Wynn in the Willows (16 page)

“I have been thinking about this all night. Not only have you snooped through my belongings, you also raided my security box. I hope you're satisfied with your findings.”

“Stumped. I'm stumped.” Wynn glanced at her aunt. “Why all the pictures of me? Why stow them away and not put in an album in your cottage?”

“I didn't want you to get the wrong impression that I was spying on you, or something. “

“But isn't that exactly what you did?”

“I wouldn't call it that. I would call it watching you grow up. Besides, I had to keep my distance because of the court order.” Roxie's hand flew up to her mouth.

“Court order?”

Roxie looked towards the sea. “It was your mother's doing.”

“What a drastic action to take.”

“It was.” Her voice hummed against her throat.

“What happened to make my mother resort to a court order?”

“Nothing. Really, nothing.” Roxie became more agitated.

“People aren't granted restraining orders for no reason.”

“My turn to quiz you. What would you call going through my belongings?”

“Research.”

Roxie burst out laughing. “Touché. Thanks for the laugh. I really needed it right now.”

“Why didn't you just come back into my life?” Wynn wanted to know. “Once my mother was gone you had free reign. My uncles wouldn't have objected.”

“You don't know that.”

“You could have gone to court and gotten things overturned. My mother was no longer there to stop you. I was…abandoned.”

“I don't know. Maybe I was afraid you would turn me away. Besides, you had excellent caretakers with your uncles. Another change wouldn't have been good for you.”

“What aren't you saying?”

Roxie shook her head.

“You've given me a boatload of excuses ever since I've come back to the island.” Wynn closed her eyes. “My life is filled with murky shadows. I need to get at the truth. It's so close, but I just can't see it. I can't find it.”

“You're talking about your dad, now, and how he died.”

“I called his doctor once. He said it was due to a heart attack, but I have my doubts.”

“Your mother is overseas and your dad is gone. Can't we just put the past away once and for all, and build on what we have today?”

“I want to be close with you, but something holds me at bay.”

“I thought when you returned, we'd at last be as close as I had always hoped.”

“I've disappointed you.”

“Disappointed, yes. But not with you. Never with you. Only with the results. We seem to be on opposite ends of issues, just as I always seemed to be with your mother.”

“And with Doug.”

“The man is a fool.”

“We all make mistakes.”

“Some more than others.” She repeated, “Some more than others.”

“Is Doug any worse than anyone else?”

“Definitely.”

“I need an example.”

“Oh yes, the scientific mind that keeps you from God, requires that theories be proven. Here is your example. He gave up a perfectly lucrative business in Chicago to what? Save trees on some small island when people want to build more houses so they can live here. It's good for economic growth.”

“Oh please, let's prefer brick and mortar to trees and wildlife.”

Roxie ignored the comment.

“You should get to know him, personally. I have. I think he's a great guy.”

“Don't get your heart too set on him. He'll leave you high and dry just as your mom did.”

“That was hurtful!” Wynn protested.

“But the truth,” Roxie said earnestly. “It's time we both face facts. The past cannot be rewritten.”

“I just want the truth.”

“OK, here is the truth. Did you know that Doug was once engaged to a perfectly lovely woman? It ended when he had a fling with some air-headed summer girl vacationing with her parents. What a fool he made of himself, too. Imagine a thirty something year old man love-sick over an eighteen-year-old girl. How can he ever be taken seriously again?”

Now she knew why Clara broke it off and left the island. If what Roxie said was true then perhaps the other things she said about Doug were, too. If so, then she had sorely misjudged the man. Wynn wondered if loneliness finally had become so consuming that she'd reach out to anyone who showed her a bit of kindness and attention. Was she really that needy? Perhaps so.

“His entire family has no social graces whatsoever. And rude—you've seen that with Owl when she grabbed your éclair.” She rubbed the back of her neck. “Rude. A year ago I was at the fishing dock when he bumped into me, causing me to trip and fall into the water. Did he jump in after me? No, he laughed. Laughed! And just reached down and pulled me back onto the dock. It tore my brand new capris—no apology followed.”

