Matters of the Heart Read online

  “Rebuild?” He ran his hand along his jaw. “At this point, I don’t know if I want to do that. I’m going to need some time to think on it. Who knows, there might not be any insurance money to be had. Did you hear what the fire captain said?”

  “Of course I did.”

  “I don’t think you did. If you were listening, you would have heard what I heard.”

  “What are you talking about, Nick?”

  “He practically accused me of arson.”

  Monica grimaced.

  “He did no such thing, Nicholas Dalton. So put that thought out to pasture.” She walked over to him and tousled his hair, just as she had always done when he were younger. “In the meantime, you can pursue that pretty girl, can’t you?”

  “Amanda Conifer.” He warmed at the sound of her name. “Yes, I guess I can. But not right now. I need to be alone for a while and try to sort things out.”

  “Better not wait too long, Nick. You don’t want her to forget you or be the one that got away, right?” Monica pinched his cheek.

  The next three weeks of Nick Dalton’s life entailed several things—attending the funeral service for the victim in the car wreck, finding another truck, helping his employees find jobs. Then came filling out endless amounts of paperwork for the insurance company and writing checks to cover wages and bills that needed immediate attention.

  When all the pressing legalities had been completed, he closed up his house, transferred some money into Jeff and Monica’s account for them to pay pending bills, and readied himself to leave town. He threw some clothes into a duffle bag, gathered his camping gear, Maxine’s dog food and a camera.

  Monica fought back tears. “Where are you going? How long will you be gone?”

  He shrugged. “Don’t know the answer to either question. But since you’re going to be in charge of all mail and business calls, I’ll touch base and let you know what Maxine and I are up to.”

  His departure was fast. “Thanks for your help on this.”

  He revved the engine of his new truck, blew her a kiss, pulled out of the driveway, and headed for I-25 South.

  “It’s you and me now, Maxine, off to parts unknown. How does that sound?”

  He gave his faithful companion a quick scratch behind the ears and stepped on the gas. Maxine barked, wagged her tail, and after circling the seat of the truck, plopped down next to him.

  Now, all he had to do was figure out his next move and get his life back in order. He could do it…one day at a time out on the open road.

  Maxine leaned herself against his leg. He reached over, gently gripped her snout, and gave it a shake. “Let’s go, girl.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Apprehensive about returning to her condo, Amanda knew this was the only way to bring closure to the whole incident. The police hadn’t generated any new leads on the case and were sticking to their theory of a “robbery gone bad” even though nothing had turned up missing. A real mystery, one she’d have to pigeonhole for now.

  Maybe someday, she’d find out what had happened, but right now, she needed to focus on the future, put an end to this chapter of her life, and take advantage of the new challenge the Farmhouse offered her. She planned to move on to bigger and better things. Might even include Nick Dalton. Who knows? In addition to her personal wellbeing, her grandfather would need her when discharged from the hospital. It was now her turn to take care of him.

  She stood in front of the door to her condo filled with trepidation, twisting the set of keys between her fingers. She scanned the courtyard, checking for anything out of the ordinary and for anyone who might be lurking, watching her. She eased her body toward the door, pressed her ear against it, and listened for any kind of sound that might indicate danger. Once satisfied that she was safe, she sighed heavily and whispered, “Now or never.”

  The lock snapped. She turned the doorknob and swung the door open. The bright afternoon sun streaming through the windows greeted her, one of the features that had drawn her there.

  She peered in and held her breath in that “what if someone is hiding in there, waiting for me moment.” Going back to the condo by herself was a difficult decision, but she understood she needed to face her fears and put a definite closure to the attack. Now standing in the doorway she knew, without a doubt, that she had to follow through. It was a matter of surviving, showing her strength and putting the last touches on healing.

  After a minute or so, she finally took the first step. But before going any further, she pushed the door flush to the wall, cautiously walked to the bench, and pulled it over to brace the door open. Just in case she needed to make a quick exit or holler for help. Ever so slowly, she walked through each room. When she stood at her bedroom door, she shuddered at the memory of what had transpired and of what could have happened.

