Authors: Marianne Spitzer
Grabbing the receiver, he heard George on the other end.
“Daniel, your grandfather’s dead.”
“What, what?” mumbled Daniel.
“Elaine just called me. She found your grandfather in his greenhouse. She couldn’t rouse him and called Dr. Norse. The hospital sent an ambulance, and then she called me. While we were on the phone, Dr. Norse arrived, and Elaine could hear the ambulance siren. I’m going there now, I thought you could come here to be with your mother, but I think you better stay with Annamarie. I’ll call you later,” he said.
Daniel knelt down next to Annamarie and pulled her close to him. She was crying so hard she could barely catch her breath. First Ben now grandpa, it was more pain than she could endure. She wanted it to stop. Daniel held her and rocked her back and forth. He was speaking to her, but she had no idea what he was saying. Slowly her breathing returned to normal, and she began to think rationally. She tried to stop crying, and asked Daniel if he knew what happened. He said he had no idea, and his father would call them later.
Daniel began to say maybe the spirits had something to do with this.
She couldn’t handle
anymore, her nerves shattered. Nearly shouting, she said, “There are no spirits. Spirits didn’t kill Ben and they aren’t responsible for grandpa being gone. Garret caused Ben to be killed. Now grandpa’s dead, and Garret’s hiding on his property. You know Garret’s partner killed Ben. Stop talking about spirits.”
“Grandfather has lived near the woods most of his life.
If he thought the spirits killed Ben and has proof, they would have killed him. I know it, I can feel it. I knew they were restless,” he said.
“Stop, please stop, there aren’t any spirits. I don’t care what you think or feel. Spirits didn’t kill grandpa.”
“They must have.”
Annamarie looked Daniel straight in the eyes. “If Garret had anything to do with this, I’ll kill him with my bare hands.”
Daniel hugged her tighter, seeking comfort for them both. They sat on the floor in each other’s arms until the phone rang again.
It was George. Daniel answered, listened, and when he hung up told Annamarie, “Father said none of us knew, but grandfather had a bad heart. Dr. Norse informed father that
grandfather was living on borrowed time. There was nothing anyone could have done.”
“Are you sure?” she said.
“Grandfather forbade Dr. Norse from telling anyone, and the doctor had to abide by his wishes. It was his time. Dr. Norse told father we should take some consolation in the fact when he passed, he was where he loved most--the greenhouse.”
Annamarie found no comfort in it, wishing they had known. They could have spent more time with him.
Daniel began to cry, which worried her since he didn’t cry easily.
“After Ben died, I realized that anything could happen to anyone of us at any time. I told my father I promised to be the best husband I could be to you, and even a
dad somewhere down the line. I also thought I should get closer to grandfather, and get along better with my parents. Now it’s too late. The spirits knew what I wanted to do, and they stopped me.”
“I know you’re in shock, but the spirits didn’t kill him. Stop saying that or your dad will make your life hell. Your mom will try to drag you back to Oaklin to see the doctors again. Do you want that?”
“No, but I have this strange feeling they’re coming for all of us one by one. Ben and grandfather are dead. Who’ll be next?”
Trying to take his mind off spirits, Annamarie told him, “Grandpa and I had a talk about you. While he was worried about you, he did love you.”
That seemed to make Daniel feel somewhat better. She added it wasn’t too late, and the best way he could honor his grandfather was to keep the rest of the promises he made.
“I’m going to do that, Annamarie. Do you feel well enough to go to my parents’ house?”
“I’ll try. Family should be together at a time like this. I need to splash some water on my face and change.”
“And I’ll call your mom for you.”
“Thanks. If I hear her voice right now, I’ll break down again.”
Slipping on a simple summer dress, she pulled her hair back and tied it with a scarf to match the dress. Presentable is how her father would have described her, and there are times in life when presentable is mandatory.
“I’m ready,” she said, coming out of the bedroom, in time to see Daniel wiping away more tears. He was dressed in slacks and a button down-shirt. Presentable, she thought.
“You look pretty. Your mom said to call her later.”
“Thanks,” giving him a hug. “We better go. Your mom must be a wreck.”
“I hope we get there before the spirits.”
Annamarie was lost at what to say. Nothing would ease his apprehension.
They didn’t say much on the short drive to his parents’ home. If she spoke, she’d have cried, and Daniel was worried he might make her cry again. There was a sad silence between them, yet bonded tight dealing with their loss. Annamarie knew she had to support Daniel to help him hold onto his sanity.
***
Maureen was sitting in her favorite chair staring out the window at her garden. Daniel walked up and hugged his mom. He tried to get her to talk. Annamarie was numb and didn’t know what to say.
Maureen spoke, but not directly to either of them. She appeared lost in thought. “George will be home soon, and needs to speak with us.”
Each of them tried to make the best of things. Annamarie went into the kitchen to make coffee and tea for everyone while Daniel tried to calm his mom. She was more concerned about her husband than the loss of her father-in-law.
Remembering grandpa told her that he and Maureen didn’t get along well; Annamarie wasn’t sure how Maureen would react to what was ahead of them. She heard George come home, and went back into the living room.
George repeated what Dr. Norse had told him. “Father knew about his condition for quite some time. Pastor Anders stopped by father’s house while I was still there. He explained father had made final arrangements with him and a funeral home in Oaklin.”
“Is that all?” Maureen asked.
“Mr. Townsend will be by shortly with more information.”
Daniel helped Annamarie pour coffee and tea while they waited for Mr. Townsend. He soon arrived but didn’t stay. He extended his condolences to everyone and gave George a letter.
George’s hands were shaking when he opened the envelope.
