More Than Great Riches (7 page)

And he’ll be investigating me?

Keith nodded. He’s a bit stuffy, but he’ll be fair. You can expect a visit from him any
day now.

She swallowed hard. A judge. That didn’t give her much hope that she would be appointed
Jeff’s conservator. Retrieving Jeff’s papers from the desk, she tried to hand them to
Keith, but instead of taking the papers, he patted the spot beside himself on the sofa.

Gritting her teeth, she sat down. The sofa was so worn, the springs sagged and tilted her
against him. Instantly, as though she had been scalded, she jerked upright and pulled away
from him.

She fought to bury her disgust under an all-business manner. Jeff’s disability check is
direct-deposited at the bank. His utility bills are paid by automatic debit to that
account. I think the tax bill is the only problem.

Like Jekyll and Hyde, Keith transformed into his professional attorney mode. Carefully he
checked through the assortment of bills and bank statements. I’ll go to the bank tomorrow
and get a cashier’s check to take care of the tax bill. What else do we need to deal with?

Tracy frowned. I think that’s all for now.

What about his automobile insurance? Has anyone reported his accident to the insurance
company? Do you know where the car is? I understand it was totally destroyed.

She was caught unprepared. I never thought about the car, she admitted. The state police
should know where it is. And I should be able to find out about Jeff’s auto insurance. She
started to struggle to her feet. I’ll see if I can find the policy.

She lost her balance as Keith grasped her arm. Playfully he pulled her down into his lap.
The insurance can wait. I can think of other things I’d rather do right now.

She tried to pull away as he nuzzled her neck. Trembling with fury she braced her hands
against his chest and shoved with all her strength. Keith laughed as though her resistance
was just part of a game.

A loud knock at the door froze them both in place. Instantly he released her. Free from
his grasp, she surged to her feet. Who is it?

That blessed rumble answered. It’s Leif, picking you up for choir practice.

Thank you, Lord
. If Leif had come to arrest her, she would have been happy to go off to jail with him.
She never intended to join the choir. She had even forgotten that tonight was rehearsal
night. But suddenly she couldn’t imagine any place she would rather be than at choir
practice.

Bursting with gratitude, she threw open the door. Come in, Leif. I’ll be ready in a
minute. We’re finished with our business here. She threw a meaningful look at Keith. As
soon as I find the auto insurance policy, I’ll bring it to you—at the office, she stated
plainly.

Keith resumed his urbane charm. That will be fine. He tucked in his shirt, straightened
his tie, and smoothed his hair as he nodded to Leif. It’s nice to see you again, Chief.
With the papers under his arm, he strolled nonchalantly to the door.

Have a good evening, Mr. Bradford. Leif measured every step Keith took as he left the
house. It gave Tracy a huge sense of satisfaction to see the scowl on the Viking’s face.

 
****

Tracy felt a wave of nostalgia as she took her place with the other sopranos in the choir
room. She started singing with the cherub choir when she was three years old. She couldn’t
remember missing a rehearsal in all the years that followed—with the junior choir, the
teen choir, the senior choir—until she left Allerton.

Old Mrs. Edson was still the director and prim Miss Templeton was still the accompanist,
as though her three years in New York never happened.

She waved to Maggie among the altos. Maggie stared at her in disbelief. You came! she
mouthed.

Tracy shrugged with a helpless lift of her hands.

She tucked her feet under her chair, making room for Miss Shirley Temple, Sheila Dunn, to
edge her way to the seat beside her. Immediately Tracy sensed an air of hostility. Leif
said the choir wanted her back, but apparently that had not been a unanimous ballot.
Sheila’s vote would have been a definite, No way. Absolutely not.

Sheila turned to her with a lofty air. I didn’t expect to see you here. You didn’t sound
too enthusiastic about joining us.

Leif sort of kidnapped me. Tracy forced a smile. But I’m glad I came.

Icicles dripped from Sheila’s voice. Well, don’t think that makes you special, she
sniffed. Leif is always helping somebody.

Tracy didn’t bother to respond. She took a quick glance over her shoulder at Leif in the
bass section. He was leafing through his music folder, totally unaware of the frigid
temperature two rows ahead of him. So if Leif didn’t think she was special, what did he
think of her?

