by Pat Mestern
One Week Later
Kitchener, Don’s Apartment
Don sat on the couch, Major’s head on his lap. Try as he might, he could not concentrate on the papers in his hand. His thoughts kept going back to events during the last three weeks. He’d collected DNA samples from Jonas, Ramona, and himself. He had found a perfume bottle his mother had kept on her dresser and carefully boxed it with her false teeth. He’d personally delivered all to a lab in Toronto. He was eager yet afraid to receive the results.
His next thoughts were about Ramona’s box of bones. He’d have to do something about that!
Don looked around his sparsely furnished apartment. If everything worked out his life would change forever. He had rented out the Chambers property in St. Marys. He was sure Ramona wouldn’t have wanted to move there. But, if she declined his proposal when he made it, he would definitely move anyway. He was beginning to find the apartment … suffocating.
And about that proposal! If Ramona said yes would he put Charlotte’s engagement ring on her hand? Should he purchase another and not even consider the ring in the safe deposit box? But then there was the inscription. It somehow spoke to him subconsciously, but what it said was a mystery.
“What to do Major, my pooch? What to do?”
Major lifted his massive head and yawned. Slowly the huge dog got off the couch and sauntered toward the door. “Of course we’ll go for a walk in the park. That might clear my head,” Don said. “Then I’ve got to write a couple of letters.”
Back in his apartment, Don settled down to typing his letters. That task proved harder than he had expected.
Kitchener, Ontario
August 16, 2004
Jonas:
Please thank George for making sure you receive this note. It was tucked into an envelope with a missive for him. I asked if he’d ensure this got to you quickly, regardless the cost.
I will be coming north for my mother’s birthday on September 2. You cannot truly understand how … strange it is for me to write the words my mother after burying … my mother.
I remember you saying you would be at Nibi’s one hundredth birthday party which means I will see you soon. Actually, I would like you to stay in Algoma for a day or two after the party as I want to talk about Harry Forest’s will. You are mentioned in it.
I have a favour to ask you. It is an unusual request but one I need you to help me with. Call it a mystery to solve. Please don’t think my question macabre. When you and Harry exhumed Charlotte Carmello’s remains, what was removed from the grave? Of more importance, what did he keep on his person before the remains were taken to the crematorium in Toronto? I am thinking now of … jewelry, in particular a ring. I know this is a delicate subject to bring up. Your answer, if you have one, will help resolve an “issue” that has come up.
Don’t write back. Call me. You have my number. If I don’t hear from you, I will see you August 31st latest. We’ll talk then. I have reserved, and paid for, three rooms at Clear Lake Inn in Espanola, one for you, one for me, and one for your cousin Ramona. I am looking forward to the next chapter in our somewhat eccentric lives.
In friendship,
Don C.
Kitchener, Ontario
August 16, 2004
George,
I’d appreciate it if you would be kind enough to make sure Jonas gets the enclosed envelope as soon as possible. It is imperative he read the contents soonest. I know that he is possibly in the bush or on some remote lake so if there are any costs involved (I’m thinking now of a floatplane to make the delivery). I’ll gladly cover the costs involved. Thank you.
I hope that you’ll be able to attend my mother’s 100th birthday in Espanola on September 2nd. Jonas will have all the details. Perhaps you and he can travel together? After the party I’ve made arrangements to rent a cottage at Lake Lauzon.
I have to say that there is a LOT we have in common, but it is best I say it in person. I look forward to seeing you again.
Until I see you,
Don Chambers
Chapter 14
August 23
Castello dei Sogni
Ramona wiped her hands on a towel and walked quickly to the front door. The bell had been pushed a half dozen times before she managed to get there. Ben from ZA Taxi stood on the other side of the latched screen door. A large-lidded plastic container was at his feet.
“I apologize, Ben. I was doing the dishes and listening to music on the radio. I thought the dinging was part of the broadcast.” Ramona unlatched the door.
Ben laughed. “Bet you weren’t listening to today’s trash-talk songs.”
“Nope, it was Johnny Cash. What have you there?’
“I was paid by a fella to deliver this to you. Don’t know what it is but I picked it up at your mom’s old house. Don’t even know who the guy was that called. The tub and an envelope with money to pay for the delivery were in the porch. Where do you want it put?
“Just there in the front hall.” Ramona held the door open so Ben could bring the tub in. “So, you didn’t see anyone at the house?”
“No. I heard something, a banging around in the old barn maybe. But I didn’t see anyone or a vehicle. Could be one was parked behind the barn. I wasn’t paid to snoop.”
Ramona reached toward the drawer she kept the paperboy’s tips in. “Do I owe you anything?”
“No. There was a generous tip in the envelope.”
“Was there any insignia or name on the envelope, perhaps the name of a company? I’m trying to find out who bought the Carmello property.”
“It was just a plain white envelope. I haven’t heard a thing about the new owner, or owners of the property. You okay with the tub there?” Ben indicated the spot near the stairs where he’d set the tub.
“That’s fine, and convenient too. Thanks.”
“See you around.”
Ramona latched the screen, sat on the step, and pulled the tub toward her. As soon as she lifted the lid, she recognized what was inside. “Oh my goodness, it’s the box of bones!”
