Cimarron

By Claudia Hall Christian

It’s pay the piper time in Denver Cereal as the trauma and strife of the last few months must be reckoned with. Aden recovers from his life threatening beating to face his jail sentence. Delphie comes to terms with almost dying. Mike paints while Valerie takes on her first action movie role. Sandy holds herself together to create a family with Nash and Noelle only to become ill herself. And Jacob and Jill face their first real relationship test.

Together, they fight their way through the problems to become a family. And just in time! Jacob finds the children’s remains under the Castle and a murder mystery begins to unfold.

Come along for the sweet and crunchy ride that is Denver Cereal. Cimarron is the fourth installment of the Denver Cereal. An Internet sensation, Denver Cereal is a serial fiction grounded in Uptown Denver, Colorado.

Praise for Denver Cereal:
“I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful books.” N.H.
“Keep up the great read.” AC
“I LOVE getting my daily dose of these extraordinary characters!” KZ

Claudia Hall Christian is the author of the romantic serial fiction Denver Cereal set in Denver, Colorado; the mystery based serial fiction The Queen of Cool set in Fort Worth, Texas , and the fast paced Alex the Fey thriller series.

She writes books and keeps bees in Denver, Colorado.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cook Street Publishing
• Release date: Dec 30, 2011
• ISBN: 9780982641781

Claudia Hall Christian

Claudia Hall Christian writes stories about good people caught in difficult situations. Her stories are addictive, heart pounding, and intense. She is the author of the Alex the Fey thriller series, the Queen of Cool, the Seth and Ava Mysteries, Suffer a Witch, Abee Normal Paranormal Investigations, and the longest consecutive serial fiction ever written, Denver Cereal. She lives in Denver where she keeps bees, gardens, hangs out with her Plott Hounds, and husband

Book preview

Chapter Ninety

Gratitude and grief

Saturday morning — 1:20 a.m.

Sandy opened the door to her condo apartment and took a deep breath. She’d always loved the smell of her very own home. Her home smelled safe. That’s how she had felt the first time she’d stepped into the condo — safe and at peace. She sighed. She needed safety and peace this morning.

Tomorrow, her godfather’s daughter would move into the condo for the summer. Seth hadn’t asked. Instead, his daughter Elizabethe — not Lizzie, like she used to be called — had telephoned and begged her for a room in her condo. Now twenty-one years old, Seth’s first daughter from his first marriage wanted to see if she could forge a relationship with her father in the summer before she started college. Sandy had agreed to let her stay for three hundred dollars a month. Of course, Sandy had set the terms when she thought she had access to Aden’s money to help cover their expenses.

She didn’t. Now, she, his children, and the child she was carrying were dependent on what she could earn as a hairdresser. Luckily, she liked to work.

But today was not a day for working. She’d cancelled her client appointments last night at the hospital. Today, she would sleep until two, maybe three.

Sandy checked the guest bedroom where Lizzie, not Elizabethe, would stay. She put fresh sheets on the bed and made sure all of the kids’ stuff was out of the closets and cabinets.

Delphie had been to the condo when Sandy was in the hospital after her father had shot her. Delphie had packed up Sandy’s clothing, cleared out the refrigerator, and got the flat ready for Sandy’s stay at the Castle. She’d even arranged for Rosa and her team to clean the condo top to bottom. Looking around her home, Sandy saw tokens of Delphie’s usual love and care.

Delphie. Beloved Delphie.

Sandy felt too tired, too raw, to continue thinking about the woman. Instead, she checked the refrigerator out of habit. She took a box of Girl Scout cookies from the freezer and sat down on her couch. She was already late to see the kids. They would have to wait another fifteen minutes while Sandy ate a few frozen Tagalogs in peace.