The aluminum bleachers were crammed with excited parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters,
and townspeople. When the crowd stamped their feet to pump up the team, Tracy actually
felt herself bounce off her seat. The major leagues weren’t able to compete with Allerton
Little League when it came to crowd support.

It was fun to be out in the fresh air, thinking about something other than her problems.
Maybe Leif didn’t want her here, but he was stuck with her. She really did love baseball,
and she refused to disappoint Mark. With Leif on one side of her and Luke on the other,
she felt like a member of the cheerleading squad. They stood in unison to shout
encouragement as Mark stepped up to the plate. His shirt proclaimed that his team, the
Spark Plugs, was sponsored by Henry’s Garage.

Henry’s Spark Plugs were down a run with two outs, but they had runners on first and
second base. Tracy could see why Leif was convinced that Mark would play for the Red Sox
some day. Patrolling left field, he made some spectacular catches, and his teammates
looked to him for leadership. For a boy who was so quiet and shy off the field, he exuded
skill and confidence on the diamond.

They groaned like a Greek chorus as Mark took a called strike. Better have your eyes
checked, Ump, complained one partisan fan.

The next two pitches were balls. The tension mounted. The count reached three balls and
two strikes. Tracy realized she was clutching Leif’s arm. She pried her fingers loose as
the pitcher went into his wind-up.

Thwack. Mark’s swing sent the ball into orbit, soaring over the heads of the outfielders
and the chain link fence at the end of the playground. The two runners dashed toward home
plate while Mark trotted easily around the bases. The Spark Plugs were up six to four and
the team whooped with joy.

Way to go, Mark! Tracy was jumping up and down. You’re the best! Her voice rang out over
all the commotion.

People turned their heads to stare at her. Blushing, she forced herself to sit down and
close her mouth. Leif smothered a smile, pretending he had no idea who she was.

The next batter tried to outdo Mark. He took a wild swing at the first pitch. The ball
popped high in the air and then plummeted down toward the bleachers.

Determined to catch the foul ball, Luke scrambled to his feet and climbed up onto his
seat. With all his attention focused on the ball, he edged further and further along the
bench.

Tracy leaped to her feet. Luke, watch out, she shouted. You’re getting too close to the
end.

But her warning came too late. Blindly, with arms outstretched, Luke cartwheeled over the
railing at the end of the bleachers.

Luke! Leif yelled. Jumping over two rows of seats at a time, he hit the ground before
Tracy reacted. Please, Lord, she gasped, scrambling after Leif, squeezing through the
crowd.

Her heart came to a stop as she rounded the corner. Luke lay on his back, stunned and
silent. Blood gushed from a deep gash on his arm. His eyes were open, but he stared off
into space.

Leif kneeled at Luke’s side and pressed a handkerchief against the wound. But it did
nothing to staunch the bleeding. An anxious crowd gathered around them.

Tracy. Leif’s voice was taut. Come with me. Dr. Wilson is out of town. I’ll have to take
Luke to the emergency room in Plymouth. Ellie, he shouted to his neighbor, take care of
Mark.

Leif swept Luke up in his arms and raced toward the SUV. Tracy ran after them. She leaped
into the passenger seat as Leif opened the door. He thrust Luke into her arms. Keep
pressure on the wound, he urged.

The handkerchief was already drenched with blood. Leif paused long enough to throw her a
clean towel from the back of the truck. He slapped the bubble light onto the roof and they
roared out onto the road with lights flashing.

Luke lay limp and lifeless in her arms. Luke, are you all right? she whispered. Talk to
me. If only he would say something – make a sound.

He looked up at her with saucer eyes. With his face chalk white, he bit his lip trying to
be brave, while his tears soaked into her shirt.

It’s OK honey. It’ll be OK. She cuddled him closer to her heart, whispering a prayer as
she put as much pressure as she dared on his arm.

Hang on, big fellow. Leif encouraged. We’ll be there in a few minutes.

Luke finally gave in to his fears. Do I gotta get a shot? he sobbed.

Tracy pressed a kiss against his forehead. She didn’t want to tell him a lie. The doctor
will fix you up good as new.

