Simon: Son of Evelina

By Ellen L. Gustafson

This Is book two of the Evelina's Caskets trilogy. It is the story of her son, Simon, who has survived her attempts to abort him and becomes a world power. Simon is evil and in control. He will do anything to stay in control.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 12, 2015
• ISBN: 9781312872325

Book preview

Simon: Son of Evelina

Simon:

Son of Evelina

Ellen L. Gustafson

§

Ellen L. Gustafson, LLC

Schriever, Louisiana

Copyright © 2015, Ellen L. Gustafson, LLC

ISBN: 978-1-312-87232-5

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

This story is a work of fiction.  Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business, companies, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my late husband, Michael, for his years of encouragement in my writing efforts.

Chapter 1

The flooding in New Orleans from hurricane Katrina hadn't effected the French Quarter.  It took Evelina three hours to dodge flooded streets, fires, and downed trees to find her way to an old friend's pawnshop on Decatur.

Frankie Dupre was forced to retire from the New Orleans Sheriff's Office twenty years ago when he was shot in the knee.  He and Evelina met in the Ochsner clinic and became close during their recuperations.  Frankie had always said if she ever needed anything to come see him, and as of today, she needed everything.

Katrina's wrath had damaged many of the residences and shops throughout the Quarter.  The buzz of saws and the rap of hammers had replaced the sultry jazz that was normally heard.  The streets were empty of the thousands of tourists that usually mingled with the hometown crowd.

As Evelina drove up, Frankie walked out from his shop carrying an eight-foot shutter he had to repair.

Well, hey there.  I never expected to see you here.  Are you all right?  You look like hell, girl.

Purdy's dead.  His kids kicked me off of the ranch, and I have no place to go, said Evelina.

You want the apartment upstairs?  It's small, but clean.  You can have it for $500 a month.

I don't have any money.

You got anything to trade? asked Frankie.

Evelina held out her hands.  The rings sparkled in the bright sunlight.

Are those real? asked Frankie turning her hands from side to side.

Yes, and worth a small fortune.

I don't have that kind of cash right now.  How 'bout you move in and we'll figure up what they're worth?  I'll give you a few dollars a week, and take the rent off what I owe you.

Sounds good to me, sighed Evelina.

Evelina followed Frankie into his shop.  They pushed their way past boxes of unsellable items to reach the apartment stairs.  Frankie moved several boxes to clear a path to the door.

I just had the floors redone after the last tenant.  He really tore up the place.  If you want to paint it I'll buy what you need.

That would be wonderful, replied Evelina.

Frankie opened the door to an eight hundred square foot loft.  There was a kitchenette at one end, and a bathroom on the other.  The rest of the loft was open and bright.  The sun beat down through two skylights above.

Evelina smiled as she looked around what could be a perfect artist's studio.  After six trips up and down the steps, she and Frankie had all of her belongings upstairs.  Frankie brought in an old mattress that they set on the floor.  A café table and two mismatched chairs completed her decor.

That's the best I can do for you.  You think about what you want for the rings and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Evelina sat on the bed and grabbed her purse from the floor.  She wanted to check her wallet to see just how broke she was.  She hadn't explored the inside zipper pockets for loose change since the storm.  To her amazement, it was filled with one hundred dollar bills.  Evelina spread sixty bills over the bed.  She counted it three times.

Thank you Purdy.  I can live a long time on this.

Evelina emptied her purse.  In another zippered pocket, she found a note from Purdy with a key taped to it.  It read:

I have a bad feeling about this storm.  I don't think I'll survive it.  This key will help get you back on your feet.  The kids don't know about this.  Have some fun in your life.  Your forever love, Purdy.

Evelina cried for the rest of the night.  She held the large teddy bear from the yacht trip and fell asleep under the big dipper that shined through the skylights above.

Evelina woke to the noise of hammering downstairs.  Frankie was hanging his freshly painted green shutters.  He'd have his shop up and running in no time.  Other shops around his were also opening.

Evelina crept downstairs not wanting to see anyone but Frankie.

Good morning.  You had a good cry last night.  I could hear you through the walls.  How are you feeling this morning? asked Frankie.

Better.  It's not easy.  We said our 'I dos’ just before he died.  I can't believe it.  I waited so long to be his wife.  Why did this happen? asked Evelina.

Wasn't meant to be.  Your destiny is somewhere else.  You know everything happens for a reason, said Frankie.

I'm getting a little old to find my destiny.  Where can I find some food for now? she asked.

Two blocks down.  It won't be anything fresh, but it will be filling.

Thanks, can I get you anything?

Some potted meat and crackers would be fine by me.

