Kaleidoscope Summer (Samantha's Story) by Garcia Rita

Author:Garcia, Rita [Garcia, Rita]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rita Garcia Productions
Published: 2012-11-18T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-four

I pushed through the side door of the police station and straight to the coffee room.

“Hey, Chief.” Hank sat, munching chips with a book opened in front of him.

“Won’t be much longer until classes start again.”

“Yep.” His smile widened. “Closer to being a cop.”

“Aren’t you working on a degree in criminal justice first?”

He nodded. “I’ve listened to your advice. I’m not taking any shortcuts. Going to be the best—like you.”

Brotherly pride filled my senses. “Good man. Calls on my desk?”

“Yes, sir.” I waited for his response and headed to my office.

I made it through most of my messages before being interrupted by a tap on my door. “Come in.”

“Hey, boss. I have the update on that Monroe fellow.” He handed me the report. “Tess Monroe does have a son named Roger. Not sure how you want to proceed.”

“Doesn’t qualify as police business. I’ll give her a call.” I kicked back in my chair and rested the heel of my boot on the edge of the desk. “Samantha went to see John—no luck.”

“What about Elizabeth? I don’t see her turning Samantha away. Problem is, how to get to her without going through John.” Alec started his infernal tapping.

“Not a good idea to go behind his back. There has to be a way to reach him.” I moved the mouse to start my computer. “Right now, I need to finish a couple of reports.”

“One other thing, boss. Lilyan’s services are Saturday.” His fingers paused.

“Maggie called. I told her I’d be attending with you, representing the department.” I put my feet on the floor and picked up my empty cup—I needed a refill. The clock on the wall caught my attention and I remembered I had an appointment. “Change of plans—I’ll be back in a while.”

“You want me to handle some of this paperwork for you?”

“I’ll be back later—it’s all yours.” I was meeting with a sign language teacher in Mariner Bay, checking into learning a few basic signs. Maybe surprise Sam at the perfect moment.

***

Saturday morning arrived with a drizzle in the air. I met Alec and Ted at the station. Nicole had elected to stay behind, to be on call. We drove to the Whispering Winds Cemetery and waited outside the chapel. Pastor Jim pulled us aside—he’d volunteered us to be pallbearers. I took a deep breath to control my irritation. “Let’s go.” I motioned to Alec and Ted. Our status in the town had not left us much choice—not without being rude.

Lilyan’s blue casket reminded me of the colors in her home. We lined up around it with three other men.

I felt a tap and glanced behind me. Lilyan’s Aunt Claire paused, patted my arm a couple of times and proceeded to the chapel, holding a tissue to her face. Had she bought into Lilyan’s delusions?

The director motioned to us, and we slowly carried the casket down the aisle to voices singing “Amazing Grace.” Lowering it to the draped stand, we took our seats, lined up shoulder to shoulder in the front row.

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