by Jamie Mackay
Chapter 18
Having had a long work week, Tatum was determined to spend Saturday in leisure mode. Yoga was first on the agenda. The relaxation of the serene activity seemed particularly inviting. Sam had worked really late the night before at the restaurant and had mentioned to Tatum something about a special booking, so Tatum was on her own for the class. It worked out well for Tatum, she fully intended to have an extended coffee session with Milligan; she had some things she wanted to ask.
.
"See you later Ivan," Milligan called out to his previous coffee partner as he headed down the street to go about his day. "Ah, my newest victim," he joked when he saw Tatum nearing her usual chair.
"Morning Milligan," she said as he passed her a cup.
"Heard anything from home," Milligan asked, wanting to get Tatum talking.
"Just the usual, but keeping my fingers crossed," she answered.
"How about work? Anything new?"
Tatum had to bite her tongue, similar to how she'd bitten her tongue with Jake every night this week.
"Nothing in particular. Things are going well. How about you? Heard anything from the kids?"
Tatum hoped that her comment seemed nonchalant, despite her covert intention to get Milligan talking about his family.
"Yvonne called Thursday. We talked for a bit and I chatted with the grandkids for a minute. They're keeping busy doing sports and school. I can't remember being that busy when my kids were little."
"But, you were on your own right?" Tatum pushed slightly.
"Well, not always, but from the time they were, oh, I don't know, maybe five and seven I sure was. Kids need a mom, it's not the same."
"But I bet you were a great dad."
"A great dad can be great, but it's not mom," said Milligan seriously.
"Yes, I suppose. I know you said before that Jennie had ongoing mental health issues? Did she spend any time at WMI?" Tatum treaded very carefully, unsure of how much she would be able to push without upsetting Milligan too much.
"Yup. She was actually a patient there when she died."
"She went in right after your son passed away?"
"Mmm hmm. I guess his death was just too much for her."
"It would be for anyone, I think."
"I thought she'd get some help and then come home. But, she chose to leave us instead. I don't know if I've ever completely forgiven her for that."
"How did she die?" asked Tatum, hoping that she hadn't gone too far.
"She shot herself. We didn't even get to see her. They said the damage was so severe that it would be traumatic for the family, so she went straight to the crematorium. Didn't even get to say goodbye."
Tatum knew that she'd asked enough for the day. She changed the topic. "So, did Ivan ever get that door fixed?" she inquired, referring to the coffee patron before her.
"Yah," answered Milligan, openly relieved the talk about his family had ended.
.
When coffee time finished, Tatum couldn't shake the troubled feeling she'd had since Milligan's last comment about Jennie. Everything she'd ever read about suicide had said that women rarely used traumatic means, and that methods that created disfiguring damage were even less common. Something wasn't right about Milligan's version of the awful events.