At this moment, Sandy missed her old, carefree life. A year ago, she was single, able to do what whatever she wanted. She hadn’t met Noelle or Nash, the children who now thought of her as their mother. She hadn’t been on even one date with Aden, her baby’s father, currently, a resident of the Colorado Department of Corrections hospital ward. She wasn’t a business owner, and she had plenty of spare money. Last year, she was free.

On a night like tonight, Sandy might have gone clubbing or spent the evening with a handsome man for dinner, drinks, and an uncomplicated romp. She might have had a girls’ night of drinks, makeup, and laughter with Jill, Heather, and Tanesha. Or she just as easily could have spent the entire night trying to perfect the flaky crust of a delicate French pastry.

But this morning, she was pregnant, exhausted, and late to get her boyfriend’s children from her best friend’s mother. Sandy put her sore feet on the table and leaned into the couch’s comforting embrace.

She’d spent the last two nights at a hospital. Two nights before, she’d been at Aden’s bedside; last night, she’d waited for news about Delphie. Tonight, Aden was still in a medically induced coma. He and Pete would be moved to Cañon City hospital ward in the morning.

And Delphie . . .

Sandy’s eyes welled with tears.

Somehow, Delphie had survived the horror of the day before. Dr. John Drayson came to tell them that her surgery had gone well. There was extensive bleeding but somehow there was only minor brain damage. He gave Jacob a lingering look and then shrugged. Dr. Drayson knew there was some funny business going on, but he was too polite, too British, to ask. He went on to explain that the doctors had filled the aneurism with platinum coils which would protect the area from breaking or leaking. Delphie would need follow-up care for the rest of her life, but she was healthy overall and should recover with minimal lingering effects.

Only Delphie’s immediate family, Jacob, Valerie, and Sam, were allowed in the ICU. They were each given five minutes before they were escorted back to the waiting room. There was nothing anyone could do for Delphie now.

Or Aden, for that matter.

Except wait.

And pray.

Jill and Sandy promised each other that they would go to the Cathedral today to light candles for Delphie and Aden. Maybe the Holy Mother would save them. Sandy had never felt all that confident in the Holy Mother’s abilities. Still, she felt better when she asked Mary to help her. Maybe Mary would help Delphie and Aden if Sandy could get Jill to ask.

Sandy sighed again.

She needed to get to the Castle. Noelle and Nash were waiting for her. She was supposed to follow Jill home, but when she’d taken this detour. She needed a moment to herself in her wonderful home.

And some Tagalogs.

Sandy looked inside the box, hoping there were twenty hidden cookies inside. She shook the empty box and set it down.

Mother Mary, Sandy said out loud. Please help the ones I love to recover.

The peaceful silence of her beloved condo echoed back to her. She almost expected Cleo, her black-and-white cat, to jump up onto her lap.

But Cleo and the children were at the Castle, where Sandy should have been. She was grateful for a moment of peace.

Mother Mary, thank you for sparing Delphie and Valerie and Aden and Pete. Thank you for helping me survive to see these busy days.

Sandy felt a little better. She was grateful that Delphie, Valerie, Aden, and Pete had survived. She was grateful she’d survived everything. She just wished she had a few more cookies. Her cell phone rang — with the latest Miley Cyrus ringtone, courtesy of Noelle. Shaking her head at the ringtone, Sandy answered.

Hey, Jill, she said. I wanted to change the sheets before Lizzie comes tomorrow. I know that when I sleep, I’ll sleep all day. She’s supposed to be here in the morning.

Elizabethe, Jill exaggerated the "beeth" and laughed.

Yeah, Sandy said. Her.

Standing from the couch, she gave her condo one last look. She shoved the empty box of cookies into her purse and moved toward the door.

The girls are here, Jill said. Heather brought the lovely Mack. He’s sound asleep. Can you believe it? He didn’t wake up during the ride over. Remember how Katy was when she was this age?

She didn’t sleep more than an hour at a time until she was almost two,. Sandy laughed at her own memory of Katy’s infancy. Didn’t want to miss anything. That’s Katy.

