Something Bad, page 16
“I always look forward to seeing you,” he said. Ten more degrees of elevation. He exaggerated a smile to keep her eyes on his face.
“Well, get a good look because in a couple of weeks there won’t be so much to look at.” She turned to show her profile.
Gabe noticed the swollen abdomen and the arch in her back, apparently necessary to compensate for the change in her center of gravity. The thought of her settling on top of him in the hayloft was unusual enough to break the spell. Negative twenty-five degrees and falling. He turned his attention to his mission.
“You or Teddy know anything about Father Costello? You know, the one who killed all the animals in the church years ago.” All calm on the southern front.
Teddy leaned around the corner of the kitchen. “Before my time here. Sorry.”
“Me, too, but you can come in and ask anytime,” Deena Lee said with a wink.
Back to battle stations.
Gabe tried to maintain his concentration. “Do either of you know anyone who might know his whereabouts? I need to ask him a few questions.”
Teddy walked from the kitchen and centered himself in front of Gabe, forcing Deena Lee to move over a step. “Why? What you got going? You needing some fresh meat?” He laughed.
“Meat’s right here, sweetie,” Deena Lee said, and exaggerated a hip wiggle timed to her giggles.
Sweat would have appeared on Gabe’s forehead if he had any excess fluid in the top half of his body. He slid forward to the very edge of the stool.
Too late. Deena Lee did a double take and let out a loud guffaw. She grabbed a dishtowel and tossed it onto Gabe’s lap. “You got a license for that monster?”
It was sauna-hot in the Edge now, but the flow of blood to Gabe’s face took his mind away. The towel started to descend.
“I’m really sorry, Miz Murtry.” He thought about running out, but that would accentuate his predicament.
“Don’t you dare be sorry, Gabe Petersen. It’s nice to know I can still do that for a man, and you in particular. Especially as big and round as I am right now.”
“You look great to me,” he said. It was barely audible, but her smile told him she heard.
“You want anything to eat? Teddy’s got a winner of a special today.”
“No, thanks. I’m just trying to get some information on Father Costello.” He looked down. The towel was flat on his lap. When he looked up, he noticed
Deena Lee watching.
She looked down at the towel with an exaggerated stare. “I bet I can make that towel dance.” She wiggled her hips in a mock hula.
Teddy and Deena Lee’s laughter was contagious—Gabe let loose with an uzi burst. He grabbed the towel and flung it at Deena Lee, who dodged it, allowing it to fall to the floor. She grabbed a pair of long tongs and picked it up by its extreme edge, holding it at full arm’s length.
“My tip’s not on here, is it?” With a loud laugh, she flipped the towel into the laundry box.
Gabe wanted to gather her up and take her home. He wondered if she felt the same.
The bell over the front door silenced their laughter and Gabe turned to see a large man in a state police uniform pigeon-toe in. He clomped up to the counter and lowered himself on a stool, two over from Gabe.
“Name’s Officer Ralston. I’ve been assigned to the Tri-counties until you can search for a new sheriff.” He offered a hand to Gabe.
“Gabe Petersen.” He gave the officer’s hand a firm shake.
Deena Lee rounded the kitchen half-wall. “Officer Ralston, I’m Deena Lee. That there’s Teddy in the kitchen. This here’s his place. He makes the best specials. You hungry?”
“Smells great. I shouldn’t, but I believe I’ll give the special a try.”
Gabe estimated he was around six feet and two-fifty, minimum.
“Seems like you folks have had a streak of bad luck lately,” Ralston said. “I knew young Merriwether and his old man. Terrible thing. The old man is really broken up.” He drew a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Anything I should know about the Tri-counties that’ll help me get adjusted to the place?”
Gabe wasn’t tempted to get into what he saw at Thibideaux’s.
Deena Lee leaned over the counter. “Just the usual. People coming in here getting excited over a pregnant girl.” She smiled at Gabe.
“Ain’t against the law, is it?”
