KILLER PURSUIT: Whisper Island Mysteries - 2 by Elaine Jenny

Author:Elaine, Jenny
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-10-21T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

Azalea - 1966

Attending Papa’s funeral only days after Russell’s made me wonder if I was simply having a nightmare instead of living in reality. As I watched that lonely, wooden casket being lowered into the ground and covered over with dirt, it was almost more than I could bear. Mama cried the entire time, and even though it was expected to have everyone over to the house afterward, I knew she wasn’t up to it. If it caused more gossip and scandal, so be it. I just didn’t care anymore.

Joseph held Mama up as we walked into the house after the funeral was over. Annemarie and Aunt Maggie walked with me, both grave and silent. I felt hurt and angry and so very tired, but I couldn’t rest. Not until I knew what my father had discovered the day he died.

“I’ll help Joseph put Mother to bed,” Annemarie said softly as she hurried into the master bedroom.

Aunt Maggie and I went into the kitchen to fix some sweet tea, both of us lost in our own thoughts. My mother’s sister lived just outside of Jacksonville, but I hadn’t seen her since Christmas. She was a wealthy widow who loved to travel; she’d recently returned from spending two months in Europe.

“Azalea, I’ve been thinking,” Maggie stated, her tone serious. When I looked up at her and raised my eyebrows questioningly, she continued, “Your mother isn’t doing well at all, and I’m worried about her. We both know how...well, how delicate her nerves are, and I think she needs to get away for a while.”

I handed Aunt Maggie a glass of tea and asked, “So, what are you saying?”

Maggie took a sip of the cool, sweet drink before answering. “I’d like to take her home with me when I leave on Friday,” she replied. “Staying here in this house with all the memories and pain is tearing her apart. You and I both can see that. I think a change of scenery will do her good.”

Getting away from me and the scandal I’ve caused wouldn’t hurt her either, I thought, knowing that Aunt Maggie was thinking the same thing.

With a nod, I said, “If she agrees to go with you, then I think it will be for the best.”

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Mama agreed to go home with Aunt Maggie, and telling her goodbye three days later was harder than I’d expected. Everything in my life was changing so rapidly and seeing how thin and pale Mama was scared me. As I watched them drive away, I wondered if I’d ever see her again.

Joseph asked if I’d like him and Annemarie to stay with me for a while, but I declined. I wanted the time alone to investigate everything that had happened with no interference.

The day Mama left, I went down to the bank. Cookie and Big Hal seemed surprised to see me and both gave me a warm hug. Being hugged by Big Hal felt like being enveloped by a giant bear, but I never complained.

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