Wynn gave a belly laugh. “I am so glad you made it to shore all on your own. I am woman, hear me roar!”

“Go ahead and laugh.” Roxie bit back her own smile. “But a true gentleman would have thrown himself into the water to save me! Even if I was in just four feet of water. As far as I'm concerned, it's just another bad mark against his character.”

“Do you realize that you're the only person I've heard who says degrading things about Doug? What I've heard is Doug is a wonderful businessman and his nursery business is quite profitable.”

“He may be a great businessman, but he's still a lousy gentleman. No real people skills,” she said defiantly. “Speaking of the Reed family, I might as well tell you the other news.”

“Joseph Reed has been found. I know. Sheri broke the news to me. Why didn't you tell me?”

“Slipped my mind.”

“How can a two-century-old solved mystery slip your mind?”

“Listen to me, you need to know and prepare yourself. Doug is about to go before a really tough magistrate. I know him. S. Thomas Miller is his name, and if there is an inkling of guilt, Doug won't be set free. Just keep your heart safe from disappointment.”

“Is that what happened to you? You've had so many disappointments that you've become jaded in measure? It seems like you are the one who needs to be set free.” Her voice was edgier than she had intended.

“What are you talking about?”

“You say you have the most wonderful gift of salvation, but you're not happy. You're totally miserable and almost rejoice in other's misfortunes.”

“I do not!” Roxie puffed.

“There are prisons without bars, and you are in one.”

Roxie began to sniffle and wipe tears from under her eyes.

“Aunt Roxie, have you been criticized harshly during your life?”

“What are you talking about?” Roxie's eyes widened as she stared at her niece.

“You read the Bible all the time. The chapters I've been reading are about forgiveness and mercy. But you don't give those gifts to others. You hold grudges. I've wondered why. It just occurred to me that perhaps someone has been too hard on you, so in turn, you get hard on others to even up the score.”

“Now you're being cruel and thankless for all I've done.” Roxie's gaze clouded and she crossed her arms.

“Thank you for your generous offer of putting in a good word with the school board and asking me to remain with you on the island. But there will always be something hanging between us. As soon as my grant is complete, I plan on packing up. Under the circumstances I will be leaving the Jeep here.”

“You can't be serious.”

“I am serious.” Wynn stood. “Whatever happened years ago between Mom, Dad, and you affects us to this day.”

“But I still have hope for us. Remain through the winter, anyway. This just might be our last chance.”

“Roxie, that can't be good for either of us.”

“It won't be good for us if you leave. Where will you go?”

“I don't know. But I can't stay here. I've ruined things.”

“Your home is here.”

“I wanted it to be here. I did. But it's too hard. And—I've betrayed you.”

“I don't care. I forgive you. I give you back my trust.” Now tears ran down Roxie's face.

“But don't you see, you don't have my trust. I'm so sorry. There are just too many secrets, too many hurtful words have been spoken, and not enough true words have been offered.”

An awkward pause followed.

Wynn's face burned with tears.

“Please.” Roxie looked forlorn.

Wynn's heart went out to her, but she couldn't offer empty promises. She glanced at her watch again. “Sorry, I have to go and meet someone.” Wynn returned to the Tree House where Clara waited with Sailor.

 

 

 

 

21

 

Clara's Levis hugged her ample hips. A pretty lace top with see-through sleeves was in keeping with the clean slip-on shoes which had buttons at the toes. Her hair was piled on top of her head in a messy manner, held there by a single clip. Her smile was wide, punctuated with dimples on each side of her mouth. Of course, she expected to have lunch with Doug.

“Hey, Wynn. I've got your little guy here with a clean bill of health.” Clara smiled. “What's wrong? You look troubled.”

