-thousand feet from the farmhouse. It was difficult to view the property from his vantage point.
Kent contacted Shade and asked her to come in for a follow-up interview.
“Mrs. Lane,” said Kent, “I apologize for calling you in so soon, but I don’t want to stall the investigation. You mentioned Adeline was supposed to be staying overnight in the hospital. I contacted the hospital and was told a nurse found the bed empty when she went to check on her. It appears she took off with Jaime without checking out.”
“I don’t understand. She would still be alive if she had stayed in the hospital.” Shade lowered her head, tears puddling in her lap.
“I know this is hard, but can you tell me anything about the people you saw at the house in the past?”
“Only a few,” said Shade, clasping her damp hands. “A guy named O.D. He used to live there when Scott was alive. Do you know about Scott?”
“Yes. He had quite a long record. We’re also looking into his acquaintances.”
Shade slumped in her seat. “I’m not sure you knew, but Scott was my grandson’s biological father. After he died in an accident, O.D. moved out and Jaime and Addy became an item.”
She described anyone she had seen at the house while Kent took notes. She explained that Addy didn’t share her personal life with Shade. Their relationship was strained.
Kent wrapped up the interview. “Well, thanks for coming by. You’re free to go.”
“I’d like to go to the house to get my daughter’s belongings. Do you know when that would be possible?”
“I’m sorry ma’am,” he replied. “It’s a crime scene. We can’t allow anyone onto the premises, but I’ll let you know when we’re through. Here’s my card. I want you to call me if there’s anything else you remember, no matter how trivial you think it is. We’ll do everything we can to find your daughter’s murderer.”
“Thank you,” said Shade, standing to leave. “Can I call you periodically—for an update?”
“Feel free.” Kent shook her hand and showed her out.
Kent felt sorry for the attractive woman. She didn’t look old enough to have a grandchild. And she appeared to be single.
He read through his notes again and studied the crime scene sketch. They had a few suspects they were trailing. The ones that showed up at the house while they were casing the place. Sure smelled like a drug deal gone bad. He’d be surprised if this wasn’t solved within a week. Drug dealers were notoriously sloppy when it came to leaving clues.
Chapter Nine
I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the wilderness, through a land not sown.
Jeremiah 2:2
Addy had
nothing decent to wear for her funeral. Blanche volunteered to go shopping with Shade, and they selected a simple turquoise dress. The color reminded Shade of Addy’s eyes.
It would be an open casket. Addy’s face had been unscathed by the gunshot blast, and the funeral director assured Shade the gaping hole in her torso would be unnoticeable.
The service would take place at Holy Grace Baptist church with Pastor Dave presiding. Addy would be laid to rest in the same cemetery where Stanley was buried almost one year ago.
“I see you’ve chosen the farthest plot away from Stanley’s grave,” said Pastor Dave. “Don’t you want Adeline buried beside Stan?”
She looked away. “Addy was always on the run, so I thought she’d prefer a plot closer to a busy road. I think she’d be happy with my decision.”
“Whatever you think,” he said, clearly baffled by her reasoning.
The day turned grey and foggy, mimicking Shade’s mood. Mary and Blanche escorted her to the church while Sally babysat Tyler.
Shade succumbed to the enormity of her grief—liquid dripping between her fingers, saturating her black crepe dress. She would never look upon Addy’s face again. Never have the opportunity to mend their broken relationship. Guilt gripped her hollow heart.
The pastor’s eulogy escaped her. The mute button pressed. His lips moved, but the words she heard were those that played over and over in her head. You failed her.
The luncheon afterward overflowed with friends who came to offer support.
“Shade, do you remember me?” said a soft voice.
She immediately recognized the elderly black woman with the soothing smile. “Oh, Mabel,” Shade cried, throwing her arms around her. “I’ve thought about calling you so many times. Thank you for coming today. Are you still running Mabel’s House?”
“Why, yes, I am. But I’m not sure how much longer. I’m eighty-two now and slowing down a little.” Her kind smile morphed into sorrow. “I came to tell you how sorry I am. I read about it in the newspaper. My heart aches for you. Tell me, do you have any other children? And are you still married to Stanley?”
“No, to both questions. Adeline was my only child, and Stanley passed away a year ago. Adeline was a single mother so I’ll have custody of my grandson, Tyler. So, I guess you could say I have another child. He’s my little golden nugget buried in this heartache.”
“You poor dear. So much for one person to go through.”
“When things settle down let’s go to lunch. I’d like you to meet Tyler.”
“I would love that, dear. Here’s my number. Call me when you’re ready.” Mabel hugged her and left.
“Honey, who was that woman you were talking to?” asked Blanche.
“Remember when I told you about the home for unwed mothers? Well, that was Mabel, the woman who ran the home. Such a kind woman. I’ll never forget her.” She stared off, sadness creeping into her eyes.
“Are you doing okay?” asked Mary. “Just tell us when you’re ready to leave.”
“Soon. I’d like to get home to Tyler.”
As she headed toward the restroom, a woman in her late forties approached. “Shade Lane?” she said, extending her hand. “I’m Donna Holder, Jaime’s mom.”
Shade tried masking the stunned expression on her face. She offered her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Donna. How good of you to come.”
“I wanted to be here for you. I adored Addy and your grandson, Tyler. Jaime used to bring them over to my house at least once a week.”
Shade’s posture stiffened. Addy and Tyler spent time with this woman. As a family.
“Jaime loved that little boy, as if he was his own son,” said Donna. “He was hoping he and Addy could get clean one day and marry. But it was hard for them both—you know, the drugs. I don’t know about Addy’s past, but Jaime had a troubled life.”
“I’d like to hear more about Jaime, if you don’t mind. I never got to know him.”
