Vance’s plan to accompany me to Dolores’s changed. Deputy Jones called on our way out of the hospital to say the sheriff planned to formally question Diane again.
"What in the world for? Her husband was almost killed last night. Now is not the time," Vance had replied.
The deputy agreed with him, hence the phone call. Vance turned around and went back into the hospital. He wasn't about to let the sheriff ambush Diane now.
That was how I found myself fifteen minutes later parking on the road in front of Dolores's house solo. I gave the scarecrow the side eye and a wide berth as I kept to the far end of the walkway and jogged up the steps to the front porch. I knocked on the metal storm door and was instantly greeted by a round of yaps from the front window. I took a step back and peeked inside. A yorkie stood on the back of the couch, barking at me for all he was worth.
"You be quiet, Sargent. We have ourselves a visitor,” Dolores’s voice came from inside. “Angelica Nightingale. Well, this is a surprise.”
"I wondered if you had a few minutes to chat?"
"Oh, you know me. I always have a few minutes to chat. Come on in." The older woman opened her front door the rest of the way. Sargent, the Yorkie, growled at me and gave a couple of added yaps for good measure. "You cut that out right now," Dolores told her fearless companion as she led me through the front living room and into her kitchen.
"I was just going to put on some tea. Would you like some?"
"Sure, that would be great." I wasn't much of a tea drinker, but I found that it helped always to accept whatever hospitality someone extended you. It went a long way in opening up the lines of communication.
"What can I do for you? Did you want to volunteer for the bazaar?" Dolores asked.
"The Christmas bazaar?"
"You know, the one that's at the high school every year? I’m chairing it this year."
"No, I know all about the bazaar. But that's not why I’m here. I was wondering if you knew anything about the journalist who passed away in town Friday night, Mr. David Haggerty? I'm trying to piece together his last twenty-four hours, and I was told you saw him late that evening.”
Dolores took a steadying breath. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that you heard about that. David always had a way of getting under my skin."
"You knew him?"
"I did. Let me get that tea."
I waited patiently while Dolores poured the boiling water from the kettle into the teapot and brought the entire set to the kitchen table. "Now then, where were we?"
"You knew David Haggerty," I started for her.
“Right.” Dolores closed her eyes. When she opened them, she said, "David Haggerty was my nephew."
“Your nephew? I didn't realize he had any family in town. I'm so sorry for your loss."
"It's quite all right. We weren’t close. Not anymore.”
"You two had a falling out.” It was a statement and not a question.
Dolores poured two cups of tea. “Sugar?" she asked.
“Yes, please."
"Sorry, I should've asked if you wanted any milk. I have some in the fridge."
"No, the sugar is great."
Again, I waited for Dolores to continue the story. It took her a moment to gather her resolve.
"I hadn't spoken with David in over eight years. When his mother died, he sued his father, my brother, for more money.”
“That’s awful.”
“Indeed, it was. David felt his father misinterpreted the will. The instructions stated he was entitled to what his father thought he deserved."
“It was open to interpretation?"
Dolores nodded. “His mother always hoped David would redeem himself.”
“How so?”
“Once David's journalism career took off, he couldn't be bothered with his family. The visits grew further and further apart. Eventually, he quit coming home altogether and then stopped calling for holidays and birthdays. It was like he cut his family out of his life.”
I could relate. I’d practically done the same thing, hadn’t I? I didn’t like the thought of Mr. Haggerty and I having something in common. I took a sip of tea to hide my thoughts.
“He didn't even come home when his mother died. I was amazed my brother thought David deserved anything."
“I see.” At least I’d come running when I thought Aunt Thelma was dying. I reminded myself this wasn’t about me. “And where is your brother now?"
"He's passed on, I'm afraid. The two never made amends. Last I heard, David was fighting my brother's will as well. You see, my brother didn't leave him a dime, and I don't blame him." Dolores became teary-eyed. "Sorry, I didn't think I was that upset, but I suppose I am."
“David was still part of your family, and deep wounds take a long time to heal."
"Thank you for saying that. I guess I do need to give myself some grace."
I gave Dolores a moment to collect herself.
"Does this all mean that David was an only child?"
Dolores took a sip of her tea before answering me. “He was. He did marry, but that was years ago. It was short-lived. He never had any kids, either. I'd read an article of his every now and then, but truthfully, I was too disappointed in him to follow his career much."
"I bet you were surprised to see him in town."
"Not as much as he was surprised to see me. By the look on his face, he didn't even know I lived here."
"Did you get a chance to talk with him?"
A tear rolled down Dolores's cheek.
"I'm sorry. You don't have to answer. I didn't mean to be insensitive."
“It’s alright. He came through my line at the store last week. I think we were both shocked to see one another. He pretended like he didn't know who I was, even though I saw the spark of recognition in his eyes. He treated me like I was no one, complained about the store's inventory, and then left without a backward glance.”
"I'm so sorry he treated you that way."
"You can see why I wasn't so happy to see him Friday night at the diner. That's where you heard I ran into him, wasn't it?"
I nodded.
"The whole situation breaks my heart. I always hoped David would realize what he lost after his mother passed away and then after his father died. But no, he was coldhearted right to the end."
"Again, I am sorry for your loss. If you need anything, let me know."
"That's a very sweet thing for you to offer. But I'll be all right. I've made peace with a lot of things in my life; this is just another one to add to the list."
“I’ve never thought of heartbreak that way before.”
“Let me tell you; you don't get to be my age without being a survivor." Dolores nodded and then moved to refill her teacup.
“Thank you for chatting with me. I guess I better be going.”
“Thank you for looking into David’s death. I hope you find out who did this.”
“I’m sure going to try. Have a nice day, Dolores, and thank you for the tea.”
Dolores moved to stand up. “No, sit. Enjoy your tea. I’ll see myself out.”
“Goodbye then, and stop by anytime. I almost always have the kettle on.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. See you soon.”