Azure Lake

By Maelyn Bjork

Widowed Catherine Stewart, living in Thousand Oaks, California, receives a phone that her mother has passed on and the funeral will be in a few days. The message is from her sister Lois and she begs Catherine to come to the funeral.

Since she graduated from college, Catherine has only returned to Azure Lake, her hometown, when her father p

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crown Books NYC
• Release date: Mar 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781956095326

Maelyn Bjork

Maelyn Bjork grew up in Utah, married and taught school in that state. She also lived and worked, in Arizona, California, and Colorado. She has always loved to read and soon the reading gave her ideas and inspired her to write. Once she retired from her teaching position she began to write and it became her passion. She holds a master's degree in foods and nutrition. She and her husband also love to travel especially to cruise. She lives in a suburb of Salt Lake City with her husband and demanding cat named BeBe.

Book preview

Azure Lake

Maelyn Bjork

Copyright © 2022 Maelyn Bjork.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by reviewers, who may quote brief passages in a review.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

ISBN: 978-1-956095-33-3 (Paperback Edition)

ISBN: 978-1-956095-34-0 (Hardcover Edition)

ISBN: 978-1-956095-32-6 (E-book Edition)

Some characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

Book Ordering Information

Crown Books NYC

132 West 31st Street, 9th Fl.

New York, NY, 10001 USA

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www.crownbooksnyc.com

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Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty- One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter One

1:22 a.m. Catherine Stewart studied the last page of a stack she removed from the printer in her home office. Finally she thought, it is correct and ready for the house closing. When the house she was selling cost close to seven figures, everything had to be perfect. The closing was scheduled for nine a.m. tomorrow morning. She glanced at the clock next her printer. The closing was actually, later today. She rubbed her burning eyes; Time to go to bed.

Once in bed she closed her eyes and tried to get comfortable. But she couldn’t take her mind from the events happening earlier today, and they had played havoc with her schedule.

She had received a phone call from the principal of her son, Thomas’ school, his private and very expensive school. Thomas, her ten year old son, had been fighting with another boy. She had been ‘summoned’ to the principal’s office and one p, m. several miles from her real estate offices.

Now, lying in her bed she clearly recalled the scene in Dr. Estevez’ office. Good afternoon Mrs. Stewart, I’m glad you could come for this visit with me on such short notice. I know it is difficult to free up some time, but we need to discuss this problem as soon as possible.

Good morning to you Dr. Estevez, what problem is it we need to discuss?

It seems that Thomas has been fighting with another boy. It became physical this time.

There have been other times? Was he hurt?

No, perhaps a bruise or two. The other boy got the worst of it. Dr. Estevez gave her a half smile.

Why were they fighting? Catherine began to finger a lock of her shoulder length, dark hair. An old habit that manifested itself when she was stressed.

Well, why don’t we ask Thomas and Sean and find out. Dr. Estevez planted a professional smile on his face and walked to the door. Eloise, please send in the boys, if you please.

Is this his way of injecting a little humor? Catherine thought.

Almost immediately the two boys trudged into their principal’s office and each dropped heavily into some side chairs along the wall. Thomas glanced up. Oh, Hi Mom. He tried for a wan smile, which didn’t reach his eyes.

The second boy turned forward Thomas. This, your mom?

Yeah, Mom, I mean Mrs. Stewart, this is Sean Barrett.

How do you do, Sean? Catherine said.

Dr. Estevez cleared his throat. Now boys tell us why you two were fighting. The principle spoke in a pleasant but authoritative voice. Please Thomas, you speak first.

Sean said that the war in Afghanistan was stupid. We never should have gone over there, sent soldiers there. It just costs us lots of money, and it’s all the president’s fault. Thomas stood and glared at his classmate.

Well it is! Sean loudly responded

Is not! Thomas jumped up closer to Sean, his fists on his hips.

Sean stood and pushed Thomas back.

Stop now! Estevez came around his desk with such speed that Catherine was astonished. He pushed Thomas back into his chair with one hand and Sean in his with the other. Now, both of you sit down and stay down until I say you can move.

With a deep scowl, Estevez returned to his desk. He smoothed his tie and eased back into his chair. Now let me explain something to the both of you. All the arguing on this planet won’t change the fact that we, our nation, have been embroiled in a war in Iraq, and now later Afghanistan. Whether it was a good move or a fool hardy one, only the history books will be able to judge. So you two fighting over something that neither of you have any control over is really stupid. It just gets each of you into trouble and solves nothing.

