Jessie's Hope: Lighting the Way out of Hopelessness

By Terri M. Sanders

After her husband's untimely death, Paulina Conti raised her two sons, Carl and Darryl Conti, to be resourceful and resilient. Paulina, had always been a source of strength for them both. She is a a woman of integrity and character. The Conti's are a close Sicilian family living quietly in a small Texas town, but their quiet lives simultaneously begin to change when two young girls are found murdered. Fear spreads through their community, as each of Paulina's sons quietly battles his own demons. Everything comes to a pinnacle when yet another young girl is abducted.

This is the story of how one woman turned a dark negative into a bright, hopeful positive and changed many lives in their small town for the better.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 21, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796066739

Terri M. Sanders

Terri Sanders was born and raised in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. After a 26 year career as a police dispatcher, Terri is quietly retired. She continues to reside in Texas along with her husband and two cats, and continues to write fiction that inspires her. This is her second novel. 'Joe and the Agenda' was released April, 24, 2019.

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Copyright © 2019 by Terri M. Sanders.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 11/12/2019

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CONTENTS

1 Paulina

2 Darryl

3 Lynn

4 Marie

5 Joy

6 Carl

7 Marie Visits

8 Paulina Gets a Phone Call

9 Sad Sam

10 Darryl Goes Rogue

11 Carl’s Nap

12 Joe

13 Sad Sam and Terri

14 Cause to Worry

15 Darryl Feels Lonely

16 Joy’s Concern

17 Joe’s Decision

18 Lucky Carl

19 Marie Gets a Clue

20 Joe Comes Home

21 Darryl Digs In

22 Carl’s Plan

23 Lynn has a Date!

24 Paulina is Provoked

25 Lynn’s Secret is Safe!

26 Thelma Calls

27 Joy Gets Some Practice

28 Scotty Finally Calls

29 Lynn’s Date

30 Thelma’s Decision

31 Darryl is Betrayed

32 Terri Makes a New Friend

33 Breakfast at Carol’s Coffee Shop

34 Thelma Gets Spooked

35 Thelma’s Phone Call

36 Dan’s Dilema

37 Carl’s Statement

38 Notification

39 The Letter

40 Thelma Receives a Visit

41 Paulina’s Wish

42 Marie and Sam

43 Lynn’s Ordeal

44 The Offer

45 Sam and Marie Make Plans

46 A Heartwrenching Loss

47 Joe is in Panic Mode!

48 The Protest

49 Paulina and Marie Catch Up

50 Joe And Carla Start To Heal

51 Lynn is Downtrodden

52 Marie’s Wine

53 The Life-Changing Dinner

54 Jessie’s Hope

55 The Copycat

56 A Wedding

57 A Matter Of Money

58 A Party in Heaven

59 The Portrait

60 The Angry Visitor

61 The Memorable Wedding

62 The Future of Jessie’s Hope

To my sweet mother, Bobbie Gene,

Who has provided the finest example of kindness and integrity to emulate, and to the memory of my father, Philippe Luige who instilled in me a love for family!

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thanks first and foremost to Jesus Christ, for all the blessings that I have enjoyed throughout my life!

Thanks to Bobbie Gene for your helpful suggestions.

Furry little Sam’s character was created with you in mind!

Thanks, and hugs to Melissa Lynn, Missy for never giving up, and never giving in to depression! You are a true

blessing, and an inspiration!

Thanks to Cleo for providing additional history and

background on the ancestry we share.

Thanks to Jacob for all the assistance with editing this

work.

Thanks to Pasquale Giuseppe for all the laughter!

1

Paulina

P AULINA CHECKED HER apple wall clock in the kitchen and saw that it was 4:47 AM. It was Wednesday, November 18 th , 4 days before her family were planning to be there for Thanksgiving dinner. She tossed her keys on top of the pile of clothes and headed to the Laundromat. ‘The Sunset Garden’ apartment manager had sent out a notices that there would be additional washers and dryers added to the facilities in the spring of 1988, but that didn’t help her much now. She was hoping to get an empty machine and get this behind her. She had much to do in preparation for Saturday’s dinner.