The eight miles to Jordan Hospital in Plymouth seemed like eighty. Her pulse raced faster
than the truck as they barreled down Route 44. Luckily there weren’t many cars on the
road.

How much blood had the little guy lost? Was the flow slowing at all? Tracy clutched Luke
tight as they screeched to a halt at the entrance to the emergency room. Leif cut the
engine and leaped out. Racing around the car, he snatched the boy out of her arms. Tracy
sent up another fervent prayer as Leif carried him through the automatic doors.

Removing the keys, she jumped out of the car and hurried into the emergency room. Thank
goodness, an orderly was already whisking Luke down the hall. Leif stood at the front
desk, impatiently filling out the paperwork. I’m his uncle. He was almost shouting. I’ll
sign any authorization you need. Just take care of that boy.

His face tense, his jaw set, he turned away from the desk. He needed comfort as much as
Luke did. And then he noticed her standing there. Tracy, he groaned, I’m sorry. Your
clothes are ruined.

Tracy looked down at her shirt. She hadn’t realized that her blouse was soaked with
splotches of blood. But that was the least of her worries. It doesn’t matter, she
insisted. Luke matters.

I’ll get Mark’s jacket from the car. It should fit you.

Tracy handed him the keys so he could move the SUV away from the entrance.

Leif looked relieved to have an outlet for his pent-up anxiety. I’ll be right back.

Three people sat in the waiting area, scanning listlessly through magazines or simply
staring out the window. They all turned to gape at Tracy’s bloodstained shirt.

Ignoring the stares, Tracy found a seat. Poor little Luke. What was happening? Had they
stopped the bleeding? Was he still crying?

Leif returned with a nylon windbreaker. She pulled the jacket on over her blouse. The
stains didn’t bother her, but Luke would be frightened if he saw his own blood.

Leif dropped into the chair beside her, looking whipped. He took her hand and they
whispered a prayer together. History was repeating itself. Here they were again, side by
side, anxiously waiting at a hospital for words of hope from a doctor. If only there was
some way to reassure Leif. The calm, laid-back police chief was wound up tight. Once again
he wasn’t able to help.

And then they heard Luke’s wails from the end of the hall. Leif leaped to his feet as a
nurse hurried into the waiting area. She eyed the visitors. Is there a Miss Dixon here?

Tracy jumped up. I’m here.

The nurse signaled Tracy to follow her. Luke wants you to hold his hand while the doctor
stitches him up.

Of course! Tracy hurried down the hall behind the nurse with Leif at her heels.

A white-coated young doctor was examining Luke’s arm as they entered the cubicle. The
boy’s tear-stained face brightened at the sight of reinforcements. I’m not a baby, he
hiccupped.

No, Leif assured him. You’re a big, strong boy.

OK, big boy, you’re going to be very brave and sit still for me, the doctor insisted.

Luke reached out a hand toward Tracy. She put an arm around him and pulled him close,
resting his head against her shoulder. He seemed so small against the stark white hospital
sheets.

She turned a worried eye toward Leif. He stood in the doorway, his strained face showing
every inch of Luke’s pain. The big tough cop was a marshmallow. Their gazes locked in a
shared concern.

Luke stared at the needle in terror as the doctor prepared to stitch the wound. Was there
a way to distract him?

She came up with a story. Luke, I had a bad fall like yours when I was about your age.

Luke managed to drag his gaze away from the needle. Wha—What happened?

Well, my brother and I had a tree house—way up high in a giant oak tree. It was so high we
had to prop a ladder against the tree so we could climb up to the lowest branch. But guess
what happened.

What? Luke’s gaze was fixed on her. He didn’t seem to be aware that the doctor was already
putting stitches in his arm. Apparently they had given him a local anesthetic.

Tracy hurried on before she lost his attention. We were playing a game in the tree house,
and my brother was getting hungry. He started to climb down, but when he put his foot on
the top rung of the ladder, he accidentally kicked it over. We were in really bad trouble.
There was no way to get down from the tree.

What did you do?

Well, we yelled and we shouted, but no one heard us. So we waited and waited and then we
yelled some more. We were getting really hungry and it started to get dark, but no one
came. We knew we would have to get ourselves down without any help.

Wow! Luke exclaimed.