Ramona carefully opened the cardboard box inside the tub and peeked inside. An empty-eyed skull looked back at her. It sat on top of the pile of bones, bits of bones for the most part with one little intact skull. A machine can do a good job of turning a body into bits.
“Who would know about this?” Ramona asked aloud. “Mr. Granger, who’d owned the property? He’s dead. Lorraine? If Lorraine had somehow gotten her hands on the box she would have delivered it personally. Don! I told Don!”
Ramona closed the cardboard box, put the lid back on the tub, pushed it into a corner of the hall, and went to the phone in the living room. She looked up Don’s Kitchener phone number and dialed. When he didn’t answer Ramona left a message. “It’s been three weeks Don. It’s time we talked.”
Three days later, after returning from grocery shopping, there were two messages on Ramona’s answering machine. The first said, “Hi, it’s Don. Pack your bags. We’re going north for my mother’s birthday. I’ll pick you up at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, the 29th.” The second message said, “Hi again. It’s Don. If you don’t wish to go north with me, please leave a message with Peter at the Royal Bank. I’m away at the moment on business but check with him daily.”
Ramona hung up the phone. “He’s sure being presumptive,” she said to Mooch, who had jumped onto the side table. “Why wouldn’t I want to go north again to see his mother for her birthday? I promised her I’d be there. I told him I would accompany him to the celebration. I’m doing it for Harry. He’d expect me to go.” She sat and stroked Mooch. “Besides, I’m beginning to have some real feelings for Don Chambers. Heavens! What about those DNA results? He must have received the results.” She reached for the phone. “No. I can’t call him. I’ll go pack my bags.”
Later, while she was pulling weeds in a flower bed at the front of the house, a UPS van pulled up. Ramona brushed the dirt off her hands and went to meet the driver. At least she was expectin
g this package.
“You should be wearing gloves, ma’am. That’s dirty work you’re doin’.”
“I like the feel of dirt,” Ramona said. “Working around in it grounds me. It’s hard to explain. Where do I sign?” She wiped her hands on her jeans and signed where the fellow had indicated a signature was needed. “Thank you. I’ve been waiting for this.”
As the van pulled away, Ramona sat on the top step of the front entrance and opened the box. “Yes!” Ramona exclaimed, digging through the contents. “Let the fun begin.”
Very Early, August 29, 2004
Barker Street, Little Falls
Ramona parked the car a block from the church. She and Lorraine walked the short distance to the property. They knew they probably wouldn’t have a problem meeting anyone. The church hadn’t had a service in two years. If they met any kids hellbent on doing damage, it would be the kids that would scatter. Ramona was carrying a cardboard box.
“Where do we put the flags?” Lorraine asked.
“Here and there on both sides of the church,” Ramona said. “Let’s make it look like they might be in rows.”
“It’s clever that both you and I are leaving town early tomorrow morning. We won’t be around for anyone to blame us for doing this.”
“We do have a bit of a reputation for stirring things up,” Ramona said. “Are you ready to roll?”
“Sure am,” Lorraine said.
“Here, put on these rubber gloves,” Ramona said handing Lorraine a pair. “No fingerprints means no problems. I’ll do the east side. You do the west. Push them in enough that if a wind comes up, they won’t blow away.” Each donned the gloves then took a handful of small bright-red flags on sticks from the box. Three-quarters of an hour later they were at the car again. The gloves were in the empty box.
“I’d love to be around to see the reaction,” Lorraine said.
“Not to worry. We’ll be involved in the melee soon enough. Enjoy your trip to Niagara Falls. I hope your proposal to raise funds to purchase pianos for homeless shelters gets some positive feedback.”
“I hope that I can persuade people to donate pianos to homeless shelters. Fundraising can be difficult for this sort of project. You enjoy your time in northern Ontario.”
“Remember that regardless of what is said about this little escapade, our lips are sealed until we see who’s with us, and who’s against.”
“Pinkie promise,” Lorraine said, holding up her right hand.
“Pinkie promise,” Ramona agreed, entwining her little finger around Lorraine’s.
Ramona drove Lorraine home then returned to the church property. There was one more thing she needed to add to the display.
Both women were two hours away from town when the newspaper reporter arrived at the church property and stood, surrounded by little red flags. He began to take pictures, first focusing his camera on one particular spot where what appeared to be the skull of a child sat at the base of a red flag with the words on it: Remember me. Save this grave.
“Hey there,” someone called. The reporter turned to see a popular announcer from a well-known TV station out of Kitchener. “This looks like it’s going to develop into an interesting story. Know who did it? Know what it’s all about?”
The reporter shook his head. “There was an anonymous call to the office this morning. It was a local call. I checked the number. It was made from a pay phone, one of the few left standing. A woman left a message on my machine. I didn’t recognize the voice.”
“Same here,” the TV personality said. “A woman said there was some sort of controversy about an old cemetery at this church and a display we should see. My boss was in touch with a couple of locals who said we should come for a look-see, that a so-called forgotten cemetery has been an issue for a while. It sure will be back on the front burner after we’re finished here. That’s a child’s skull. Where did it come from?”
