8

 

Ed paced the floor. When Cora left in such a huff, concern got the better of him. Under normal circumstances, they respected each other’s privacy. However, her actions this morning led him to reconsider that agreement. His jaw tightened. It was obvious she was hiding something. Maybe the answer was in the drawer she slammed shut. Did he really want to know?

His stomach knotted as he approached the dresser and pulled the drawer open. It was empty, except for a lone snapshot. He focused on the image of his wife wrapped in the arms of an unfamiliar man.

Stunned, Ed lowered himself onto the bed. Who was this man? He knew all her family members. A friend of the McGibbons? No, the bell-bottom pants dated the picture before they’d known Dahlia and Wendell. Besides, the man didn’t hold her like a mere acquaintance. This was a more familiar embrace. Ed stiffened as he noticed a date stamped on the edge of the photo. He won first place in the European Pro Golf Tour during that summer.

His hands trembled as he turned the photograph over to examine the message. He read it aloud. “Does your old man know?”

This wasn’t like his wife at all. He considered her self-imposed isolation, forgetfulness, and how skittish she was with the police. Now her clothes were gone, and in their place was this suspicious picture. Had she meant for him to find it? Frustrated, he combed his fingers through his hair, and added up the evidence against her. Had she renewed her relationship with this man? Did they have a rendezvous planned today? No, it couldn’t be.

Ed struggled to remain calm as he headed back to the dresser. A yellow highlighter lay on a road map. She had a habit of marking her route. His hands shook as he picked up the Phoenix map to examine the charted course. What was at the end of her trail?

Her yellow marker was drawn from Saguaro Valley to a street in close proximity to Apache Trophies and Awards, where he was to pick up the golf trophies that afternoon. What on earth would possess her to go to that part of Phoenix, and why did she insist on going alone?

Agitated, Ed remembered a note in Cora’s handwriting that he’d found on the living room floor. He pulled it from his shirt pocket. Pegasi Café was all it said. The name sounded familiar. Might as well check that out, too. The phone directory was in the bedside table. He found the address, and was hardly surprised at the location. He kicked one of Cora’s duck slippers across the room. Quack!

 

****

 

Cora slipped the Lincoln into reverse, armed with her carefully written directions. A Phoenix map was in the glove compartment as a backup. She inched her way out of the driveway, and honked hello at Dr. Sam, who was cleaning the windows of his dark blue Caddie.

Lupe and Mateo Santalis’s cleaning cart was at the recently vacated condominium directly across from the Timms. Old man Gunther had recently moved. Lupe often complained about the bachelor’s slovenly habits, no doubt, they would have a busy day to prepare for the next owner.

Saguaro Valley was home to a growing number of retirees from all over the country who happily found their way to this easy-living complex. The gated community was located next to the desert-style golf course designed and owned by Ed. The residents seemed to reflect the overall contentedness of living in the peaceful environment. It was beautiful, and also well planned to meet their ever-increasing physical needs.

Several neighbors returned her friendly wave. Cora smiled as Letitia Bockman walked her Standard poodle. Tinkle-Belle pranced in pink boots and hooded parka. The pooch controlled the pace of the eighty-eight-year-old woman as they trotted through the neighborhood.

Letitia was a slightly stooped woman, and always wore a polyester dress with vintage beads and matching earrings. The frail widow never wore slacks, probably never had. She lived alone and was starved for human companionship. If the dear soul ever cornered an unsuspecting victim, she could, and would go out of her way to wax lyrical.

Cora slowed to stop at the security gate, and waved to Wendell McGibbons.

He motioned for her to roll down the window.

“Me an’ Jack, have been workin’ hard on the Saguaro Sidewinder.”

“The what?”

“Ya know, your case. The first lead didn’t pan out, but Jack found us another clue. We’ll have this crime solved in two shakes of a lamb’s tail.”

Cora wouldn’t be surprised since Wendell and Jack put in more effort than the police. Their mutual fondness for detective work and mysteries was key to their friendship. Should she mention this morning’s intruder, or the picture left in her drawer? Nope. She didn’t want Team Wendell to root through all her dresser drawers. Cora waved, closed the window, and pulled closer to the exit.

After a short wait for a break in the traffic, she merged onto Shifting Sands Avenue. Fortunately, the first part of the trip was routine, so Cora could almost drive it in her sleep. The familiar route gave her racing mind a chance to slow down. She passed Chug-a-Mug, her favorite coffee shop. A vanilla cappuccino sure sounded good. Maybe she’d reward herself on the way home.

Home. A shiver ran up her spine. Her mind returned to the threatening phone calls and the turmoil that waited for her there. Did she really want to go back home?

A soft voice stirred within. I will go before you and make the crooked places straight, Cora. Call on Me.

“You weren’t there when I needed You the most, Lord.”

I promised never to leave you nor forsake you.

Cora contemplated the divine words for a few minutes before she pulled into a parking space at the local mini-mall. Reluctant to surrender to God’s voice, she cried out, “It’s too hard. I can’t.” She fought back bitter tears, and struggled to compose herself until finally another wall was raised to silence the Inner Voice.