The neighbor’s orange tabby cat, Sam, was sitting on the sidewalk between the laundry mat and her apartment, as Paulina stepped out into the brisk night air. Sam greeted Paulina with an urgent Meowww! Paulina made a mental note to add cat treats to her shopping list, as Sam half ran and half limped past her. She noticed in the dimly lit walkway at the edge of the parking lot that Sam had what looked like blood or possibly oil on the back of his front left leg, that he seemed to be favoring. He continued on with purpose, through the door and past the Coke machine at the entrance of the Laundromat. He was just out of sight when he let out another low throaty Meowwwrrr!!! It reminded Paulina of the hopeless helpless wail of a young calf being branded. She tensed and she anticipated finding Sam laying hurt on the cool tile, as she stepped into the Laundromat.

She was not at all prepared for the scene that unfolded in front of her. The first thing she saw was a small pink untied tennis shoe, perpendicular to the floor. Paulina stepped in a few steps further to see a small nude leg beyond the pink shoe. Slowly, Paulina moved forward to find that just past the Coke machine, in the 4-5 foot area between the long folding table and the row of washing machines and dryers, was the lifeless body of a little girl. She was lying crumpled on the floor, naked from the waist down.

Although the bruises around her small neck were indicative of the method used to snuff out her young life, Paulina noticed that her hands were tied or wired together, lying in the middle of her chest, somewhat folded together as if she were pleading or perhaps praying. It looked odd, posed perhaps.

There was blood smeared across the upper part of her left thigh and blood had pooled on the floor beside her that had run down her side from around her wrists. Some of the blood was smeared across the dirty drab green tile floor. Another pink tennis shoe was lying on the floor about two feet away from the little girl, and beyond the shoe was a pink garment lying crumpled in the corner. Paulina half dropped the basket to the floor and stood there for a few seconds, shocked, and saddened by what she saw. She moved a little closer to see the little girl staring wide-eyed at the ceiling. Paulina recognized the child now. She was the owner of the now sad cat known as Sam. She lived in an upstairs apartment around the corner from the Laundromat.

Paulina had always heard that the increasing number of murders reported by the newspapers and the channel 15 newscast every day tended to numb the senses, and desensitized people to how unbelievably cruel and evil murder really is, especially the crimes against children. Now, looking at the body of this innocent little girl that most days, could be found playing in the courtyard outside Paulina’s window, Paulina was so overwhelmed.

She felt like she had walked onto the set of a horror movie. It was all so surreal. One thing Paulina didn’t feel, though, was numb. She felt sick and sad and angry. The little girl’s cat, Sam, now stood beside her and meowed again and settled down beside the little girl, watching her as if he could will her to wake up with his stare. The cat’s frantic whine snapped Paulina out of her shocked daze and she realized she had started to cry. Sam moved closer to the little girl, and in doing so, ended up lying partly in the pool of blood beside the little girl.

Paulina now knew that the substance on Sam’s leg was blood, and not his own, and that he was most likely the cause of the blood being smeared across the floor. The realization made her ill. She let go of the basket and made it several steps outside the Laundromat before she lost her early breakfast of toast and hot tea in the grass.

She stood up for a few seconds wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and glanced around the parking lot. Nothing. No one stirring. She returned to the Laundromat just long enough to retrieve her keys, and the basket of laundry. She took one last look at Sam. He was quiet now, and was resting his chin on the little girl’s elbow, as he waited for her to wake up. Paulina noticed the little girl’s kitty cat barrette lying close to the folding table. It was broken. Paulina considered that maybe the killer stepped on it as he was fleeing.

Paulina didn’t even remember darting to her apartment to call the police. She was thinking of the little girl’s happy, carefree, easy smile. She was often in the courtyard drawing and coloring as she sang to herself, or maybe it was that crazy cat she was singing to. Hi Paulita! she would say. She always called her Paulita, and Paulina never bothered to correct her. You want to see my new picture? Paulina took the time to compliment the girl’s handiwork. She had a sense that the child was lonely. There weren’t many children in the complex her age to play with. The police dispatcher interrupted her thoughts, abruptly.

Are you sure the child is not breathing? she asked.

I don’t believe so. Paulina replied. She was shaking, as she thought of the haunting stare of the little girl’s eyes. Her long blonde hair, normally in pigtails, lay partly covering her face in a tangled mess. There was something in her mouth.

You don’t ‘believe’ so? the dispatcher was asking.

Paulina looked out again into the parking lot. A car pulling out of the apartment complex, billowed exhaust in the freezing night air like slow rising cigarette smoke in dimly lit bar. She realized her own breath was a bit frosty as well, even though she was back inside her apartment, and then she saw she had left the door open. Once she closed it, she walked over to adjust the thermostat for a bit more warmth.

