Out of Circulation (29 page)

Diesel sat up and stretched, so I threw aside the covers and went over to the window. Dawn had arrived, and with it, the snow. I smiled. We hadn’t had a white Christmas in several years, and seeing the dusting of snow on everything added a lovely touch of magic to the day.

This would be a happy day, with my children and friends here to celebrate with me. Helen Louise would be here, as would Stewart. Justin had gone to spend the holidays with his family, and though I would miss him, I was pleased to know that he would be with his father. Alexandra Pendergrast and Frank Salisbury were coming as well. Alexandra’s father was off somewhere on a hunting trip with his cronies, and Frank couldn’t bear to be apart from Laura.

A happy day for me and my family, certainly. I thought about Sissy and Hank Beauchamp, though, and the sad holiday they would have with Sissy in jail, awaiting indictment on a murder charge.

Kanesha had an easier time than she expected, convincing the sheriff to consider the solution that I had put together. He talked to Azalea and then to me, and finally confronted Sissy Beauchamp and arrested her for the murder of Vera Cassity. Kanesha said Sissy confessed, that she seemed almost relieved, while Hank appeared devastated by the knowledge of what his sister had done.

I felt sorry for Sissy Beauchamp, despite what she had done. For decades she’d served as a caretaker for others, without any opportunity to get free and live her own life. She sacrificed herself for her family, including her beloved younger brother. She might have to make the ultimate sacrifice, depending on the outcome of the trial.

Azalea had come home from the hospital, and that was
a blessing. Lily was looking after her, and I wished Lily well, because I was sure Azalea was a difficult patient. Lily helped out here as much as she could, but it was more important for her to take care of her sister. We would manage until Azalea was healthy enough to return to work. In the meantime Helen Louise and I vowed we would not rest until we found Lily a new full-time job. Perhaps Morty and Hank would need her.

I had thought about Miss An’gel and Miss Dickce a lot the past few days. I hoped to hear from them because I was concerned how they would handle such a stunning bit of news. I realized, however, that they would need time, perhaps a long time, to come to grips with Essie Mae’s story. If they wanted to talk to me about anything, they would. And if they decided never to refer to any of it, then I would respect their decision.

Each day, though, I couldn’t help but wonder.

My answer came on Christmas Eve, through the mail, in a smallish, cream-colored envelope. I recognized the handwriting at once and knew it was a card from Miss An’gel. My fingers refused to work at first as I tried to open the envelope, but finally I managed it. I withdrew the card inside and discovered that I had been invited to a party at River Hill on New Year’s Eve. “To meet our brother Amory Hobson,” I read, and suddenly I felt tears sting my eyes.

Then I had to smile, for Miss Dickce had scribbled a brief note at the bottom: “Don’t dare leave Diesel at home!”

Diesel and I went down to the kitchen, and I began preparing breakfast. I was no match for either Azalea or Lily as a cook, but I could manage pretty good scrambled eggs, toast, and sausage. That should be hearty enough. The real
eating would come later. Helen Louise was coming over at nine, and Stewart would assist her in preparing the turkey and other goodies, with some help from Laura and me.

After lunch we settled in the living room to open presents, and Frank acted as Santa Claus. “I am the only one with a beard, after all,” he said. “Though I apologize it isn’t white.”

We had a great time delving into packages and sharing the contents. Helen Louise gave me two more sweaters, and I had found a beautiful necklace and earrings for her. We shared a kiss or two under the mistletoe Sean had hung earlier, and I noticed that my children spent a fair amount of time beneath it with their partners.

By late afternoon we were all full, tired, happy, and sleepy. Diesel and Dante had worn themselves out playing with boxes, wrapping paper, and ribbons, though we all had to be vigilant to make sure none of the paper or ribbons were eaten.

Around five I went into the kitchen to put on a pot of coffee. I needed a little caffeine to perk me up. As I stood at the sink filling the pot with water, I felt two arms slip around me, and my daughter whispered in my ear, “Merry Christmas, Dad.”

“Merry Christmas, sweetheart. I’m so glad you’re here.” I didn’t add that I dreaded her leaving after the holidays and heading back to California.

“I have a little surprise for you,” she said with an impish grin. “I wanted to tell you first, and then I’ll tell Sean and the others.”

“What is it?” I set the coffeepot down. My hands trembled a little. I knew what I hoped she was going to tell me.

“I’m not going back to California, Dad. I’m going to stay here. The college offered me a full-time job. The woman who was out on maternity leave decided not to come back, and they want me to take her place.”

“That’s wonderful,” I said and swept her into a hug. “I’m so happy you’re staying here.”

“Me, too,” she said as I released her.

“You’re sure you’re not going to miss being a glamorous Hollywood star?” I couldn’t help teasing her a little.

“Nope, not a bit. I actually have another role in mind,” she said with that same impish grin.

“And what would that be?” I asked.

“Let me put it this way,” she said. “How would you like to help me plan a wedding?”