Sixteen

Art hurried to turn the corner and tear down the hall. He wanted to yell, “I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date.” People stepped out of his way without a word from him. They must see the panic that leaked from his mind to his face. He skidded to a stop outside the conference room. It would only make things worse to run in. He steeled himself and opened the door.

When Art walked into the room, E. K. Fine III sat at the head of the conference table. “Nice of you to join us, Wilson.”

Uh-oh. Never a good sign when Fine called someone out in front of everyone.

“You’re in time to fill us in on your scheme to have this fine company produce airplanes.”

How did the man do it? How did he call his company a fine one without cracking a smile? The company was a fine Fine company?

Charlie Sloan patted the chair next to his and removed his notebook from it. As Art took the seat, Charlie whispered, “Focus, Art.”

Good advice. Art sucked in a breath. “What would you like to know, sir?”

“Why should this company manufacture plane parts?”

“I don’t recommend we transition now. No, we plan, determine what changes are needed to the plant and our process. But for now, continue to craft pianos.”

“Know any experts on manufacturing plane parts?”

“No, sir. I’m an accountant. I deal with numbers, not processes or manufacturing.” Though the challenge of anticipating the future and plotting a course of action captured his mind. He and Charlie had spent hours elaborating on Art’s initial idea. On paper, it looked like the company could transition to plane parts with relative ease. Art excelled at his job when Fine let him focus his energy on accounting. But he knew the company’s small reserve of cash would evaporate in a few months if they didn’t develop a plan. It wasn’t the books’ fault the company stood in danger. A well-managed company should be more in the black, but that hadn’t happened here. As the reality of the company’s situation had emerged, he’d wondered if he should look for another job. Art didn’t want to worry Josie, but he also didn’t want to run the risk of unemployment.

Charlie jumped in, followed by other employees. Art relaxed as attention was diverted from him. No doubt about it. It was time to look for another position.

❧

“Cassandra. We need to hurry, honey.” Josie slipped on an earring, and then examined her reflection one last time. When Annabelle had called to see if Cassandra would participate in this October program to raise awareness of the needs of children in England, it had sounded like a great idea. A few children from Canton would participate, making it a good way for Cassie to see some of her compatriots. But now that Josie raced to get Cassandra to the community meeting in time, she wondered.

“Sweetie, we have to leave now or we’ll be late.” No response. Josie hurried from her room. Cassandra had shut and locked her door. Josie twisted the doorknob a couple times to no avail. She rattled the doorknob, but Cassandra ignored her. “Young lady, let me in your room now.”

“No.”

“You’ll miss the program.”

“I don’t care.” Cassandra’s pitch rose with each word. “I don’t want to go somewhere where you’ll show me off like a prize pet.” Panic laced her words.

Josie leaned against the door. “I don’t understand, Cassie.”

“You want people to think you’re an amazing person. ‘Look at me, I took in a kid whose parents didn’t want her anymore.’ ”

There was the rub. “Your parents love you. You’ll get letters soon.”

“No, I won’t. I haven’t received one since I arrived.”

“That doesn’t mean they don’t love you. Or that we feel like we have to keep you. We also don’t want you here so we can show you off. You’re Art’s cousin, part of our family. We want you with us.”

Cassandra’s sobs vibrated through the door.

“Let me in. We don’t have to go to the program. They’ll understand. But you must talk to me.”

They missed the program. Josie decided if it were important, there would be future opportunities. Instead, they walked the neighborhood, ending at the library. Miss Adelaide lit up when she saw them.

“My two favorite people in the world. I declare it’s good to see the two of you. Where have you kept yourselves?”

Josie shook her head slightly. No need to go backward. “We’re doing okay today. Miss Adelaide, how are things here?”

“I’m swamped. Tell me you’ll stay and help.” Miss Adelaide rested her chin on her steepled fingers. “I can tell the kids are back in school. They all need expert advice on class projects.”

Cassandra seemed willing, so they spent a few hours at the library. Cassandra pitched in to help file the books and soon returned to her usual sunny mood. On their way home, Josie gave Cassandra a quarter and let her select some candy at the drugstore.

“Thank you for the sweets.”

“You’re welcome.” If only life’s challenges could be solved with a quarter and handful of sweets. Josie absently rubbed her stomach as they finished the walk home. Cassandra ran ahead of her as she climbed the stairs to the apartment. Doris caught her eye as they walked by. Doris’s eyes softened. She pulled a handkerchief out of her housecoat pocket and pressed it into Josie’s hand. Josie looked at the square of cloth, puzzled.

“Thank you, Doris, but why do I need this?”

“Check your cheeks, dear.” Her smile seemed watery. “I’ll be up in a moment.”

Josie nodded, then mounted the last stairs. Each took more effort, and by the time she reached the apartment door, she felt like she couldn’t breathe. She felt overwhelmed and didn’t know whether to cry it out or stifle the tears. She pressed her hand to her mouth and stared at her wedding ring.

Her throat constricted, and she groped her way to the couch, where she collapsed. A sense of panic filled her. Where had this come from? By the time Doris let herself in, Josie wasn’t sure she could breathe anymore.

Doris tsked as she took off her sweater and rummaged through the cupboards. “I’ll make some tea.”

Josie tried to nod through her tears. “What happened?” The words slipped between hiccups.

“I’m not 100 percent sure, but I think your grief is back.”

Josie shook her head. “That can’t be. I’ve been fine.”

Doris slipped into the room and settled next to Josie on the couch. “The loss you’ve experienced comes and goes. Some days you won’t cry because of your loss. Other days it will be all you can do to move. Today must be one of your sad days.”

“But I was okay until, I don’t know, it hit me.”

Doris wrapped her in a hug while the tears flowed unchecked. Eventually, Josie became aware that Cassandra stood at the end of the room, fear cloaking her face. Doris followed Josie’s gaze.

“Cassandra, how would you like to come downstairs with me and help me bake some cookies? Mr. Duncan keeps telling me he wants some snickerdoodles for the grocery, but I need some help. How about it?”

Cassandra looked from Josie to Doris and back. Josie pushed a watery smile on her face. “It’s all right with me. I’ll be here whenever you’re done.”

“Okay. I’d like to come help.”

“Be back in time to finish homework.”

Cassandra rolled her eyes in the way only children can. Then she skipped to her room and put on her shoes before following Doris down the stairs. Josie watched them leave, then moved to her room. She clutched a pillow across her stomach, as if bracing herself. She tried to identify what she felt the need to brace from, but couldn’t. Instead, an unsettled feeling seeped in.

Something was about to change. And she didn’t think it had anything to do with her baby. Whatever it was, she couldn’t shake it.

She curled up on her bed. Tried to form a prayer. All that came out was, “Father, please help.”