Rohn Federbush - Sally Bianco 01 - The Legitimate Way (10 page)

John asked about the size of the ranch, the lack of livestock, and Simon’s plans for the future Mrs. Goldberg while Sally surveyed her own dire thoughts. If they married, they were doomed. Simon would be off to the city doing his lawyerly duties. Penny would be stuck out in this barren place biting her nails until the birth of…what? Twins? Even Martians if Penny had not stopped drinking soon enough. Either way, they would have no chance to survive in the modern, outside world.

A squat woman, barely five feet tall, approached the group still huddled around the sterile bar. “Now, Simon, bring your guests into the dining room. Sonja, my daughter, is ready to serve the barbecue.”

“Yes, Monica.” The prospective groom’s manner changed abruptly from the stance of a braggart to a gracious host. “Please, please, you’re surely hungry. We rushed you over your breakfast.” Simon ushered them past the housekeeper, who was dressed in what must have been Mexican garb or the latest retro-ranch fashion. Bare shoulders shone over a red, gathered blouse, hordes of bright colors swirled in her floor-length skirt.

Sally thought the woman was barefoot, too. Her daughter, Sonja, was close to Penny’s age, perhaps even five years younger. The girl eyed Simon with what Sally thought was outright aggression. She was a fully-grown beauty, red lips, great dark eyes with lush lashes and about the same vertical size as her mother, but one-fourth the girth. Her attire was the exact match of her mother’s. Although similarly barefoot, Sonja walked on her tiptoes as if she just shed high heels, which kept her back straight, her hips swaying.

Penny ignored both of the serving women and chatted happily with John, who seemed unable to smile for some reason. Sally tried to ease any tension John might be experiencing by clearing up matters at hand. “Penny, you know how Robert will feel about your marriage.”

“He’ll be heartbroken,” Simon said.

Penny went into her pout mode. “Robert thought Nancy was great for getting pregnant.”

Sonja dropped a plate of meat covered in barbecue sauce in front of Penny, splattering brown spots all over Penny’s white lace-trimmed T-shirt.

“Careful!” Simon jumped up. Sonja glared at him.

Penny seemed to notice for the first time. “You love my husband!”

“He’s not your husband!” Sonja flounced out of the room.

Simon tried to explain the young girl’s infatuation. “Her family has been my family’s servants for five generations.”

“Until now,” John said. “Your wife needs a supportive environment for the baby.”

Monica served the rest of the meal in silence without her daughter’s angry presence.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

After the preacher arrived and awarded the couple the appropriate wedding vows, John asked the cleric for a ride to the airport. The groom was too many miles away from being a sober driver.

“You will need to call Robert.” Sally said.

Standing behind Penny, Simon encircled her waist with his hairy arms. He seemed unable to keep his hands off the child. “I’ll take care of it.”

“You haven’t asked about Robert’s case.” John held Penny at arm’s length as she tried to hug him good-bye.

“You found Mary Jo, right?” Penny asked.

“Yes.” Sally wondered how a father’s suicide could impair or otherwise affect a daughter’s brain. “She might refuse to come to Ann Arbor and Robert will need to clear his name.”

“We’ll be there.” Simon’s arms tightened around Penny. The Goldberg servants were out of sight, but not out of Sally’s mind as they drove away from the ranch with the preacher.

“Known those folks long?” John asked the preacher.

“Monica’s a member of my congregation,” he said. “She asked me to do her a favor. Seems her daughter is hung up on the employer.”

“So you performed the marriage to save her daughter?” Sally asked.

“You could say that.” The preacher jerked his stiff collar. “Hope God doesn’t mind.”

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

John brought up another practical concern on the airplane back to Metro. “I would like to be a witness, if Robert faces and arraignment hearing, about the state of Mary Jo’s health. Is there a residence-hotel in
Ann Arbor where I could stay?”

Sally couldn’t help feeling complimented. “I’m sure we can find accommodations for you. I live in a one-bedroom condominium on the west side of town. I didn’t see your home in
St. Charles.”

“I live out west, on 64. James is taking care of my dog, Ginger.”

“I remember 64’s route all the way to 47. Where do you live?”

“Not far from
Randall Road. Do you remember where the road curves enough for a guardrail? There’s a small dammed-up pond on the left side of the road. My place is on the right, behind a stand of weeping willows.”

“I know the place. I mean, I’ve seen your house from the road. One story white ranch with lots of flowers along the creek in the summer.”

“Do I remember your father was a house painter or a farmer?”

“Both. He wasn’t a very good farm manager. They say I inherited his terrible
temper. He started painting houses so he could work for himself and not worry about getting fired.”

