Chapter 33
October had arrived in St. Louis the way October is expected to arrive: sunny, cool, temperature in the seventies. There had been three of these golden days, and then October became a succession of dreary, rainy days that changed the bright autumn leaves into sodden masses on the lawns and yards.The people of St. Louis felt cheated. They have grown accustomed to enduring some scorching days in the summer and some blustery, snowbound days in the winter. When October arrives, however, St. Louisans have been programmed to expect almost perfect weather.There had finally been a break in the rainy pattern, and Carol was delighted to see her yard man, Niles, raking and bagging all the wet autumn leaves in the back yard. As Carol stared out the window at Niles and his two-man crew, she noted something familiar about the appearance of one of the helpers. After several minutes, it dawned on Carol that the worker was Carlos, the intruder who had appeared at unpredictable times at affairs Carol and Alan were attending.A little while later Carol went out in the yard to bring the workers some cans of soda and individual snacks. Carlos was nowhere to be seen.“What happened to the short man with the dark hair?” Carol asked Niles.“Oh, he was standing around watching us this morning. He asked me if I could use some help. I told him to get a rake out of the garage. He worked hard for about three hours. Then he said he was tired. I gave him fifteen bucks and told him to put his rake back in the garage.”Carol said, “I think he used to work at the hospital, Niles. If he ever shows up again, will you let me know?”“Sure thing,” said Niles.As Carol turned around to go back indoors, Niles called after her, “0h, Mrs. Morrow, that fellow said your car door had a scratch on it.”Carol whirled around, a look of dismay on her face. “My car didn’t have any scratch on it anywhere.”Niles shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know anything about it, but after that fellow put the rake away, he told me the car in the garage had a scratched door.”Carol simply shook her head and went indoors. A trip to the garage an hour later confirmed Carol’s fear that her car would have a scratched door. The scratch appeared to have been made by a nail. Lying on the garage floor, next to the car, was a long nail.Carol debated about telling Alan, but he was in such a foul mood when he came home, that Carol knew it would be unwise.Carol told herself, “I’ll be like Scarlett and think about that tomorrow. I may tell Alan next week, next month, or next year. Maybe never.”Chapter 34
It was a dark, moonless night, and the dry leaves made a rustling sound as the wind sent them skittering across the steps of the apartment building. Gloria hurried up the walk, eager to be inside. Her warm, cheerful apartment had never looked more inviting than it did on this gloomy Halloween evening.After fixing herself a sandwich and some coffee, Gloria was watching Wheel of Fortune when there came a knock at the door.“Who is it?” called Gloria impatiently.“Trick or treat!” rang out a childish voice.Damn, thought Gloria, as she grabbed up her purse to look for change.With the chain still on, Gloria opened the door a crack. Looming right in front of her was a clown, his huge red lips twisted into a smile. Gloria stared at the orange hair, the huge red lips, the bulbous nose. Then she saw the luminous scar on his cheek. A scream froze in her throat. Slamming the door closed, Gloria leaned against it. Her whole body was trembling.There came another knock, loud and imperious. Gloria moved swiftly away from the door. In her haste to get to the phone, she knocked over a small vase.“Alan.” Gloria’s voice was shaky with emotion.“Yes?” Alan wondered why she was calling him tonight.“I opened the door for a trick-or-treater, and there he was! I mean there he is. Oh, Alan it was terrible.” Gloria’s voice sounded tearful.“There he was. There he is. Who is he?” Alan asked coldly.“The ‘Forest Park rapist.’ He had on a clown’s costume. His cheeks were painted red, but that horrible scar stood out against that red paint. I recognized him immediately. Oh, Alan, I’m so frightened. What shall I do?”“Barricade the door and call the police.”“Oh. Alan, do you really want the police watching my every move?”“Call Jack.”“Tonight is his Shakespeare Club. Oh. I just heard a sound in the living room. Can’t you come for a little while, Alan? I’m absolutely terrified.”“Probably some more trick-or-treaters. Look, Gloria, I got home late from the hospital, and Carol and I are going to a Halloween party. I have to get dressed.”“Maybe I will call the police,” said Gloria.“If I were you, I’d have a stiff drink and settle down with a good book. I have to run now. I’ll check with you tomorrow on Mr. Scarface. Goodbye, Gloria.” She heard the click of the receiver.A lot of sympathy I got from him, Gloria raged as she pushed chairs and tables against the apartment door. Then she went to the window to see what she could view of the entrance to the apartment. There was some movement on the sidewalk, but it was too dark to distinguish the figures below. The sky had grown more menacing, and it looked as if a storm was moving in.Gloria returned to the sofa and resumed watching the show on television. She sat staring at the screen, but her mind was in turmoil. I thought he would come racing over here. But no, not even a word of understanding of my terror. All he cares about is getting to his party. In the meantime, I can die of fright. How can he treat me like this?Gloria poured herself a glass of wine. Then she wrote in her diary: “Don’t get mad, Gloria. Got even!”Chapter 35
It’s a winter wonderland, thought Carol as she gazed out the window at the falling snow. Although feasting her eyes on the beauty of a “marshmallow world,” Carol knew from the radio report that the roads were treacherous and driving was hazardous.Mercy is probably short of nurses and aides, Carol reflected. I really should go to the hospital and volunteer my services. It was so warm and pleasant indoors gazing at all that outdoor splendor, Carol shrank from the idea of going out in the cold and driving on the slippery streets.Just then the phone rang. It was Jack. He sounded pressured. “Carol, has Alan already gone to the hospital?”“You just missed him, Jack. He left about ten minutes ago.”Jack’s disappointed “0oh” led Carol to ask, “Is something wrong, Jack?”“I can’t get my car started, and the cab phones are busy. I thought maybe Alan could pick me up on his way to Mercy.”“I’ll come and get you, Jack. You know I have that extra car with four wheel drive.”“Absolutely not, Carol. I’ll call around, and I’ll find someone who hasn’t left yet for the hospital.”“Jack, I know they’ll be short-handed at Mercy, so I planned on going there anyhow. You’ll see me over at Mercy whether you let me drive you or not.”“Well, okay then.” Jack said hesitantly.En route to the hospital, Jack regaled Carol with a humorous account of his hilarious experiences in trying to reach the hospital on February 28, 1984.“About fourteen inches of snow had fallen since Sunday,” Jack reminded Carol. “The Globe-Democrat had a headline: WINTER RETURNS WITH A FURY. My parents were visiting here from Florida. They were thrilled. They could hardly wait to take the newspaper articles and pictures back to Sarasota to show their friends.”“They should have been here on January 31st, 1982,” said Carol. “That was the worst snowstorm in seventy years. The blizzard began about 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 30th. It snowed all day Sunday. By Monday the airport, Amtrak, the schools, and many offices were closed. The streets were so snow-clogged that the buses couldn’t move. It was a nightmare. As late as Saturday evening most forecasters were predicting only about four inches, but Don is such a worrier that he asked any nurse who could to stay overnight. There were some empty beds in Orthopedics. Most of us camped up there.”“That must have been a great help the next morning,” said Jack.“It was a Godsend,” declared Carol. “So many nurses couldn’t make it at all, and quite a few were late.”After they reached the hospital, Carol accompanied Jack to the third floor. They met Alan as they stepped off the elevator.“If it isn’t Jack and his Florence Nightingale,” Alan said in mock surprise as he approached them.“Jack called for you to rescue him, but you had left about five minutes earlier.”Alan Morrow glared at Jack. “You mean you brought Carol out on a terrible day like this!”“Jack didn’t want me to drive him, but I insisted,” declared Carol. “I told Jack that I was coming over to Mercy anyhow.”“I know you think Donny Boy can’t run this hospital without your help, Carol. But when I left the house last night to play poker, there wasn’t as much snow, and you acted as if I were trying to commit suicide.”“Open heart surgery can’t wait,” Carol replied, “but poker, that can be played any old time.”“Not if it’s 7-card stud,” Alan called back over his shoulder as he walked away.Carol looked at Jack and laughed, “Whatever that’s supposed to mean.”Jack just shook his head. “He’s crazy.” His tone was light, but any criticism coming from Jack was unusual.Chapter 36