  Aside from the absence of her clothing, everything looked normal thanks to Poppy hiring someone to clean up the mess after the police had finished their business. It smelled clean and fresh, too. Poppy must have also had someone coming in to keep it up for when she returned. So like him.

  She made her way to the door and replaced the bench in its proper location. Before her final exit, she spoke to her home as if it were a dear friend. “I’m going to miss you.”

  After locking up, she headed to the Superintendent’s Office to make the necessary arrangements for her to cancel her lease.

  “No problem, Miss Conifer. I’ve got a waiting list. It’ll be filled with a phone call.” He hesitated for a few seconds then added, “If you don’t mind me saying so, I think you’re looking well, and I’m sorry you had to go through that awful incident.”

  “It’s very kind of you to remember. I didn’t know anybody was aware of what happened to me.”

  “Unfortunately, when sirens and blinking lights arrived on a scene, a natural curiosity kicks in. Just human nature.”

  An embarrassed “I guess,” followed.

  “You certainly generated a lot of interest. Almost everyone in the complex flooded the courtyard to watch you taken off in the ambulance that night. The couple who rents the condo across the courtyard from you was horribly concerned. Not only for you, but for the repercussions that might follow.”

  Her face must’ve been showing puzzlement which encouraged him to continue.

  “You see, they provide their business associates and clients the use of the place when needed. They themselves only stay here a few times a year. I think they live up in the mountains somewhere. Did you ever meet them?”

  “No, I didn’t. But I am sorry to have been such a nuisance. I hope you reassured them it was a bizarre event and wouldn’t happen again in a million years.”

  “Yes, of course, I did just that.”

  “Good. This is a perfect spot for city dwellers to live. I’m sure you won’t lose any more residents.” Amanda forced a smile.

  He lowered his voice. “I heard your injuries were quite severe.”

  She nodded. “They were, but if you don’t mind, I’d rather not rehash the frightening details. I’m sure you can understand.”

  He reacted quickly. “I beg your pardon, Miss Conifer. I didn’t mean to offend you.” He paused then asked, “Is there anything I can do for you, to help you? Anything?”

  She thanked him for his kind offer but declined. She then told him she’d arrange for a moving company to remove her belongings and deliver them to Crestview. “I’ll let you know the date as soon as I finalize the arrangements.”

  “It’s been my pleasure to have you here, Miss Conifer. I’m sorry to lose a nice tenant like you. But under the circumstances, I understand why you wouldn’t want to come back. I wish you all the best.”

  “Thank you. I’m going to miss this place.” She turned to leave.

  “Miss Conifer, how’s your grandfather? I heard he’d been hospitalized.”

  “You know my grandfather?”

  He nodded. “He’s my boss.”

  “You mean Aspen Peaks is hi
s?”

  “You didn’t know?”

  She shook her head but said nothing, then bid him goodbye and made her way back across the courtyard to her car in the parking lot. Poppy, you are an old rascal. You never told me you owned this complex.

  Before she got into her car and pull away, she gave the complex a final viewing. A sudden coldness passed over her. She sensed someone watching her. She looked about, spotted the figure of a man in one of the windows across the courtyard.

  Get a grip, girl. It’s only one of the neighbors watching. There is nothing to worry about. Relax, Mandy. Don’t let your imagination get the best of you. Don’t rekindle that fear. It’s time to leave the past in the past and move forward. A deep sigh and a quick, strong nod validated her decision.

  * * *

  The telephone in the Superintendent’s Office rang immediately after Amanda had left the grounds. “Well? What’s the latest?”

  “She’s moving out. Back to Crestview.

  “Permanently?”

  “Didn’t give me any details, but I’d venture to say she’ll not be returning.”

  “Perfect. The plan is working. Our project is headed in the right direction.”