Ralston looked at Deena Lee, then at Gabe. He smiled and stroked his chin. “Not that I know of, but I can check the local statutes. Sometimes these small counties have really old laws on the books that cover the dangdest things.” He looked at Deena Lee. “You want to file a complaint?”
“Only if he stops.”
Gabe looked down at his coffee and smiled. Battle stations again.
Ralston cleared this throat. “Anything I can do for you people? I’m here to serve.”
Gabe’s head turned to the officer. “A long time ago, about twenty-five years, there was a priest in these parts, a Father Costello.”
“Yeah. I heard about him. He’s the one who cut up a bunch of animals in the church.” Ralston swiveled on his stool so he faced Gabe.
“Right. I’m trying to find him. I want to ask him a few questions. Can you find out anything about him?”
“I have some connections at the Capitol. Let me see what I can do. Any other way I can help?” Ralston turned back to the bar as Deena Lee slid a full plate in front of him.
“You can carry this here bundle for awhile,” Deena Lee said. “It’s paining my back something fierce.” She supported her stomach with both hands.
“I’ve got one of my own,” he said. “I can sympathize, but yours will be gone soon. I have to carry this one around for the duration.” He patted his midsection and chuckled. The laughter made the rounds.
Gabe rose from his stool and reached for his wallet. “I’d better get back home.”
Deena Lee walked through the split in the counter and came close to Gabe’s side. Her voice was low. “Thank you for coming in. Come in anytime. And you can bring that monster with you, especially after the baby’s out.” She pointed at his beltline and giggled.
Battle stations.
Gabe took a deep breath and bent over. He kissed Deena Lee’s cheek and ran out the front door, leaving the overhead bell to say his goodbye.
CHAPTER
35
DEENA LEE DIALED the phone and waited for Teddy to pick up. “Teddy, I don’t think I can make it in this morning. My head’s hurting so bad I can’t see straight. I’m going to go to see Doc. Will you be okay at the café?”
“I’ll be fine. You take care of yourself. Let me know if you need anything.”
One in a million, she thought. She struggled to her feet and with the change in posture, the throbbing in her head intensified. She had to stop and squint her eyes until the pounding let up a little. Driving would be a bitch since the morning sun would be in her eyes most of the way.
“Deena Lee. Wake up.”
Deena Lee’s eyes focused on Misty Rondelunas.
“Doc wants you to wake up now,” Misty said. “He wants to talk to you.”
“What time is it?”
“Four o’clock.”
“I’ve been asleep the whole day?”
“We didn’t want to bother you.”
Doc Halvorson stepped into the room and nodded to Misty, who left. “Good afternoon, sleepy head.”
“You let me sleep all day?”
“It was probably the best thing for you.” He slipped a blood pressure cuff on her arm and pumped on the bulb.
“How’s the baby?” she said.
“Shhh.” Doc let the air out slowly and frowned at the dial. He slipped the stethoscope from his ears and smiled. “Good. Pressure’s down a little. I bet your head feels better, right?”
“Yes. How’s the baby?”
“The baby is fine.” Doc sat down on a four-wheeled stool next to the bed. “It’s you I’m worried about.”
“What’s wrong with me?” She grabbed his right arm and squeezed. “Am I going to be all right?”
“You’ll be fine. You have pregnancy-induced hypertension. What that means is your blood pressure is up a bit.” His voice was calm. “It’s not serious at this point, but if it goes up much more, we’ll have to do something.”
She dug her fingernails into his skin. “Do what? Will I lose my baby?”
Doc grabbed her hand and lifted it from his arm, then put it down again, back on his arm. “No. If the situation worsens we’ll have to either induce labor or take the baby by Cesarean section.”
“That bad?”
“Both are routine medical procedures. I’ve done them both many times. You’re far enough along and your baby is big enough that … it … should be fine.”
Deena Lee’s eyes widened. “You know the sex?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t tell me. It’s bad luck.” She pulled her hand from his arm and put it to her forehead. “I want to be surprised.”
