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Then the letter comes. Like a lot of things in my life recently, it arrives out of nowhere. I can’t say that I am not expecting it. But I can’t say that I am, either.
I have a hard time making sense of it. First, I’m sad. And then I’m angry. And after that, I’m just bitter. The lows are low, and sometimes I manage hope, but it feels too sporadic, too short-lived to count for much.
I guess what I’m trying to say is Julia has worked for my family for over forty years. Since she was a teenager. Since long before I was born. She changed my diapers and carried me and my brothers around on her hip. On the rare occurrence that my parents left town, she stayed with us.
If my memory serves me correctly, they only went out of town twice, once to see a specialist, and the other time for a funeral. They hated to leave Magnolia House just as much as they hated leaving us. It was their baby in the same way that we were, and they saw little point in being anywhere but here. The fact that they left things in Julia’s hands says it all. It wasn’t like they didn’t have family here. It was that they trusted Julia more than anyone.
When the constable appears on the porch, I am not expecting what happens next. For several long moments, I stare at him through the screen door. I’m expecting him to tell me he’s come to arrest Davis, and I’m contemplating places to hide him, the best way to get him out of town, or out of the country if it comes to that. It feels like a ticking time bomb, my brother’s freedom. Between Bobby Holt and Danny Vera, it seems like he’s bound to be accused of something. Whatever that something is, I just hope it isn’t murder.
“I’m looking for Ruth Channing,” the officer says, after tipping his hat. His tone tells me he’s all business. His demeanor tells me he’s polite.
“You’re looking at her.”
He hands me the manila envelope. He does not tell me I’ve been served. But that’s exactly what has happened.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Ruth
“She’s not even dead,” Cole says. My head is on his chest and I’m naked in his bed, and it’s as though I haven’t made enough mistakes lately, I had to go and make one more. I don’t care. I needed something to break me out of my funk, and it seemed like an orgasm would surely do it. Plus, I needed a little honesty, even if it’s soft, and I’m not sure I believe it. It feels good. Momentarily, at least.
“I know. But they want us to cover her medical bills. They’re mounting up. I can imagine it’s a lot for them. Nevertheless, I didn’t think they’d sue.”
“What did you think would happen?”
“I figured they’d work it out with our insurance company,” I sigh. “I don’t know what I thought. But I really didn’t think they’d make it this personal.”
“It’s not personal.”
“Well, it feels that way.”
“I wouldn’t worry too much. She’ll wake up soon, and this will all be a distant memory.”
I lift my head and search his eyes. “And if she doesn’t?”
“She will. Julia would never sue your family. She is family.”
“That means nothing.”
“True,” he smiles. “I don’t know, Ruth. What do you want me to say?”
“I could lose everything.”
“You will never lose everything.”
“Davis suggested we sell.”
Cole’s brow rises.
“I know. And he’s the one who’s always on my side. He’s the one who keeps Johnny at bay.”
“I haven’t heard Johnny mention selling—not in a while.”
“He has. Here and there. He gets tired of hearing me complain.” I lay my head on his chest once again, this time scooting in closer. “He doesn’t understand. It comes with the territory. I mean… He complains about the fire department all the time. But dare anyone suggest he quit?”
“What are you gonna do?”
“I don’t know.” Cole pulls the sheet up and tucks it around me. “Strange things have been happening. Things I can’t explain.”