Heather says that, after the evening run, Mack sleeps until 3:00 a.m.

Wow, Sandy said. Maybe I’ll get lucky like that.

What? Jill said to the voices in the background.

We’re wondering if you will make us some . . .

Jill put her hand over the phone. Sandy heard her ask, What do we want? She heard Heather and Tanesha say something. Jill laughed in response.

Mostly, we just want you to come home, Jill said. We’re in the loft. Noelle and Nash are crashed out in the guest bedroom. Cleo’s looking for you.

I’ll be right there, Sandy said.

She closed the door to her home and went down the hall.

~~~~~~~~

Saturday early morning — 3:45 a.m.

Jacob crept across the open loft space. Jill and her friends were asleep in the sitting area near the fireplace. The empty wine bottle and pan of brownies indicated that they’d had a girls’ night. Jill and Sandy were so grim when they left the hospital; Jacob hoped the wine, brownies, and company had helped.

He smiled. Sound asleep, the women were draped around each other, as in some romantic oil painting. Jill was sitting near the end of the couch, with Sandy’s head on her lap. As Jacob approached, Sandy’s eyes opened. When Sandy shifted off Jill’s lap, Jill opened her eyes. She turned to look at Sandy, and Sandy pointed to Jacob.

Jill stood to hug Jacob. Sandy gave them a wave and lay back on the couch.

Come to bed, Jacob whispered in Jill’s ear.

Jill nodded. He took her hand and led her across the loft. He closed their bedroom door.

Bath or bed? he asked.

Bath, she said. How’s Delphie?

He gave her a soft smile. He led her through their bedroom, to their master bathroom where he filled the tub. He gave her the bath salts and went out. When he returned, she was waiting for him in the tub. He plucked off his clothing and stepped in across from her. His knees pressed against the tub and hers rested against his knees. He smiled. For that moment, sitting in the warm, scented water with his love, everything in his world was right. He kissed the palm of her right hand in thanks.

What’s going on? she asked.

Dad and Valerie are staying at the hospital, he said. I’m home to close Lipson for the day. I have about an hour before I have to work.

Jill reached back to get a washcloth.

I’d like to spend the time with you, he said. If that’s alright. I know your friends are here, but . . .

I’d like that.

Jill smiled one of her beautiful smiles. A flush ran all the way through him. She giggled at his reaction.

How . . . I mean, when . . .? he asked.

The healing thing? Jill asked.

Nodding, his eyes tracked the washcloth moving across Jill’s skin.

I’ve been able to do it all my life. Everyone in my family has some healing in them. I’m the strongest — or, at least, stronger than Mama. Mike’s not as strong as Mama, but he was able to keep those soldiers alive when they were hostages.

Mike? He took the washcloth from her. He indicated for her to twirl around. She slid between his legs. That’s just weird. When did Mike get any healing power?

Ever notice how Mike never really gets hurt? Jill asked. He plays hockey hard, but he’s never injured. He even has all his front teeth. How many hockey goalies have all their teeth?

He has those scars on his head and face, Jacob said.

Jill nodded.

Oh, you mean that the injuries must have been very severe for him to have those scars, Jacob said.

Jill nodded.

Why didn’t you tell me? Jacob said. Why didn’t you heal me?

When you were injured? Jill asked. I did. I mean, I did what I could for you. Remember the compression dressing?

The doctors said it saved my life.

It was kind of an accident with you, Honey, and Katy. Today . . . no, yesterday, was the first time I’ve done it intentionally since my Dad died. Not wanting to talk about her father, she rushed on, "It’s some genetic thing. It’s why my grandfather rose so fast in the Russian Mob. He’s supposed to be gifted. Mama thinks I’m stronger than he is, but I’ve never met him. We used to do it as kids. When my Dad went . . . crazy, we’d heal the bruises, broken bones, and other stuff. On Mama, too. Sometimes I think he allowed himself to get so crazy because he knew we could heal it."

And the little prayer? Jacob caressed her with the washcloth.

"Take in this healing with love, for the best use of your soul and body, Jill said. It’s something we said as kids. We did it yesterday — out of habit, mostly."

She tipped her head back, and he kissed her lips.

 You’ve said that your powers are stronger when I’m around, Jill said. It’s probably this thing. Or that’s what Katy said when we were in the Chapel.

Katy, Jacob said. How is Katy?

Asleep but happy. She and Paddie ate all kinds of cookies and cupcakes and chocolate. Mama said they kept everyone entertained by running in circles and giggling. They’re very happy right now.

So am I, Jacob said.

For a brief moment, his heart filled with the joy of Jill. Reality dropped in a moment later. He sighed.

Tell me about Delphie, Jill said. It was awful to come home and not have her here. The downstairs is a wreck. I . . . Tell me about Delphie.

She’s stable, Jacob said. She seems to have turned a corner — or, at least, that’s what John said. There is some brain damage, but they aren’t sure it wasn’t there before. It’s centered around areas of reality-testing. They asked us if Delphie ever thought she saw things like ghosts or spirits. We laughed after they left.

Sounds like good news, Jill said.

I guess so. They’ll keep her a couple of days, but she should be home by Monday or Tuesday, Jacob said. Dad’s a wreck. He’s sure the whole thing is his fault. He says he should have killed Johansen when we saw him in Leadville.

He wouldn’t have survived, Jill said.

Probably, Jacob said. Do you think we’re together because . . .

Delphie told me once that people like us are drawn to each other, Jill said. When I was helping her, I heard her say that she tricked you into creating Katy.

Huh, Jacob said. She probably did.

What does that mean?

She was the connection to the project in California. She had a friend who wanted an ashram or something like that, Jacob said. Totally out of our scope and place. Val and I had to go see it to vote against it. That’s how I got to California.

We should go back, Jill said.

We should, Jacob said.

Standing from the tub, he grabbed a towel from the rack.

Where are you going? she asked.

I only have a half hour more . . . he said. Still damp, he pulled the sheets back on the bed and wagged his eyebrows at her. You promised to heal me.

Laughing, she hopped from the bath to follow him to the bed.