Doc smiled.
Deena Lee leaned up on her elbow. To her surprise, her head didn’t pulse with pain. “What should I do now? I can’t stay here.”
“You need total bed rest, and I mean total. You can get up to go to the bathroom, but that’s all. Do you have anyone who can take care of you?” He slid the stool over to the desk in the corner and picked up a laminated card. “If not, I’ll have to check you into the hospital.”
Deena Lee slumped back into the bed. “I’m alone at my place. I can’t ask Teddy—he’s too busy. But I can’t afford the hospital. I have enough saved to get me through the birth and all, but a stay in the hospital is expensive.”
Doc ran his finger down the list of numbers on the card. “Don’t you have anyone who can help? It’s really important.”
She rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. “Can I use your phone?”
Gabe washed his hands—he wanted to get through the paper before supper. He caught the phone on he third ring.
“Gabe, It’s Deena Lee. I’m at Doc’s—”
“You all right?” Gabe said. It felt like the air was sucked from his lungs. “You need me? I can be there in a shake—”
“Gabe. Calm down. I’m okay. I have a problem but it isn’t an emergency. Doc says I have to stay in bed all the time. I can only get up to go to the bathroom. You think you and Wanna can watch over me for a while? I won’t be much trouble.”
Gabe’s pulse picked up. His daydream of coming to Deena Lee’s rescue was coming true. “We’d be happy to help. I’ll have Wanna make up the extra room. You need a ride over?”
“Just a minute.”
Gabe heard Deena Lee’s muffled voice, “Doc, can I drive?” He couldn’t make out Doc’s response.
Deena Lee’s voice came back loud. “I’ll need a ride, if you don’t mind.”
“I’ll be there in a few minutes.” He hung up without saying bye and lifted the sash on the side window. “Wanna. Can you come in here right away?” He hoped she wouldn’t object. She was past most of the morning sickness and moodiness.
Wanna rushed into the house. “What’s up? You all right?”
“It’s not me.” He panted. “Miz Murtry needs our help.”
“What’s wrong?”
“She needs to stay in bed for the rest of her pregnancy. I said she could stay here and we’d look after her. That okay with you?”
“Gabe, you dog.” She shook her head and smiled. “You got your heart throb under your roof. She call you?”
“Yup.”
“She’s sweet on you, too, you dog. I’ll be happy to help. I might even put in a good word for you. Tell her what a stud you are.” She giggled.
“Don’t you dare.”
“Relax, big boy. I won’t mess it up for you. But we’re going to have to think of an excuse if my belly starts to swell before she delivers.” She patted her flat stomach.
Gabe straightened a pillow on the couch. “I’m not worried about that. I just want to make sure Miz Murtry and her baby are all right.” He gave Wanna a hug. “You don’t mind playing maid for her when I’m working the fields?”
“People have been plenty nice to us in these parts, especially when our parents passed. I always have time for our people. And it might get you laid by your dream girl later on.” She returned the hug.
Gabe grabbed his truck keys. “I have to go get her.”
Wanna hooked his arm and wagged her index finger in his face. “Stay away from Misty.”
Gabe rolled his eyes.
For the first time in his life, he intentionally exceeded the posted speed limit.
CHAPTER
36
THE ROOM WAS cramped but cozy. Gabe liked the feeling of intimacy. Since he moved the portable TV from Wanna’s room into Deena Lee’s room, the three of them spent the evenings laughing at the comedies, worrying over the dramas, and sharing the appropriate righteous indignation when the investigative journalism programs came on. He smiled. It was Wanna’s idea to move the TV.
A lot can be learned by watching a person’s reactions to different types of shows, he thought, and he was audience to Deena Lee’s behavior as much as he was to the television shows. Without a single reservation, he liked what he saw.
