Eye of the Storm (Hudson 3)

We were nearly asleep when the phone rang. My heart knew why before my brain heard the words.

Doctor Hamman was calling to say he was sorry. "Mr. Marvin has expired," he said.

Austin held me as I cried for Jake. Then I caught my breath, wiped my cheeks and turned to him.

"The person who should be getting this call has no idea why she should be the one getting it. Austin. That's almost as horrible as what's happened to Jake. His daughter wasn't at his side."

"You were there. Rain." he reminded me. "And Jake loved you as he would a daughter."

"I'11 take care of him." I vowed, "I'll see that he has a proper funeral."

I lay back in Austin's arms. He held me as pictures of Jake ran through my mind, his smile, his laughter, his encouragement and even that look of sadness on his face when he had taken me to the airport for my trip to London.

"It's so important to have someone whose eyes fill with tears when they say good-bye to you, Austin," I whispered.

"Mine certainly won't," he said. "Because I won't ever say good-bye."

Oh please. I prayed, let those words never turn to dry leaves and crumble into dust.

12

Reflections in a Broken Mirror

.

With Austin's help. I made the arrangements for

Jake's funeral, He was to be buried in his family plot in the same cemetery where Grandmother Hudson was buried. Mrs. Bogart left the day before the funeral. I could see she was now feeling a little guilty about leaving inc. When she came to me after breakfast to say good-bye, she had trouble lifting her gaze from the floor and looking at me directly.

"I'm sorry about that man's dying and bringing you more sorrow," she began.

"His name was Jake." I corrected. "Not that man." She looked up quickly, her neck stiffening.

"Yes. well I don't like to see bad things happen to anyone, even when they bring it on themselves. I'd stay with you a little longer to help you get through your bad time." she added, her conscience rising to the surface like some stubborn memory refusing to rest quietly under the heavy surface of her anger and her ego. "But I have a new position with someone who needs me more and I promised to be there this afternoon."

"Don't break your promises," I muttered dryly.

"You're being a bad girl, not listening to your aunt. Victoria's a very wise woman and you're going to be a sorry soul if you don't listen."

"You mean sorrier soul, don't you? I'm already a sorry soul"

She shook her head and pressed her lips together blowing out her cheeks and making her eyes retreat into small dark orbs.

"I cleaned the house and I left you plenty to eat. You'll be fine if you get someone soon."

"Thank you," I said, "but I'll be fine even without someone new,"

"I doubt that." she muttered. She started to turn away and I pivoted my chair toward her. My sudden move surprised her and made her flinch.

"Mrs. Bogart you are a competent assistant. I'm sure you're going to be of great value to your next client. But handicapped people such as myself have needs other than just food and water and shelter.

"I hope you take some of that understanding with you to your next assignment and not be such a stern judge just because you can walk...

She shook her head with a look that nearly resembled appreciation, not just amazement.

"Where'd you get all this obstinacy and stubbornness?" she asked. "Even in your injured state."

I smiled.