~~~~~~~~

Saturday afternoon — 3:45 p.m.

Are you alright? Mike asked.

They were walking down Eighteenth Street. Delphie was still unconscious. Jacob was sitting with her while Sam went home to shower. Mike had been bugging Valerie to eat for hours. After Jacob promised to call if anything changed, she finally agreed to leave the hospital for food.

I’d rather have dessert, Valerie said. If I have to eat, I’d rather have dessert.

Valerie felt as if the roots of her very existence had been ripped from the ground. Delphie was her anchor; her long roots into the soil allowed Valerie to take risks and live her movie-star life. They turned down Humboldt Street, toward Seventeenth Street.

There’s a dessert place here, Mike said. Next to the restaurant. Oh, crap.

A car screeched to a halt beside them. Four paparazzi photographers jumped from the car. The cameras whirred, and the flashes popped. Mike put his arm around Valerie to protect her.

Where you going, Val?

What’s going on, Val?

How are the babies, Val?

Hey, Mike! Is she wearing your pants? They’re pretty big.

Show us your baby bump, Val!

Why are you in Denver, Val?

The questions flew as fast as the flashes from the cameras. She smiled and waved.

Turning left on Seventeenth, they scooted into the dessert restaurant.

Are they for you? the waitress asked about the photographers.

Valerie nodded.

Do you want them in?

Valerie shook her head.

Easy.

The waitress went to get the owner. The owner informed the photographers that they should leave. As if to accentuate her point, a Denver police cruiser pulled up in front.

Thanks. Mike slipped the waitress a fifty dollar bill.

They took a seat at a square, four-person table near the back. Mike held Valerie’s seat and came around to sit across from her.

