The Black Cane: The Dowager Diaries, #1

By Eileen Harris

The decision to help one small boy turns eight elderly women's lives upside-down.  Danger becomes a way of life.  If the women are going to save the boy and stay alive, they are going to have to use skills that have been dormant way too long.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9781613091845

Book preview

One

The woman moved through the restaurant with the grace and assurance of a much younger person. She knew her effort to maintain her posture and move with feminine grace mattered very little, however. For all intents and purposes, she was invisible. In her mind, at sixty-six she was twenty years past her visible period. There had been a time that when she'd moved through a room, all eyes would turn her direction. Men had enjoyed watching the tall, curvaceous blonde she'd been then. The women had noticed too, but with something other than appreciation.

Now if anyone bothered to turn and look, their attention went to her unusual, hand-carved, ruby-topped cane way before they noticed her. Amelia Armstrong was long since used to this change in status, but that didn't mean she liked it. She didn't feel she had changed much in the last forty years. Being old was hard to get used to. Being considered insignificant was worse.

By the time she had completed these thoughts, she'd reached the door to the restaurant's private back room. Inside were her friends. Other old women. The seven ladies waiting inside for her to arrive and make an eighth for the four hours of two-table Bridge they played every Wednesday were just as invisible as she was. It wasn't fair. One had been a well-respected surgeon, another the CEO of a large corporation, and on and on. Among them, they had raised fourteen intelligent and productive children. What was the use of all this intelligence, experience, and knowledge? Why had they allowed life to put them out to pasture? Squaring her shoulders, Amelia plastered a wry smile on her face, shoved aside her bitter thoughts, and opened the door.

Immediately, enthusiastic greetings rang out. She could pick out Tina's high-pitched squeal and Darlene's clipped British accent saying good morning. The rest of the voices blended together in a single sound of friends happy to see one of their own. In spite of the sameness of this Wednesday to years of previous and identical Wednesdays, she was glad to be here. As she walked toward her seat at the bridge table, she said, Good morning, ladies. I see I'm the last to arrive. For some reason, I decided to drive myself again today, and I had a time finding a parking place.

Cindy said, I had the same problem last week. This time, I had Becky drop me off.

Several of the other ladies chimed in with similar experiences, but soon they got down to the serious business of cutthroat bridge. They gave no quarter, and none of them expected any. From the beginning of the game until the restaurant served their usually excellent lunch, the conversation revolved strictly around bridge. None of the women was poor, and they played for money. None of them would starve if they lost, but winning was a whole lot more fun. The bidding was fierce and the play quick. Amelia's partner was Carolyn Ramsey, and by now they knew each other so well they made their moves quickly and decisively, as did the other three sets of partners. When the waiter arrived to tell them their meal was ready, Cindy and Rhonda had won the day. There was lots of good-natured complaint about the luck of the cards, but no real discontent.

By one-thirty, Amelia was back out on the street, full of quiche and wondering what to do with the rest of her afternoon. Emitting a small sigh she didn't realize she'd let escape, she began the five block walk to her car. The town was too busy now, parking too much of a hassle. She'd give up one more bit of her independence and let Leon drive her next week. After all, she thought, that's one of the things he considered his duty.

As she made her way through the streets, she realized she was enjoying the exercise. Fortunately, her health was excellent. The unique cane was just a precaution in case her trick knee caused a problem. She felt ridiculous carrying it, but it had been the last gift from her husband. She hadn't known why he gave her such a thing at the time, and she still hadn't figured it out. The long, black, carved, and ruby-topped cane wasn't very feminine, and she certainly hadn't needed it when he'd given it to her. Striding along at a brisk pace and enjoying the last of the cool spring weather, she momentarily forgot her angst about her age and the future. When she stopped thinking about herself, she noticed the still-charming neighborhood around her and decided that next Wednesday maybe she would drive herself after all. She chuckled quietly at her ever-changing moods.