“You do not have a temper. Or, you would have horse-whipped Penny.”

“Robert was looking forward to his present. How am I going to explain?”

“Tell him the truth. You didn’t approve of the present.”

“Do you think Simon will keep his word and show up to help Robert?”

“If he doesn’t, I’ll go down and haul him up here.”

“You love me, don’t you?”

“Yep,” John said, going all John-Wayne for the moment. “Have since high school.”

“You did not.” Sally swatted his shoulder.

“I was being honest when I told you why I never married.” He held her gaze with his very large brown eyes.

Sally earnestly prayed for help. Here was a man with integrity for the asking. “Please stay.” Then she allowed him to kiss her for the first time. Her heart played a warning flip of palpitations, but she didn’t mind. She held onto John’s earlobe after the kiss and then whispered into it, “I wish I was younger for you.”

“Now is all we have, Sally.” John slipped his arm around hers. “Is it too early to buy you a ring?”

“Way, too early.” She hung onto his huge hand. She was sure he would wait until she was ready for something more. “First, we clear Robert.”

“I’m accustomed to life’s trials.”

Sally thanked God she was too, especially with John at her side. Life could have a go at her. She was ready. “Do you want to hear my favorite poem?” Without waiting for John’s permission, she recited. “The Sentence, by Anna Akhmatova: ‘And the stone word fell on my still-living breast. Never mind, I was ready. I will manage somehow. Today I have a lot to do. I must kill memory, once and for all. I must turn my soul to stone. I must learn to live again. Unless – Summer’s ardent rustling is like a festival outside my window. For a long time I’ve foreseen this brilliant day, deserted house.’”

“Not with me around,” John said. “I know a good thing when I see her.”

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Last Monday in September

The Bibliopole’s stock of folding chairs was completely utilized the evening John and Sally arrived back in
Ann Arbor. Andrew Sites brought along Judge Joe Wilcox and Jimmy Walker, the state’s attorney, to view the video of Mary Jo. The usual suspects included Henry Schaeffer, the Tedler brothers in their police uniforms, as well as Robert’s co-conspirators, Harvey and Ed.  Andrew’s laptop computer, which sat on the desktop of the secretary between the Liberty-Street windows, displayed a photo of Mary Jo holding up the previous Saturday’s newspaper.

Penny and Simon Goldberg were the last bookshop patrons to arrive before Andrew started the video. John straightened his chair from its leaning position with a loud thud.

Sally wished she’d kept her promise and secured a sponsor as soon as she arrived back in Ann Arbor. Robert’s dilemma and a dozen other ready excuses, like keeping John entertained with Ann Arbor’s resources, let her put off going to a meeting. The increasing tension in the room amplified her thirst. Alcohol was a cunning foe. If she wanted to stay sober, she needed a meeting where other alcoholics would help her remain sane and sober. Every one of the booklovers assembled held a glass of cream sherry, even John. Sally zipped open her purse and took a sip from her water bottle.

“Look who’s here.” Robert waved his glass of sherry in Penny’s direction, as she entered. “Care to join us, stranger?” Robert aimed his remark at the man accompanying her.

“This is Simon Goldberg,” Penny held her chin higher than was necessary for the news. “I can’t drink anymore.”

“How do you do, Simon Goldberg. Do you read?”

“Lawyer, Penny’s husband, and sire of her expected child.”

“Doesn’t read.” Robert winked at John.

“Now, Robert,” Penny whined.

“Don’t now Robert me!” Robert concentrated his anger on his empty glass. “Is this the present you made Sally fly to
Texas to approve?”

“Why?” Penny turned her pout toward Sally. “What has Sally told you?”

“Sally didn’t tell me you were fool enough to get pregnant with an old duffer and expect me to be happy about it, if that’s what you mean.” Robert poured himself a drink, drank it as if he just returned from days abandoned in a sandy desert, and then refilled his glass. His telephone rang. The silence was palpable as they all strained to hear. “Mary Jo.” Robert sat his glass down and put his hand over his heart. “Good to hear from you!” He listened, shaking his head affirmatively to the rest of us. “Good,” he repeated several times, and finally, “Thanks. See you soon.” He looked straight at Penny when he added, “All my love.”

“When?” Andrew asked. “When will she arrive?”

“Didn’t say,” Robert slurred. “More importantly, she’s coming. When Sally told her about Ricco’s four children, Mary Jo contacted their aunt. She’s interested in supporting the children. I never knew Mary Jo could afford to be so generous.”

“Her wealth could be a further motive for Ricco to search for her,” Harvey said.