On December 17 Don affixed a sign to the door of the nurses’ recreation room. It read “Ye Olde Fatte Shoppe!” This was Don’s teasing appraisal of all the Christmas cookies and candy that were accumulating on the snack tables. All of it had been given to the nurses by patients and staff members to help the nurses celebrate the Yuletide season.On December 6., St. Nicholas Day, Don had brought 1990 calendars for each nurse to make a selection. There were Monet calendars, Hummel calendars, and sports calendars.“I love my Hummel calendar, Don,” said Peggy O’Keefe, an attractive auburn-haired nurse, who was rather plump. “I thought, though, that you should have given us something we need desperately, like cookies and candy.”Everyone clapped, and Don threw up his hands in mock surrender as he rose to leave. “I’m bringing a scale in here tomorrow, and if anyone can honestly say on Christmas Eve that you haven’t gained more than two pounds, I’ll give you a fruitcake.”After Don left, Peggy O’Keefe told the others, “Last month when my Dad had his stroke, Don was so helpful to my mother and me.”“Don’s father was like that,” said Grace Leahy. “He knew that nurses experience lots of stress. He did everything he could to make our lives pleasant. In turn, he insisted that we do the same for our patients. Don’s father said he wanted Mercy Hospital to be a hospital with a soul.”“I’ve often wondered,” said Gloria, “why Don’s father didn’t appoint Don the administrator here instead of Dr. Maxwell.”“Don didn’t want to be involved in finances and other matters that would keep him in his office,” said Grace Leahy. “His father, too, wanted Don out among the patients seeing to it that everyone is receiving tender, loving care.”“I’ve never known a kinder person than Don Magill,” said Julie Fitzgerald. “I think that’s the reason he is such an advocate of patient-controlled pain medication. It not only gives the patients as much medication as they require in steady doses, but it also has a good psychological effect on the patient.”“Everyone I know likes Don immensely,” said Gloria, “except Alan Morrow. He doesn’t care much for Don.”At that moment some more Christmas packages were delivered, and the nurses began to admire the attractive Yuletide boxes and tins. As each one was opened, the nurses exclaimed with delight. The conversation turned to Christmas gift and decorations.Gloria’s remark was forgotten by all except Grace Leahy. Grace had often wondered if Alan Morrow had been attracted to Carol not only by her beauty and charm, but also because Carol meant so much to Don Magill. Grace had never shared this thought with anyone else.Chapter 37
Once a year the nurses at Mercy Hospital were honored at a party given by the Auxiliary. This year. Carol was in charge of the event. The party room at Mercy was festooned with pink and silver streamers. There were huge silver baskets of pink flowers. Adorning the circular tables were real pink roses and silver-wrapped candy roses. At each guest’s place was an exquisite little Dresden doll.Auxiliary members were putting the finishing touches on the party room decorations when Don stopped in to view their work.“Good Lord ladies, you’ve got this place looking like the Casa-Loma Ballroom.”Everyone laughed, and Mary Emerson pointed to the porcelain doll at each nurse’s place. “It was wonderful of your mother to contribute those lovely Dresden dolls, Don.”“My father’s aunt owned an antique shop. After my aunt died, this shipment of dolls arrived from Germany. My mother has been saving them for a very special occasion.”For the nurses it was a very special occasion. There were many lovely prizes wrapped in pink and silver. The nurses worked small jigsaw puzzles and played games to win the prizes. Each guest had won at least two prizes, and after the Sing-Along, a drawing was scheduled for a large Mystery Box, wrapped in silver paper and decorated with a huge pink bow.Just before the Sing-Along Gloria Lindsay said to Carol and Kay Ballard, “I hope the drawing for the Mystery Box takes place before 10:00. Jack left a message at the desk upstairs that he would pick me up at ten o’clock on the parking lot.”“You could go out and invite Jack to come in and join us,” Carol suggested.“0h, Jack won’t mind waiting a few minutes,” said Kay.“Jack is very finicky about being on time. He’s never late. Jack’s probably waiting out there right now," sighed Gloria.“You’re right about Jack,” laughed Carol. “If you have to leave, Gloria, one of us will draw a ticket for you. If you win, we’ll leave the box in Don’s office for you.”Carol wanted Victoria to play the piano for the Sing-Along, but she had disappeared. One nurse said Victoria had gone upstairs to get the special tickets for the Mystery Box drawing. Carol asked Mary Emerson to be the pianist.Mary launched into the lilting refrain of Meet Me in St. Louie, Louie, and the nurses sang with gusto. At the end of the song, Carol observed Gloria Lindsay slipping out the door leading to the parking lot. Carol looked at the clock. It was 9:59.After about six more songs, Carol wanted to have the drawing for the Mystery Box. Gad, she thought, it’s taking Victoria an ungodly long time to get those tickets. At 10:20 Victoria appeared, looking somewhat flustered. She said someone had moved the tickets from the place where she had stored them.The final drawing was over at 10:30. After the guests departed, the Auxiliary members gathered up the decorations and placed them in boxes. After deciding to come in early the next morning for the final clean-up, they all left the building together.As Carol was placing the key in the lock of her car, she heard a scream. It was a piercing, spine-chilling scream. It froze the blood in Carol’s veins.Kay Ballard shouted, “It’s Mary Emerson!”Carol, Kay, and everyone else on the parking lot ran in the direction of Mary’s voice. She was parked at the far south end of the lot next to the border of shrubbery. Mary was standing there in a state of shock. Her body was taut with horror. Carol, like the others, noted that Mary was pointing to something between her car and the shrubbery.They could all see a body lying there, and then they all began to shriek. It was Gloria Lindsay. Her body appeared cold and lifeless. Kay Ballard almost fainted. Carol ran wildly toward the hospital to summon the emergency crew.Gloria was administered every possible type of resuscitation treatment, but it was to no avail. For the Auxiliary members it was an “out-of-body” experience. They all stood weeping, shaken, unable to cope with a tragedy that their minds refused to accept.When they were questioned in Don’s office by the homicide detectives, Kay Ballard told the detectives that Gloria said she had received a message that Jack would pick her up at ten o’clock. When the detectives called Jack at his home, Jack told them he had left no such message. Jack said he had been playing poker all evening with three other doctors, all of whom were still at his home.As he hung up the phone, Phil O’Brien, a tall, handsome detective, said sadly, “How I hate being the bad news messenger! That poor guy is a basket case. Toward the end there, I could hardly make out a word he was saying.”John Brady, another detective, went out to the desk and inquired, “Who gave Miss Lindsay the message that Dr. Kent would meet her at ten o’clock on the parking lot?”After many inquiries and no information, they finally located at her home an off-duty nurse, who told the detectives that she had found the typewritten message on a large piece of white paper lying on the counter of the third-floor station. The nurse also said that she thought it was very strange that the same typewritten message was left on top of the computer.“Where are those messages?” inquired Detective Brady.“After I told Gloria, I threw them in the wastebasket,” said Jeanne, the off-duty nurse. Detective Brady groaned inwardly.Most of the wastebaskets had been checked. Detective Brady knew that no messages had been found.After dispatching one of his crew to check with the custodians about trash disposal, Detective O’Brien told the Auxiliary members, “Ladies, I’m very sorry for this terrible tragedy. To insure your safety, our men will escort you to your cars. They will also check inside your cars. We may wish to ask to you again tomorrow if we-pick up new leads. It appears that Miss Lindsay has been strangled. We won’t say for certain until after the autopsy.”The autopsy the next day confirmed that Gloria Lindsay had been strangled.When Carol arrived home, she breathlessly told Alan about the discovery of Gloria’s body on the parking lot. In concluding her story, Carol said, “The detective who called Jack said that Jack was a basket case. The detective said that ……. “