She was almost halfway to her car when she heard the snuffling sound. It wasn't crying exactly, but the sound contained a great deal of unhappiness. Sure it was coming from the alley she was passing, she turned and began walking down the narrow space between two tall buildings. Curiosity led her on. The isolation of the dark alley, or the possibility of danger, never crossed her mind.

Two

She'd walked almost to the end of the alley and could see that it dead-ended not far ahead before she heard the sound again. So she hadn't been mistaken. Peering behind dumpsters and walking carefully between splotches of gore she didn't want to identify, she made a beeline for the last dumpster. The sound had to be coming from there. Walking to the side of the dumpster and peering around to the back, it took her a moment to make out the small human form mixed in with the trash. Amelia was unable to tell if the figure was male or female, but she was certain it was a child. Holding out her hand, she said. Come out here and let me take a look at you. Are you hurt or just scared?

What emerged from the trash was a filthy boy about ten years old. He said, I hope you have a plan for getting us out of here or else we're both dead.

She was impressed by the lack of fear in the child's voice. It had been a long time since a youngster had treated her as a peer, and she was fascinated. She looked around for some viable means of escape, both to prove her worth to the small critic and because the noises she was hearing back at the entrance to the alley were alarming her. There were three or four delivery doors along the alley. Reading the names printed on the doors, she discovered that the closest one read Clothes Closet Basics. This was a name she recognized. She had purchased many items from them, and they knew her well. Taking the boy's hand and saying only, Come, she hurried to the door and turned the knob. It was locked, but as she stood trying to think what to do next, an employee she knew came barreling through the door with a huge stack of boxes for the dumpster. The collision knocked the girl on her rump and sent the boxes flying in all directions. Amelia only avoided falling with the help of her cane.

During this confusion, two men were working their way down the alley checking each dumpster. Amelia snatched up the boy, stuffed him in one of the boxes, and covered him with brown paper scraps from another box. She whispered, Whatever happens, keep your mouth shut, and no snuffling.

Amelia finally remembered that the employee's name was Melissa. By then she had dug herself out from under the boxes and dragged herself to her feet. She was so self-absorbed that she hadn't even noticed the boy. She said, Mrs. Armstrong! What in the world are you doing back here?

Amelia said, It's a long story, but I seemed to have gotten turned around somehow. When I saw your sign on the door, I was so relieved that I tried to come in. I'm so sorry about the collision! Are you all right?

Yes, yes, I'm fine. Just let me get rid of these packing boxes and I'll let you in the store this way. I'm sure once you go out the normal front entrance, you'll know exactly where you are.

She glanced around. Are you here alone? I thought I saw...oh never mind. Hang on a second while I get rid of these boxes.

That's very kind of you, Melissa. It really is such a bother getting old.

The girl marched over and began picking up some of the nearest smaller boxes and putting them into one of the bigger boxes. Amelia saw that the two men were only one trash bin away, so she pretended to help gather the boxes, hoping Melissa wouldn't get to the one with the boy before the men arrived. The tension made her heart flutter a little. Digging deep for courage, she turned and faced the two men that were walking toward them. They were without a doubt thugs. The least disreputable-looking of the two said, Afternoon, ladies. It looks like you have quite a mess here. Would you like a little help?

Before Amelia could speak, Melissa, instinctively mistrusting the strangers, said, No, thank you. My friend and I have it under control.

As far as Amelia was concerned, it was the perfect answer. She hoped they would move on, but they hesitated, and the same one that had spoken before said, I wonder if either of you have seen a boy of about ten lurking in the alley? It seems he had a little disagreement with his dad and decided to run off. We're trying to help find the kid.

At this point, Amelia took a firmer grip on her cane with the ridiculous idea of using it as a weapon if the situation deteriorated. She heard a faint snuffle from the box next to her. She held her breath until she was sure everyone else was too far away to have heard the noise. Again she let Melissa speak first. I haven't seen a soul. It's pretty filthy back here. I can't imagine even a boy would want to spend any time in a place like this.