She lifted her chin and marched into Nancy’s Gift Shoppe to select a few greeting cards. Before breakfast, she’d called in their prescription refills at Montgomery’s Pharmacy next door. Cora glanced at her watch. The medication should be ready for pick-up, and she’d still have an hour to kill before her hair appointment. Plenty of time to grab lunch.

She placed her parcels in the car, and glanced around for a place to eat. Tammy’s Tea Room. This would be a great time to catch up with the owner, Tammy Marsh, who’d been Vanessa’s best friend. She was in the passenger seat on the fateful evening of the accident, and had suffered critical injuries, too.

Cora hesitated, and then entered the establishment. The last time she’d eaten here, Vanessa was with her, and now the Tea Room brought back so many memories. Some good. Some bad.

Tammy looked up when Cora walked through the door. With an enthusiastic wave, she rushed over to give her friend a hug. “Long time, no see. So, how’ve you been?”

“Oh Tammy, it’s so good to see you. I had some time before my hair appointment and thought I’d stop in for lunch.”

Dense red scars ran from Tammy’s eyebrow to her jaw line and were vivid reminders of their shared tragedy. Her dark hair draped down to conceal much of the disfigurement.

Tammy offered her a menu. “I’ll give you a few minutes to decide, then I’ll be back so we can chat.”

It didn’t take long for Cora to choose a chicken salad sandwich with raspberry iced tea.

Several minutes later Tammy returned with her friend’s order and a cup of tea for herself.

Stories of Tammy and Vanessa’s years together were lovingly recounted with both laughter and tears. Cora missed sharing memories of her daughter. It touched her heart to find someone who didn’t shy away from it. She needed that. Until the topic turned to the accident.

“For months I struggled with flashbacks of that night.” Tammy self-consciously pulled her hair over her scars. “Van didn’t respond so I don’t know if she heard me, but I prayed with her until she lost consciousness. It was an hour before the life squad could get to us because of the flooded roads. And Cora, I want you to know that I held her hand until they got there.”

Cora could only nod as a lump formed in her throat. She struggled to fight back tears of remorse. Ed told her Vanessa had already passed away when the life squad arrived. Would she have lived if they’d gotten there earlier? The nails in Cora’s clenched fists dug into her flesh as she inwardly ranted. My baby needed me. She needed You, too, God. Why didn’t You help her?

Tammy continued, “Ed talked to me a few months later, and assured me there was nothing else I could’ve done to help. Your husband was a Godsend, Cora. Because of his encouragement, those horrible nightmares finally stopped. Be sure to thank him again for me.”

“Yes, I’ll do that.” Cora smiled. “He’ll be happy to know you’re doing better.”

“The paper had a good article about him taking second place in the Senior Invitational. I’m so proud of him.” She leaned over for a quick hug. “Thanks for stopping by. You’ve always been like a second mom to me. I’ve relied on your prayers and you’re always in mine.”

Cora’s conscience pricked as Tammy wiped a tear. She hadn’t thought to pray for her, or anyone else for that matter. Who cares? God wasn’t listening.

“So, tell me about your grandkids, Cora. I’ll bet they’re almost grown by now.”

“We haven’t seen them since last Christmas.” The words accentuated the anger she felt. “They moved all the way to Las Vegas.”

Tammy set her teacup down and searched Cora’s eyes. “Las Vegas? Why would James move the kids so far away?”

“Dear James remarried, and rather quickly, I might add.”

Tammy gasped. “Oh Cora, please tell me you’re kidding. Who is she?”

“That super model, Jocelyn Cassell. She wanted a big house in Las Vegas, and James knuckled under to please her. We don’t get to see the kids much at all.”

“The Jocelyn Cassell? Isn’t she only in her twenties?” Tammy frowned. “And how old are the kids?”

“Heather is fourteen, and is taken in by all the glamour. I just imagine Jocelyn slinking around the house turning the boys’ heads, too. It’s gonna be their ruination.” She shaded her eyes to hide the tears.

Tammy patted her hand. “James won’t let that happen. He’s always had very high morals. God will give him the wisdom he needs in this situation. You and Ed need to visit those grandkids more often.” The sound of laughter entered the Tea Room when the door opened. Tammy looked up. “Oh there’s a group of Red Hatters. I’d better get back to work.” She stood and hugged Cora’s shoulder, then picked up the bill. “Lunch is on the house. Oh, and please come back.”

Unable to finish her sandwich, Cora pushed the uneaten portion aside. She gathered her things and left a nice tip. Good memories were all that were left of Vanessa, and she wanted to build on that. Instead, the conversation turned to the accident, and alienation of her grandkids.

Within a few minutes, Cora had arrived at the Salon de Belleza. The intense odor of a new perm accosted her nostrils as she scanned the room for her hairdresser. A plume of hairspray quickly fogged the cubicle as Andre finished his client.

He smiled and waved. “Cora, love of my life!” He motioned for her to take a seat at the shampoo bowl.

