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“We just don’t keep records that old here at the hospital.” The young woman behind the desk makes a disappointed face that kind of annoys me. “A birth certificate or death certificate would’ve been filed at the courthouse.”
“Assuming one was filed.” It’s possible my annoyance is showing.
Her smile tightens. “Are you implying the hospital did something illegal?”
“Of course not. Thanks for your help.” Mindy grabs my arm and pulls me out of the small office. “Don’t piss off the clerks. I need them.”
“Sorry.” I shove a hand in my hair exhaling a low growl. “It’s like the answer is right here, and I just can’t find it.”
“Come on.” We head out to her waiting Prius. “Let’s go to the courthouse. We should’ve started there first.”
Ten minutes later, it’s the same story. No records. Only apologies.
“Told you.” We’re walking to Mindy’s car, and I’m ready to accept defeat.
“It might help if we knew the year this mystery baby was born. You’re sure your aunt doesn’t know anything?”
“I’m sure she won’t talk about it if she does.” The air is steamy, and I shrug off my blazer. “The last time I asked her about my grandfather, she said she was too young, no one told her anything.”
“You don’t believe her?”
Frustration tightens my chest. “I don’t know.”
“Well, I’m sorry this was a wild goose chase.”
“I don’t know why I expected anything different.” I think about my family’s mansion. That big old ancient place. I wonder if something might be hidden there… “Maybe I should just go home.”
It’s a short drive to Pine Hills. Mindy parks in the administrative lot, and I’m about to head to my car when a high-pitched voice warbles my name. “Deacon! Oh, Deacon! You, there!”
We look up to see Miss Jessica scuffling through the electric double doors with Ms. Irene on her arm. I glance at Mindy, and we jog to where the pair are creeping closer.
“Hey, what are you doing? Trying to escape?” I catch Ms. Irene’s arm.
“Deacon, thank heavens.” She holds onto me, and I do a slow U-turn, escorting her back inside. “I thought you left.”
Mindy is behind us scolding Miss Jessica. “You can’t leave the premises without a nurse. You know that.”
“I know that, Melinda Claire!” Miss Jessica fusses right back. “Irene was beside herself trying to catch up to you kids. I was keeping her safe.”
“What’s wrong?” I look at the blind lady holding my arm.
“You ran off so fast, I never got to finish.” Inside, I help her sit on a small sofa. “Martha won’t remember anything, but her daughter Vandella works with the ladies’ auxiliary.” She places a hand on her chest, catching her breath. “They keep the unofficial town history. If anybody would know, it would be her.”
I look at Mindy, who’s watching her carefully. “Are you sure, Ms. Irene? It was a long time ago.”
“I’m sure if there’s any record, she’d have it. The auxiliary has old diaries and letters.” She gives her friend a scolding look. “You should have given them that old box instead of telling Noel to throw it away.”
r /> “Why didn’t you tell us this before?”
I put my hand on Mindy’s arm. “No, it’s okay. Where do we find Vandella?”
“I tried to tell you, but you ran off so fast.” She turns to me. “She works at the library, of course. It might be too late to see her today, but you could call.”
Glancing at the clock, it’s almost five. I can’t believe we’ve spent the entire day running all over this tiny town when the answer was at the library.
“I’ll call her in the morning.”
“Shew, well, that’s settled, I’m starving.” Ms. Irene stands, holding out her hand. “Let’s go eat, Jessica.”