The man seemed to believe the clerk. After all, she was telling what she believed to be the truth. Even so, he turned to Amelia, waiting to hear her answer as well. She said, I haven't seen anyone either. I think all the doors on this alley are locked, so if anyone had been here, they would have had to go back out on the street.

Without a goodbye or a thank you, the men hurried off back the way they had come. Amelia heaved a sigh of relief, and Melissa said, What awful people. If the dad is anything like they are, it's no wonder the poor kid ran off. Can you wait here a moment? I should have brought the dolly for all these boxes. I'd better go get it now.

No sooner had the door clicked behind the clerk when a small head poked out of the box next to her. That was cool. What do we do now?

Knowing it was silly, she still enjoyed the young urchin's flattery and wished she had a good answer for his question. After the tension of facing the two men, she was tempted to tell the kid to go home and walk on to her car. Tempted, yes, but she recognized fear when she saw it and couldn't abandon the boy. Leaving before Melissa returned would require them to go back out on the street. If the men were still around, that seemed like a poor option. She was too old to hunker down and hide in the alley till dark, and there was no guarantee they wouldn't come back. Get back down in the box and stay completely quiet until I tell you otherwise.

The kid gave her a strange look but sank back down without another word. He was out of sight only moments before Melissa returned with the dolly. Giving the girl what she hoped was her most confused old-lady look, she said, You know, Melissa, I have been looking everywhere for a box just this size. They used to be so easy to get at the grocery store, but now all the stores crush them with their big machines. Would it be okay if I help you get the rest of these boxes in the bin and then borrowed your dolly to take this one to my car? I promise I'll bring it right back.

The clerk looked at her like she was a bit balmy, but Amelia was hoping she wouldn't want to offend a good customer. Shaking her head slightly, Melissa said, I guess it would be okay. This back door will have to be locked, so you'll need to bring the dolly in through the front door, but the owner isn't here today, so that won't be a problem.

Quickly beginning to gather up the empty boxes, Amelia said, Oh, thank you. It will be such a relief to be able to store the rest of my dead husband's things in the attic.

Even while voicing the white lie, she couldn't help hoping that if Albert could somehow hear her, he would forgive her for using his memory in such a way.

The spilled boxes were disposed of quickly, and Amelia immediately slid the dolly under the remaining box before Melissa could offer to help. Thanking the girl again, she headed back down the alley. By the time she finally reached her car, she was panting, but knowing she had to wheel the dolly back to the store, she shored up her resolve while praying it would be easier with the boy's weight gone.

At the car, Amelia looked around carefully and then said, The box is right next to the open car door. I can't lift it with you inside, so you're going to have to climb out onto the back seat. Once you're inside, stay low so no one can see you. I'll put the box in next to you, return the dolly, and then we'll figure out what comes next.

Surprisingly, the boy climbed into the car without making a sound. As she was wheeling the dolly back to the clothing store, she hoped his filthy condition didn't stain her light upholstery, and she wondered if he would still be there when she got back.

With the chore accomplished, Amelia sank gratefully into the soft seat of her two-year old Mercedes. I'm going to drive us out of this neighborhood in case anyone is still looking for you. It's best if you stay hidden until we get away from here.

Unsure where to stop to converse with the child where they wouldn't draw unwanted attention, she chose to drive the mile-and-a-half to her house. She'd pulled into the garage and used the remote to close the door behind the car. Okay, we're out of sight now, so you can show yourself. I didn't know where else to go, so we are at my house. Here, at least, we can get you cleaned up and fed while you explain what in the world what is going on!

Three

The boy climbed over the front seat and plopped down next to her, while she winced at the rough treatment of her beloved car. He said, Ain't you got a husband or kids or somebody in there that's gonna wonder where you got me?

My son is grown and living on his own, and my husband died five years ago. I do have a sort of combination secretary/housemate, but he won't be a problem.

