The Letter - Chapter 63

The bus driver pulled over to the curb and stopped the school bus on Smithfield Street.  He had driven us from the meeting hall on the South Side across the Smithfield Street Bridge and into downtown Pittsburgh.  The driver opened the door and a police officer climbed up the steps to confer with him, and then the officer walked back out.  We looked expectantly at the driver as he stood up to address us.

“Hey, folks.  I am sorry, but this is as close as they’ll let me get to Grant Street.  You’ll have to walk the rest of the way from here.”

“Where will you pick us up?” the lady behind me shouted.

“The police told me to park down on Stanwix Street – across from the PPG Building.” 

We all got up and exited the bus.  It was only a couple of blocks to the building where Senator Romey had his office.  At least the weather was good, with temperatures in the low fifties – Pittsburgh was experiencing its midwinter thaw.  As we got closer to Grant Street, we had to wend our way through mobs of people.  Some of the people shouted at us as we made our way across Grant Street toward the steps of the Grant Building.  They carried signs expressing their opposition to our rally with slogans like “Don’t Take Our Guns,” and “2^nd Amendment Forever.”  The police seemed to be keeping the counter protesters on one side of Grant Street and our group on the other.  A small dais had been set up for those giving speeches.  I saw a microphone and loudspeakers. At least I would be heard over the crowd noise.  I hadn’t expected so many people.  I glanced at my watch.  It was 5:50 PM. The official program would start in ten minutes.

I crossed Grant Street and began working myself through the group friendlier to our position.  With the others scheduled to speak, I made my way toward the dais.

“Dad! Hey Dad!” I heard Jennifer’s voice and turned to see her waving.  She wasn’t hard to pick her out with Jeff standing beside her.  The high school basketball star towered above those around him.  He and Jennifer’s best friend Liz were also waving.  I waved back and continued walking toward the podium.

Brent Corey, the President of the local chapter of CommonSense, was carrying a clipboard and checked off my name when he saw me.  Ten people were scheduled to speak during the hour long rally.  After the speakers finished, Corey planned to present a petition to Senator Romey requesting that he introduce and support legislation requiring universal background checks for gun purchases.  If Romey didn’t show up, we would march to the U.S. Post Office to mail the petition to the Senator.

“Okay,” Corey said.  “All the speakers have checked in.  It’s just past 6:00 PM.  Let’s get started.”  He walked to the podium to welcome everyone and to introduce the first speaker, which was me.

“Ladies and Gentlemen.  Thank you for coming downtown on a February evening to participate in a conversation about gun violence in our nation.  This evening you will hear concerns expressed by a number of your fellow citizens, some of whom have experienced gun violence and the damage it has caused. . . .”

A chant started up from across the street. “Don’t Take Our Guns!  Don’t Take Our Guns!”

“Let me assure all of you,” Brent Corey continued, “Nobody is advocating the confiscation of any guns from law abiding citizens.  But our next speaker will describe some of the reasonable measures we do support to protect other law abiding citizens from gun violence.  You’ve read his article in the Post-Gazette and seen him on television, please welcome George Leskovic!”  There was scattered applause on our side of the street and chants and catcalls from across the street.  “Go get ‘em, George,” Brent Corey whispered, patting me on the back as I approached the microphone.

The Letter - Chapter 62

We had just finished dinner when my cell phone rang.  I looked at the screen.  “It’s your Aunt Marnie,” I said to my son.

“You go have a nice conversation with your sister,” Katie’s mother, Janet, said to me.  “You cooked.  I’ll clean up.  And you go keep your wife company,” she said to Jimmy making a motion with her hand for him to leave.

I walked into the family room and answered my phone.  “Hello, Marnie?”

“Yeah, it’s me.  Do you have a minute?”

“Sure.  Janet has things well in hand, and Jimmy is home early this evening.  What’s up?”

“You don’t have access to Pittsburgh TV there, do you?”

“I don’t think so.  Why?”

“You won’t believe what’s happening on the news.”

“Why?  What are you talking about?”

“That rally for gun control at the Senator’s office.  That’s what I’m talking about.  I switched on the six o’clock news and the rally was the lead story.”