Alan interrupted, “When I arrived at Jack’s place to play poker, the other two were already playing, but Jack had gone out for sandwiches and …..”Carol was surprised. “Jack went out for sandwiches!”“He usually goes to the little deli two blocks away, but he was gone for such a long time that I think he must have gone to that carry-out restaurant he likes so much. It’s near the hospital.”“Were you still there, Alan, when Jack received the terrible news?” asked Carol.“Yes, and it was god-awful. I’ve been Jack’s friend for years, and I’ve never seen him react so emotionally to any news. When Jack received the news of his father’s death, he withdrew into himself and kept his grief all bottled up. Not tonight. He cried and cried. Jack said he didn’t want to live without Gloria.”“Maybe you should have stayed with Jack or brought him here for the night.”“Hey,” protested Alan. “I’m playing in a golf tournament tomorrow. I have to get a good night’s rest.”Chapter 38
A week after Gloria’s death, the telephone rang in Don’s office just before noon. It was Don’s father calling to say some jewelry for the hospital’s gift shop had arrived at their home. He wanted to know if Don wanted him to bring the jewelry to the hospital.“Dad,” said Don, “I have something to tell you. Dr. Morrow had a heart attack and died in his sleep last night.”There was a long moment of silence. Then Don’s father asked, “Did Alan tell you at which funeral parlor his father will be?”“A funeral parlor in Clayton, but Alan said the services will be strictly private. For the family only. There’s no visitation, so I guess that means I can’t attend.”“I’m sorry, Don.”“It seems so fitting, so appropriate,” said Don bitterly, “that the father who left my life untouched by his presence should remain untouchable even in death.”“Just be grateful, Don, that Greg Morrow’s death came quickly and without pain.”“I am grateful for that,” said Don. “I’m also thankful that my ‘real’ parents are alive and well. Tell Mom I’ll be home for dinner.”Dr. Magill laughed. “Your mother’s out playing golf, Don. I’ll tell Eloise. She has a big turkey roasting in the oven. It might be for tomorrow.”Don’s life was not to remain completely untouched by that of his natural father, Dr. Gregory Morrow. One Friday morning a large manila envelope from a prominent St. Louis law firm was received by Don. Don groaned inwardly when he saw it. Those manila envelopes from law firms usually meant trouble for the hospital. Although handled mainly by the hospital’s attorneys, legal matters often involved hours of research and paper work on the part of the administrative staff at Mercy.As Don read the document contained in the manila envelope, he stared in utter amazement. The letter stated that Dr. Gregory Morrow had left an estate of seven million dollars. It further stated that one million had been bequeathed to Don Magill, “his other boy.”“To my ‘other boy’ Don J. Magill, I bequeath the sum of one million dollars.” Not “other son”---but “my other boy.” Don guessed that the wording was purposely vague to avoid embarrassment for all concerned in the event a copy of the will was obtained by the press. “My other boy” could have many different meanings: son, protege, nephew, dear friend.For a while Don sat at his desk absorbed in thought. The bequest explained a lot of things, especially Alan Morrow’s increased hostility toward Don in recent weeks. That must have been shocking news for Alan that he and Don had the same natural father.What a bitter pill that must have been for Alan to swallow! Over the years Don had heard through the “grapevine” that at some Mercy staff gatherings, not attended by Don, Alan would inform the ones present that Dr. Charles Magill was not Don’s real father. “For all we know,” Alan had added on more than one occasion, “Don’s real father may be scrubbing the docks of New York.”It was a mystery to Don why Alan resented Don’s being the adopted son of a wealthy doctor and his wife. Alan himself had been “born with a silver spoon in his mouth.” Why would Alan begrudge Don the same good fortune?For Don right now the great mystery was: how had Dr. Gregory Morrow found out that he was Don’s natural father. They resembled each other physically, but it was a type of blonde, blue-eyed appearance often seen. Whenever Don had been in Dr. Greg Morrow’s presence, the atmosphere between them had been relaxed and completely unself-conscious. Don knew this would have been impossible if Dr. Morrow was aware that Don was the son he had ignored all his life.How much had Gloria heard that night at Mercy Hospital when Don’s grandmother was revealing to him the identity of his real father? Once more that question came back to haunt Don. Had Gloria told Dr. Greg Morrow that Don was his son? What could have motivated her to do such a thing? Had Gloria confided this exciting bit of gossip to someone else, who had passed it along to Dr. Greg Morrow? Don felt almost certain now that what he had strongly suspected that night at the hospital was true: Gloria Lindsay had heard the secret his grandmother had confided to him in Room 213.Chapter 39
Mary Emerson drove to Victoria’s house to help Victoria transport to Mercy Hospital dozens of boxes of crepe paper decorations and attendance prizes for the annual card party.Victoria suggested to Mary, “Why don’t you leave your car here at my house? We’ll just take my station wagon, and you can pick up your car on the way back.”
Mary hesitated, and then she impulsively grabbed her purse before climbing into the front seat of Victoria’s station wagon.At the hospital parking lot Victoria told Mary, “I’ll run upstairs to find out where they want us to store all these boxes. You could begin to unload the wagon and place some of the boxes in the vestibule for the present.”Spirrhea bushes bordered the entire parking lot, and they were in full bloom. The little white flowers provided lovely scenery, but they were a menace to Mary Emerson. Allergic to spirrhea, Mary felt her eyes begin to water, and her nose began to itch. Realizing she had left her box of Kleenex on the seat of her own car, Mary experienced the desperation of coping with a seemingly trivial problem.Maybe Victoria has some Kleenex in her glove compartment, thought Mary. The window was partially open, so Mary thrust her left arm in the window and pulled open the glove compartment. At first the compartment seemed empty. Then Mary thrust her arm deeper into the opening, and she felt a wad of folded Kleenexes. Mary pulled out the tissues and unfolded them. As she did so, her eyes widened in amazement. There, in the middle of the tissues were two diamond-and-ruby earrings. Mary stared in disbelief. Surely they weren’t. Oh, no, they couldn’t be. Yes, they were Gloria Lindsay’s earrings.At that moment, Mary heard Carol calling her name. Mary jumped slightly. She turned around to see Carol and Kay standing beside her, smiling at her.“Victoria told us to come down here to help you with the boxes, Mary,” said Carol.Without thinking and unable to speak, Mary held up to their view the earrings nestled on the tissues. Kay Ballard and Carol stared at the earrings.