“She’s bringing Ricco’s first wife with her.” Robert opened another bottle of cream sherry, offered it to the group, but poured himself another glass before relinquishing the bottle to Harvey who emptied it by refreshing the glasses of the remaining crew of eight drinkers.

“Are we going to pay for digging up his second wife?” Harvey asked Andrew.

“I’m leaving,” Penny said, taking Simon’s hand, which held onto his second serving of sherry.

Sally wondered if anyone else in the room knew precisely how much each of them imbibed.

“Nothing to bother ourselves about.” Simon brushed his new wife’s hand aside, rescuing the liquor. “Your bookman is quite correct. We were foolish, but here we are.” He strolled over to where Sally was enthroned in the cushioned chair. “You never drink do you?”

“Not anymore,” Sally said.

“Had your fill?” Simon bowed solicitously from his waist.

“I’ve about had my fill of you, mister.” John collared the old man and moved him to the doorway.

“Wait,” Sally said. “He did keep his promise to come to Ann Arbor.”

“Right,” Robert said. “He’s just what the doctor ordered.”

Penny began to weep and her husband wrapped her in his arms. “Actually, we’ve decided to relocate to Michigan.”

“Remember Sonja?” Penny knelt down next to Sally’s chair. “Well, she burnt down the ranch house!”

“Anyone injured?” John asked.

“No,” Simon said, “but Monica’s out of a job, too.”

Penny rallied. “Simon passed the Michigan bar when he worked at Ford. Maybe he can help Andrew.”

“Little late for that,” Andrew said.

“A little late!” Harvey bellowed. “You’ve about killed our friend here, worrying about you and Mary Jo. Do you have no feelings for the man?”

“I did the best I could.” Penny hung her sorry head.

“Not good enough,” Robert whispered, slouching in his chair.

Sally’s heart went out to him; but she didn’t feel like embracing him, not with John in the room. Maybe, not ever again. “Robert, she is only a child, after all.”

“A bad seed,” Robert grumbled into his glass.

Ed Thatch stepped between Robert and Penny. “You’re talking through your alcohol now. Penny, don’t pay him any mind. Congratulations to both of you. We’re glad you’re here.”

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Sally and John were the only two out of the baker’s dozen who did not crowd around the laptop presentation of Mary Jo. Afterwards, Judge Wilcox drew Jimmy Walker toward the hall. “Seen enough to dismiss these farcical charges?”

“Absolutely. In fact, I might prosecute her husband for making false accusations.”

Ricco Cardonè appeared at the door. Six-feet-four his bulky shoulders testified to football contests or weight lifting. He wore a blue jeans jacket, a string tie, black leather pants and black cowboy boots. High fashion for ugly bullies. Ricco sported great white-hunter crevices down his yellowish face. His lips were full and his mouth filled with protruding teeth. How did Mary Jo ever find him attractive enough to marry? Angry or drunk, Sally could tell he would be dangerous if riled. “Mary Jo told me Robert Koelz threatened her.” Ricco glared at Robert, as if he were telling the truth. “If she didn’t leave me.”

“I did,” Sally heard Robert whisper to Andrew. “I said I’d kill her, or he would.”

“Oh for Pete’s sake,” Andrew said.

“Order,” Judge Joe Wilcox said.

“You idiot,” Andrew yelled at Robert.

“Order!” Judge Wilcox raised his voice over the rising din.

Ricco walked straight over to Robert, reached across the desk, and punched Robert in the face.

Pandemonium erupted, folding chairs collapsed. The Tedler brothers wrestled Ricco to the ground and handcuffed him. Ed tried to help Robert, whose nose was broken and bleeding. Judge Wilcox stood in the middle of the room, jumping up and down like a four-year-old having a tantrum. The two lawyers finally calmed him down.

Sally wondered where Miss Poi was hiding and somewhere in the middle of all the commotion, she began to giggle. John, Harvey, and serious-minded Ed broke out in laughter, too.

In the hall outside the bookshop, Sally heard Jimmy Walker say to Andrew, “That’s the most fun I’ve had in fifteen years.”

“Well,” Andrew puffed out his chest. “We aim to please.” He patted the other lawyer’s arm as he descended the stairs, still chuckling to himself.

Robert sported blue bags under his eyes and the whites were lined with red. “I need a drink.” He forced a grin. “The perfect remedy for what ails me.”

Sally’s three years of sobriety would not receive any special awards at an AA meeting, but she would feel welcomed. After her first year in AA, she read her confessional Fourth Step to a member. The older woman called her a ‘dry drunk.’ She was instructed to attend more than one meeting a week, to work on the steps with a sponsor, and daily to strengthen her relationship with God.