“You haven't heard about Doug?”

“No. I called his cell right before you. No answer. I even drove by his place, but his truck wasn't there. I thought he might be waiting here with you.”

“His truck is impounded. Something terrible happened.”

“Oh no, what? Tell me.” Clara reached for her hand.

“Doug is OK. There was a body found on his schooner, and the police are holding him for questioning.”

“When did this happen?” Clara's hand went over her heart.

“While taking the ferry back from your place. Wynn explained what the others had told her. “The police took him right off the boat. He should be arraigned soon. His lawyer says he expects charges should be dropped. But you never know. That's what worries me.”

“Poor Doug. Can he have visitors?”

“I'm not sure. Can you stay until the morning? Maybe we can visit him together. I've wanted to see him.”

“I have to get back to take care of my cats, so I can't do an overnight. But if I can catch the later ferry over in a few hours, I might have time to stop by the jail.”

“Doug can use all the support he can get.”

“Come on. Let's get the kitten settled. We can talk about this later. Let's try to calm down so Sailor doesn't pick up on our tension. We want the first introduction to your place to be a positive one.”

“No negative vibes.” Wynn agreed. “Come on, follow me.”

Wynn had placed fresh food and water down for Sailor in the bathroom. A few feet away was the new litter box. Serving as a secure hideaway, Wynn had placed a fuzzy rug for the kitten to curl up in.

“Looks good.” Clara glanced about the room. “We'll sit in here for a few minutes while Sailor becomes acclimated to the surroundings.” She set the cage on the floor and closed the bathroom door. “Because Sailor is still young, he has a chance of being tamed, but I still wouldn't bet on it happening quickly. Show patience, he has had little or no human contact. Allow Sailor to initiate contact with you. He will approach when he is ready.”

“How long will that take?”

“It could take weeks or months, if ever.” Clara looked a bit sad. “You need patience. Lots of it. When you feed Sailor, sit on the floor with him, like I'm doing now. Try to get him to associate food with you. Also play. Get a soft interactive toy so he will start associating you with fun. When he's ready to be touched, rub his shoulders and the back of his neck. It releases endorphins.” Clara slowly opened the door on the cage.

They watched as the kitten stayed huddled at the back.

“You'll do fine. Just take your time.” She told Wynn.

“I will. I really appreciate all your help. How much do I owe you?”

“Doug took care of it.” Clara looked away. “Poor Doug. I hope the situation resolves itself quickly.”

“Me, too.”

“He's such an incredible guy. Creative. Don't you love Doug's lighthouse?”

“I've only seen it off the coast.”

“He's never taken you there? I can't believe he hasn't shown you the place. He is so proud of where he lives.”

“I'd love to see it. Do you think we could drive by today?”

“Sure, come on, let's go for a drive.” She closed the door.

The sixty foot lighthouse had been restored. Painted red and trimmed in black horizontal stripes, the foundation was on a small peninsula filled with eddy stones. The cupola lantern room roof had been restored as well as the spiral staircase.

They walked around the base of the building, and Clara tugged on the door. “Darn. Doug usually leaves it unlocked. Weird he didn't this time.”

The grass along the shore was bright green. Waves crashed against the seawall and the spray blew in Wynn's face, making her feel the earth itself would rise up and embrace her. “Maybe he wanted it secure before leaving for the mainland a few days ago. He knew it would be a full day trip to your place and back.”

“It never bothered him in the past. We even got into an argument about it once. By the way, I was wondering something.”

“What?”

“Are you and Doug serious? Ah, you don't need to answer that. I'm just being nosy, now.”

“I don't mind answering. If I were to define our relationship, I would say we're mainly friends, with the hope of something more. At least, that's how I feel.”

“It's nice to start out that way; as friends.” Clara led the way back to her truck.

“Is that how you two started out?”

“Ah, golly no. It just quickly ran its course.”

“I'm not sure what you mean by ‘running its course'.”