But my Dad says it’s a huge waste of re, re,- - - - money, and it’s wrecking our country.

Thomas stood and shouted over Sean. My Dad was proud to go to Afghanistan, and he’s a hero, even though he died there. His fists went to his eyes and he sat down.

The room was quiet for a long moment. Right now, Tom I wish you here. I could really use your help. Catherine took a deep breath, as she fought tears forming in her eyes. She looked over at Thomas and saw tears making streaks down his less than clean cheeks.

Dr. Estevez looked over at Sean. Now Sean I’d like you to apologize to Thomas. At that moment Eloise stuck her head in the door and said. Dr. Estevez, Mr. Barrett is here. Into the office walked a large, slightly overweight man with red cheeks, as if he had been working outside for a long time. Catherine judged him to be about forty. His hair was a darker shade of blond than his son’s. ’Sorry I’m late, a truck came in, and I needed to give them some help unloading it.

"Mr. Barrett, this is Mrs. Stewart and her son Thomas. Mr. Barrett nodded in Catherine’s direction.

So what have you been fighting about now? He walked over to Sean, smiled, and ruffled his son’s blond hair.

It seems that these two are having a political disagreement over the wars in the Middle East. Estevez said.

That damned war, biggest mistake we ever made, and has cost us a fortune and too many American lives. Barrett said.

Whatever your personal views on the war, Mr. Barrett are moot. We here at Ocean Vista School have in place rules and policies, and these boys have broken them, both boys, your son and Thomas. They are to be sent home now and cannot return to school until next Wednesday morning. Besides, this is the second fight Sean has been involved in- - - - - - - -,

You mean I’ve got to take him with me now!?

Yes, I’m sorry, that is our school’s policy.

Catherine’s anguish turned to anger, and she stood quickly. If Thomas is suspended, there is no reason for us to stay any longer. We’re leaving. Come Thomas. She buttoned her rust colored suede jacket. She grabbed Thomas’ hand and walked quickly from the principal’s office, out the door and dragged Thomas to the parking lot.

By the time Catherine had reached her car she had calmed down. Is there anything you need from your locker or any book you need to do homework?

"Yeah, I’m reading Treasure Island for English class. I like to get that book and my math homework." He said

Okay. Run and go get what you need. What about your jacket? You may want that. Catherine sat in the parking lot and watched Sean and his father climb into a grimy truck and drive away.

Mom, Thomas said in a small voice. I missed lunch. We have second lunch this month.

Okay, she sighed. I believe there’s a Wendy’s near my building. I missed lunch too."

After buying Thomas a hamburger, fries and a chocolate shake, Catherine drove to her place of business. Once they were inside, she took him to an empty desk, and had him do his school work. She allowed him to search for information on further assignments on the computer. He did bring a novel for his English class and began to read.

By early afternoon he grew restless. Mom, can I go out and walk around this place? I’ve finished the math, and read ten pages of my book

I need to make a few phone calls. Besides, it’s not safe for you to be out wandering around. If you’re bored, you find some games to play on the computer. I need to make a few calls right now. Then we can go home.

Lying in bed, Catherine found that she had been distracted. Having the whole situation about the wars in the Middle East brought back old pain.

One day over sixteen months ago, her doorbell rang and there stood two men in military dress. Now the pain she had lived with for so many months had returned. Her only option at this afternoon was fill her briefcase with a load of work and drive home.

Once they were in the house, Thomas had seen his friend Parker who lived down the street out playing with his father, shooting hoops. Mom can I go over with Parker and play basketball?

Catherine knew Parker’s family and his father. Okay, but I’m going to make some dinner in an hour. Since its late September, it gets dark earlier. Come home then.

After a light supper, Catherine nearly completed all the work she had brought home to do. It was close to eleven and she had trouble staying awake.

Once she had Thomas in bed, she now lay in her lonely bed going over the days’ events. What was she going to do with Thomas for four days? Tomorrow was Saturday, and he had a play date with a friend. But he was not allowed back to school until Wednesday.

Bedtime was most difficult for Catherine. This is when she missed Tom the most. It had been nearly two years since she watched him climb aboard that plane and fly away. Now having Thomas involved in a dispute about the war brought fresh pain about losing her first and only love; her husband. She turned over and sobbed into her pillow as she had many nights for well over a year. The pain grabbed her insides as well as her heart. Soon though, she fell into an uneasy but exhausted sleep.

Very early the next morning the insistent ringing of the phone woke her. It was still dark, when Catherine struggled to reach the bedside lamp, snap it on and grab the phone. Hello?