  “Did you know she wasn’t aware of Russo owning this place?”

  “No, I didn’t. I assumed that’s why she moved here.”

  “Guess not.”

  “All that matters now is that she’s going back to Crestview.”

  “With any hope, she can convince her grandfather to retire and sell.”

  “Of course she will. Once she sees the extent of his poor health, she’ll never leave.”

  “From what I know about Pete Russo, he’s one tough guy. Can’t imagine him giving up his business.”

  “Oh ye of little faith….” A brief silence followed. “Believe me, he will sell, one way or another.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Not your concern. All you need to know is that you can start planning how you’ll spend your pending fortune.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Poppy recovered from his mini stroke without any debilitating repercussions, both physically and mentally. He managed to work a few days a week at the restaurant. He insisted he couldn’t ignore his customers. “They’re my family, too.”

  Two months after his discharge, he was re-admitted to the hospital again. This time for respiratory difficulties—his pneumonia had returned. At first, treatment seemed to be going along well, then without any warning, his condition abruptly worsened.

  The predawn call from Dr. Jansen didn’t leave much hope. “He’s no longer responding to the medication. The pneumonia has weakened him considerably over the past few hours, and he’s had a severe heart attack on top of that. Can you come right away?”

  Amanda quickly slipped into a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, brushed her teeth, and tied her hair back into a ponytail. She dialed Charles’ number. When he didn’t pick up, she left a message and dashed out the door to the hospital. The drive gave her ample time to reflect upon her relationship with her grandfather.

  “Dear God,” she prayed aloud. “Please let him hold on until I get there. I need to tell him how much I love him and thank him for all he’s done for me, for taking care of me all these years and for loving me.”

  By the time she arrived at the hospital, Poppy had fallen into an unsettled, yet deep sleep.

  “He’s drifting in and out of consciousness and responds in his own way.” The head nurse checked his chart. “He’s hanging on.”

  “What did you mean, he responds in his own way?”

  “He makes sounds when you talk to him and tries to speak. I believe he can still hear. Keep talking to him. I’m sure he’ll know it’s you.”

  Amanda stood at Poppy’s bedside and gently smoothed his thin white hair and washed his ashen-colored face with a cool damp cloth. She spotted the bruise on his forehead and wondered how he’d got it. She’d have to ask the nurse. Right now, she needed to do what the nurse had said and reminisce about their lives together.

  “Poppy, you’ve been the only parent I’ve known since my parents died in a seaplane accident in Mexico. I remember you came to rescue me from the hotel’s nanny. I remember you explained about the crash and how you cried when you told me they wouldn’t be coming back. I remember what you said to me. ‘Come on, my child, you and I are going home to be a new family.’” She wiped her eyes. “And we did, Poppy. We had the best family ever for as long as I can remember.”

  He moaned ever so slightly. But his utterances were nothing but garbled sounds.

  Amanda shushed him and continued. “It must have been so hard for you. I’m sure you never expected to lose your wife, daughter and son-in-law within two years of each other. On top of that, you acquired the responsibility of raising a three-year-old. But you did it. You kept your promise and made us family.”

  She leaned in and kissed his forehead. Her salty tears flowed freely, softly landing on his cheeks. “Poppy, your gentleness, patience, kindness and unconditional love kept us together. Your high morals, deep-rooted values and love for life, made you the man people loved and respected, just as I have all these years.”

  Several hours passed. Amanda grew weary, yet never faltered. She kept her vigil, sitting as close to the bed as she could get the chair and kept talking about their life in Crestview. It not only comforted her, it seemed to ease him into another realm. Occasionally, he’d slowly move his head from side to side or open his mouth as if to speak.

  “It may sound corny, but we did live happily ever after. Sure, we had some problems during my teenage years. Curfew, dating rules and the one call to the principal’s office—that wasn’t my fault, if you recall.” Amanda took a deep breath and sighed. “Poppy, we had a great family.”

  She reached for a tissue and dried her tears.