Sit next to me, Valerie said. Please.

Mike moved over. She held his hand.

I’m so sorry about the baby, Mike. I wanted to give you babies . . . a boy to play hockey with, and . . . I . . ..

Her large hazel eyes filled with tears. Mike put his arm around her. He kissed her cheek. Retrieving a clean handkerchief from his pocket, he wiped her eyes. She took the handkerchief from him.

Where did you get this? she asked. I made a mess of your other one.

Jake brought me two clean handkerchiefs, Mike said. Just figured I’d need them.

Valerie gave a soft smile for her brother’s lie about his psychic abilities.

I’m sorry about our baby, too, Mike said. Feel caught between gratitude for the miracle that you’re alive, the joy that we still have a baby girl to look forward to meeting, and very real heartbreak over losing our boy, our son.

Feels crazy, Valerie said.

Feels crazy, Mike said.

I called the producers. They are giving me next week off to be with Delphie and get checked and stuff. They want me back but are being nice about it. My agent said they are really happy with my work.

Mike’s big, rough hand cupped her soft cheek. He smiled into her face.

We need to sleep, recover. We’ll see our doctor on Monday, Mike said. I say we celebrate the short life of our son, our daughter on the way, and your precious life.

I need to grieve, Mike, Valerie said. And eat some chocolate.

Mike signaled the waitress.

Please bring us every chocolate dessert you have in the house, he said. And some water. Hot tea for Val. Something herbal. We’re pregnant.

Congratulations, sir, ma’am. I’ll bring that right away.

Valerie smiled.

What?