Cathy, oh Cathy I’m sorry to wake you but- - - - - -, I just had to tell you. It couldn’t wait. Oh Cath- - - - - - - An audible sob came from the phone. Mom just died!

Lois, is this Lois? Where are you? Mom died! Why, from what?!

We’re at Logan Memorial Hospital. Mom had breast cancer, you knew that didn’t you?

Yes, of course. The last time I spoke with her, it had gone into remission. She seemed to think that last round of chemo-therapy had taken care of it.

It did, for a while, for over a year actually, but it all came back. This time her liver was involved.

When, when did she become ill again?

About a month ago. She didn’t call you, and talk to you about it? Lois asked.

"No, she never said a thing. God, why didn’t she call me? I didn’t know. I’m so sorry."

’Just like her not to tell you. It was always, let’s not bother Catherine. She’s got a lot on her plate, especially since Tom was killed. There was an edge to Lois’ voice.

It has been hard, yes. But she could have called me, let me know.

Well, she didn’t, just dumped it all on me as usual, the remodeling, Serena, everything. Now Catherine could hear a familiar whine in Lois’ voice. Yet she also knew it was full of anger.

How is Serena? How has she taken Mom’s illness? And what did you say about remodeling?

Serena took off when Mom slipped into a coma. Taylor’s out looking for her.

Catherine looked at her clock. Five thirty a.m. It would be an hour later in Utah. Still Serena out wandering around alone was not a good situation. Lois, what remodeling? What are you talking about?

Mom wanted to finish the remodeling that Dad had started on the house. She did finish the inside, and bought new furniture. And she managed to get it all finished. But there’s no furniture yet in the family room. It should arrive next week.

Okay, Have you picked a day for the funeral? Catherine. asked Heavens, no. She just died!

Chapter Two

I just thought,- - - - - since Mom was so ill- - - - -.?

Oh no, she just died, for heaven sake! They’ll want to do an autopsy. She heard Lois take a breath. Probably not until Tuesday or Wednesday, the funeral, I mean. You will come won’t you? This time Catherine heard a plea in Lois’ voice.

Of course I’ll come. Just let me know when the funeral will be. Oh, by the way, what size is Serena now?

If you’re thinking of buying a dress for her, forget it. I make all her clothes and the pattern size is eighteen.. I usually have to enlarge the sleeves. Her arms are quite heavy.

And her belly, too Thought Catherine. Call me when you firm up funeral arrangements. I’ll call and talk to you later. It’s still in the middle of the night, here. Take care. Talk to you later. Bye.

Catherine glanced over at the small round table in the sitting room section of the master bedroom. A picture of her family sat on that table. The only one she knew that existed with every member of her family in it: Her father, mother, Arlen, her oldest sibling. When it was taken he was about eighteen. And next was Lois close to fourteen, Serena, eleven, and Catherine age six.

Memories of that picture came flooding back. They all wore their church clothing, which were at best, shabby. Life had been hard, but she always knew her parents loved her, and when she grew up to be a responsible woman. Tears came to her eyes, as she touched her mother’s face on the picture. I hope you didn’t suffer too much, Mom. I know you always loved me even though I didn’t always do what you expected of me.

For a moment she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Now she would need to make arrangements to go to Azure Lake. The closest airport was in Logan, forty-five miles from Azure Lake City. Could she rent a suitable car there? When her father had died five years ago, Tom had made all the arrangements. They had flown to and rented a car in Salt Lake. Then they and driven the 135 miles to the town.

Perhaps it would be better to drive the 950 miles from her house in Thousand Oaks, California. Could she and Thomas reach their destination in time? They would need to leave two days before the funeral.

No more sleep for her. She climbed from the king sized bed she still slept in, even though she had been sleeping alone in it for over close to two years. She slipped out of her nightgown and walked into bathroom and the shower. It was going to be another long day.

Near the main street in Logan there was a city park. Taylor Kelsey, Lois and Grant Kelsey’s seventeen year old son found Serena at that park, She sat hugging herself, for the temperature at seven a.m. on this late September morning flashed 48o degrees on the bank’s time-temperature sign.

Come on, Aunt Serena we need to drive home.

Taylor had been up all night, rushing to the hospital after playing a football game against Tremonton the evening before. He was so tired, he wondered if he could drive safely back to hospital. He touched Serena’s chubby shoulder. It’s cold out here, and inside the truck is warm.

She looked up expressionless. I know, ‘cause it’s cold out here. She stood up and followed Taylor to the big red truck, with Kelsey Construction emblazoned on the side. He opened the passenger door, and although Serena managed the first step into the truck. her bulk caused her to hang there unmoving.