“Really?  I spoke to George Leskovic about it yesterday.  He actually called to read me his speech.”

Well your friend George must have some star power, because they showed the crowds on the news and estimated that there are between fifteen and twenty thousand people there.”

“Wow, that’s interesting.  George told me he thought no one would show up.”

“Well, they showed up in big numbers. And a lot of the people there are protesting the rally.  The news report said the police are trying to keep the two groups separated to avoid any trouble.  I can’t believe I let Jeff go down there.”

“Jeff is there?”

“It seems that my son has fallen head over heels for George’s daughter, if you believe it.  She invited him to attend the rally with her.”

“It’s hard to say no to teenage love.  But Jeff has a level head on his shoulders.  He’ll keep the two of them safe.”

“Level head?  Didn’t I tell you that he punched a grownup at the dance he attended with this girl?”

“No, I hadn’t heard that.”

“I suppose he was just trying to rescue his damsel who was in distress at the time.  A story for another day,” said Marnie.

“I’ll look forward to hearing about it the next time I visit with you.”

“Well, that’s all I wanted to tell you.  You might want to watch the eleven o’clock news there.  Maybe there will be some reporting on this rally since Pittsburgh isn’t that far from Cleveland.”

“I will definitely watch it.”

“So will you be able to come visit us during your stay, since you’re just a few hours away?”

“You know I’m here for Katie.  I suppose tomorrow could have worked if I’d planned it better.  But I didn’t know Janet was going to be here until I arrived late Thursday night.”

“You should come tomorrow then.”

“I’m not sure when Janet is leaving.  I’ll think about it.  The weather is good, and I could borrow one of their cars.  We’ll see.”

“Think about it, Ellie.  Maybe you could finally catch up with George.”

“I’ll talk to Jimmy.  If he’s going to be around all day, maybe I could drive down for the afternoon.  I’ll let you know.”

“Okay, Ellie.  See you tomorrow”

“Maybe.  I’ll let you know.  Goodbye for now, Marnie.”  I ended the phone call and turned on the television to watch the local news.   

The Letter - Chapter 61

It was one of those late winter days that teased of spring’s not too distant arrival. The days were finally starting to get a little longer.  Jeff had picked me up around 7:30.  He and the TJ basketball team had a rare Friday off, so he called to see if I’d like to get some coffee and hang out with him. 

“I never thought my Dad would let me go out tonight,” I said.  Music was playing on the car radio.

“What?  He doesn’t trust me?” Jeff dialed the music’s volume back a notch.  “We’re only going to Starbucks, and the snow is nearly all melted,” said Jeff.

“After what happened the last time we were together, I wouldn’t be surprised if he hopped in his car and followed us.” I smiled at the thought.  “The fact that we weren’t going far and promised to be back early no doubt helped.”

“You don’t think your mother would pull a stunt like she did at the dance again?”

“No,” I sighed.  “I eavesdropped on her conversation with Richard – her husband.  He was super pissed that she kidnapped me.”

“Who could blame him?  That was downright crazy.”  Jeff pulled into the Starbucks parking lot.  We walked in and ordered drinks.  I got a caramel macchiato.  Jeff ordered a coffee.

“Just plain coffee?” I asked.

“Hey, I like coffee.  Why add a bunch of flavors that make it taste like something else?”

“You sound like my father.”  We sat down at a table.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”  He looked across the table at me.  “So what was it like in that mansion?”

“It was hard getting past the feeling of being a prisoner there.  But the place itself was pretty amazing.  Each bedroom had its own private bath.  There was an actual handball court.”  I thought for a moment.  “You’d like this.  There was a gym with half a basketball court.”

“Really?”

“Yep.  And two libraries. And a billiard room.”  I sipped my drink.  “I’m going to miss that billiard room. My Dad taught me how to shoot pool, and I have to say, I really enjoy it.”

“Me too!  There’s a pool hall not far from where I live.  Maybe we could go there the next time we go out and shoot some eight ball.”

“We’d better make it quick.  My custody hearing is in two weeks, and I don’t know where I’ll be after that.”

“How about tomorrow night?  The basketball team doesn’t play again until Tuesday.”