He was particularly proud of Wanna. She was as doting as a future grandmother. For the two weeks of Deena Lee’s stay, he watched Wanna ask question after question about the pregnancy. She seemed to revel in the sense of discovery. Deena Lee had told him once that she wished Wanna could experience the joys of impending motherhood. Gabe had nodded and changed the subject.
They had just settled in for a night of sitcoms when the phone rang. Wanna jumped from her chair and sprinted into the front room.
“It’s for you, Gabe. Officer Ralson wants to talk to you. You do something wrong?”
Gabe gave Wanna a frown and took the phone.
“Gabe? I have some information on the whereabouts of Father Costello. Can you come in to the office tomorrow morning? The situation is a bit complicated and I got some directions. They’d be hard to give over the phone.”
“Be there first thing. Thank you.” Gabe felt a rush of excitement sweep his body. It was going to be hard to wait until morning.
Before he could hang up the phone, Wanna was on him. “What’s that about?”
He almost said “nothing,” but he remembered a delightful passage from one of the short stories by his favorite author, O. Henry, which he committed to memory, word for word, due to the common thread that tied it to his own experience:
“Hearken, brethren. When She-who-has-a-right-to-ask interrogates you concerning a change she finds in your mood answer her thus: Tell her that you, in a sudden rage, have murdered your grandmother; tell her that you have robbed orphans and that remorse has stricken you; tell her your fortune is swept away; that you are beset by enemies, by bunions, by any kind of malevolent fate; but do not, if peace and happiness are worth as much as a grain of mustard seed to you—do not answer her ‘Nothing.’“
“I have to go to his office tomorrow morning,” he finally said.
“You in trouble?” She poked him in the ribs with her index finger.
“No. I asked for information about Father Costello and he’s got some. That’s all.”
“Why you so fired up to find an old priest? You’re not even Catholic.”
Ignoring his earlier literary caution, he forwarded a response second worst to ‘nothing’: “Never mind.”
“What do you mean never mind? Gabe Petersen, what’s going on here? You in some trouble?”
“For the last time, I’m not in any trouble, dammit.” His anger wasn’t directed at her. “I’m just checking on some of the strange things that have been going on here lately and Officer Ralston has some information. That’s all. So calm yourself.” A grin invaded his face. “You swing on me and I’ll put you down.”
Wanna laughed and gave a wild swing in Gabe’s direction. He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her down on the couch. It was the first time they had shared a good laugh together in some time. Before getting up, Wanna whispered in his ear, “Careful. Don’t hurt the baby.”
Gabe gave her a hug. He felt guilty about what he was doing.
Gabe ambled into the sheriff’s office minutes after Officer Ralston arrived.
“Gabe. You’re up bright and early this morning.” Ralston stretched his arms straight up and yawned.
Gabe didn’t catch the yawn—he’d been up for a while. “Yup. What you said sounded interesting so I had trouble sleeping.”
“Pull up that chair. You want coffee? Sorry, I don’t have any donuts.” Ralston chuckled.
“Coffee. Black would be fine. Thanks.” Gabe plopped down in the uncomfortable wooden chair.
Ralston sat behind his desk and drew coffee through his lips so it made a loud, twittering slurp. He pulled some notes from his top desk drawer.
“Seems Father Costello did leave a trail, but it wasn’t easy to find. Right after his problem here he went to St. Timothy’s in St. Louis. The Monsignor there was his mentor when Costello was a novice in the priesthood. He was lucky no one here wanted to press charges for what he did. I couldn’t find anything in the books about him or the church around that time. Anyway, he stayed in St. Louis for two weeks, give a day or two. From there he went to Chicago. There’s a hospital there that caters to the Catholic Church.”
“Hospital? What kind of hospital?” Gabe leaned forward and braced himself by putting his hands on the arms of the chair.
“A mental hospital. It seems the older priests need a place to go when they lose their wits. What do they call that disease? Alzheimer’s? Something like that. Anyway, this hospital gives them the care they need until they pass on. Occasionally they take in a young priest who has problems.”
“What kind of problems?”