Are you still there Ms. Conti? The dispatcher asked.

Paulina felt helpless and so angry suddenly as she realized that little girl would never breathe again, frosty or otherwise.

Ma’am, I am quite certain that child is no longer breathing. If she were breathing, I would certainly have said so! Paulina snapped in frustration. She immediately regretted snapping at the dispatcher. She realized the woman was only trying to gather correct information for the responding officers.

Paulina was angry. And she felt overwhelmed with an all encompassing sadness. It came up over her like a dark, broad, swirling cloud in a spring storm. On some level, Paulina realized that dark cloud of sadness that hovered over her would produce rain in the form of tears when she got past the shock, and she didn’t think she would get past this phone call before, the downpour came.

She thought of the times that she would move one of her dining room chairs outside and sit, along with Sam the cat, and listen to the little girl’s make believe stories during their tea parties, while they shared crackers and cheese or cookies, whichever, Paulina had on hand.

The anger and sadness was made worse by the fact that this poor the little girl reminded Paulina of her own great-granddaughter, Terri.

Terri just turned 5 years old. Paulina liked to brush Terri’s hair and put them in pig tails. Then she would braid Terri’s pigtails as she listened to Terri talk excitedly about her adventures at day care. How could anyone answer such sweet innocence like that with such evil brutality? Only a demon or Satan himself could drive someone to do such a thing.

What did you say? Paulina asked.

Did you see anyone around? the 9-1-1 dispatcher asked.

It occurred to Paulina that it was truly one of the few instances when there was really nobody around at all.

No, there was no one around. She remembered hearing a few car engines as a couple of motorists headed towards the exit, which wasn’t exactly unexpected. Paulina figured on a few early commuters headed to their daily jobs, but most of her neighbors were still fast asleep around this time…in fact, she counted on it. She hated waiting for an available washing machine or dryer, and made a point to do her wash early.

Is there anything else you can tell me? The dispatcher was hoping for any additional details that she could relay to the responding officers about the crime scene.

Paulina thought a moment before replying.

I remember seeing the little girls pants thrown in the corner and the kitty cat hair barrette laying on the floor a few feet away from her feet. It was broken.

There was a rag or sock or something wadded up and stuffed in her mouth.

There was blood. Her cat had been lying in it. I didn’t recognize her at first because her hair was in a messed up state and partly covering her face. Her hands were tied. She had been pleading, or perhaps praying, I think. Paulina continued.

You said you do not know the child’s name? the dispatcher asked again.

Paulina felt stupid. She was horrible at remembering names, but this child had lived around the corner for over a year and a half now. She was frustrated with herself that she did not remember her name.

I’m sorry, I think her name may be Minnie but I’m really not certain. Paulina tried to remember if she had ever even spoken to the little girl’s young mother other than a polite Hello and wondered what young Minnie, if that was her name, was doing alone in the Laundromat at that time of night.

Thank you for that information Ms. Conti. The officers will be there momentarily. If you remember anything else at all, please call us at any time. The dispatcher concluded the conversation and disconnected.

Paulina hung up the phone, leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes, and wondered what that little girl would be doing out this time of morning, in this weather. It would sprinkle now and then and freeze on the windshields of the cars parked outside, but nothing like the ice storm warnings broadcast on yesterday’s noon news. It was rather typical winter weather for Windbluff Texas, but still, it was too cold for her to be out at this hour, dressed as she was. She thought back to when she first met the girl. She was carrying in her groceries. The little girl stopped her and introduced herself to Paulina and introduced Sam, the orange tabby cat, to her as well. She was so excited to show off the wagon she had received for her 4th birthday. Paulina remembered how calm the cat seemed to be, and totally content to sit in the new wagon with a doll dress on. Paulina remembered taking a moment to open the bag of Vanilla Wafers she purchased to give one to the girl and, yes, one to Sam as well.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. The officer had arrived. It seemed like an hour or more since she dialed 9-1-1, however, her clock said otherwise. It was 5:23.

Later, that morning, the newsman on channel 17 said the little girl’s name was Mickie Lynn Pierce. Paulina was now convinced she was getting too old, because she remembered the cat’s name but could not recall that little girls name for love or money! That had been four days ago. Today, she was with her family!