“Nope.  Tomorrow I’m going to hear my Dad speak at a rally against gun violence downtown in front of Senator Romey’s office.  Want to join me?”  I looked up from my drink.

“Sure.”  Jeff’s gaze met mine.  “I’ll check with my parents, but I think they’ll let me go.  What time?”

“It starts at six o’clock.  My Dad has an early meeting with the rally organizers on the South Side.  I think he has to be there around three.  They’re riding buses over to the rally site.”  I picked up my drink.  “I honestly didn’t want to be there so early.  I thought about taking the trolley.  There’s a Park and Ride about a mile from my house, but Dad will have the car.”

“Perfect.  I’m sure I can borrow one of my parent’s cars and pick you up, especially if we’re just driving to the Park and Ride.  Is 4:30 soon enough?”

“Should be.  Are you sure your parents will be okay with this?”

“I think so.  I’ll text you later to let you know for sure.  They support what your father is trying to do, so I’m pretty sure they’ll let me go.”  Jeff sipped his coffee.  “So what do you plan to do after high school?  Have you gotten accepted at any colleges?”

“I got early acceptance to IUP.  I plan to be a teacher – either elementary or English.  I’d like to put on plays with my students.  My mother thinks I should pursue acting at some private school with a conservatory like NYU.  I guess she and Richard would pay, though she didn’t make any promises.  Still, I think my passion lies in teaching.  Dad says the state universities are the best if I’m planning to be a teacher, but maybe he says that because they’re more affordable.”

“Huh, that’s funny.  I’d like to be a teacher too.  Probably history or social studies.  You say you’d like to put on plays.  I’d like to coach – basketball if I could, but really any high school sport.  I applied to IUP and West Chester in Pennsylvania.  And just for a lark, I applied to Western Washington University.  It’s not too far from my Aunt Ellie.  They’re all Division 2 schools.  I’d like to play basketball, and I’m waiting to see if any of them offer me a scholarship.”

“What about Pitt or Penn State?”

“Forget about that.  I’m a pretty decent player at the high school level, but you’ve got to be really good to get a scholarship from one of the big Division 1 schools.”

“Well I don’t know one division from another, I’m afraid.”

“IUP is my first choice.  Especially now that I know you’re going there.”  Jeff took another sip of his coffee, looking at me to see my reaction.  I felt myself blush.

“That would be nice.”  Is that the best you can come up with Jennifer?

Jeff gulped down the rest of his coffee.  “I think I’ll get another.  Would you like to share a pastry or something?  Are you still good with that macchiato?”

Yes, I’m good on my drink,” I said.  “I would like some water, and I’d be happy to have some dessert – something chocolatey.”

“Okay.  Be back in a flash.”

I watched Jeff walk back to the counter.  Why was I feeling so nervous and tongue-tied?  I thought back to that near-kiss at the Sweetheart Dance.  Let’s try to keep this on a ‘just friends’ level, Jennifer!

Jeff returned with a double chocolate brownie and a cup of water.  “I tried to get a triple chocolate brownie, but this is the best they could do.”  He smiled as he placed it on the table between us and sat down.

We shared the brownie and continued sipping our coffees, neither of us quite knowing what to say.  Before our silence got uncomfortable, Jeff looked at me and smiled.

“So, did you get to do any fun stuff with your mother while she held you prisoner?”

I laughed.  “I guess that depends on what you consider fun.  She took me to a gun club to shoot clay pigeons and fire pistols at targets.”

“Seriously?  With your Dad doing his anti-gun thing?”

“Yeah.  I just watched her shoot.  I think she was disappointed.”

“Well, that’s too bad.  I mean, she must care for you if she wants you to live with her.  I guess the two of you just need to find a way to some better relationship.”

“I hope that’s possible.”  I finished my drink.

“So, are you about ready to go?”

“Yeah, Dad will be starting to worry.  It’s getting late.”  We both stood up and walked to the trash bin with our waste.  Jeff took hold of my hand as we walked to the car.  He opened the door for me and I got in.  He walked to the driver’s side, got in and we started the short drive back to my house.

“Well here we are,” Jeff said as he pulled up to the curb in front of my house.  I turned to look at him, feeling a little breathless.  He looked at me for a moment, then lifted my chin and kissed me tenderly.