“Are those your earrings, Mary?” Kay asked.Mary’s voice was shrill. “Don’t you remember these earrings? They belonged to Gloria. My God, I think she may have had them on the night she was murdered.”Carol continued to stare at the earrings. “Gloria did have earrings which looked just like those. Where did you find them, Mary?”“I needed some Kleenex, and I was searching for some in Victoria’s glove compartment. This is what I pulled out of there.”Kay Ballard glanced nervously around the parking lot. “Victoria has a very short fuse, Mary. Put those earrings back in the glove compartment before she sees you with them.”At that moment the hospital door swung open, and Victoria came walking toward them. It was too late to conceal the earrings. When Victoria saw Mary Emerson holding them, her green eyes narrowed, and her very dark eyebrows shot up like a question mark.Kay Ballard heard herself saying impulsively, “Mary was looking for a Kleenex, and she found these earrings in your glove compartment, Victoria. She thought they looked familiar.”Victoria’s eyes and the tone of her voice was chilly, “What do you mean, ‘familiar’?”Bravely Mary Emerson asserted, “I thought they looked like the ones Gloria Lindsay used to wear.”Victoria’s expression changed to amazement. “I’d forgotten all about those earrings. They are Gloria's. She left them at my house several nights before the nurses’ party. I put them in my glove compartment to return them to her. Gloria left the nurses’ party before it was over. I never had a chance to give her the earrings.”A look of relief spread over Mary Emerson’s features. Carol and Kay felt happy the problem was solved.“We’d better hurry and get these boxes up to the workshop,” said Carol. “The committee wants to use some of these materials this afternoon. Where do we take the boxes marked with an E?”“Take all boxes marked with an E to Don’s office,” Victoria directed. “Everything else goes to the workshop.”Chapter 40
In celebration of the thirty-fifth anniversary of the founding of Mercy Hospital, a party was held at the Adam’s Mark Hotel. Seated at the head table were Dr. Charles Magill and his wife, Dr. Maxwell, Dr. Don Magill, two nurses and three doctors who had been on the staff at Mercy Hospital for over thirty years. Grace Leahy, a nurse, had been at Mercy Hospital since its beginning, thirty-five years ago.Carol and Alan Morrow, the Emersons, the Ballards, the Delaneys, Jack Kent and his date, Sally, were seated at the same table.Halfway through the salad course, Mary Emerson looked across the table and inquired in a distinct voice, “Carol, did you tell Alan about my finding Gloria Lindsay’s earrings yesterday.”Before Mary Emerson spoke there had been two or three separate conversations taking place at the table, but now everyone stopped talking. No one wanted to miss the follow-up on this question.Alan Morrow looked up quickly and answered for Carol, “No, she didn’t.”Mary Emerson continued, “You remember, Alan, those gold-and-ruby earrings you purchased at the hospital Gift Shop.”
“Earrings! I bought earrings?” The incredulous expression on Alan’s face matched the amazed tone of his voice.Everyone laughed, but Mary Emerson pressed on. “Mrs. Dannon told me you were the one who bought those gorgeous earrings.”“I always said Dr. Dannon was a loose cannon.” Alan smiled sardonically. “Now it appears that Mrs. Dannon is also a loose cannon.”“For every crooked pot there’s a crooked lid,” quipped Dr. Ballard.Solemn Dr. Graves said seriously, “Dr. Dannon did have his eccentricities, but I learned a great deal about heart surgery from him.”Trying to change the subject, Kay Ballard asked, “Wasn’t Dr. Dannon a pioneer in the field of angioplasty?”Mary Emerson was determined to complete her story. “Gloria often wore those gorgeous earrings on special occasions. I always admired them. Yesterday when I was looking in Victoria’s glove compartment for a Kleenex, lo and behold, there were Gloria’s two earrings.”Dr. Emerson sighed inwardly. I always knew those earrings would come back to haunt me. Carol prayed for an interruption, a distraction of any sort.As if in answer to Carol’s prayer, several waiters and busboys arrived at their table. Salad plates were scooped up, some entree plates set down, a glass of wine accidentally spilled and two waiters arrived with coffee servers, asking each guest “Regular” or “Decaffeinated.” In the hustle and bustle, Mary Emerson’s story was squelched and seemingly forgotten. Everyone became attentive to the attractive dinner and the entertainment.During a lull in the entertainment, Dr. Emerson began to tell about a dinner he had eaten under strange circumstances on a cruise ship. The sea was so stormy he had to crawl on his hands and knees to the dining room where he and the captain of the ship had the unique experience of being the only two persons who made it to the dining room.After Dr. Emerson’s story about the cruise ship episode, others at the table began to recount their humorous experiences aboard cruise ships. The group at their table grew very jolly. There were many tales, good-natured banter, and lots of light-hearted laughter.As Kay Ballard described her experiences on what she termed a “real Love Boat,” Carol was startled to note that Jack Kent was staring at Alan with a brooding, almost hostile expression in his usually merry eyes. There was something chilling about the intense stare which Jack leveled in Alan’s direction. Then, becoming aware of Carol’s questioning gaze, Jack lowered his head and began to eat.Alan, who was usually charming and witty in a party setting, seemed oblivious to Jack’s dark mood. Others, who did notice it, attributed Jack’s moodiness to his remembrance of Gloria, elicited by Mary Emerson’s story.Before the dessert was served, Kay Ballard asked Carol to accompany her to the powder room. En route, Kay whispered, “My grandmother always told me, ‘Loose lips sink ships’.”“I’m sorry Mary told that story about the earrings,” said Carol. “Her story seemed to upset Jack. I imagine Alan was furious, but I won’t know until after we leave here.” Carol sighed.When they returned to the table, Jack was no longer there. Dr. Ballard told them, “Jack said he felt very ill, and he left.”“Oh,” said Carol, “Alan could have taken Jack home, and I could have driven our car.”“Alan offered to do that,” said Dr. Ballard, “but Jack just shook his head and left without another word.”Chapter 41
It had rained incessantly all evening. Alan Morrow had called Carol earlier to say he would not be home for dinner that he was involved in a poker tournament, and he would be home very late.Carol decided it was a good evening to curl up in a big living room chair and finish the mystery novel she had begun to read. The story held her attention, but Carol was always aware of the dreary sound of the rain slashing against the windows. The lightning flashes were frequently accompanied by the crashing noise of thunder.Although the crackling logo in the fireplace lent extra warmth and a glow to the room, Carol felt somewhat chilled and uneasy. She had the eerie feeling that someone was watching her. Once when the lightning flashed, Carol thought she saw a face at the window, but she knew it was her imagination. The winds had picked up force, and a shutter kept banging against the dining-room window.Suddenly there was the loud peal of the doorbell and the sound of pounding on the front door. Carol jumped in fright before rising in response to the doorbell. Did Alan forget his key, she wondered.Carol opened the metal peek-door in the huge oak door and called out, “Who is it?” There was no answer.Again she called out, “Who is it?”“Jack Kent,” she heard a voice answer.Carol pulled the door open a crack. Although relieved to see that it really was Jack Kent, Carol still experienced a feeling of foreboding.Opening the door wide, Carol exclaimed graciously, “Jack, come in. Come in before you drown out there.”As Jack wiped his feet on the mat, Carol took his damp coat and hung it in the reception hall closet.“I know it’s rather late, Carol, but I hate driving in a storm. I couldn’t see a foot in front of me. Your lights were on, so I said to myself, ‘There’s my port of safety’.”After offering Jack a drink, Carol told him an exciting story about the burglary of a neighbor’s home on the previous night. Jack, usually adept in conversation, had little to say.Jack may be tired, thought Carol. There was a strange expression in his eyes. Carol had the feeling that he wanted to tell her something, but couldn’t find the courage or the right words.“Alan is playing poker in a tournament tonight.”