"I wish you could spend the night. I don't want you to go,” Paul whispered, his lips caressing Nan 's neck.
"I have to go,” Nan said. “I can't leave Aanders alone. You know how I feel about that."
Nan moved several items around in her purse, searching for her house keys. The evening on the boat had been magnificent and the scent of Paul's skin still lingered. He had truly knocked her off her feet when he told her he wanted to buy the land for the mortuary as a wedding gift. She had been giddy with joy. Her legacy would stay intact. Paul confessed he hadn't wanted to tell her about the land until later, but in the throes of passion, he divulged his secret.
Nan 's purse tipped over, spilling the contents onto Paul's car seat. As she tried to push everything back into her purse with one sweeping motion, several items and slips of paper fell to the floor. She ran her fingers along the floor under the seat. Grasping the papers, she pulled them up, folded them and shoved them into her purse.
After returning home and placing the keys next to her purse on her kitchen table, Nan noticed note paper protruding through the purse clasp. She removed the items and carried them to Aanders’ room. She pushed on the door and slipped into his room without a sound.
A hairy lump of dog sprawled in a U shape around Aanders’ pillow. Five thumps of Belly's tail signaled he was aware Nan had entered their sanctuary.
Lost in sleep, Aanders lay on the far side of his bed with his video control resting on his chest. Nan switched the television off and placed the remote control on his dresser before bending to kiss his forehead. She watched his chest rise and fall in slumber, thankful sleep offered him a brief respite from the sorrow. She pulled the blanket up over his body.
Before Nan flipped the kitchen light off and surrendered to fatigue, she turned the papers over and paged through the notes. She wadded the first one into a ball and tossed it into the waste basket. She placed the second slip on the counter. She'd deal with it in the morning. She studied the return address on the final piece and realized she had picked up an envelope belonging to Paul.
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."