I love it when you take charge, she said.

~~~~~~~~

Saturday evening — 5:45 p.m.

Sam.

Or at least that’s what he thought he heard. Sam moved from the chair by Delphie’s bed to sit on her hospital bed.

I’m here, he said.

Delphie opened and closed her eyes. Hoping she might wake up, Sam waited for a moment. The doctors thought she’d be awake by now. Every passing minute she remained asleep, her prognosis got worse. He sighed and moved back to his chair. He must have imagined her voice.

Sam? he heard five minutes later.

He moved back to the bed. Delphie’s eyes were open, and she seemed alert.

Where am I? she whispered.

St. Joe’s, he said. Do you remember what happened?

I remember Levi. Delphie shivered and closed her eyes. Awful.

He’s dead, Sam said.

Delphie looked surprised.

I’m sorry. I know how much he meant to you.

Did Jacob kill him? she asked.

Jill, Sam said. Although the coroner said he was riddled with cancer. He probably wouldn’t have survived the week. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you. We still haven’t figured out how the security system failed.

I doubt it did, she said. He would have been able to get around it. Everything failed but the dogs. You can’t trick a dog. They would have kept him away. I should have remembered that. I thought they’d be happier if they went to the groomer’s all together than if they went by individually.

They’re at home, waiting for you, Sam said.

Home. Delphie’s voice echoed with longing. I’d like to be home.

Tomorrow or the next day, Sam said. You’ve been very ill.

I died, she said.

Listen, Sam said. I’ve had a lot of time to think and I’d really like to marry you while we still have time left.

Delphie laughed.

Why is that funny?

Because you’re Celia’s husband. What would Celia think? Delphie asked. Plus, I like the idea of you being my super-hot boyfriend. Gives me a little thrill.

Celia would want us to get married. You’ve told me over and over again that she wants us to be happy.

You are a sweet man, Delphie said. What I can’t figure out is how you can talk to me. Did you gain some psychic skill?

Me? Psychic skill? Not a chance, Sam laughed.

You must have gained some, she laughed.

Why?

Because I’m dead!

Chapter Ninety-one

Wish we didn’t have to

Sunday mid-morning — 11:16 a.m.

Heather!

Blane yelled as he ran into the house. Slamming the door, he ran toward where he could hear her voice.

Heather?

We’re in here, she said.

He jogged toward the den off the kitchen. Heather was sitting on a rocking chair, with Mack on her shoulder.

Hi, she said. How are you?

Missed you guys, Blane said. Can I?

Sure.

Standing, Heather held Mack out to him. Impulsively, Blane hugged them both. Heather laughed. He kissed her cheek and took Mack from her. Mack made a happy sound in recognition of Blane. He kissed Mack’s face and then settled him on his shoulder.

What’s going on? she asked.

I’ve been at the hospital with Sam and . . .. I’m just happy to have you guys. He smiled at her. That’s all.

She hugged him.

Sorry you missed church, Blane said.

Mack and I went with the girls. We just got back, Heather said. He was an angel.

You fed him before you went?

In the car. Like his Mama, he’s happy with a full belly, Heather laughed. Can I get you something?

No, I’m just home for a shower. I have to help Jake today. Does that work for you?

Of course, Heather said.

Jake has a big mess today. The sites were closed yesterday, the Castle’s falling down, and . . . Oh, it doesn’t matter.

Blane kissed Mack’s cheek and held his arm out for Heather. She tucked herself into him.

How’s Delphie? Heather asked.

She still thinks she’s dead, Blane said. If we weren’t so freaked out for her, it would be pretty funny. She comes home tomorrow.

Are you working at the Castle?

Blane nodded. Shifting away, he gave Mack back to her.

I should keep moving. Let’s have dinner tonight, he said. Just us. I’ll make something yummy.

It’s a date, Heather said.

You’re sure you’re alright? You seem a little blue.

There was a note from Enrique when I got back, Heather said.

Oh? What did it say? Blane asked.

He pointed up the stairs to the shower. She followed him up.

I didn’t open it, she said.

Go ahead.

While he got ready to shower, she and Mack went back downstairs to get Enrique’s note. He was in the shower when she returned.

He says that he’s been sober for four days. He moved out of his house, and Calvin is moving out at the end of the month. He starts with a therapist tomorrow.

Anything else? Blane asked.

He loves you, she said.

Why would a note from Enrique make you blue?

Oh, Heather said. What am I going to do when you and Enrique get back together?

You’re my wife, Blane said. He’s my past. I don’t get the conflict.

You wouldn’t, Heather said. She was halfway down the stairs when he caught up with her.

Hey! Don’t do that, he said. Please. We don’t do this. We’re honest, say what’s on our minds. We don’t play these games.

She nodded. Naked and dripping water, he took her hand and led her back to the bathroom. He pointed to the toilet, and she sat down. She settled Mack in her arms while he finished showering. She gave him a towel when he stepped out of the shower.

What’s going on? Blane asked.

I’m feeling sorry for myself, Heather said.

The doctor said we should watch for post-partum depression, because you’ve been depressed before. Is this the same?

I just . . .

Blane wrapped the towel around his trim waist. Heather fussed with Mack to keep from having to admit her sadness.

Delphie told me today that you and I are soul mates, Blane said.

Heather’s head jerked up.

It sounds crazy, he said. I guess, some types of soul mates aren’t lovers or romantically involved or whatever we’re doing. She said your soul and my soul are linked. We’re supposed to be together, to make a family together. That’s why it took only one conversation on a plane, and we’ve been happy ever since. You’re happy, right?

Very happy, Heather said. That’s the problem. I’m terrified it will go away. You’ll get together with Enrique, and I’ll . . .

I’m not going anywhere. Do you want to go anywhere?

Heather shook her head.

I’ve never been this happy, Blane said. "I’ve been at that hospital all weekend. Before you and Mack came along, I was completely alone. Even with Sam and Val and Jake and everyone else, you make my family. If I get involved with someone else, he’ll just have to deal with that. You and I are soul mates. Does that feel true?"

Delphie told me we were meant to be together on the plane, Heather said. She just seemed so odd that I . . .

She’s so much odder now that she’s convinced that she’s dead. She won’t speak directly to anyone but Sam and Jake. She makes commentary to the rest of us. ‘Oh Jake, you know Blane and Heather are soul mates.’ It’s pretty odd.

Heather nodded.

Are you depressed?

I don’t think so, Heather said. I’m tired.

It’s a lot — a newborn and all this drama. Do we have Molly’s kids again today?

No, Pete and Aden are moving to Cañon City this afternoon. Molly is home with them.

I can stay home today . . .

No, go. Jake wouldn’t ask for help if he didn’t really need it, Heather said. They’ve been really amazing since Mack was born.

Why don’t I make some brownies before I go?

On the diet again, Heather shook her head. I still have twenty pounds to lose.

Tell you what, he said. Tomorrow, we’ll work out together. Running, lifting, only healthy food. But today, I’ll make you . . .

Chocolate cake?

Coming right up, he said. Can you take it easy today? Watch movies and hang out with Mack?

He’s not too much work, she nodded.

Should I call the girls?

No, you’re right. I just need a break.

He nodded. Sitting on their bed, she followed him into their bedroom and watched him get dressed.

Do you want to move back into your bedroom? she asked. You’re not sick anymore, and Mack . . .

No, Blane said. I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my entire life. Do you want your own bedroom?

She shook her head.

Let it rest, Heather, he said. Everything is fine. Come on, let’s make a cake.

He picked up Mack’s bassinette and carried it to the kitchen. They settled him on the counter and laughed their way through making a cake. Blane frosted one layer of cake in the pan. He gave her the frosted warm cake.

I never did this for Enrique, he said. "I would let him have a completed project. No samples. You get anything you ask for. Ask me and it’s yours."

Do you love me?

I do, he said.

Oh, really? she blushed.

Yes, he said. Do you love me?

Yes, a lot, she said. Her eyes welled with tears.

And sex?

Not since we tried it that time, she said, giving him a watery smile. Too weird.

Weird is a word for it, he laughed.

But . . .

No buts. Let’s just enjoy it.

No buts. She nodded.

He held her tight, kissed her cheek, squeezed her hand, and then went out the door. Heather smiled.

Everything was fine. She was loved. She was happy. He was happy. She’d just have to get used to it.