“Thank you.  I had a lovely time, Jennifer.”

“Me too,” I continued to look at his blue eyes, unable to move.

Jeff glanced at my house.  “I think I see your father peeking out the window.  Let me walk you to the front door.”  He came around to my door, opened it for me and walked me to the front porch.  We kissed again, and Jeff rang the doorbell. My father opened the door.

“Hey, Mr. Leskovic.  Jenny and I plan to come to see you speak tomorrow.  She’ll give you the details.  Good luck.”

Jeff walked back to his car as my father and I watched through the storm door.

“He seems like a nice boy,” said Dad.

“Uh huh,” I said as I watched his car disappear around a curve in the street.

As I continued to stare after Jeff’s car, Dad waved his hand in front of my eyes.  “Uh, Earth to Jennifer, can I close the door?  It’s cold out there.”

I unbuttoned my coat and let it fall to the floor as I walked slowly up the stairs to my room.

The Letter - Chapter 60

Jennifer was pounding on the bathroom door.

“Dad!  I’ve gotta go.  How long are you going to be in there?”

“I’m in the middle of shaving.”

“You’ve got a beard.  Why do you have to shave at all?”

I threw on my bathrobe and opened the door.

“Go ahead Jennifer.  You’re the princess here.  I’m just a lowly knave.” I smiled through the shave cream on my neck and cheeks and exited the bathroom as Jennifer rushed past me in her pajamas.  As she shut the door I said, “You know, darling daughter, there’s a bathroom in the basement.”

“You know I don’t like to use it, father, because it might have spiders.”  Jennifer yelled from the other side of the door.  I heard the toilet flush and a few seconds later, she opened the door.  “Also, dear father, I’ll have you know I had my very own bathroom at The Big House,” her new name for Melissa’s and Richard’s mansion.  “And it had a whirlpool bathtub.  Just so you know, I come at a high price if I have any say in this custody matter.  A personal bathroom with a whirlpool tub doesn’t seem to me to be too much to ask for.  Now please finish shaving quickly.  I need to get back in here so I can get ready for school.” 

“I’m sorry.  With you gone all week, I forgot all about school.  I’ll finish shaving and fix you some breakfast.”

She walked toward her bedroom and then turned around and grinned.  “Dad, it’s so good to be home!”

I smiled back at her.  “It’s so good to have you back here, Jen.”

“Do you think any of that stuff I showed you last evening will help your case?”

“I’m going to discuss it with my lawyer right after breakfast.  See you downstairs in a few minutes.” 

“Cereal is fine.  I’m afraid to weigh myself after all the rich food Mom’s cook made for me.” Jennifer walked into her room and closed the door.  I finished shaving and went downstairs to make coffee.  I pulled out several boxes of cereal and set two places.  Then I went back upstairs to get dressed. 

Jennifer came down about fifteen minutes later and wolfed down a bowl of granola while I poured myself a cup of coffee.  Before I sat down to eat, she was headed out the door. 

“See you later, alligator,” she said as she grabbed her backpack.

“After a while, crocodile,” I responded with a smile. 

Based on Jennifer’s detective work, I now had proof that Melissa had intercepted a personal letter sent to me as well as proof that she had sent a poison pen letter to my friend in Seattle.  After breakfast, I called Joe McKay, reported that Jennifer was back and described what she had discovered.

“George, I’m very glad you called,” said Joe. “First let me tell you, the judge has set a hearing date.  Two weeks from today.  But the really interesting thing is that the other side has asked to meet.  You’ll remember that I asked them for a meeting. Back then, Sidney’s response was, ‘We’ve got nothing to talk about.’  Now all of a sudden, they’re hot to talk. Anyway, I can’t say I’m surprised that they sent Jennifer home, which is great news by the way.  But I think the weakness of their case is finally sinking in.  As we discussed, they’ve got nothing to support that bogus abuse claim. Beyond that, Sidney and Richard know they’re screwed with this judge if they’ve got your daughter with no legal basis for keeping her. I’ll bet when Richard found out Melissa snatched her, he was livid.  No doubt he came back early from his trip to the west coast to talk some sense to his wife.  I’m sure he didn’t want his campaign tainted by a kidnapping scandal.”  Joe chuckled.  “Anyway, they seem willing to talk and suggested next Tuesday at 9:30 AM.  Could that work for you?”