Evelina walked slowly enjoying the sunshine.  Beau walked with her growling at strangers.

No, Beau, we will have to make new friends.  Be nice.

Everyone was busy cleaning and repairing their shops in order to get them open.  They ignored Evelina and Beau.  Debris still covered the sidewalks.  Evelina paused when she saw a broken artist's easel that she knew she could fix.

Look at this Beau, just what mama needs.

Evelina pushed the other debris aside to find an artist’s box filled with pastels, paints, and brushes.

Someone sure is taking advantage of his insurance.

Evelina gathered several of the discarded art supplies, and headed back to the loft with Beau's assistance.

That was quick, said Frankie, I'm starved.

Sorry, I forgot the food.  I thought I'd pick up some art supplies instead.  Look at the treasures I found.

Evelina laid out the art supplies and showed them to Frankie.

Do you think we can fix this? she asked showing him the easel.

No problem.  It just needs a screw.

Great, I'll pick this stuff up, and head back to the store.

Be careful what you pick up.  You never know when the owner might be a little possessive even though they've thrown something out.

I remember that feeling.  I'll see you later.

Evelina began her trip again.  The two blocks seemed like it was so far away.  Two years under Purdy's roof had spoiled Evelina.

Look out! came a voice from above as glass windowpanes fell to the sidewalk.  They shattered on the way down sending shards of glass raining down onto Evelina's face and uncovered arms.

Oh, God, I'm so sorry, the voice yelled.

Evelina stood stunned and speechless at her misfortune.  Several people from the grocery store came running to Evelina's aid.

Ma'am, be careful, don't touch your face, said a young woman.

An older man came running from a nearby door.

I'm so sorry... we need a first aid kit.

Do you know who she is?  I don't recognize her, said a woman from the grocery store.

My name is Evelina Hester.  I'm staying at Frankie's Pawn Shop.

Bring her inside.  We need to remove the glass.  Sit here, said the older man.

A bright ring of light shined into Evelina's eyes.

Don't move if you can help it.  Your face doesn't look good.  Does it feel like you have glass in your eyes? asked a voice from behind the light now shining in her eyes.

No, but my lip sure stings.

This is going to hurt, said the voice.

Unfamiliar hands removed the glass shards piece by piece from Evelina’s face.  The shards were small so she wouldn't need stitches, but several spots were still bleeding.  Several hands were holding pressure on these spots as directed.

Frankie walked into a room filled with people attending to Evelina.  The neighbors had notified him about Evelina's accident.

Girl, you can't stay out of trouble for even twenty-four hours.  Let me take a look, said Frankie.

I'm sure I've gotten it all from her face.  I'm running out of gauze.

Well, use what you have.  We'll make it pretty later, said Frankie.

Frankie worked on one arm while the hands of the voice worked on the other.  Several neighbors brought gauze and Band-Aids.  An older woman dressed in gypsy fashion, with long red curly hair, brought food, and drink.

It was mid-afternoon before she was free of glass.  The light went out and Evelina saw the man behind the voice.  His hazel eyes looked tired.  He smiled brushing his red curly hair from his face.

We're done, he said.  Just put some antibiotic ointment on those spots once or twice a day and keep them clean.

You sound like a doctor, said Evelina.

No.  I was a medic in Vietnam.

And who do I send my thanks to? asked Evelina.

Thomas Reed.

Well thank you, Thomas.  I hate to bleed and run, but I really would like to lay down.  Where's Beau?

He went with Sandy.  He caught a few fragments too.  She's fixin' him up next door at the Herb Shop.

Do you, by chance, have something for pain?  Tylenol, aspirin, anything? asked Evelina.

No pills, I'm sorry.

I've got something at home to fix her up.  Come on, I'll take you home, said Frankie.

Thanks again, said Evelina.

Evelina and Frankie walked out arm in arm.

You look like a Band-Aid commercial.  You've got every character imaginable on your face and arms, laughed Frankie.

I see Beau is sporting Sponge Bob.  Oh, this stings... I need something for pain.  What do you have? asked Evelina.

Grass, Frankie whispered.

What?

Quiet.  I don't have enough to share.

You're kidding?

Oh, come off it Evelina, it's not like you never smoked a joint before.

Maybe.

I've shared one or two with you myself in the old days.  It will keep you comfortable until we can get something else.  I've got a couple of good bottles of wine we can drink too.

Come on Beau, keep up, encouraged Evelina.

Beau was looking back at Sandy's herb shop.  She had fed him some canned salmon, and he wanted more.

At least I met the neighbors.  Although I don't think I will remember any of their names.

You have time.  Come on.  Lay down.  Rest.  I'll be back in a few.