Taylor was forced to come around the truck and give her a mighty shove to get her up into the seat. Man, you must weigh more than a line-backer. He mumbled. She settled onto the bench seat with a huff. Quickly he shut her door and hurried around to the driver’s side and climbed up into the truck. He drove up the main street and into the hospital parking lot.

His father had been watching for the Kelsey Truck, and hurried out of the sliding doors to the vehicle. He walked around to the driver’s side and opened it. "Get in the back Taylor, I’ll drive home.

For a change Taylor didn’t argue. Okay Dad. Taylor settled against the rear seat of the truck. I’ll ‘hang’ back here.

Grant Kelsey turned to Serena. You okay?

Serena nodded. It’s real cold.

Yes it is and where is your jacket? Grant asked irritation rising in his voice.

Serena shook her head. ’Don’t know, lost. Then she pointed back toward the hospital parking lot.

Great! That’s just great. But Grant kept driving up the road toward Logan Canyon. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and punched in a number. Lois, Hi, Taylor found Serena, but she has lost her jacket. It could still be in the hospital somewhere. He listened. Good, I’m on my way up the canyon. See you when we make it home. I know, Honey. It’s tough when a family member dies, even though that person was very ill. Bye.

He looked into the rear view mirror. Taylor had curled up in the corner, eyes closed, already asleep. Dear Lord, Help us to make it home safely. He mouthed. Hopefully, before I fall asleep. He stepped a little harder on the accelerator.

By eight-thirty a. m., Catherine had begun to make breakfast for Thomas. She popped two pieces of whole grain bread into the toaster. Thomas, your breakfast is ready. She went to the stairs and called. Can you wash your hands and come down to eat?

Thomas yelled down the stairs. I’ll be down in a few minutes. I’m still finding some things. I need.

Catherine pulled up the sleeves of her crème silk blouse. She buttered the toast as it popped up, picked up a place mat and shook it out and placed it on the table. Next she poured a glass of milk, placed a bowl of oat cereal on the placemat, a napkin, and a plate with sliced oranges. She turned to the counter and picked up her mug of coffee, took a large swallow, chose one of the pieces of toast and took a bite.

Thomas slid into his chair by his breakfast. He picked up his cereal. Please pour some milk. It makes her feel motherly. He looked up at his mother. She did as he asked.

Now, Shirley Trent said you could stay with her this morning. You can play with Gary until I return from the open house. I’ll call you when I leave. I have a closing at nine, so I must leave now. Don’t forget to lock up and take your door key. She went to another kitchen chair and from the back she pulled off her cardinal red suit jacket and slipped it on. On her way out to the garage she grabbed her purse and her briefcase. See you later, Alligator. She smiled, and walked slid into her car. A minute later, as she backed out of the garage, the roar of the high powered engine in the car broke the morning quiet.

Thomas slowly ate his breakfast. When he was finished, he picked up his dishes, and rinsed them out and put them in the dishwasher. He also dumped out his mother’s coffee mug and finished eating her toast. He wiped down the table top and counter top.

Just as he was ready to leave, the phone rang. He answered. Stewart residence, Thomas speaking.

Thomas, this is your Aunt Lois.

Aunt Lois, from Idaho?

That’s right. Is your mother there?

No she just left. Some people are buying a house. She went to close it.

Can you take a message? I mean write it down?

Sure, let my find a post- it. He searched the drawer for a pad and pencil. Okay, what’s the message?

Tell her the funeral for Grandma will be on Wednesday.

Grandma Lawson died?

Yes didn’t she tell you?

No, she left in kind of a hurry this morning. I’m going over to a friend’s house. Do you want her cell phone number?

No, just give my message. Maybe I do need her cell number. Repeat it please.

Okay. He repeated the number. Well, I gotta go. Bye

As Thomas walked over to Gary’s house he felt a terrible sadness and, and even more than a little frightened. His Grandma just died. His father died last year in the Middle East. Things in his life were becoming very unlucky. One of his relatives, like his Grandma Stewart could also die.

Even his mother? What would he do, and who would take care of him if he were all alone?

The closing went well, but Catherine found herself somewhat distracted. The events of the last Twenty-four hours kept running through her head.

After all the papers had been signed she took them to her real estate office. Stewart and Stewart Reality Company. She and Tom had built it together. They had met while both were agents working for a larger national company. Tom worked hard to become a licensed broker.

