The Inkwell by Tim Brown

Author:Tim Brown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fly flishing, revolutionary war, family heirlooms
Publisher: Zimbell House Publishing
Published: 2020-08-04T00:00:00+00:00

A Thin Spot

Chapter Five

The three men met at a convenience store on the outskirts of town to gather their thoughts before taking Jerry’s car home and talking with Mary. Josh was standing in the doorway when the two cars pulled into their driveway. He turned and called his mother.

It was a difficult meeting. After hugs and condolences, they sat down in the living room. Mary quietly asked, “Can you tell me what happened?”

“Sure, but do you mind telling us what the coroner reported when he called?”

“Not much. He said that it first looked like Jerry drowned, but he doesn’t think so. He suspects a heart attack. They will know more tomorrow.”

“That would make sense. Jerry was feeling ill. His stomach was upset. He left the three of us so he could fish in a more comfortable spot, a spot where he wouldn’t need to wear his waders. Maybe a half-hour later, we saw his hat floating by us,” explained Don. They told her all they could, without mentioning the ink-stained pants or Jerry’s angst about choosing a new keeper of the inkwell. They decided not to tell all until Jerry’s fishing pants were available to help confirm their story. “Mary, we’d like to know more about the coroner’s report. I’ll call you tomorrow. Then we would like to talk again. There may be some blanks we can fill in after we’ve had time to think. Right now, we’d like to go home and let it all sink in.”

Mary knew that they were holding something back, but she realized that their day had been nearly as rugged as hers. She agreed. The following morning, she received his call.

“Hi, Mary. This is Don. Is this a good time to talk for a moment?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Did you talk with the coroner?”

“Yes. He said it was a heart attack, a massive one.”

“I’m not surprised,” Don said. “Did they deliver Jerry’s things to you?”

“No, but they said I could pick them up.”

“How would it be if we picked them up and brought them over? That would give us a chance to talk further. We have Grandpa Reed’s inkwell and some information to share with you.”

That would be fine. I’ll have to call the coroner’s office to clear it, but that would be fine. What’s going on, Don? What is it you aren’t telling me?”

“I’m sorry, Mary. Please, bear with us on this. It’s not bad news. It’s just an unusual circumstance that accompanied Jerry’s death. It is best explained in person. Is there a good time that we can meet with you again? Will your children be with you this afternoon?

“Why don’t you come by about three o’clock. Josh will be here, but he will respect our need for privacy if we ask him to.”

“That’s great, Mary. We’ll see you then. Believe me, this will interest you, but it should not worry you. We’ll see you at three.”

They picked up the package of Jerry’s personal effects. They didn’t open it until they were sitting in Mary’s living room.

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