Chapter 15
August 29
The Road, 7:00 a.m.
Don gave a huge sigh of relief as he pulled into Ramona’s driveway. She was standing on the front steps, a large duffel bag beside her. He got out of the car, opened the passenger door, then walked to the steps. He picked up Ramona’s duffel bag and offered her his right arm. After his passenger and her bag were safely stowed, Don pulled out of the drive and they were on their way.
“Has Lorraine got Mooch?” Don asked, in way of breaking the ice.
“No. Lorraine is out of town for several weeks. Mooch is with a cat sitter. That delivery didn’t go down so well. Mooch is not used to being in a cage. Where’s Major?”
“He’s with a dog sitter that runs his operation from a farm. I had to warn the fellow that if he escaped he’d try to get back to Harry’s place and gave him directions, just in case.”
Three blocks from Castello dei Signo, Ramona said, “Oh my, I forgot to make a phone call.”
“I’ll turn around. We’re not too far from your house.”
“No need. There’s a phone booth at the corner near the old church. I can call from there. It’s not too far out of the way.”
Don laughed. “That’s one of the few booths still standing given this cell phone craze. You can use my cell phone if you like.”
“It’s due to be removed before the snow flies. If you don’t mind, I’d rather use the pay phone.”
Don quickly made the detour and pulled up in front of the antiquated telephone box.
“I’ll just be a moment,” Ramona said.
Don settled in his seat and looked toward the church property as Ramona headed for the phone booth. He’d been giving serious thought to the best approach to attempting to save the cemetery. He sat up quickly to get a closer look at the property. What on earth were the small red flags all around the church building? Had there finally been a move toward doing an archeological survey or dig? Had the old graves finally been found and marked? Ramona would know.
Ramona stood in the phone booth, her back to the vehicle. She made two calls. Pleased with herself, she climbed back into the car.
“Do you know anything about those flags?” Don asked. “Should we go take a look?”
“No, let’s not snoop today. I’ve made a number of calls about the cemetery issue since we got back from Algoma.”
“So, you’ve something new to report? If I’m in the battle with you I should be kept in the loop.”
“There’s nothing that won’t wait for one week. We will be back by September 5th won’t we?”
“Definitely,” Don said.
“Then let’s be on our way. I assume that we’re heading for Tobermory to catch the ferry?”
“That’s the fastest route. We should be in Espanola in time to say good night to Mother. I have to get used to calling her that.”
“Do you mind if I doze off?” Ramona asked. “I didn’t get much sleep last night.” “Go ahead,” Don said. “We’ll stop for coffee in an hour or so.”
Don tapped Ramona gently on her shoulder as he neared Owen Sound. “It’s time to wake up Sleeping Beauty. I need to take a restroom break. There’s a good restaurant about a mile up the highway.”
Ramona yawned. “I’ll go in and order the coffee, two large, extra sugar in yours?”
“And don’t forget a couple of chocolate-covered donuts. Breakfast was early and meager.”
For the rest of the drive to Tobermory more was said about the landscape than any personal in-depth comment about their current situation. Both had memories of camping at Cape Croker, hiking the Bruce Trail, exploring the limestone cliffs and caves of the escarpment, finding rare wild orchids on the west side of the Peninsula. Through their reminiscing, they found out that on at least two occasions Don was perhaps fifteen miles away from where Ramona and her late husband were spending some same-date weekends.
“It’s a small world,” Don said, “made a lot smaller by today’s technology.”
Finally, with the car stowed in the hold, Don and Ramona once again found
themselves at the railing of the north-bound Chi-Cheemaun. A gentle breeze blew across Lake Huron so the water was relatively calm and beautifully blue. Way off in the distance a lake freighter was making its way to Port Huron. A large V formation of Canada geese flew east toward Georgian Bay and the islands.
“What are you thinking about?” Don said. “You’ve not been your usual bubbly self since we left town.”
“Honestly, do you really want to know now?”
“Yes, better we talk now.”
“Okay. You asked, not me. I’m thinking that you should come clean with me about several things,”
“I think it’s time we were honest with each other,” Don said. “You go first.”
“Well then, Lorraine and I were responsible for the flags around the church,” Ramona said. “That’s why I didn’t want to go look at them.”
Don laughed. “I figured as much. You were in such a rush to leave town. You didn’t want to be caught anywhere near the crime scene.”
“There was no crime involved, yet.
“I outed you. It’s your turn.”
“Well, you’re responsible for the box of bones being delivered to my door,” Ramona said. “You are the only person I told about where the box was stored. Not even Lorraine knew. How did you manage to get the box?”
Don laughed. “I did one better. I bought the property.”
Ramona turned to look at Don. “You did what?”
“I purchased your childhood home. I bought the Carmello property.” Don turned to look Ramona squarely in the eyes. “I need a change in my life. I need you in my life. It made sense to move closer to you, to do something positive for both of us.”
Ramona reached to touch Don’s cheek. “You got the DNA results!”
“I did.”
“Don’t keep me in suspense.”
“Jonas is indeed the son of your uncle. You and he are definitely cousins. Nibi is definitely my mother.”