  “I’m sure you never imagined raising a second family, but just look at me. I didn’t turn out so bad after all.” She forced a smile. “You did a great job, Poppy, and I think we had more happy times than most traditional families.”

  Poppy’s breathing grew labored. An unfamiliar tranquility encompassed the room. Amanda sensed his remaining time with her was about to end. She rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes in prayer. “Please, dear Lord, don’t make him suffer any more. He’s a good man. It’s time to take him home.”

  She stood, kissed his forehead and cheeks again. She caressed his face and whispered in his ear. “It’s okay to let go, Poppy, it’s time. God’s waiting for you. Go to Him.” She lifted his hand into hers. “Thank you for loving me and taking care of me. You’ll always be with me.”

  As if he’d been waiting for permission, Peter Russo took a deep breath, sighed as if a burden had been lifted. Silence followed as he left Amanda and the rest of the world. She squeezed his hand and kissed him again.

  “Goodbye, Poppy. May Heaven’s door open wide to welcome you home.”

  After a short while, she walked out of the room to alert the nurses. Two of them accompanied her back to her grandfather’s room. One nurse felt for a pulse. She shook her head.

  “Miss Conifer, did you know your grandfather left instructions not to resuscitate?”

  She nodded. “Yes, he said that if his time came, he wanted to go in peace.”

  “We’ll have to call the doctor.”

  “Do what you have to do. I understand you have procedures to follow.”

  One of the attending nurses wiped her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Miss Conifer. He was doing so well. Then all of a sudden, after his visitors left, he took a turn for the worse.”

  “Visitors? Somebody was here?”

  The second nurse nodded. “I had just come on duty when I spotted two men walk into his room. I thought perhaps they were family, but soon realized that wasn’t the case. I heard your grandfather shout, ‘I’m warning you…stay away from her.’ A lot of talking followed, then it got quiet. I assumed they left to let Mr. Russo get some rest.”
r />   Oh, Poppy, who were your visitors? What could they have said to cause this?

  “Did you happen to check on my grandfather at that time?”

  “Not right away. I didn’t think there was any reason to. I went to get the patients’ meds ready. But after a short time, you know how your sixth sense kicks in? When mine did, I walked down the hall just to make sure all was well. I found him lying on the floor and a bleeding gash on his head. I thought he must have tried to get out of the bed and had fallen. I called for assistance.”

  The other nurse added, “He barely had a pulse. We called a Code Blue and alerted Dr. Jansen who rushed to the scene. We stabilized Mr. Russo but realized his weakened condition was not encouraging. We called you immediately.”

  Amanda nodded.

  “He was never alone, Miss Conifer. I personally stayed by his side.” She took a deep breath and added, “Please know we did our best, but there wasn’t anything we could do. The massive stroke overtook his ability to fight back.”

  “I have no doubt you all did everything possible. Thank you.”

  “We are all sorry for your loss,” she added.

  The nurse turned down the lighting. “What about family, Miss Conifer? Is there anyone we should notify?”

  “I’ve taken care of that. My family should arrive shortly.” She closed her eyes.

  “Stay as long as you need to be with him. We won’t call anyone to take him until you’re ready.”

  She managed a whispered thank you then moved to the bed where she sat studying the aged, now-peaceful face of her beloved grandfather. Time was of no consequence to her. Tears and sobs echoed the room. Finally, she managed a few words. “What will my life be like without you, Poppy? You’ve always been there when I needed help. Now, I’m all alone.”

  “You’re not alone, Mandy. You have me.”

  Charles Wharley’s familiar voice startled her.

  “I didn’t hear you come in, Charles. How long have you been standing there?”

  “Not long enough. I came as soon as I got your message.” He brushed away the tears trickling down his cheeks and sighed with such feeling that Amanda felt compelled to embrace him. “I had hoped I’d get here in time to say goodbye,” he breathed deeply. “I’m so sorry, Amanda.”