“I know. He told me,” Jack said dryly. Then he added vehemently, “His place is home here with you on this god-awful night instead of running around heaven knows where.”Carol was amazed. Jack was always the one who defended Alan’s actions. “You know Alan,” smiled Carol. “He enjoys living on the edge. If he wins at poker tonight, he won’t care if there’s a tornado.”The storm seemed to have ended, but Jack showed no inclination to leave. Carol began to tell him about some amusing incidents in her nursing career. Jack listened intently with that same strange expression on his face. Then Jack walked over to the cocktail table and poured himself another glass of wine. Instead of returning to his chair, he came over and sat beside Carol on the loveseat. Carol felt a little uncomfortable.After several minutes Carol said in a casual tone, “I want to show you some pictures I took last week at Shaw’s Garden.” Carol walked over to the bookcase to get the photograph album. As she and Jack looked at the pictures in the album. Jack seemed to relax.About 12:50 Carol heard a key turn in the door. It was Alan. He stared in surprise at Carol and Jack sitting together on the loveseat.“Well, look who’s here! To what do we owe the honor of this visit, Jack?”“It was raining so hard that my visibility was zero. Your house was illuminated, so I stopped by for a visit.”“There hasn’t been any rain for the last half-hour, Jack, or were you too busy to notice? How come you were out at all? You told me you had surgery tomorrow and you didn’t plan to go anywhere.”“I changed my mind,” Jack said coldly. “I’m glad I did. I don’t like the idea of Carol’s being alone on such a terrible night.”“Somehow,” said Alan sarcastically, “I’ve never thought of our living room as being an especially dangerous place. Carol’s a big girl now; she doesn’t need a sitter.” Alan’s sardonic tone matched the expression on his face.Jack turned to Carol. “Thanks, Carol, for the wine and for showing me those pictures. You’re an. excellent photographer.”“Now, Jack,” Alan said in a flippant tone, “please don’t go around telling people that Carol saved your life by letting you stay here during the storm.”“Carol may have saved my life,” Jack replied. “I was driving blind.” Grabbing Carol and kissing her, Jack said, “Goodbye, Carol. Thanks for everything.” He stepped out into the night.When the door closed, Alan said irritably, “How much did he have to drink? He appeared to be under the influence.”“Oh, no.” said Carol. “He only had two glasses of wine.”“Well, there’s something funny going on. Why would he tell me he was going to stay home and then go out in a storm? It’s been lightning and thundering all evening. Did you notice that he didn’t say where he had been? That Jack seems to be turning into a snake in the grass.” Mumbling and muttering about Jack, Alan went off to bed.The next morning there was an article in the newspaper that the Forest Park rapist had attempted to assault a woman in the central West End. The woman had used karate skills to ward off her attacker. The newspaper stated that the story had been on the 10:00 news. Carol wondered if Jack had heard the ten o’clock news report, and knowing that she was alone, had worried about her safety. Could that have been the reason for his visit?Chapter 42
As Don was walking away from the Orthopedics section, he met the cleaning woman, Karen Brown.“How are things going for you, Doctor Don?” asked Karen.“About the same as being at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941,” laughed Don.“That bad!” said Karen sympathetically. “If I see you in the cafeteria at noon, I’ll tell you a story that will make you laugh.”When Don arrived in the cafeteria at 12:30, Karen was sitting at a table with her friend, Clarice. Karen gave Don the “Hi” sign, and he gave her a return sign.“Stop trying to make yourself feel important, Karen,” admonished Clarice. “Waving at the head of the hospital.”“I want Doctor Don to sit with us,” said Karen. “I have a funny story to tell him.”“Oh no,” Clarice wailed. “I’m so embarrassed for you, I feel like crawling under this table. He’s going to sit with those two doctors in line with him.”Clarice was wide-eyed as Don Magill walked over and set his bowl of chili down on their table. “I really like this chili,” Don said. “Eloise, our housekeeper, wants me to get the recipe, and I keep forgetting.”“I’ll get it for you, Doctor Don,” volunteered Karen.“This morning has been the pits,” sighed Don. “I hope Karen has a funny story to give me a lift.”“You may not think this is funny, but I thought it was hilarious,” said Karen.Don’s face brightened in anticipation of the story.“The other day Dr. Morrow was seated at that next table,” began Karen. “He had a cup of coffee and two caramel rolls. When he was finished with his coffee and one of the rolls, Mrs. Lacey came over and whispered in his ear. He got up and left the table. That other caramel roll was still there. I love caramel rolls. The bus boy was grabbing up dishes from empty tables. I thought, there goes that good caramel roll to waste. I slipped over there and took it off the plate. I had taken about two bites when …..”Karen began to laugh so hard she couldn’t go on with her story. Don and Clarice didn’t know what Karen found so amusing, but the sight of her merriment was so contagious, they began to laugh with her.“..... Dr. Morrow came walking back to his table. He hadn’t left, just gone for another cup of coffee. He stared so hard at that empty plate minus his caramel roll, I thought I was going to choke. Then he looked over and saw half a caramel roll on my plate. He gave me a long, hard stare. I felt too guilty to take another bite. I got to laughing so hard, I dropped my paper napkin on the floor, so I could bend over and be out of sight.”Clarice’s cackling laugh rang out in the cafeteria, and tears of laughter streamed down Don Magill’s face.“After a few seconds, Dr. Morrow was gone again. Then he came back with two more caramel rolls on a plate. He sat down, and you won’t believe this, he made a little fence around his rolls with the sugar bowl, the straw dispenser, and the napkin holder. He sat there munching away with his dark eyes fixed on me in a steely stare.”“Oh, Karen, you’re making this part up.” Don exclaimed.“Scout’s honor,” Karen held up her right hand.“I’m surprised he didn’t have you arrested,” said Clarice with a hoot of laughter.This was too much for Don. “I’m leaving, or you two will be the death of me. My death certificate will read: overdose of laughter.”Chapter 43
Carol stopped by Don’s office to drop off for the nurses some complimentary tickets to the shows for the upcoming Municipal Opera season.“You know, Don, how such I’ve always loved the Muny.”“It is great, Carol, to be sitting in that vast outdoor theater listening to wonderful music. Remember when we were about twelve years old and your Dad took us to Camelot. All of a sudden the lady sitting in front of us began to sing aloud with the performers on the stage. Some people in the audience were furious, but you got a bad case of the giggles. I tried to impress your father by maintaining some semblance of dignity.”“Oh, Don, weren’t those happy times,” Carol said wistfully.Struck by the tone of her voice, Don asked, “How is life treating you, Carol?”“I’m fine, but I’ve been concerned about Alan. He always seems to be emotionally upset.”“For any special reason?” Don inquired. He wondered whether Alan had told Carol about Dr. Morrow’s will and that Dr. Morrow was Don’s natural father.“Do you recall that terrible man who gave us such a hard time a few years ago when you got in his car to turn off the lights? You were afraid the battery would run down.”“One never forgets Mr. Hornet,” said Don dryly. “He was the father of little Tad.”“Dr. Emerson asked Alan to examine Tad. When Alan did that, he found Tad’s heart to be in good shape. Then Mr. Hornet refused to pay Alan’s fee. Usually Alan doesn’t become upset over an unpaid bill, but Mr. Hornet became so insulting that a regular feud erupted between the two of them.”“As we both know,” said Don, “Mr. Hornet can be very obnoxious.”“That dreadful man called Alan a robber, a crook, Dr. Featherbrain, and other choice expressions. Not to be outdone, Alan called him a deadbeat, shyster lawyer, a parasite on society. Do you get the picture, Don?”“Vividly,” said Don sympathetically. “Did he ever pay Alan?”“He sent a check for the three hundred dollars. Then, to be annoying, he stopped payment on the check. Eventually he did pay, but now there’s new trouble on the horizon.”Don stared at Carol in amazement. “Something new?”“When Alan examined Tad, he found nothing wrong. Several months ago, Dr. Emerson thought he detected an arrhythmia, in Tad’s heartbeat. Of course, Mr. Hornet wouldn’t allow Alan to be consulted, so Dr. Emerson called in Jack Kent. Jack agrees with Dr. Emerson that there is an arrhythmia, but nothing really serious. Now Mr. Hornet is threatening to sue Alan for not detecting the problem when he examined Tad.”