Paulina’s train of thought was thankfully interrupted, and she was snapped back to the present by the loud tinny voice of Thelma Cline.

Thelma was her youngest son, Daryl’s latest girlfriend. Darryl, 43, has had several girlfriends since his divorce 5 years ago. None of the relationships have lasted as long as this one, and none of his girlfriends have annoyed Paulina like Thelma Louise Cline did, but today, Paulina welcomed the distraction.

Well, what is it? Thelma asked, as Darryl held up the black teflon-silk, smooth looking piece of material. It was tube-shaped and rounded at one end, yet open on the opposite end. Darryl’s eyes were shining, but he somehow kept from laughing.

It’s a pisello holder! Darryl kept a straight face, although his older brother Carl just couldn’t resist a laugh.

Darryl had seen it laying on the floor as he sat down on the couch and now held it up for everyone in the room to see, as if he just discovered a piece of gold.

Well, where do ya get ‘em at? Thelma asked, in that too slow, two-horse town accent.

Paulina’s parents migrated to this country in 1918 from Palermo, Sicily, almost two years before Paulina was born. They had their expected problems with language barriers, and so many times when her mother didn’t understand what was being said, the familiar expression could be read on the faces of the intolerant…the expression that read You are so ignorant! Paulina hated that look, and tried so very hard not to show how she felt, but this newest girlfriend of Darryl’s was a real ditz.

Thelma was a pretty girl, in a girl next door kind of way, with shoulder length brown hair and expressive blue eyes, a little on the short side at 5’. She was raised just outside of Arken Springs, Texas. Paulina had never been there, but she didn’t think it was quite the small hick hayseed town that Thelma made it out to be.

You can buy them at any department store. Darryl replied, still maintaining a straight face.

Carl, Paulina’s oldest son, struggled hard not to laugh out loud.

Well what are they used for? And in what department are they kept in the store? I’ve never seen ‘em before! Thelma asked.

To Paulina, Thelma’s voice was like fingernails scraping a chalkboard. She wondered where Darryl could find such a naïve woman.

They keep the pisello warm! They keep them by the men’s socks. Men use them when they go out on hunting trips and such. Darryl’s eyes started to shine a bit brighter and it was obvious he would not be able to maintain a straight face much longer.

Carl’s wife, Joy, returned Paulina’s glance and rolled her eyes. Paulina just had to smile.

Thelma pushed on.

So, if I go up to an employee in a department store and ask ‘em where the pisello holders are, they’ll know what I’m talkin’ ‘bout, right? she asked.

Thelma suspected she was being lied to, but she had not ever gone shopping for a Willy Warmer before.

Well, yeah, once you explain to them what a pisello is.

Carl’s daughter, Lynn, was laughing so hard now, but paused to take a closer look at this mystery piece of material. Wait a minute! That’s mine! she said.

Everyone in the room looked at her and no one said a word. Paulina was amazed that for once everyone was speechless. Lynn, had not dated much at all since she divorced her husband just after their daughter Terri was born, so needless to say, everyone was waiting for this explanation of why Lynn would be in possession of a ‘Willy Warmer.’

That’s the cover that goes over my umbrella! Lynn held up her folding umbrella, took the mystery piece of material from Darryl’s hand and slid the cover over the umbrella to show them.

See? Lynn demonstrated.

I knew you were lyin’! Thelma shrieked, as she playfully punched Darryl in the shoulder. He suddenly bellowed in laughter, no longer able to keep it bottled up.

To Paulina’s way of thinking, Thelma was a real piece of work. It was one thing to be ignorant, and another thing to be loud about it. Paulina could already feel a headache coming on but she managed a smile and tolerated it as they all did because it was obvious that Thelma made Darryl happy.

Darryl had an infectious laugh that caused everyone else in the room to at least break out in a wide grin, including Paulina.

Paulina needed this break…this time with her family. She had cooked for hours, preparing the spaghetti and meatballs made with Italian sausage, eggplant Rollatini, and chocolate cheesecake pie, which was Marie’s favorite. Paulina had been looking forward to seeing Marie tonight. She loved seeing Marie and Lynn laughing together and telling old stories. Joy said Marie had to work and Paulina was really disappointed but proud at the same time that her granddaughters are not afraid to work.

Marie worked the switchboard at the local hospital and often worked odd hours.

Paulina hoped the ice storm moving in would stall long enough so that her family didn’t have to drive on iced over roads. The weatherman predicted up to an inch of ice was possible and then perhaps some snow.