“He was a good son. His father left us when Jaime was five. I had two sons. Jaime and Jacob. Their dad was an alcoholic. He’d only see them twice a year, so Jaime took on a fatherly role with little Jacob. Whenever Jacob felt frightened, Jaime tried to make things better. I’d often find Jaime in bed with Jacob in the morning with a protective arm wrapped around his little brother. Jaime used to say to him, ‘We’ll always be here for each other—man-to-man.’”
The words slapped Shade in the face. She buried her surprise, and Donna continued.
“When Jaime was seven and Jacob five, their father picked them up for a rare overnight visit. The boys wanted to go, and I thought it would be good for them. Turns out, their dad left them alone and got drunk. When he returned, Jacob started crying. In a drunken rage, his father struck him. Jacob fell and hit his head. He died.” Tears appeared, her face etched with pain. “Jaime was such a loving kid. But that tragic event changed him. He was never the same. He felt responsible. And then he got into drugs. I thought things might change when he met Addy, but they both had their struggles. The last time I spoke to Jaime, he talked about his ‘little buddy’, Tyler, and how much Tyler reminded him of Jacob.” Donna pulled a tissue from her purse, dabbing her eyes.
Shade’s loathing for Jaime slipped away. Witnessing the pain of Donna’s agony burned a hole in her heart. Shade reached out and took Donna into her arms. They clung to each other, weeping.
“If you ever want to talk, here’s my number,” said Donna. “I’d love to see Tyler again.”
“Thank you for sharing your story with me,” said Shade, taking the number.
Shade stood unmoving, overcome with sadness as she watched Donna walk away. This poor woman had nothing left in the world. And she had Tyler, her little diamond, radiant and shining.
Inside the restroom stall, Shade leaned back against the cold metal partition—her chest heaving—her breaths coming in short gasps. Panic rose like a tide pulling her under. Focus, Shade. Deep breaths. Remember the happy place. The place where you used to go.
After several minutes, her mind steadied. She stood over the bathroom sink splashing cool water over her face before emerging into the crowd. |
“Honey, will you be okay?” asked Blanche, on the drive home.
“I’ll be fine. Tyler will lift my spirits.”
When they dropped her off, Mary took Shade’s face in her hands, staring deeply, as though peering inside her soul. “You can’t do this without Him. Don’t push God away. It’s the only way you’ll get through this.” She held her tight and kissed her cheek before letting go.
“Thank you for everything. I need time to think through things. I love you both.”
Stepping inside her front door, she found Sally on the floor with Tyler. Every plastic bowl and wooden spoon she owned lay scattered across the carpet.
“Gamma’s home,” screamed Tyler, tossing aside his “toys.” He ran toward her. She lifted him into her arms, kissing his face.
“Me and Sally dance. Moonwalk.”
“You did?” said Shade, smiling at Sally.
“Yeah, I taught him how to do the moonwalk to the song, ‘Billie Jean,’” said Sally. “It’s hilarious. Hey Tyler, let’s show your grandma the dance you learned? I’ll put on the song.”
When the beat blared, Sally and Tyler positioned themselves on the linoleum floor in the kitchen, standing side-by-side like toy soldiers.
“One-two-three,” said Sally. With one foot in front of the other, they raised their back foot onto their toes, and pushed off, sliding the front foot backwards. “Now the other foot.”
Shade threw her head back, consumed with laughter. And the more she laughed, the more animated Tyler became.
Sally smiled, stroking her arm. “I’m sorry for the mess. How did everything go today?”
“I was so touched by all the people that came. There must have been over a hundred.”
“I’m glad it went well,” said Sally, picking up the clutter. “Well, if you don’t need me I’ll get going.”
“We’ll be fine. Thanks for watching Tyler. I really appreciate it.”
“Not a problem. Bye, Tyler.”
Tyler ran over and grabbed Sally’s legs. “Let’s dance.”
“I have to go,” said Sally, grinning. “He’s such a good boy. If you ever need someone to babysit, just call me. I’ll see you at the bakery in a few weeks.”
In bed that night, Shade reflected on the people who stood by her today. Her mind traveled to Donna. She replayed their conversation. The Jaime Donna described differed from the man she knew, or thought she knew. Did he truly love Tyler like a son, or was there something more sinister going on?
Guilt spread through her brain like a ravenous cancer. Addy’s silhouette lingered behind her eyelids. She pulled the pillow over her face, trying to erase the harrowing memories, longing for sleep.
The white nightgown filled the darkened room, billowing as though caught in a gentle breeze. Addy glowed, her face smiling, her body levitating over the bed. Her arms reached for Shade. And then the blast came—cracking into the air. Addy’s eyes popped wide, filled with terror. She screamed, her arms locked in a defensive position, her body propelled backward against the ceiling. The crimson speck on her white gown swelled. Addy’s body drifted down. Down. The gore of the red, flowing blood covering Shade.
“Go back!” Shade tried to scream, but her voice was trapped in her throat. She awoke. Her body bathed in a cold sweat. Sheets twisted around her limbs. She sat up, struggling to still her thrashing heart. Her mind straining to discern fantasy from reality.
She got out of bed and walked down the hall into Tyler’s room. She sat on the bed, watching him sleep, gazing at his peaceful face. Tears gushed down.
A few weeks after the funeral, Shade took Tyler to child psychologist, Margaret Mills. After speaking to them both, Margaret asked Shade to leave the room so she could evaluate Tyler. Shade sat in the waiting room, trying to distract her mind, flipping through magazines. Too nervous to focus, she went outside for a walk. Thoughts raced. What if Jaime abused him? Then what? More tests? And how would his new environment influence him? He seemed normal, but would there be a delayed response?