“It could be a recent development,” said Don.“The hot-tempered Mr. Hornet refuses to believe that. Now we are receiving harassing telephone calls. After each call, Alan becomes so enraged, I’m afraid he’ll have a stroke.”“You could have the telephone company monitor the line to find out who the caller is. If it is Mr. Hornet, he’ll be glad to let Alan alone to avoid prosecution for harassment. If it isn’t he, at least you’ll know who the caller is.”“I don’t know who else would do such a thing,” said Carol.“How about that Carlos?”“He seems to have disappeared completely, thank heavens,” said Carol. “It’s a strange thing, Don, but I haven’t laid eyes on him since about the time of Gloria’s death.”“I’m glad he’s faded away,” said Don. “I hope we never see or hear of him again.”“Amen.” said Carol, giving Don a radiant smile.Chapter 44
Ever since their arrival in St. Louis, the Champlains had been hearing about the Missouri Botanical Garden. They knew it was founded by Henry Shaw and that most St. Louisans referred to it as Shaw’s Garden. Although the Champlains had heard it praised highly, they were totally unprepared for its magnificence.After a group from Mercy toured Shaw’s Garden, some of them decided to visit the Gift Shop. Others stood in the lobby discussing the wonders they had just viewed.“I’ve been all over the world,” said Mrs. Champlain, “and this place is my favorite. I’ll never forget the sight of those thousands of gorgeous tulips and crocuses blooming in the Bulb Garden.”Dr. Champlain said, “I especially liked that 14-acre Japanese Garden with its replicas of natural waterfalls and beaches. I was fascinated with the large yellow fish.”Mary Emerson expressed a preference for the rose gardens, with over five thousand roses of extraordinary beauty.“Our children learned about rain forests by visiting the Climatron,” said Dr. Delaney. “They’re crazy about the cliffs and waterfalls and all that tropical vegetation.”While Dr. Alan Morrow and the group were standing in the lobby, there was a flurry of excitement. The famous botanist, Dr. Lester Borden was making his departure from Shaw’s Garden, followed by three reporters.Dr. Borden’s glance fell casually on the Mercy group. Then his face brightened with delight as he saw Dr. Alan Morrow. Dr. Borden rushed forward and gave Alan a bear hug. At first, Alan looked a little disconcerted. Then, as he realized it was the great Dr. Borden, Alan with effusive cordiality introduced Dr. Borden to the Mercy group.“Six years ago this month this man’s wonderful surgery gave me a new lease on life,” declared Dr. Borden in a booming voice.A photographer was snapping pictures, and visitors to Shaw’s Garden paused to stare at Dr. Borden and the group from Mercy.Dr. Borden continued, “I’ve been intending to call you, Dr. Morrow. I have recently developed a new peach-colored rose. In your honor, I would like to call it the Mercy Rose.”“That sounds great, Dr. Borden.” Alan smiled, but he didn’t sound too enthusiastic.Alan then placed his hand lightly on Victoria’s shoulder. “This is Victoria Lacey, Dr. Borden. It would please me greatly to have you give one of your roses the name Victoria.”Thinking Victoria was Alan’s fiancée, Dr. Borden gave the elegant Mrs. Lacey an admiring glance. “I can see why such a name would be appropriate. However, I believe there is already a Rose Victoria.”
“Then call it the Victoria Lacey Rose,” Alan said boldly.Victoria’s pleasure was reflected in the glowing expression in her green eyes and in her smile. The slight embarrassment she felt lent a becoming peach blush to her tanned cheeks. Dr. Borden looked at her and smiled. So like a rose, he thought.“I will call my peach rose the Victoria Lacey,” declared Dr. Borden. “But now I must hurry to catch my plane. I will send you a picture of the rose, Dr. Morrow,” he called back over his shoulder as he hurried away, still followed by reporters.The irrepressible Jason Emerson, who always liked to “keep the pot boiling,” said loudly, “I hope, Alan, that Carol likes the idea of a Victoria Lacey rose.”Alan waved his hand in dismissal of any worry on that score. “Carol hates roses. She’s allergic to them. They make her sneeze and cough.”At that moment Carol and Sue Delaney were returning from the Shaw’s Garden gift shop, bearing their treasures. Carol overheard Alan’s remark.“I really love roses,” Carol said emphatically, “but roses hate me. They do make me sneeze and cough. I can’t even be around perfumes with a rose fragrance.”After Mary Emerson briefed Carol about Dr. Borden and the Victoria Lacey rose, Don was amused to hear Carol say, “That was very thoughtful of Alan. Vicki has done so much for Mercy Hospital. She deserves that tribute.”Don knew that Carol’s remark was sincere. There was no jealousy in her make-up. As for the rose, thought Don, if Dr. Borden chose to call it the Mercy Rose, then Alan should have allowed him to do so.Despite his great admiration for Victoria as a “mover and a shaker,” who had accomplished great things for Mercy Hospital, Don thought it was despicable of Alan to have selected the name Victoria Lacey as an alternate for Mercy. He should have wanted it to be called the Carol Rose, allergy or no allergy. Don glanced over at Carol’s lovely heart-shaped face. There’s the real rose, Don told himself. I’d like to boil that Alan Morrow in oil.Just then Dr. Lacey, who had been standing quietly on the outskirts of the group, came up to Don and said softly, “Tell Vicki I’ll see her at home, Don. I’m too tired to go to the luncheon. I’ve had all I can take for one day.”Chapter 45
When Don’s father, Dr. Charles Magill, had opened Mercy Hospital thirty-five years ago, Grace Leahy was one of the nurses on its staff. Other nurses fondly referred to her as “Amazing Grace.” The compassion she felt for her patients was expressed in her eyes and in her voice. The suffering patient would feel the wave of her sympathy flow over him. To commemorate Nurse Leahy’s thirty-five years of service, Don had suggested to the Auxiliary that a special party be given in her honor.Kay Ballard, party chairman of the Auxiliary, outlined some of the plans they were making. “After the skits, we’ll present Grace with a silver bowl and a commemorative plaque, to be displayed in the lobby.”“Sounds great,” said Don. “My father will give Grace a personal check as a token of his esteem for her work here at Mercy.”“I also want to mention to you, Don, that at the last nurses’ party, I took a large picture of the group. We’ve asked one photographic studio blow it up to giant size. Grace is in the middle of the photograph. We’re going to circle her likeness with a wreath of silver flowers. The picture will be mounted on a pedestal at the party.”Cardiologists from the St. Louis community were planning a meeting to discuss the latest technology in their field. The meeting was to be held at Mercy Hospital. Don asked Jack Kent to drop by his office for some input on the general plans of the meeting.Jack and Don were discussing their choices for guest speakers at the meeting, when Carol, Kay Ballard, and Mary Emerson knocked on the door, then burst into the office.