Once inside, Amelia knew food probably should have been the first priority, but the boy was so filthy she couldn't stand the thought of him sitting on her furniture, so she took him straight to the bathroom and instructed him not to reappear until he was clean. She provided a new toothbrush, gave him a washcloth, and showed him the soap and shampoo. Once she had run a tub of warm water and was sure he was soaking in the water, she went straight to the attic and rooted through boxes until she found some of her son's childhood clothes. She laid the clean clothes just inside the door and told him that when he was ready, she would be in the kitchen.

Thirty minutes later, he padded into the room wearing the clothes she'd provided. They were a little big, but not as bad as she'd feared. He was wearing the clean socks she'd left with the clothes but no shoes. He hadn't bothered to comb his short blond hair. At least he seemed reasonably clean. She was happy to see that a simple bath had turned the dirty urchin into a skinny but attractive boy. She said, I didn't have any shoes your size, so I'm afraid you'll have to wear your old ones.

I don't see how I can do that because I don't got any. I was barefoot when you came along. This is a bitching pad you got here. This whole place belong to you?

The calculating look in his eyes as he spoke worried her, but she said, Yes, this has been my home for a long time. Would you like something to eat?

I'm really hungry.

Just climb up on the stool here at the counter then, and I'll fix you something. What kind of sandwiches do you like?

She saw him wince as he climbed on the stool. Earlier, she'd noticed the long thin welt on the side of his face, but because he hadn't complained of any other injuries, she'd assumed he was fine. As he asked for a peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich, she knew she needed to find out if he was hurt. Beginning to fix the sandwiches, she said, I see you've hurt your face. Are you injured anywhere else?

Naw, I think my back has stopped bleed'n.

I think you better let me see your back. You can't be sure if it's okay because you can't see it.

He wasn't the least bit shy and immediately turned around and lifted his shirt. When she saw his back she gasped, and bile rose in the back of her throat. He was so underweight she could see his protruding ribs, but it was the four long, thin cuts the length of his back that appalled her. As well as the fresh raw stripes, there were several long lines of older scabbed over injuries.

Keeping her voice as calm as possible. Amelia said, I think we better do something about those cuts. We wouldn't want them to get infected. I have a friend who's a doctor. I'll have her come to the house and take a look at you.

I don't need no doctor. The sores ain't no problem, but if your friend talks about me being here, those men might find me.

Understanding his fear she said, Carolyn is a good friend of mine, and she would never talk about you if I asked her not to. You're safe here. Eat your lunch, and try not to worry.

He didn't look convinced that she knew what she was talking about, but hunger won and he turned back to his meal. Amelia immediately picked up the phone on the counter and dialed Carolyn's number, hoping desperately that her friend and retired doctor would be home. Carolyn's calm voice answered on the second ring. Amelia was unsure how much to try and explain on the phone. She said, I'm glad you're home. It seems I'm in the need of a little medical help here at the house. I can't really explain on the phone, but if you could come over for a bit, I would really appreciate it.

Carolyn said, Oh God, Amelia, are you hurt? Are you having a heart attack? I'll be right there. Should I call the hospital?

I'm so sorry to have scared you. I'm fine. The help isn't for me, but like I said, I really can't explain until you get here.

You're being very mysterious, and you're scaring me in a different way now. I'll be right over. I can't wait to hear what you've gotten mixed up in.

I'm not exactly, as you so colorfully say, 'mixed up' in anything. I have a situation, that's all.

"All right, all right, I'm on my way.

If possible, it might be a good idea if you bring bring a tetanus shot.

Having said that, Amelia hung up quickly before Carolyn could question her further. As she turned back to the boy to explain that her friend lived close and would be here soon but that he had nothing to fear, a deep voice said, I, too, would appreciate knowing about this situation and what you're not mixed up in.

Startled, both Amelia and the boy jumped in fear. Damn, Leon, you nearly scared the pants off me! Stop sneaking up on me like that.