So my brother went first. He hung by his hands from the lowest branch for a while. It was
like a hundred miles to the ground. Tracy stole a quick glance at Leif. He stood listening
to her story with a half-smile, apparently as intrigued as his nephew.

But he finally let go and bam—he dropped.

Was he all right? Luke worried.

Jeff twisted his ankle, but he said he was OK. And then it was my turn. I was really
scared.

After so many years, Tracy still remembered that feeling of panic. I tried hanging by my
hands like my brother, but I was afraid to let go. I just hung there and hung there. And,
you know what? I’d still be hanging there right this minute, but my hands were getting
tired. They began to slip. And they slipped some more. And some more. And then—oops—I
crashed to the ground like a ton of bricks.

Were you hurt?

I had all the breath knocked out of me. It was spooky. All I could do was lie there,
gasping for air. My brother was sure something awful had happened to me because I couldn’t
talk. He started to cry, but finally, I could breathe again. And then I discovered I
wasn’t even hurt. But you know what?

What? Luke was wide-eyed.

I never went up in that tree house again. Tracy gave Luke a huge smile as she finished her
story. The doctor had completed his stitches and was already bandaging Luke’s arm.

Am I all done? Luke asked in astonishment.

The doctor started giving instructions to Tracy, as though she were Luke’s mother. You’ll
need to come back next Friday or see your family doctor to have the stitches out, he
began. Cheeks burning, she stepped back so Leif could get the information.

 Everything looks good, but watch for any sign of infection. Kids are hardy, but after a
fall you should also keep an eye on him for any indication of internal bleeding or
concussion.

Looking ten years younger, Leif shook the doctor’s hand. Thank you, doctor. We’ll take
good care of him. He swept Luke up into his arms again.

As they walked out to the SUV, Luke admired his bandage as though it were a medal of
valor. Wait till I show the guys, he bragged.

Although he had recovered from his trauma, Tracy settled the boy into her lap in the SUV.
He’d be a hero in the schoolyard while his uncle recovered from a nervous breakdown. She
kept her bloody blouse hidden under Mark’s jacket. No need to traumatize the little
Superboy. Hugging him close, she planted a kiss on top of his head.

She felt Leif’s gaze as they backed out of their parking space. There was a new glint in
his eye—a gleam of gratitude instead of his usual look of suspicion or caution. And
something more—a spark of intense heat.

She didn’t want to guess what that spark meant, but it started a fire. The heat blazed
through her as Leif spoke. Thanks, Tracy. I don’t know how you talked Luke through that.
You are something special.

 
****

The whole family waited at the door as Leif carried Luke into the house. Although Luke’s
mother was still in a wheelchair with the injuries from the plane crash, Anne insisted on
holding Luke in her lap. Val, his father, leaned on his crutches and hovered over them,
while Mark danced circles around them.

Luke thoroughly enjoyed his role as the wounded hero. I bleeded all over Miss Dixon, he
said proudly. And I didn’t cry when the doctor stitched me up.

Did you get the foul ball? Mark asked as though Luke’s injuries were secondary to
something really important, like catching a baseball.

Naw, Luke grumbled. My shirt caught on the railing and I landed right on my catching arm.

You were lucky you didn’t break any bones, young man, his father put in.

Or fracture your skull, his mother added.

He must have inherited a thick head from the Ericson side of the family, Leif suggested.

Did you win the game, Mark? Luke steered the conversation back to the crucial matters.

Yeah, we won by a mile. Once we got ahead, they couldn’t catch us again. Coach gave me my
home run ball to keep.

Luke squirmed out of his mother’s arms. I want to see it, he exclaimed.

With a whoop, the boys bounded out of the room as though they were in a foot race. Looking
after them, Anne sighed. How come we didn’t have a nice quiet little girl who just played
with dolls all day?

Val laughed. With our luck we’d get a tomboy who spent all her time climbing trees.

Leif smiled, remembering Tracy’s tale about her adventure with the tree house. She seemed
to know just the right way to take Luke’s mind off the doctor’s stitching. He was trying
to remain objective about Tracy’s guilt or innocence, but today his suspicions lost ground
to his gratitude and admiration. She had such tenderness in those gorgeous eyes as she
cuddled Luke.