“Excuse us,” exclaimed Kay Ballard. “Don, Jack, look! This just arrived from the photographic studio where we had it blown up.”Puzzled by their excitement, Don asked, “Is that the enlarged picture for the anniversary party for Grace?”“Don, Jack, LOOK,” Mary Emerson commanded. She pointed to the likeness of Gloria Lindsay on the large picture. “This was the picture taken at the nurses’ party just before Gloria went outside on the night she was murdered.”Don, and Jack stared at the picture. They exchanged questioning glances, then stared in bewilderment at the three women.“See,” said Kay loudly, pointing to the earrings on Gloria’s likeness. “Those are the earrings Mary found in Vicki’s car. Vicki told us Gloria had left them at her house. This picture shows Gloria had them on the night she was murdered.”“Are you certain that these are the same earrings?” asked Don.“As certain as I am that you’re standing here talking to me,” said Mary Emerson.“We know Vicki wasn’t involved in Gloria’s murder,” Carol declared, “but those earrings are unique, and Gloria did have them on the night she was murdered.”“This is an odd development,” said Don. “Vicki is the only one who can put the pieces of the puzzle together.”“The trouble is,” Kay said slowly, “Vicki has a very low boiling point. I’m afraid to ask her about the earrings, and so are Carol and Mary.”“There must be some tactful way the subject can be presented to Victoria. The three of you think about it tonight, and so will Jack and I,” promised Don, nodding toward Jack as he spoke.Jack’s brown eyes were expressionless, and he said nothing. He sat staring at the others as if he were stunned by this new development in the ongoing mystery of Gloria’s murder.When Don and Jack were alone again, they resumed their discussion of plans for the upcoming meeting of cardiologists. After a few minutes, Don noticed that Jack Kent had lost the concentration that he had before he heard the story of the earrings. Jack seemed unable to focus his attention completely on the ideas Don was setting forth.About twenty minutes later, Jack said, “It’s been a long day. Why don’t we take up these matters tomorrow Don.”After Jack left, Don sat at his desk absorbed in thought for a little while. Then he rose resolutely with a plan in mind. I’ll go to see Vicki, and I’ll tell her about the picture. I’m sure there’s a simple explanation for all this mix-up about the earrings.At the same time Jack was driving north on Kingshighway. His thoughts were centered on Gloria. Gloria was crazy about those earrings. They were lovely, but she had many beautiful earrings. I often wondered why she was so attached to that particular pair.Jack’s expression grew grim. I think Victoria isn’t the only one who has the clues to this mystery. Mrs. Dannon told Mary Emerson she sold them to Alan. This whole matter is going to be solved tonight--one way or another.
Chapter 46
When Alan Morrow arrived home about 6:30, Carol fixed him a martini cocktail, and then she sat beside him on the sofa. “Alan, I have the most astonishing piece of news for you.”“Please, I’m trying to relax. You know how I hate chit-chat when I come home. Where’s the newspaper?”“You’ll want to hear this, Alan. It’s exciting. It’s about Gloria’s earrings.”Alan groaned aloud. “Don’t tell me all you would-be Miss Marples are at it again.” He set his martini down with such force that some of it splashed on the end table.Carol stood up, walked over to the mantel and picked up a snapshot. “See this picture, Alan. We had it blown up for Grace Leahy’s anniversary party. It shows Gloria wearing the earrings that Victoria said had been left at her house.”“And so?” Alan asked in a martyred tone of voice.“This snapshot was taken just before Gloria left the party at the hospital on the night she was murdered. Gloria couldn’t have left the earrings at Vicki’s house. We don’t know what to do about it.”Alan threw the newspaper on the floor. “Mind your own business! That’s what you do about it. Whom have you told about this?”Carol decided to evade that question. “We don’t know exactly whom to tell or how to proceed from here.”“Where is that enlarged picture?” Alan demanded. “I’ll show you how to proceed from here.” He drew a pocketknife from his inside coat pocket.“Mary Emerson took one copy to her house. I don’t know who has the other copy.”“Mary Emerson,” Alan snorted. “That woman read too many Nancy Drew books in her adolescence. Now it seems that she is trying to make Vicki the victim of her paranoidal imagination.”Alan took another gulp of his martini before he walked over to the mirror over the mantel. There he straightened his tie. “I’m due at a meeting at seven-thirty. I’ll barely make it.”He picked up his suit coat from the chair and went out the door without saying good-bye.I guess he’s going to the same meeting as Don, thought Carol. I hope Don doesn’t say anything to Alan about the picture.Chapter 47
Jack started to ring the doorbell, and then he noticed the front door was slightly ajar. As Jack stepped into the spacious reception hall, he heard voices coming from the library. Victoria’s voice was raised, and Alan was speaking in the slow, measured tone he adopted when he was in a cold fury.“Why were you so stupid as to leave them in the glove compartment? I told you to remove them.”“You had no business placing them there, Alan.”“I thought the missing earrings would make it look like a robbery. Your car was much closer than mine. I had to get rid of them in a hurry.”“Oh, Alan, why did you have to lose your rotten temper and spoil everything?”“I was tired of that blonde bimbo. She knew it, but she wouldn’t let go. For spite, the bitch even told my father Don Magill’s true identity. She was also threatening to tell Carol and the whole world about you and me.” Alan’s voice was venomous with pent-up rage.Victoria sounded bewildered. “Don Magill’s true identity, what do you mean by that?”“It’s too long a story to tell you now, but it cost me a million dollars. I’ll fill you in some day or some night. Get me the earrings. Put these earrings in their place.”Victoria took the gold-and-ruby earrings Alan handed her. After a moment of silence, Jack heard Victoria exclaim with disgust, “These aren’t close enough. Carol and the other two will know they are not the same earrings Mary found in my car.”“Put these earrings in your glove compartment. If anyone questions you, maintain that these earrings are the ones Mary found. It will be their word against yours. It’s the best we can do!”“0h, no, Alan. It’s not the best we can do. Not for me. I can tell the truth. I had nothing to do with Gloria’s death. I think you may have been trying to frame me because you found out that I hired Carlos to check on where you went and with whom.”“You hired that little rat, Carlos, to check on me!” Alan roared. “You paid that thieving greaseball to spy on me!” Alan Morrow’s scream of rage filled the room.A terrible change came over Alan Morrow’s handsome features. With teeth bared and eyes blazing with maniacal anger, his twisted face resembled a grotesque mask. Even the indomitable Victoria shrank from the sight of his fury.“GET THE EARRINGS NOW!”Then Jack heard Victoria scream, “Oh. my God! Put that gun down, Alan! I’ll get the earrings. They’re here in this drawer.”Jack pulled the drape back slightly. Victoria opened the desk drawer, reached inside for a second, then whirled around, facing Alan and holding a pistol.Victoria’s green eyes were afire with rage. “Two can play at that game, Alan.”“Why, you little doublecrossing ....”, Two shots rang out almost simultaneously. Jack pulled back the drape in time to see Victoria pull the trigger in return fire, then collapse on the floor.Jack felt his body going into shock. Someone placed a hand on his shoulder. It was too much. Jack tried to scream, then lapsed into unconsciousness.Chapter 48
When Jack Kent regained consciousness at the hospital, he was startled to see Don Magill, Jason Emerson, and two strangers standing in the room.Don bent over Jack solicitously and spoke gently. “It’s okay, Jack. You’ve been through a terrible ordeal. That scene you witnessed was a little too much for you. When you feel up to it, these two detectives, Sgt. Brady and Sgt. O’Brien, would like for you to tell them exactly what you saw and heard at Victoria’s house. First, would you like something to eat or drink?”After Jack drank a glass of iced tea, he slowly and carefully gave the detectives a full, detailed account of the events, which had taken place at Victoria’s house.