“My dear family,” the letter began, “if you’re reading this, then I’m gone. My final wishes are simple. I don’t want a funeral, but if you think it’s something that will help you, a Memorial Service would be acceptable. I have arranged to be cremated and the Walker Funeral Home in Oaklin will take care of the arrangements. I have chosen a simple urn, and I wish the urn to be buried in Margaret’s grave here at Logan’s Love. Walker’s say they can handle the urn burial with or without a graveside service. That decision is yours. I have approval from the city council for my ashes to be buried here. Mr. Townsend has the paperwork. I want you to know I love each and every one of you as much as humanly possible. After my burial, Mr. Townsend will be in touch with you immediately concerning my last will and testament.”
Signed: “Michael A. Logan 10-1-66.”
George was fighting back tears, when he finished reading the letter.
“It looks as if father thought of everything. He wrote this almost a year ago. I wish I’d known he was so ill. There’s so much I would’ve done differently.”
“I feel the same way, Dad,” Daniel said. “Annamarie thinks we can start being different right now.”
Surprised, George said, “You called me dad.”
“I hope you don’t mind. Father sounds so stuffy.”
Annamarie smiled inside, recalling how grandpa had thought this family was too stuffy. Maybe things will change. George grabbed Daniel hugging him tight. Maureen began to cry. Annamarie had a feeling grandpa was watching over them.
Maureen stood up and declared, “We’ll have a Memorial Service for father. George, call Pastor Anders. Find out when we can do this. We’ll have a luncheon after at church, and then only the family will go to father’s home for the burial of the urn.”
Annamarie walked up to
Maureen and hugged her. “I’ll help any way I can.”
“I knew I could count on you, dear.”
Amazingly, this family had come together in minutes after the reading of grandpa’s letter. Annamarie prayed it would continue.
George disappeared into his den, returning about ten minutes later.
“I spoke to Pastor Anders. He said he stayed until Walker’s came for father’s body. Dr. Norse told us because of father’s bad heart, he would sign the death certificate and let the body be released immediately. It was fortunate Pastor Anders was there because I don’t remember half of what was said. He also spoke with Walker’s and said we could have a Memorial Service on Monday if we wanted.”
“Monday, one in the afternoon, with a luncheon to follow,” said Maureen. “It’s the least we can do.”
“It’s too late for a death notice to be placed in the weekly paper, and not everyone reads the Oaklin Daily,” George frowned.
Maureen said, “That’s not a problem. Pastor Anders and Father Mueller can announce it tomorrow after services. Perhaps Pastor Anders could ask the pastors of the surrounding churches outside Timmus Woods to announce it, too. Word of mouth will carry it from there.”
There was a knock at the door, and Daniel answered it. A sad and disheveled Elaine was standing there fighting back tears.
“I’m so sorry,” she blurted out. “Maybe it would’ve been different if I’d looked for him earlier. He’s always in the greenhouse until about nine o’clock.”
Daniel brought her into the living room and George sat down with her. He explained how she couldn’t have helped no matter what. After a cup of tea and a little more conversation, Elaine began to believe it wasn’t her fault. She assured them she’d attend the memorial and help in any way needed.
Everyone loved grandpa. This was going to be as hard as Ben’s funeral. Not knowing if she could cope, Annamarie said a prayer for strength.
Chapter Fourteen: More Madness
The rest of Saturday went by in a blur. Daniel and Annamarie sat in the backyard until dark. Most of their thoughts were similar, making conversation redundant. Holding hands, they watched the sunset until the mosquitoes drove them inside. Settling on the sofa, everything was quiet. Annamarie leaned against Daniel and closed her eyes.
Praying life would be more peaceful when grandpa’s memorial and burial were behind them, she heard Daniel’s voice.
“Annamarie,” he quietly asked, “do you think my grandfather died of a heart attack?”
“Yes,” she said in her most assuring tone. “I’m sure he did.”
Anticipating Daniel’s next question she continued, “Your dad told us Dr. Norse knew grandpa’s heart was bad for a long time. Grandpa was aware of it. That’s evident by the date on the letter. He planned his funeral a year ago. What else is on your mind?”
“Don’t get mad at me, but I can’t help thinking maybe the spirits are angry about everything that’s gone on, and came after me through grandfather.”
She took his hand and looked directly in his eyes. “I don’t believe for an instant the spirits are involved in grandpa’s death, and I’ll tell you why. First, grandpa loved the woods where you say the spirits live. If he’s gone, someone may try to cut them down. Second, you told me the spirits have been quiet, and you believe it’s because I now have a spirit protecting me. If that’s true, then my spirit would have protected grandpa because I loved him so much. Third and last, if anyone caused grandpa to have a heart attack by scaring him or sneaking around, it would be Garret and his girlfriend. No one else goes out there unannounced.”
She added, “If I find out Garret was there and caused this, you’ll have to hold me back from running him over with my car.”
Daniel slowly nodded and he agreed her explanation of the spirits was reasonable.
“I can see you running Garret over. Do I need to take your car keys?”
“Only if Garret’s responsible for grandpa’s passing.”
***
Sheriff Richardson was on his way to the hospital to speak with Dr. Norse. He was aware of today’s tragedy. Steve radioed in that a hearse had pulled into Logan’s Love.
He liked Michael Logan, and the thought of the town is suffering another untimely tragedy was unbearable. Losing someone to natural causes so close to Ben’s death was difficult enough. Another murder would be dreadful. He had to be sure.
The sheriff walked into the hospital and asked for Dr. Norse. He hated the place. It seemed each time he was there he encountered only sadness and tragedy.