Nan placed the envelope next to her purse. She'd give it to Paul when they got together in the morning to discuss their plans. She turned out the kitchen light, hesitated for a moment, flipped it back on, and lifted the envelope from the table. She ran her finger over the return address. “Gessal Life Insurance. Where have I heard that before?"
24
Failing to get the attention he felt he deserved, Belly grunted and dropped down onto the rug next to the screen door. He scratched at his blue rhinestone collar and stared soulfully toward the crossers. No one noticed. A pitiful whine erupted before he rolled over and closed his eyes.
"We'll leave you to your business,” Jane said, glancing at her sister and Aanders sitting at the table. Jane placed her nose on the screen and peered back into the cabin. “Don't be too hard on the boy. You had to learn how to be a death coach, too."
Jane grabbed Mr. Bakke's arm and led him toward the steps. She suddenly turned back and shouted, “If I remember right, you made your share of mistakes as a death coach. In fact you made quite a few. I'd be willing to share them with Aanders."
"Thank you for those words of wisdom."
"Think nothing of it,” Jane yelled from the bottom step.
"Has anyone seen Rodney today?” Sadie queried.
Everyone seated at the table shook their heads.
"Don't tell me he found someone on the brink. We couldn't possibly be that fortunate,” Theo said. “At least I'd have a few tranquil moments before I go on to the next phase."
As Tim leaned on Sadie for support, Sadie directed the crossers’ attention to Aanders. “Let's hear why Tim thinks his father was murdered.” She shot a stern glare toward Aanders. “If you think this will buy you more time with Tim, you're wrong."
Getting no response, she tapped the table top with a blue lacquered nail. “Aanders, I'm serious. You need to understand the consequences if Tim doesn't go though the light.” Sadie tugged at her blue paisley halter top trying to resituate it against the strain of Tim's weight.
Aanders’ foot twitched against the table leg setting the surface in motion. “I already know what will happen. You told me a million times. He'll disappear and never get to see his mom and dad."
"I trusted you, young man. You let me down. How will you ever earn your rainbow if you can't honor the rules?” Sadie's jaw tightened. “Someone obviously made a mistake when they selected you."
"I'll do it. I promise. If someone dies I'll make sure Tim goes through their light.” Aanders’ chest began to heave as he fought the inevitable loss. Giving in, he let the tears come. “I couldn't stand it if he didn't get to see his mom again."
The screen door slammed and Belly yelped as Rodney tripped over him. “Get the hell out of my way, you stupid dog."
A rumble erupted from Belly. The dog rose and walked stiff legged towards the surly man. Belly's jowls puffed a snarled warning while the rumble grew deeper.
"Belly. Go back to the rug and lay down.” Sadie pointed toward the door when Belly looked at her in annoyance. “I said lay down."
A louder growl escaped the dog. He circled and then plopped back into his previous position. A snort finished his protest, but his eyes remained fixed on Rodney.
"It ain't raining,” Rodney said. “You're talking about rainbows and there ain't a cloud in the sky."
Flicking at her blue gelled hair with his fingers, Rodney said, “You're losing it, old woman."
Sadie batted at his hand. “You're late. Sit down and join the session.” She gestured toward an empty chair with her foot.
"I don't need to. I've got my plan ready to go.” Rodney shot Lora a side-glance. He opened the door to the inner room. “I'll be leaving this dump real soon. You can count on it."
Lora winced as Rodney slammed the door. She crossed her arms over her chest and squeezed tight before taking a peek toward the inner room. Sadie's voice redirected Lora's attention to her fellow crossers.
"We need to hear why Tim thinks his dad was murdered,” Sadie said. “I believe you told me he had proof."
"It isn't exactly proof. But he saw something that might make you believe it.” Aanders sat forward and leaned his chest against the table.
"Before they picked me up to go to the movie, Tim heard his dad argue with his business partner. Tim's Dad accused Paul of doing something bad.” Aanders paused, looked at Sadie. “Then Paul threatened his dad."
"Lots of people argue. But that doesn't mean they commit murder,” Sadie said.
"I know that. He told Tim's Dad if he turned him in, it would be the biggest mistake of his life. He said he wouldn't live to see another day."
Theo leaned toward Aanders. “Son, you have to learn that people make threats they never act on. Threats are a way of scaring people. It lets them know they mean business."
Aanders looked at Tim for guidance. “When they were arguing, the man got so mad he pushed everything off the desk onto the floor."
Tim looked up at Sadie. “Mom cried when she helped Dad pick up the papers. She told Dad to call the police. She said things were getting out of control and she was afraid Paul would do something drastic."
"Paul's been dating my mom,” Aanders said. “I need to tell her about this, but I don't know how. I'd have to tell her I talk to dead people. That will freak her out.” He scowled at Sadie. “And you said I can't tell anyone."
With eyebrows raised in curiosity, Theo said, “Do you know what was on those papers that made Paul so angry?"
"Not really,” Tim said. “Dad is Mr. Brink's bookkeeper. He does the books on our computer and won't let me play games on it because it's strictly for business."
"Do you know if the papers are still there?” Sadie pulled her arm from behind Tim. “Or did Paul take them with him?"
"I think they're still there. I didn't see him take anything when he left.” Tim looked from Theo to Sadie. “After Mom helped him pick up the mess, Dad locked the papers in a drawer. But I know where he hides the key."
"That still isn't enough to prove he was murdered,” Theo said.
"But Tim saw Paul shoot at them.” Aanders shrunk back when all heads turned toward him. “He saw Paul with a rifle."
"What?” Sadie stared in disbelief. “You saw Paul with a gun?"
"A rifle,” Tim answered. “Mom saw him, too."
"You mean Paul brought a rifle to your house?” Stunned, Theo sat forward on his chair
"No. He was standing in the woods."
"Where?” Sadie said.
"Right near where we had the accident. After the movie we dropped Aanders off and headed home. I had my earphones in my ears. Mom told Dad I had my music on and couldn't hear them. They always tell secrets when they think I'm listening to my iTunes. She didn't know I hadn't turned it on yet."
Tim paused; Aanders took the lead. “She asked Tim's dad if he could prove Paul was stealing the old people's money. His dad said he had proof his partner bezzled."
"Embezzled?” Theo offered.
"That's the word,” Tim whispered.
"But where does the rifle fit into this?” Sadie said.
"When Mom and Dad were talking about him stealing the old people's money, I saw Mom point out the window. When I looked, I saw Mr. Brinks pointing a rifle at us. He was on the edge of the woods. I knew it was him because he had on the same camouflage he wears when he shoots with Dad."
The group drew a collective breath trying to absorb the information.
"Are you sure, Tim?” Sadie asked. “You're not making this up?"
"See?” Tim's voice caught in his throat. He looked at Aanders. “I told you she wouldn't believe me."
"I believe you,” Theo said, rising from his chair. He crouched near Tim. “What happened after you saw Mr. Brinks with his rifle?"