Paulina was thinking she would send some extra cheesecake home with Joy for Marie. Joy lived close to the hospital and Marie stopped in on her often. Paulina felt certain she would stop by there if the roads were iced at all.

Paulina was pleased that the meal was a success. Joy helped complete the meal by bringing a big salad, and fresh bread from the bakery on Copper Street that specialized in making beautiful wedding cakes.

It was all so very worth it! She had her family there for hours talking, laughing, and enjoying the food she prepared. Nothing could ever be better! Paulina thought to herself.

Joy got up to help Paulina clear the table and wash dishes.

It’s good to see you laughing, Paulina. Carl and I have been worried about you over here. Are you sure you won’t come stay with us for a while? It will be nice to have the company while Carl’s at work, and the spare bedroom is always ready for you. Joy reiterated.

Nah, I’ll be fine Paulina assured her.

Well, I know your independence is important to you but there’s a predator out there, maybe somewhere close by.

Joy, nobody cares about an old woman! I think I’m quite out of his targeted age group, don’t you?

You don’t know that, Paulina. If rape is this guy’s motive, my understanding is that rape is all about control and the idea of having power over someone else. That would be so traumatic for any female, but I can’t imagine the trauma it would bring to such a young girl. In a way I am hopeful that he knocked her unconscious before he performed any kind of sexual act.

I think that maybe that little girl was begging him to stop. Paulina said thoughtfully.

Oh my God! What makes you say that, Paulina?

It was the way her hands were sort of tied together as if she were praying.

Thelma could be heard in the dining room laughing too loudly at something Darryl had said. Paulina was so glad that Thelma was not involved in this conversation that she and Joy were having, as she rinsed the last pan, set it in the dish drainer and turned to face Joy with a tired sigh.

Paulina, I don’t like knowing this happened so close to your apartment. You never know. It could have been the work of a serial killer!

Well, he’s had plenty of opportunity. I’ve been doing my laundry there for almost two years now. Sometimes early in the morning, and sometimes late at night.

Joy looked at Paulina thoughtfully as she put the last two containers of leftovers in the refrigerator.

Paulina, how do you suppose an opportunity like that could have presented itself in the first place? It would seem to me that there would always be someone doing laundry at that Laundromat.

Well, it was closed for over a week. I think there was a water leak under ground, and once that was fixed, they put in new washers and dryers. It had reopened just a few days before that poor little girl was killed. I had to do my laundry at the Laundromat by the office the week it was closed. Still, it was fixed rather quickly for a government apartment complex. Paulina explained.

So that was why there were portable barricades around that building last week. Joy replied with a look of sudden realization.

Yep. That little girl lived in the upstairs apartment around the corner. I’ve never seen anyone else with her except her mother. Pretty lady, maybe in her mid-thirties, long blonde hair, glasses. Remember her? They were both looking for that orange tabby cat a few weeks ago. You told her you saw an orange cat by the trash dumpster as you pulled up and parked your car, when you were here last week with Marie.

Oh yeah…I remember that! Joy replied.

Oh my God! That was the little girl that was killed? Oh no! She seemed such a sweet, happy child! Joy said, as she dried the last pan. I can’t imagine what that poor mother is going through.

Paulina didn’t reply for a moment and when she did speak, her voice was shaking.

I wish I had not heard the tortured sound of that little girl’s mother screaming like her heart was being ripped out of her chest when she found out her little girl had been killed. Paulina paused, remembering that moment and had to take a few seconds to calm herself to keep from crying.

"Joy, I was standing outside the Laundromat telling the homicide detective that I was certain it could not have been past 5:00 AM. when I found that child laying there. It was closer to 4:45 AM. The detective was writing something down in his notepad, when we both heard that little girl’s mother scream. It was a hopeless scream of anguish I will never forget.

It startled me, Joy!

I thought at first that someone was being stabbed or something, and it was reflex I guess but I jumped a little. The detective explained that an officer had just made notification to the mother that her daughter had been found. The officer, himself, had started to tear up and he told me that he had a daughter a year younger than the victim.

It never gets easier, but it is especially hard when a child is involved he said.

Joy was quiet for a moment. She could not imagine the pain of that kind of loss. That poor woman! she finally said as she stared out the window at the Laundromat building.

