Page 21 of Oleander

“I have to do this for her, Miss Irene,” he cried.

“I know, baby. And you will. But you have to let the boys help you. They know what they’re doin’. They’ll let you be a part of it, believe me. But Dorothy wouldn’t have wanted you to suffer in this. Respect her wishes, baby.”

“I’m trying, Miss Irene. She just didn’t deserve this,” he sniffed.

“She chose this, son,” said Matthew. He held his hand tighter and looked at Rod again. “Look up, son.”

Roderick looked up and the shadowy figure of Dorothy appeared. Her perfectly combed white hair, her bright, mischievous smile, those knowing eyes staring at him.

“M-miss Dorothy,” he whispered.

“Do as Matthew and Irene say, Roderick. I have no regrets, no reason to stay bound to this place any longer. Just get the boys to help you and follow my wishes. Stop Hollis.”

“I don’t know how, Ms. Martin,” he said shaking his head.

“Listen to the boys. They’ll know. You were my favorite, Roderick. My favorite student ever. You’re the apple of my eye.”

Her figure disappeared and Matthew released the young’s man hand, slowly standing and taking Irene’s hand. Roderick seemed to be mulling over everything. Ghosts that appeared and disappeared out of nowhere. Ms. Martin giving him clues that he didn’t understand.

“Is she really gone? Will I never see her again?” he asked.

“She is gone, baby,” said Irene. “But you can speak with her any time you like.” He nodded his head, kissing Irene’s cheek.

“Thank you. Both of you.” He turned to Luke, Eric, Mike and the rest of the team. “Help me get settled into my new home. Then, let’s look at this diary again. No matter what, we cannot let Hollis Burton have those shares.”

“Atta boy,” smirked Mike. “I have to head back to the station. Let me know if you need me.”

“Good news,” said Miriam striding toward them with Jean and Sira. “We just bought all of the shares that were left to the charities for twice their value. The money is more important for them. We now own forty-eight percent of the shares for Burton Drilling.”

“Forty-eight?” frowned Cam. “I thought she only held about twenty percent of the shares.”

“She did,” smirked Miriam. “It seems several of the other shareholders were getting a bit antsy with the plummeting prices of stock and were worried. We offered a fair price, they took it. Hollis is still the majority holder but we’re right up there.”

“He’s going to be seriously pissed,” smirked Hex. “This should be fun. We’ll see y’all later.”

“Where are you going?” asked Luke.

“Me, Whiskey, Skull, Griff, and King are headed to the corporate offices of Burton Drilling. King and I have both worked the oil fields, Skull, Whiskey, and Griff have helped at our offices a time or two. We know enough to be dangerous and we don’t look like miniatures of the Robicheauxs.” He smirked as they walked away and Luke just shook his head.

“We’re headed into town as well,” said Grace. “Jessica, Zoe and I will be working a table at a job fair. Looks like our table will be neighbors with Burton Drilling. Of course, they’re not offering signing bonuses and the pay we’re offering.”

“You’re evil Aunt Grace,” smirked Luke. “In the best possible way.”

“I know, honey. Just ask my husband.” The three women walked toward the waiting SUV and Remy stared at Luke.

“Should we…” Before he could finish Luke knew what he was going to say.

“Yes. Stay with them at the table and don’t let anyone near them. Robbie? You go too.”

“My pleasure, cousin. Monster! Come boy. We’re gonna have some fun,” he laughed.

“Okay,” said Luke nodding his head, turning to speak with the others. “Let’s get Rod moved into his place. Search every nook and cranny for anything Ms. Martin may have left behind. Uncle Jean, if you’ll please translate her diary, we’d appreciate it.”

“Not a problem. I’ll record it so you can play it back when you’re ready.” He left, texting his sister Marie to join him, just in case he got a few words wrong. Together, they would have the diary translated in no time.

“Rod, you ready to move into your new home. Permanently?” asked Eric.

“I’m ready,” he nodded. “I’m sorry about my outburst, Luke. I’m not usually that emotional.”