They married and she became pregnant very quickly with Thomas. While her baby was an infant she studied for her broker’s license too. The next year they opened their own offices. Now they had six employees.

As she walked into her office, her office manager, Nadine Walters, met her with a handful of messages. "How did the closing go?’

Fine, no snags, thank goodness. Catherine took off her red jacket and draped in over the back of her chair. She sat down and began sorting through her messages. She had to stop, a wave of nausea grabbed her stomach, and she closed her eyes, and held her aching head. She knew exactly what was wrong; Too much coffee and not enough sleep. Had she eaten breakfast? She couldn’t remember.

Nadine looked over at her. Catherine what’s wrong?

I didn’t get much sleep last night. My sister called early this morning. My mother died last night. Now, I need to make arrangements to go to the funeral, which is in Azure Lake, Idaho.

Nadine walked over and stood in front of Catherine’s desk. Let’s do first things first. I’ll bet you didn’t eat any breakfast this morning. And to top it all off you’ve had how many cups of coffee this morning?"

No, I don’t remember eating anything. I suppose I’ve had at least three cups of coffee this morning. She gave her assistant a wan smile.

We will fix the low blood sugar headache first. Nadine went to the small kitchen where the staff could eat lunch, and came back with a package of peanut butter crackers and a carton of low fat milk.

Catherine looked up. Milk and crackers?

Good for what ails you. Now eat, and I’ll reassign the work load for what, a week?

I don’t think- - - - - - -, Yes, you’d better give me a week. If I leave tomorrow, I’ll make it to Azure Lake by late Monday evening.

Where’s Azure Lake?

The lake is between Utah and Idaho, but the township of Azure is in Idaho.

You grew up there?

Yes, and lived there, until I went to college at Boise State. When I graduated from college, I just couldn’t go back there. So I left.

Then what? And where did you go?

I had met some girls from here, this part of California. I came with one of them and went job hunting.

Teresa invited me to live with her. I got a job with a real estate company, and not to many months later I met Tom. We dated for a few months, married and soon I was pregnant with Thomas. After about three years we formed this company.

You never wanted to return to this Azure Lake place? Nadine studied Catherine for a long moment.

Her boss looked away. There is nothing there for me to go back to. She shook her head and picked up the carton of milk and took a swallow.

Chapter Three

Nadine took a deep breath. Okay, back to the matter at hand. I’m going to call Stan, to see if he will take the McNeil’s open house. Now, go through your messages.

By the time Catherine had made two phone calls, Nadine had the work assignments all done for the coming week. Ok, boss lady, go shopping. I know you’ll need to buy something for this trip. Next, go home and take a nap. Take your son out for an early dinner, and get to bed early. Get some sleep!

Catherine picked up her jacket, purse and briefcase, slid her feet into her dark gray leather pumps. She came around and gave Nadine a hug. What would I do without you?

Nadine dark brown eyes became serious. Tit for tat. What would I have done without the chance you and Tom gave me? A black woman walks into your business with few skills, and a child to support. Now get on outa here and get ready to drive away tomorrow.

Nadine had been correct. After leaving her office, Catherine had gone shopping. She had driven to a discount mall she especially liked. She picked up some things for Serena, Thomas, and a set of warm sweaters for herself.

Catherine followed Nadine’s advice. After she shopped, she went home and took a nap. Later she took Thomas out for pizza, and helped him choose clothing to take to Northern Utah and Idaho for the autumn weather.

Early the next morning, she began packing the rear of her SUV with clothing for the coming week. Also she packed some snacks and set them in the back seat for their long drive. She was nearly finished when Thomas came out of the garage wheeling his bicycle.

No, Thomas, there’s no room to take your bicycle. I’m sorry.

Look Mom, if you move that suitcase of mine over here, we can put the bike where the suitcase was.

Catherine shook her head. I’m not taking your bike.

Okay then, may I take my skate board and scooter?

She raised an eyebrow. She knew she had been manipulated by her ten year old son. Well, I suppose we could fit them over here on the side. I’ll put my makeup bag on the back seat floor. Now, are you ready to climb in this car? I’m going into the house to lock up and set the alarm. So if there is anything else you need to do or grab, do it now.

Thomas walked around and shut the rear hatch. Okay, but why do we have to take all these clothes for just a week?

My goodness Thomas, your grandmother died. We need clothes to wear to the funeral, and the mortuary viewing. We must look proper to pay our respects.

What kind of money do we pay our respects with?

Catherine rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help a smile. "First of all, the place we are going to, where the funeral will be held is in the town and a church in Azure