The tall, muscular man standing in the doorway gave her a sardonic look, and she was aware that he was trying not to grin as he said, I'm sure I wasn't sneaking, but I apologize for startling you both. Would you care to introduce your visitor?

Amelia looked at the boy and said, In the excitement we haven't gotten around to names yet. What is your name, dear?

Still watching the tall man, he answered. Marc, my name is Marc. So what's your name?

Well, Marc, I'm Amelia and this gentleman is Leon.

Trying not to smile herself, she turned to Leon and said, Leon, I'd like you to meet our guest, Marc. He has a small injury, and Carolyn is coming over to take a look. If you don't mind, I'll wait and explain when she gets here so I only have to tell it once.

Before he could answer, there was a knock at the back door. Carolyn only lived a couple of blocks away, and she'd come quickly.

Walking into the kitchen, Carolyn stopped dead in her tracks when she spotted the boy and saw the suspicious Leon standing in the doorway to the living room. She was still wearing the dressy pants suit she'd worn to bridge, but it didn't hide her height or rawboned looks. With her shoulder-length, iron-gray hair and piercing, nearly-black eyes, even her age didn't keep her from looking like a woman to reckon with. This looks interesting and I can't wait to hear what's going on, but if someone is hurt, we should deal with that first.

Amelia said, Very true. Carolyn, this is Marc. Marc, this is my friend Dr. Ramsey. She needs to take a look at your back. If you've finished eating, she can take you into the study and see what needs to be done.

The boy looked worried, but not scared to death. He immediately stood to do as he'd been asked. Carolyn trotted out her best bedside manner and said, Okay, Marc, the study is right over here. Go in there, and let's see where you've been hurt.

Okay, so her bedside manner wasn't the greatest. She'd been a surgeon and had rarely dealt directly with her patients unless they were knocked out cold. The boy raised both eyebrows and frowned at Amelia, but walked into the study without complaint.

Refusing to look at Leon, Amelia paced back and forth across the kitchen until the pair returned. It was obvious from the look on her face that Carolyn was upset, but she held her tongue to keep from upsetting the boy. She said, The cuts will heal, and the medicine I put on them should prevent infection but they, as well as the older ones, will probably leave scars. As you suggested, I've given him a tetanus shot.

Marc said, Yeah, you didn't tell me I was gonna get no damn shot. I hate them things and it hurt.

Amelia started to say something about his language but decided corrections to his behavior would have to wait. Holding in a sigh, she said, Okay, guys. Let me get Marc a dish of ice cream for being a good patient, and then let's move into the living room while he tells us his story.

The kid looked torn between the thought of ice cream and the necessity of telling these people why he was in the alley. But he took the offered bowl and followed Leon into the living room.

Once the four of them were settled, Amelia said, Marc, if we're going to help you, we need to know what's going on. These people are my friends, and I promise they won't betray your trust. Can you explain why you were hiding in the alley and why those two men were hunting for you?

Marc looked around. His eyes were huge round saucers as he looked at each of the three strangers, but his voice was steady. I can tell you what I know, but it ain't enough. I don't know what's going on for sure.

Without thinking, Amelia said, Isn't, not 'ain't.’

Marc's response of, Huh? led to a short explanation before Leon said, Just take your time and tell us what you can. Maybe we can help figure out the rest.

Where should I start?

Amelia said, Think back as far as you can, and tell us what you remember.

After a short silence, Marc's childish voice captured everyone's attention. When I was a kid I lived with my ma. I never knew my dad, and she never tole me nothing about him. She weren't a good ma. We never had enough to eat, and she spent most of her time drinking with men who'd come by. About a year ago, some women come and took me away from her. Then I lived in what they tole me was a shelter. There was other kids there, and there was plenty to eat. Some of the kids hated the place, but I didn't mind it so much.

Marc paused and Amelia said, "If you liked it there, how come you