Jack concluded, “The last thing I remember was feeling a hand on my shoulder. It sent me over the edge.”Don Magill smiled ruefully. “That was my hand on your shoulder. I’m sorry, Jack. I just wanted to let you know I was there. I went to Vicki’s house to ask her about the earrings. I still can’t believe that I walked in on the scene of a double murder.”Jack bolted upright into a sitting position. “Double murder!! You mean Alan and Victoria are both …..” Jack couldn’t finish the sentence. He just stared in disbelief.“Alan died almost instantly from his bullet wound,” Dr. Emerson told Jack. “Victoria was a sharpshooter. She died several hours after being brought to the hospital.”Jack Kent had a dated expression. Alan Morrow, his longtime friend was dead. Alan had killed Gloria! Jack’s mind recoiled in horror as he remembered Alan’s words: “I was tired of that blonde bimbo, and she knew it. But she wouldn’t let me go.”How could I have been so blind for all these months? Jack lay back on the pillow and closed his eyes.“Try to get some rest, Jack,” counseled Don. “We’ll keep checking with you to see if you want anything.” Don pulled the cover up over Jack’s chest. “Would you like a nice bowl of chicken soup?”Jack smiled wanly, “Not now, Mother Magill.”Turning on his side, Jack pulled the cover completely over his head. This gesture symbolized, as it were, his desire to withdraw from the world, a world that in the space of a few hours had become almost unbearable.Chapter 49
It was Christmas Eve, 1990, and St. Louis looked like a ghost town. Don drove very slowly, his gaze fastened warily on the slippery, ice-covered streets. Tomorrow the Post-Dispatch would report that many persons had fallen on the ice. Tonight numerous accident victims were being cared for at Mercy Hospital. The large number of emergency cases and a personnel shortage, due to the weather, were creating many problems for the hospital staff. As an assistant administrator, Don had been called to the hospital to lend assistance in the stressful situation.Christmas Eve was always a jolly time at the Magill house, and tonight the merriment had been in full swing when the phone rang. It was Dr. Maxwell calling to apprise Don of the serious problems they were experiencing at Mercy.Returning to the living room, Don surveyed the happy scene almost as if were a fantasy: the large log burning in the fireplace, its cheerful glow falling on the tall, brightly-decorated Christmas tree. Presents were piled high under the tree. On the table with its pink poinsettia centerpiece and golden angels holding pink candles, there were many dishes of tempting hors d’oeuvres.As Don stood there staring for a few moments, some of the guests stopped talking. They looked at him expectantly.“So many persons have fallen on the ice,” Don announced, “the hospital is overcrowded and understaffed. In surgery they’re setting one broken hip after another. I’m sorry, but I have to leave this happy group and go to Mercy.”“Oh, Don.” His mother’s voice revealed her disappointment.“Take my car, Don,” said Dr. Charles Magill. “That four-wheel-drive is good on a night like this.”As the guests bade him a reluctant farewell, Don stepped out into the bitter cold air. He walked somewhat gingerly down the porch steps, which had been sprinkled with rock salt. As Don was opening the door of his father’s car, he heard his name being called. Glancing up at the porch, Don saw Carol.“Wait, Don. I’ll follow you in my car. Maybe I can be of some assistance,” Carol called.Don held up his hand in a staying gesture. “No, no, Carol. I’ll call you if we need you.”
“Are you sure?”“Absolutely. If you don’t hear from me tonight, Carol, I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”“Merry Christmas,” Carol called in such a dubious voice that Don turned with a grin on his face and waved before stepping into his car.Chapter 50
It was Christmas Day, 1991. That day marked the end of the Soviet Union--a memorable day in the history of the world.Don and Carol, married since October, were enjoying Christmas dinner at the home of the Magills. Celebrating with them, were Dr. and Mrs. Desmond, Carol’s mother and father.When Dr. Charles Magill said grace before the meal, he concluded his prayer by thanking God that the people of eastern Europe could attend church on this Christmas Day, the first time in many years.After the grace was said, Don raised his wine glass, “To freedom all over the world!” They all joined in the toast.“This is the happiest Christmas of my entire life,” said Carol. “I only wish Jack could have joined us.”“What happened to Jack and his friend, Claire?” asked Mrs. Desmond.Don told them, “When Jack went to pick up Claire, her parents had just arrived in a surprise visit from Denver. Jack called to say they were all sitting in front of a roaring fireplace drinking cocktails. Then they were going to watch the Upstairs, Downstairs video which we gave Jack for Christmas.”“Oh that was my favorite series on Masterpiece Theater. Someday I’m going to buy the videos,” said Mrs. Magill.Carol and Don exchanged glances of delight. Their present to Don’s parents still unwrapped under the tree, was a collection of Upstairs, Downstairs videos.“I remember one Christmas when Carol was about eleven,” said Dr. Magill. “She came over on Christmas morning with a present for Don. Kay gave Carol her present, a book. Carol thanked Kay, and then she curled up on the sofa to read it.”Everyone at the table laughed. They were all aware of Carol’s reputation as a “bookworm.”“It was my favorite book of all time, Little Women,” said Carol.“I think Carol must have read that book about twenty times,” declared Don.“Twenty-six times,” laughed Carol.“Every year Ellen and I wrack our brains trying to think of something different to send to her brother,” said Dr. Desmond. “We always end up giving him three mystery novels, three sports books, and a box of candy.”Carol began a discussion of mystery writers, and then they reminisced about past Christmases. The Desmonds and the Magills had shared many wonderful times together, and as these merry times were recalled, dusk deepened into darkness outdoors.“The guests will be arriving soon,” declared Kay Magill as the clock chimed seven times. “Why don’t we go into the living room and open our presents? Then we’ll have coffee and plum pudding with whipped cream.”About the Author
Ann C. Rogers was born in St. Louis, Missouri on September 6, 1920. She grew up in the St. Alphonsus "Rock" Church neighborhood where she lived with her parents, James and Helen Kearns, and he brother, Jim.Ann earned her Bachelor's degree from Harris Teachers College and her Master's degree in English from Washington University.In 1958, Ann married Lawrence Rogers, a Training Coordinator for the St. Louis City Personnel Department. They had one son, Joseph.Many St. Louisans remember her as the teacher who inspired them to treasure reading and learning. Ann taught in the public schools for over 35 years. She primarily taught the 2nd and 3rd grades.After her retirement, Ann wrote a mystery novel, It Happened in St. Louis, a poem for children entitled Once Upon a Time verses, and an essay The Right to Be Merry. All of these works are posted on this website.