Soon the warm water and Andre’s soothing scalp massage eased Cora’s pent-up tension. Her mind drifted back to the conversation with Tammy. It was true, she and Ed should have more involvement with Vannie’s children. However, the kids wouldn’t be wowed if they took them from the flashy lights of Sin City to Prune Acres, USA. Still, they all needed new memories. Oooh, a trip to Hawaii sounded good. Without James and Jocelyn. That worked. The thought of the grandkids all to herself was a great boost to get through the day.

“…and don’t forget to tell Dahlia. She likes a good bargain.” Andre’s voice snapped her back to reality. He wrapped her head in a warm towel. “Cora, did you hear me?”

What had he been talking about? There wasn’t enough time to have him reprise his whole monologue, so she wiped water from her neck and smiled. “Oh yes, she likes her bargains.”

A short time later, Andre gave her the hand mirror, and turned the chair to let her see the end result. The bell above the shop door jingled. Andre turned and looked. “There’s Anne, my one-fifteen.” He unfastened the cape and shook it. “See ya next week, dear.” He turned to the new customer and held out his arms. “Annie, love of my life!”

Cora paid for the wash and set, along with a jar of Velvety Dew. The wall clock indicated she had forty-five minutes to get to Phoenix and follow through with her plans.

She wasn’t accustomed to the heavier traffic on the Phoenix highway. It was like being on a souped-up conveyer belt with no controls. Valley Metro buses snaked into the stream of traffic, and belched their exhaust. She had left her comfort zone far behind.

Cora’s heart raced. She sat ramrod straight and maneuvered into the turn lane. The red light gave her enough time to pull the slip of paper from her purse and confirm the address of her destination. So far, so good. Only one more turn after this. The directions she’d written were accurate. She glanced at the dashboard clock. Ten minutes until two.

With little time to spare, she pulled into an empty space in the parking garage, and looked into the visor mirror. “Well, Cora, this is it. Your last chance to back out.”

 

****

 

It was nearly noon when Ed stopped at a downtown intersection. He knew this was the area Cora had marked on the map and he began to look for Baxter Boulevard.

A prominent sign came into view. “Would you look at that, there it is. Pegasi Café.” Ed seethed as he looked in vain for a place to park. Was she in there now? He circled the block and made another pass, in search of his wife’s car. Not a Lincoln in sight. He decided to pick up his trophies and return.

The clerk at Apache Trophies and Awards spent several minutes sharing his latest golf jokes. Ed wasn’t in the mood for Chester’s corny style of jocularity, but for the sake of their business relationship, he had to endure it.

With his purchase finally loaded, and dour disposition intact, Ed quickly reset his course for Baxter Boulevard.

The Pegasi parking lot was still filled to capacity. After Ed made several laps around the block, he eventually found an empty spot across the street. What should he do now? Go inside? If he did go in and found her…he couldn’t finish the thought.

Ed remembered the first time he met Cora at a Stuckey’s gift shop. He was with his sister, Judy, as she bought fudge. The pretty honey-blonde behind the counter caught his attention right away.

Judy said, “This handsome man with red ears, is my big brother, Ed, and he thinks you’re groovy. He didn’t take his eyes off you all through breakfast.”

Heat rose in his face as he selected pecan logs, and fumbled for change. His mind raced to strike up a conversation with Cora. “Do you like pecan logs?”

The pretty blonde said, “Yes, but I favor Tootsie Rolls.”

Ed smiled. That’s when he decided to call her Tootsie. When she took his money, their hands lingered, and he instantly knew she was “the one.” His whole life changed in that moment, and he longed for her to be a part of it. In nearly forty years, the longing was as strong as ever.

A scream from an ambulance siren jerked Ed from the past. His mind reverted to the condemning picture he’d found in Cora’s drawer. Had he lost his Tootsie for good? What would life be without her?

Ed resumed his watch of the Pegasi entrance and prayed, “Oh Lord, what shall I do?”

The wait was long and he had nearly lost his patience when a taxi pulled up across the street. His jaw dropped as a lady and a distinguished younger man, walked arm-in-arm out of the restaurant. The man pulled her close, and she nestled her head on his shoulder as they walked to the cab.

“Cora?”

Still in shock, Ed quickly reached for the snapshot in his shirt pocket. Was it the same man? He leaned forward and squinted, unable to get a good look at him. Where were they going? Wherever it was, he was going to follow them. He put the car in gear and edged forward.

Tires squealed and horns honked.

Ed slammed on the brakes and punched the steering wheel as the passing traffic blocked him in. The cab sped off and left him behind to stew in his misery from this unexpected trauma.

The disturbing scene at the café was etched in his mind. Ed fumed as he drove aimlessly through the busy streets, and peered at every taxi in sight. He continued to weigh the gravity of the situation. The shock of Cora’s unfaithfulness cut him to the quick.

The only thing he could do was go home and wait. For all these years, he thought he knew his beloved wife. Obviously, Cora had a secret life. He had to contrive a way for her to have no other option, but to admit the truth.

In his anger, Ed finally came up with a plan to “innocently” lure Cora back to the café for lunch the next day to check her reaction. There he would challenge her with what he had discovered and demand a full explanation.