Evelina laid on her makeshift bed.  Beau laid on across her stomach whimpering as he licked his wounds.

We'll be fine, boy.  Frankie's going to fix us up.

When Frankie returned he found Evelina and Beau asleep, so he enjoyed the joint alone.

Chapter 2

A light rain began to fall around five.  Evelina awoke with a jerk, feeling pain in her upper body.  She wandered into the bathroom to examine her wounds.  She pulled off the Band-Aids to check for potential scarring.  Several gashes didn't look encouraging.

She washed her face around each gash.  No bleeding occurred, so she left them uncovered and went out looking for dinner.  She couldn’t find Frankie anywhere.  Sandy stepped out as Evelina passed her shop.

I know you from somewhere, I just can't place it.  What do you do? asked Sandy.

I do a lot of things, but my main interest is forensics.

Ex-cop, that's it.  You were shot in the shoulder during a bust on Bourbon Street.  I remember now.

Good memory. That was a long time ago.

Don't worry; I won't blow your cover.

I'm not a cop anymore.  I'm not anything at the moment... except a grieving widow.

I'm so sorry.  How long ago? asked Sandy putting her arm around Evelina's shoulders.  Come inside.

Two weeks.  He died trying to save the woman who wanted to stop our wedding and kill me.  She blamed me for killing her daughter.  She destroyed my work... and...

Whoa, slow down, Sweetie, you're going to blow a gasket.Take a deep breathe... now blow it out.  Are you hungry?  I could fix us a bite.

Yes... that would be nice.

Sandy brought back a salad of nearly wilted greens, salmon, and tomatoes.

Enjoy, it's the last of the fresh food I could scrounge from the garden out back.  I've got it replanted from seeds but it will be awhile before I can harvest anything.  Wine?

That's the best offer I've had in weeks.  Would you happen to have a Tylenol... anything for pain? asked Evelina.

I can make anything you need from what Mother Nature has to offer.  Sandy pointed to the shelves of apothecary jars.  I can tell you your future too.  Give me your palm.

Evelina hesitated.  She didn't believe in fortunetellers, but what could it hurt. She gave her left hand to Sandy.

Very interesting.  I see so much chaos in your past.  So many deaths.  You feel great guilt.  But I see happiness on its way... you’re pregnant.

I was, but I got an abortion because I was raped... I never told my husband about it.  The man died on top of me after drugging me at a dinner meeting.  Evelina began to cry uncontrollably.  Her hands shook.

Sandy clasped her hands around Evelina's.

No.  This is a new life growing inside you, said Sandy.

That's impossible.

Did you have sex with your husband since the abortion?

Well, yes, but how... at my age?  And twice?

It happens often at the beginning of menopause.  But you are pregnant.  Do you want to take a test to confirm it?"

I will, later.  Do you see anything else?

A courtroom battle.

What's new?  I'm always in court for something.

This is a battle for family standing, in your husband's family.

His Will leaves everything to his children.  That would include this baby wouldn't it? Evelina mumbled.

I would think so, but I'm sure you'll have to prove it is your husband's baby.

That won't be a problem... if it's true.

I'm a mid-wife if you'd like me to take care of you, Sandy offered.

Thanks, I'll see what the pregnancy test says and get back with you.  This is great.  What is it?  Salmon with Italian breadcrumbs?

Sorry, I'm trying to stretch the protein.

I appreciate you sharing what you have.  I have money if you know where to get supplies.  I also have a van.

I heard Wal-Mart in Houma is getting in a few trucks.  If they will let us get into the Parish, said Sandy.

I still have my old I.D. that Purdy got for me.  It should get us in anywhere we want to go.

Do you want to walk to the corner store and get a pregnancy test?  You might as well find out now, said Sandy grinning.

Evelina wasn't sure if she wanted to know.  What if it was negative? It would be like losing a piece of Purdy all over again.  But, if it were positive, the baby would have the right to one fourth of Purdy's estate, including the ranch.

Let's go, she said jumping up, startling Beau.

The store had three brands of pregnancy tests.  Evelina bought one of each to be sure, and her limit of water and grocery items.  It wasn't much.  Between her and Sandy, they were able to carry them back to Evelina's loft.

I'll put the groceries away.  You take the tests.

Evelina was in the bathroom for a long time.  The first test was negative.  She sat and stared at the results.  I should have known better than to believe in a fortune teller she thought.

How's it going in there? asked Sandy lightly tapping on the door.

I'm not sure.  It's negative.

You're pregnant.  Take the second test.  You'll see.

Evelina couldn't urinate.  She didn't want to see another negative test.  She had to concentrate to put out even a few drops.  The wait burned in her soul.  At her