As the Tedler brothers led Ricco away, he cried. “She drove me crazy.”

“Have you ever heard of anger management therapy,” Sylvester asked, somewhat sympathetically.

Anger management. Sally needed some. She wanted to grab a chair and hit Ricco over the head. His weeping softened the men, who probably remembered their need to strike out at someone, maybe even a loved one. The women in the bookshop went all soft, going around a sympathetic bend for the poor guy. He wasn’t worth a moment of their empathy. As far as Sally was concerned, Ricco was a common kitchen bully, no doubt learned from an anger-ridden father.

In her younger days, when remedy loomed for every evil, Sally had volunteered at a women’s shelter in Jackson. She attended classes describing how to relate to the spineless victims. She was taught not to rail against their abusers, but to allow the souls of the women time to recognize better alternatives. Sally told one young woman with two children who were removed from their home by police when she complained of her evil husband’s violence. Instead of taking the criminal to jail, the police made the victim and her children homeless! Sally told her to go home, wait until the fool was asleep, borrow the frying pan from the kitchen, and beat him. The president of the shelter’s advisory board removed Sally from the safe-house list and asked her to resign from the program.

Now she was experiencing the same frustration because the bookshop crew was so easily swayed by Ricco’s theatrics. Penny tried to hug Robert after Ed provided him another glass of sherry. Sally did not see a smile of appreciation under Robert’s moustache and his eyes did not brighten. However after Penny helped Robert to his feet, they walked arm-in-arm past everyone toward the washrooms in the hall.

Sally turned to Andrew for his appraisal of the situation. “Ricco will be behind bars for a while.” He said to Harvey.

The group stood in silence, until they heard Penny’s cries for help. “He doesn’t know me!” Penny rushed toward them.

“Call 9ll,” Sally said to Ed, who dialed Robert’s ancient phone.

They all hurried down the hall. Robert lay on the floor of the latrine. “Get me out of here,” he whispered. “Sally, I don’t want to die in a toilet.”

“John, Harvey!” Sally yelled.

John carried his feet and with Harvey on his left and Andrew on his right, they managed to lift Robert and move him to a wide wooden bench in the hall. Judge Wilcox opened the storeroom door to the hall and insisted they move Robert again, onto the bare mattress.

“I’m having a stroke.” Robert smiled lopsidedly at Sally.

“Why didn’t you send Penny out to us sooner,” Sally asked.

“I knew what was happening,” Robert said. “Miss Poi died last night. She had a stroke, too.” He looked at Penny. “She’s in the big box your boots came in.”

“I’ll take care of her,” Penny said.

“Where’s the ambulance?” Sally frantically asked Ed.

“Coming,” Ed said.

“Last night,” Robert said. “I thought I might not be able to walk over to the bookshop from the Grangers.”

Andrew said. “I had no idea you were this ill.”

“Doesn’t believe in doctors,” Harvey said and left the room. Sally could hear him coughing, and then weeping loudly in the hall.

“Hey,” Robert called weakly, “I’m not dead yet.” Then another spasm passed over him. The line of his mouth slackened and Sally wiped a bit of drool away. The twenty-third Psalm whispered through her thoughts. “Better open the windows.” Robert tried to grin.

His bowels let go completely as the ambulance attendants lifted him to the stretcher. “
Never mind, mate,” One of them said. “We’re used to this.”

“I can still see you,” Robert said to Penny. “I love you all.” He raised his left arm. “Tell Mary Jo both my parents died from strokes.”

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

University Hospital,

October Tuesday Morning

The sorry bookshop crew adjourned to the hospital’s emergency waiting room for further news. After three hours, Andrew left with a shaken Judge Wilcox. Harvey and Henry stayed. The group continued to bond with each other over their concern for Robert. Ed finally excused himself to attend to his family.

Henry Schaeffer openly wept. “Are they operating on him?”

“I don’t believe so,” Sally said.

“Robert’s found a way out of this mess,” Harvey said.

“Harvey,” Henry cried. “He can recover.”

“He won’t want to be an invalid,” Harvey said.

Sally agreed, realizing the implication. “He won’t.” John nodded and stroked her arm.

A resident walked toward the group, his surgical mask in hand. “He’s refused to allow us to relieve the pressure. The stroke is well advanced. He’s blind and his right side is paralyzed. The seizures are increasing.”

“Can we see him?” Henry was on his feet.

“He won’t know you. He has slipped into a coma. He only has a few more hours, at the most.”

Penny walked toward them with her new husband and brother, Mark, nearly carrying her. “Robert’s gone.” She collapsed into a chair. Her young face was ashen.