~~~~~~~~

Sunday afternoon — 1:35 p.m.

Jill looked across the kitchen table at Sandy and Honey. Valerie sat down next to her at the table.

I asked you guys . . .

There was a crash from the living room where Jake, Blane and a crew of men were working to clear the wreckage from the incident with Levi Johansen. The women looked toward the kitchen door. They were filling a second roll-off dumpster with debris and furniture.

Honey, MJ, and Sam had moved out of their wing of the Castle. With the Chapel destroyed, a portion of the Castle was no longer structurally stable. Sam had moved into an apartment on the second floor, while MJ and Honey had moved into an apartment in the basement. Jacob had installed a stair lift so that Honey could get to the gym. She would be able to get up and down the stairs to the basement when MJ wasn’t home.

Valerie got up to switch off the screaming teakettle.

Tea? Valerie asked.

The women shook their heads. Valerie made herself some peppermint tea and sat back down.

Why did you want to talk to us, Jill? Valerie asked.

Delphie usually cooks all our meals, Jill started.

She puts groceries in our refrigerator, Sandy said.

Ours, too, Honey said. I haven’t been to the grocery store since we moved in here. Delphie has always taken care of all of that.

Right, Jill said. I think we need to assume she won’t do that for a while.

What do the doctors say? Sandy asked.

Her brain damage, plus her psychic predisposition, has precipitated a mental state . . . Valerie stopped. Her eyes welled with tears. She thinks she’s dead. They don’t know if she’ll get better. There isn’t a med or a therapy or . . .

Overwhelmed with sadness, Valerie stopped talking. A fat tear slid down her beautiful face. Jill put her hand on Valerie’s shoulder. Valerie wiped her face.