“Yeah, Joe.  I can be there," I said, noting it on my calendar.  "What about Jennifer?”

“There’s no need for her to come to this meeting.  It will be in my office.  Bring that stuff that Jennifer discovered.  It might come in handy.  See you next Tuesday.  Be here by 9:00 so we can talk before they arrive.”

That seemed very encouraging.  I turned to my laptop to review my speech.  It was about 10:00 AM.  Was it too early to try Ellie’s cell phone?  Only one way to find out.  I punched in her number.

“Hello?”

“Hello, Ellie.  It’s George Leskovic.  I hope I didn’t wake you.”

“No, I’ve been up since eight.  I didn’t sleep particularly well.  I blame the jet lag.”

“How’s your daughter-in-law?  I talked to your friend, Beverly, and she mentioned a potential problem with her pregnancy?”

“So far, so good.  She’s on bedrest for at least the next two weeks.  Katie's mother is coming this evening, so there will be two of us to help out for the weekend.  Her mother needs to be back in Cincinnati by Monday morning for work.”

“I’ll say a prayer that everything is okay.”  I paused for a moment. “Hey, the reason I wanted to talk to you is that I’d like to get your thoughts on my finished speech.  I need to email it to the organizers by noon today.  If you don’t have time, that’s all right.  But if you do, I’d love to get your impression.”

“George, I’d love to hear it.  I wish I could be in Pittsburgh to see you deliver it.”

“That’s okay.  It’s only maybe five minutes long.  So here it is.”  I read Ellie my speech.

“George, that sounds really good.  Should I say good luck or break a leg?”

“Either way is fine.  Thanks for listening.”

“Knock their socks off, George.”

“Thanks, Ellie.  I’ll do my best.  By the way, how long are you going to be staying in Cleveland?”

“About two and a half weeks.  Why do you ask?”

“Well, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble.  I mean, I know you need to be there to help your daughter-in-law.  But Cleveland is only a couple hours from Pittsburgh.  And I’d really like to see you.  You know, finally have that cup of coffee you suggested, or dinner if you are able to leave your daughter-in-law for a few hours.  Heck, we could go to McDonald’s if you can’t be away for very long.”

“No, George.”

“No?”

“No, you are not getting away with taking me to McDonald’s.  I’ll get a recommendation on a real restaurant from my son and daughter-in-law, and you will take me there even if I have to hire a sitter.”

I laughed.  “I’ll pay for the sitter.”  I paused for a second.  “Oh, I almost forgot to mention my good news.  My daughter is back.  I’m not sure how long she’ll be with me.  We’ve got a hearing scheduled and a meeting with my ex and her lawyers next week.  Would you be available for dinner next weekend?  Say, Saturday night?”

“That would be perfect.  My son should be off work, so we won’t even have to find a sitter.  What about your daughter?”

“I’ll see if I can persuade her best friend’s parents to let her stay there overnight.  I don’t think it will take much to persuade the girls.  I’ll call you once I firm things up from my end, but let’s pencil in Saturday.  Can your son recommend a hotel nearby?”

“I’m sure he can.  Let me discuss it with him, and I’ll let you know when you call to confirm you can come.”

“Great!  I’ll look forward to seeing you.  We’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”

“Nice talking to you, George.  Good luck on that speech tomorrow.”

I pressed the disconnect button.  That song from the musical Oklahoma popped into my mind:

Oh, what a beautiful morning,

Oh, what a beautiful day,

I’ve got a wonderful feeling,

Everything’s going my way.

The Letter - Chapter 59

I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and looked out the plane’s window.  I could see the lights of the city, made a little brighter by the snow covering the ground.  I reached down and picked up the book I had been reading which had fallen off my lap.  I folded up the blanket I’d gotten from the flight attendant and looked at my watch.  Eight thirty.  I turned it ahead to 11:30 Eastern Time and sat up as the plane approached the runway.  If all goes well, I should be at Jimmy and Katie’s house before 1:00 AM.