Even though both Paulina and Joy were looking out through the kitchen window, neither of them immediately noticed it had started to rain. They were each preoccupied with concern for the grieving child’s mother, and horrified at the thought of what Mickie Pierce must have endured.

Carl was yelling at Joy to hurry up. He wanted to get home before the roads started icing over.

Lynn was already putting on Terri’s coat, and Darryl and Thelma were at the door, about to leave.

Darryl gave Paulina a hug and smiled at the plate of leftovers she fixed for him to take home.

Call me when you get home, so I know you made it okay! Paulina shouted, as he and Thelma ran ahead to his car.

She knew he would probably forget to call as usual.

Darryl nodded back at her. Bye Mama!

Thank you, Paulina! I still don’t see how you manage to prepare these big meals by yourself. It was all so delicious! You must have cooked all night! Joy exclaimed.

Not quite! …and anyway, I was happy to do it. It helps to get my mind off of other things Paulina replied as she handed Joy a take home plate of leftovers. Joy squeezed Paulina’s shoulder with her spare hand, and asked her to call if she felt like talking any time. Paulina promised that she would and watched Joy and Carl dash to the car, as she was covering a platter of leftovers for Lynn to take home.

If you talk to Marie, ask her to call her Memaw later when she gets home, I worry about her coming and going by herself late at night! Paulina said.

Okay…Bye, Memaw! Lynn said as she hugged her and kissed her cheek.

Bye, Memaw! Terri was opening and closing her little hand in an effort to wave, with her thick mittens on. Paulina realized she had not yet braided Terri’s pigtails, and she made a promise to her as she kissed her goodbye I’ll do your hair up real pretty when you come back …with some bows, okay?

Paulina hugged them both. She wished they could have stayed all night and at the same time she wished they had left a little sooner because the rain was really coming down now. She was a worrier by nature and hoped they would all get home okay. Lynn didn’t run, as she was carrying Terri, but she walked as quickly as she could to her car, with one arm around Terri and holding her umbrella with her other hand. She was parked right by the front porch so she was able to get Terri seat belted in and then step to the porch to get her pan of leftovers she had set on the seat of a lawn chair.

You didn’t think I was going to leave this, did you, Memaw? She was laughing as she hugged Paulina.

This is a welcome treat! Not only do I not have to cook for the next few meals but I have leftovers from the best cook in town! Paulina hugged her back and then pulled away and spoke now in a lower more serious tone in her voice.

Get home before the streets get worse and take care of yourself and my great granddaughter, Lynn! Lynn knew what was on her mind and assured her they would be okay.

I’ll call you when we get home, I promise! Paulina knew she would most likely call.

She waved to Terri until they almost reached the end of the driveway and watched them drive away until their car’s tail lights were out of sight.

Back inside, Paulina locked the door and closed the blinds and noticed that the umbrella holder, aka; pisello holder was left laying on the table, and she smiled to herself.

She settled into her favorite chair with a blanket and reached for the remote control.

There was bound to be something tolerable to watch on television.

The sleet was beating a steady drum against the windows now.

Paulina stopped channel surfing long enough to watch a commercial about a new cereal. A little girl was taking bite after bite while explaining to her doll, who was sitting across from her, how good it was with strawberries.

She thought of Mickie and Sam again, and quickly changed the channel, deciding on the game show channel. She wasn’t really paying attention to the game being played, but having the television on, kept her from feeling alone sometimes and she didn’t want to feel alone with thoughts of Mickie Pierce.

It was good to have her family with her today! She wanted to revel in that happy feeling and forget everything else for a while. She thought about her boys. Both of them had their fathers brooding good looks, olive complexion, and thick coal black wavy hair. Their father Giuseppe died in a traffic accident when Carl was 10 and Darryl was 8 years old. Giuseppe was a good father and a hard worker. They were living in Alta Loma Texas, in Galveston County at the time.

Giuseppe worked at a nearby oil refinery. Paulina remembered that he worked a lot of extra shifts, never complaining, however, he always felt he was passed over for promotions because of his nationality, consequently, he insisted his sons have simple American names in an effort to avoid discrimination. Paulina agreed, although she felt that the last name of Conti was a pretty good clue in and of itself.

It was after Giuseppe had worked a late shift and was on his way home that a drunk driver broadsided him. Neither driver survived the crash.

He would be so proud to see his sons all grown up, Paulina thought. He always made time to attend their sporting events and discussed their homework and problems with them that they were having in school.