We need to start taking care of some of the things around here, Jill said. Like the dogs, the housecleaning, the cooking, the shopping, and, eventually, the gardens. Did Mike turn the beds yesterday?

He’s doing it now. He’s worried about me and Delphie . . . He’s nervous about tonight’s art opening. Valerie wiped her eyes. We need to find someone to take care of the bees.

Is Nash still taking martial arts? Honey asked Sandy.

I was just thinking I could ask Colin about the bees, Sandy said. Good idea, Honey.

What should we do about dinner? Do we still want to eat together?

I really like it, Honey said. She blushed at her own exuberance. Valerie squeezed Honey’s hand. It’s the best part of my day, especially since I’ve been doing this trial or when MJ’s gone.

I like it, too, Jill said. Sandy?

Absolutely, Sandy said. It’s nice not to have dinner to worry about. Honestly, I don’t know if I can afford groceries for us. We still don’t have Aden’s money and probably won’t.

I can cover it, Jill and Valerie said at the same time. They smiled at each other.

We’ll get it covered, Valerie said. You need groceries for . . .

Breakfast, lunch, baking, and dinners for nights Nash has soccer or Noelle has art class, Sandy said. With the kids, it’s probably a thousand, fifteen hundred a month, maybe more. These kids aren’t used to American cheese and hot dogs.

Okay, so someone needs to do the household shopping or organize a list if we want it delivered, Valerie said.

I don’t think the delivered stuff is as good, Honey said.

It’s expensive, and you don’t get to pick your own vegetables, Jill said.

I’ll shop, Honey said. I think it would be fun.

The women gawked at her. Sandy shifted uncomfortably.

What? Honey asked.

Can you shop? Valerie asked.

Of course, I can shop! Honey said. At least I think I can. Just because I’m in this wheelchair and have limited use of my hands doesn’t mean I can’t do it.

How about this? Sandy asked. Honey organizes the shopping, and Jill or I will go with her to help.

I can go, Valerie said.

You and a billion photographers, Jill said.

I can still go, Valerie said. The photographers can’t go into the store.

Okay. One of us will go with Honey to help, Sandy said. Does that work?

I wonder if we could get Blane to cook dinner for us, Valerie said. He’s an amazing chef.

Jill and Sandy gave Valerie a puzzled look.

He went to Chefs school. He used to be a sous chef at the Capital. He’s really amazing. Have you had his chocolate cake?

To. Die. For, Jill said. Sandy nodded.

He’d probably do it, Valerie said. But with Mack and everything, it’s kind of a lot to ask.

I can cook, Jill said.

The women looked at her with doubt.

Really, Jill said. I used to cook all our meals when I was a kid. That was my household job. I’m not a chef, but I can cook. Between school and working for Jake, I have time to do it.

I’ll make bread and pastries, Sandy said. That would be fun for me.

I’ll work out a menu for the week, Honey said. I’ll coordinate everyone’s contributions into a schedule and do the shopping.

Wow — that’s a lot, Honey. Are you sure? Valerie asked.

I want to do it, Honey said. MJ and I . . . We really like living here. It’s the least I can do.

What will I do? Valerie asked.

You’re going back to Prague, right? Jill asked.

Next Sunday. But I’ll be home in four weeks. Then I’m here until we have the baby. Valerie’s face clouded again. "If we have the baby."

Jill hugged Valerie. Sighing, Valerie pushed her sadness away.

When I get back, I can help run the household. If Delphie’s not better, we’ll need to plant the gardens, mow the lawn, take care of the maintenance, and . . .

Delphie does a lot for us, Sandy said.

The women nodded.

We need to do this for her, Jill said.

We can do this, Honey said. I’ll get everything organized. Maybe I’ll ask Blane if he could cook Sunday dinner.

That’s a great idea, Sandy said. We can have everyone here for Sunday dinner. I’d like that.

The