Jimmy was waiting for me outside the security area.  We picked up my suitcase at the baggage carousel and got into his car for the half hour drive to his house.

“I wasn’t sure whether you’d be able to pick me up.  How’s Katie?”

“She’s doing well.  She promised me that she wouldn’t get out of bed while I picked you up.  She’s concerned enough about her condition that at least for now, she’s following the doctor’s orders.”

“I’ll make sure she continues to follow them during my stay.”

"Well, like it or not, you’re going to have some extra support over the weekend.  Katie’s mom is driving up from Cincinnati.  She’s taking a half day off work tomorrow and will stay till Sunday afternoon.  I tried to reach you in case you wanted to delay your trip for a few days, but you had already left.”

“It’s fine.  I look forward to visiting with her.  Is Katie’s father coming as well?”

“No, he’s in Houston on a business trip.  He’s staying over till Saturday.” Jimmy laughed.  “He said with the two of you women hovering over Katie, he’d just be in the way.  Actually, I think he has tickets to the Bearcats game on Sunday, and was just making excuses.”

“Who are the Bearcats?”

“Oh, sorry.  University of Cincinnati basketball. That’s his alma mater.”

We drove on to their house and Jimmy pulled into the driveway.  Katie was in bed reading when we came in.  I went right in to see her, and Jimmy carried my suitcase to my room.

“You should be sleeping,” I admonished her, giving my daughter-in-law a strong hug.

“I think that’s all I’ve been doing since your son shackled me to this bed.  At least he isn’t insisting that I use a bed pan.”  Katie smiled at me.  “So did you have a good flight?”

“There was a little turbulence over Chicago, but otherwise it was uneventful.  I started reading Home by Marilynne Robinson.  It’s the second book of a trilogy, and I enjoyed the first one, Gilead.  I should finish Home while I’m here. If there’s a public library in the area, I’ll check out the third one.

“Just give me the title, Mom,” said Jimmy coming into the room.  “You dropped everything to come out here.  The least I can do is buy you a book.”

“Oh, did Jim tell you that your friend Beverly called earlier this afternoon?”

“Really?  Is everything all right?”

“Yes,” said Jimmy.  “She just wanted you to know that your friend George called your home phone.  Beverly happened to be there bringing in your mail when he called.”

“Did she say what he wanted?” I asked.

“Just to speak to the woman of his dreams,” Katie smirked.

“Beverly said she gave him your cell phone number and the number here,” said Jimmy.

 “Seriously, I haven’t laid eyes on the man since I was a teenager.”  I paused.  “But if his Facebook profile picture is any indication, he’s still a pretty good looking guy,” I smiled and felt myself blush.

“Well, that invitation for him to visit and stay over is still open, though with Katie’s mother coming, we’d have to put him in your room if you wouldn’t mind,” Jimmy grinned.

“Now you’re really embarrassing your mother,” said Katie.

“That’s right.  What time is it anyway?” I asked.

“Too late to call George,” Jimmy teased.  “It’s just about 1:00 AM.”

“Well, that means it’s only 10:00 PM for me.  I think I’ll stay up for a little while and read if that’s okay with you two.”

“Sure.  I’ve got to be in the office around nine o’clock tomorrow, so I’m going to bed,” said Jimmy.

“And staying in bed is all I’m allowed to do,” said Katie.  “So I’ll say goodnight.  Thanks so much for coming, Mom.”  She opened her arms to give me me a hug. “See you in the morning.”

“Before I go to bed, can I get you anything, Mom?” asked Jimmy.  “Maybe a cup of tea, or a glass of sherry?”

“Sherry sounds good, Jimmy.  Maybe it will help me fall asleep.”

“Okay.  You get comfortable and I will leave a glass of sherry on the kitchen counter.  Cream or dry?”

“You know I love cream sherry.  Thank you.  God bless you Katie, and the child you are carrying.  Good night.”

I went to my room and changed into my pajamas, put on my robe and picked up my book.  The sherry was waiting on the kitchen counter, along with the bottle, should I want a refill.  I picked up the glass and walked into the living room.  I read for about a half hour and started feeling drowsy.  I went to bed and curled up under the covers.  As I drifted off to sleep, I thought about the phone call from George, and hoped he might call me tomorrow.