“I think that might be a problem. You see Jack Hubbard turned up on Friday and after dinner we crashed at my place and I got a blow by blow of the Hubbard, Kelshaw and Klein connection. Jack gave me a lot of history and I told him some things as well. To be honest, I was careless and stupid. I couldn’t believe that there would be any real interest in my place, but I guess I was wrong. I tipped Jack off as soon as I got back into the apartment so little else was said but…”
Neil interrupted, “Can you remember what you discussed, exactly?”
“I’m not able to tell you that.”
“All right, I understand; Charlene Thayer or Paul was one of your topics… and were there others as well, I and General Coleman for example?”
“Yes, you’re partially right; I’ll call you tomorrow morning from the Times.”
Neil cautioned, “Considering what you’ve told me, I want you to be extremely careful from here on out, Andrew. Without alarming her, urge Charlene to be extra cautious, in her conversations as well. I’ll call Savalza. Now I would like to speak with Father Lee before we end the call.
“Father Ben, George Kelshaw’s service will be on Wednesday; it will be private for family and close friends. I want you to know Myra Kelshaw, George’s sister knows of your help and support in the last hours of his life. She wants you to know that she is most grateful.”
Ben answered in surprise, “His sister? But when I asked if we could notify someone, Mr. Kelshaw said there was no one left to tell. Why did he not tell us?”
Neil responded, “I would suppose he knew that when I was contacted, I would know that his mission had been completed… without him. You see, Father Ben, Myra Kelshaw is Myra Kelshaw Klein, my wife. Her brother and my friend, was professional to the end, as I believe you are, Father.”
“Thank you, Neil, please relay my sincere condolences to Myra Kelshaw. I am so sorry that she and her brother could not have been reunited.”
“Thank you, Father”
As Ben replaced the phone in its cradle, Andrew quickly asked, “Myra Kelshaw? What’s going on, Ben?” Ben slowly sat down. “George Kelshaw had a sister.”
“Why did he…?”
Father Ben answered Andrew’s query, “I think I understand his reasons, Andrew, you see Neil Klein is married to George Kelshaw’s sister, Myra.”
“So that’s it. That explains a lot of things.”
West Seattle’s Alki village seemed to be a natural destination for Andrew and Charlene. It afforded a beach walk and friendly benches where one could sit and gaze at the water or admire the view. Often a ferry could be seen or the occasional tug and barge outbound, and one could always observe sailboats offering other pleasant points of interest.
After a brief wordless stroll, Andy pointed to a bench and said, “I want to talk with you about the station and all that.”
Charlene nodded in agreement and asked, “Are you thirsty? I have a thermos of tea and some cups in the tote.”
“Yes, thanks,” he responded as she took a small thermos from the tote and poured a cup for each of them. Then setting the tote slightly under the bench she raised hers in a toast.
“Cheers,” she said touching her cup to his. “So, talk to me about Friday.”
“Where do I begin?” he said, deciding not to tell her about his encounter with Coleman. He picked up at the point of his surprise and pleasure of finding Jack Hubbard at the Seattle Times.
He told her about his resolution to put the Bob Mitchell problem to rest with the station; recounting his and station manager Carmichael’s subsequent conversation that led to his resignation.
Then, taking her hand he said quietly, “I know I probably seem very stubborn and uncompromising in this whole thing, but to apologize as Carmichael and the station wanted me to would have been completely dishonest. I couldn’t do it, so I resigned. Can you understand that?” He asked, relieved as she nodded her head.
“Of course, Andrew; you are a man of integrity, of that I’m certain. Frankly, I would have been surprised if you had apologized,” she said emphatically. Then added, “The ‘reflect and rephrase’ method doesn’t always work.”
Still holding her hand he said abruptly, “I, I want to ask you something.”
“What is it?” The seriousness of his tone caused her to search his face.
“Charlene… Charlie,” he started again, “I’m not awfully good at this… journalists as a whole or even columnists don’t make large salaries, but I’m asking you to—consider marrying me. And before you flat out say no, I realize it can’t happen right away. I can’t offer you much right now. I just want you to think about it. I love you; that’s firm and it isn’t going to change,” he said, looking into her eyes that were now filled with tears.
“Andy,” She whispered as she touched his face with her hand. “Oh, Andy, I won’t flat out say no. That was wonderfully sweet, but,” she paused, “You’re right, there’s a lot to consider. Things that must take time and believe me, it doesn’t have anything to do with money. We are very different people and we need to get to know each other under different, less stressful circumstances. I think I love you too. I didn’t think I could ever say that to anyone again, but…” Her voice softened, “So for now, let’s take some time and see what happens.”
“That’s good, very good!” He said kissing her gently.
“Just one other thing, Andy,” She said pulling away. “Not in any way can I be a reason for any career decisions you make. I want you to promise me that or else I will have to say no, now. Will you promise?”
Andrew knew she meant it, “You drive a hard bargain, lady. What if I get an offer to go to Outer Mongolia or somewhere equally as remote; are you saying that you don’t want to weigh in, just a little, on that decision?” Andy quizzed trying to add a little humor.
“That’s right, I don’t, and I am serious,” she said firmly. The plan for your life has to be yours and God’s. If I’m to be a part of it, I will be, because it will be the way it’s supposed to be and not because we’ve manipulated the process. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Ms. Thayer, I do understand and I surrender to your terms— Whoa, hey, watch out!” Andrew yelped as a runner with a hood pulled over headphones stumbled into their bench, the hood apparently blocking his peripheral vision.
“Wha…, sorry, man, didn’t see ya’,” he mumbled as he regained his balance and galloped off.
“Did he hurt you?” Andy asked. “He almost landed in your lap!”
“No, I’m fine; he just wasn’t paying attention; intent on his music, no doubt. Let’s go across the street and look in the shop windows before we go. There’s an interesting little book store I want to look in.”
“They’re not open on Sunday, you know,” Andrew said as he guided her across the street between the parked cars.
They had reached the curb by the Land Cruiser, when Charlie broke away and starting back across the street, called out over her shoulder, “Just a minute, Andy, I left my tote by the bench.”
Andrew caught off guard, yelled, “Wait, Charlene, I’ll get it. Watch out!” he shouted, as a passing car narrowly missed her, she jumped back momentarily. As she started forward again the world exploded in front of her. Suddenly the air was filled with flying debris. Pieces of the bench where they had been sitting were landing on the Land Cruiser, and a few cars parked close behind. Glass from two store windows behind Andrew shattered.
The car that had caused her to jump back had taken the brunt of the explosion, and had landed partially on the parking strip and sidewalk; its two occupants were slumped in the front seat. Someone was trying to help get them out and away from further danger from the car. Charlene lay motionless in the street.