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.

The Letter - Chapter 58

My nerves were on edge during dinner with my mother and Richard.  Was I going home or not?  After overhearing their argument, I expected Mom or Richard to tell me they were sending me home.  But while they both were as pleasant as plum sauce, neither gave any indication that my departure was imminent.

Nevertheless, I was operating under the assumption that this could be my last night in the Zingerman Estate – at least for a while.  So I excused myself from dinner before dessert was served, complaining of an upset stomach. While Hughes was still occupied, I snuck back to my mother’s library, replaced the pen I had lifted and examined the purple letter in her desk drawer.  Just as I suspected, it was from the mystery letter lady in Issaquah.  I considered stealing it, but decided instead to take a picture with my phone.  The picture clearly showed the letter’s contents as well as the fact that it was sitting on top of my mother’s desk.  Dad should thank me for getting a phone with such a good camera.

Back in my room, I unfolded the paper with the notes I had made while eavesdropping.  I glanced at the writing on the other side, and I could hardly believe what I saw.  It was a draft of the letter that Mrs. Barnhart’s friend had read to me over the phone.  I considered sneaking back to the library to see if the wastebasket contained any additional drafts, but I thought I had enough.  I sure didn’t want to get caught snooping where I shouldn’t be.  Hughes wouldn’t believe I came back looking for another book. 

I texted Dad that I might be coming home soon and also that I had discovered some helpful clues.  I was so excited, I had trouble falling asleep.  So I lay in bed thinking about what I needed to do, assuming I wouldn’t be coming back here tomorrow after school.  The only things here that truly belonged to me were my phone and what I wore to the Sweetheart Dance.  I wouldn’t need my dress or my pearls for a while, though I probably should smuggle the pearls out in my backpack along with the clues I had gathered.  My biggest concern was my phone.  I couldn’t sneak it into school without causing the metal detector to beep.  I checked out some videos on YouTube about ways to sneak a phone past a metal detector, but none were foolproof or very easy.  I finally fell asleep without a good solution.

When morning came, I had the thought that I could give my phone to Minerva, figuring I could pick it up at her restaurant within a few days of going home.  But there was no sign of Minerva as I gathered up my things and got ready to go down to breakfast.  So I slipped the phone into the pocket of my school blazer, hoping for some inspiration before I had to pass through the school’s metal detector.  That inspiration struck me as Henry drove me to school.  I knew it was risky, but I slipped the phone under the floor mat in the back seat of the limo. I assumed Henry would pick me up after school and that no one would find my phone before then.

Sure enough, Henry was there to pick me up after school, and my phone was still where I had left it.  As Henry started the car, I pretended to tie my shoe, picked up my phone and slipped it back into my pocket. 

Henry was silent as he drove past the road where he normally turned to head toward the mansion.  When he turned onto Route 65 toward the city, I started to get excited. 

“Uh, where are you taking me, Henry?”  I tried to look serious.

“Surprise, Jenny.  You’re on your way to a modest home in Bethel Park.”

I cringed a little at his familiarity.  Had I gotten so used to the divide between masters and servants that this should bother me?  A few days ago I would have insisted that he call me by my first name, and I would have insisted on calling him Mr. Whatever.  After all, Henry is a grown man, probably in his fifties.

“No reaction?  I thought you’d be jumping out of your seatbelt with joy after hearing that news.”  He smiled at the rearview mirror.  Maybe he’s really not a bad sort after all.  “Do you want to call your father, or are you planning to surprise him?”

I froze for a second.  Had he discovered my phone in the car after all?

Henry continued, “Just lift the cover on the armrest.  The car phone is in there.”

I breathed a sigh of relief.  “That’s all right, Henry.  I think I’ll surprise him.” 

“Suit yourself, Miss.”

My curiosity was piqued.  “Henry, did you say ‘car phone?’  I thought they only existed in movies from the 1980s.”

Henry laughed.  “Not one of those dinosaurs.  No, Mr. Zingerman keeps an extra cell phone in that compartment.  Its number is assigned to the limo.  Maybe he uses it when he doesn’t want someone to recognize the number.”  He chuckled.  “Don’t tell him I said that.”

We continued to drive toward my father’s house.  We passed through downtown Pittsburgh and headed toward the South Hills via the Liberty Tubes.

“Hey, do you mind answering a question?” Henry asked.   “I mean, I understand that you might be coming back, so if my question makes you uncomfortable, just say so.”

“Okay, Henry.  Go ahead and ask.”

“Well, I don’t mean to offend, but let me put it this way.  Mr. Zingerman and your mother are rich.  I mean, really rich.  That house alone is probably worth like five million dollars.  Maybe a lot more.  And you’re family.” Henry paused a moment, then continued.  “Doesn’t it make you feel good to be a part of that?  Aren’t you tempted by that life?”  He chuckled.  “You know, your mom was asking me about cars that would be good for you to take to college.  She’d probably buy you one if you decided to stay with her.”

I thought for a moment.  “A life of luxury is very tempting, Henry.  But since you and my mom brought me here last Saturday, I’ve felt more like a prisoner than anything else.”  I paused.  “I have to admit the prison is very posh.  I’m not sure how I’d feel if I were living there under different circumstances.  But love and friendship mean much more to me than a big house and nice clothes – and even a shiny, new car.”

“You’re wise beyond your years, Miss Jennifer.”  Henry continued toward Bethel Park.

I leaned forward.  “You know what I wish, Henry?”

“What’s that, Miss?”

“I wish my parents would figure out some way to get along.  I don’t like them fighting a war over me.”

“I can understand that.”  Henry turned onto our street and drove up to my dad’s house.  “Well, here we are.  Home sweet home.  I’m hoping I haven’t seen the last of you, Miss Jennifer.  I’ve got a twelve-year old daughter.  I hope she turns out as well as you.”

“That’s very nice of you to say, Henry.  Thanks for the ride.  I’m sure we’ll see each other again.” I reached for the door handle, but Henry wagged his finger at me to stop.  He was going to insist on giving me the full chauffeur treatment.

He got my backpack out of the trunk and then opened the door for me.  Henry tipped his cap as I bounded past him up the walk to the front door.  I waved to him as he got back into the car.  I pressed the doorbell.  He waited in the car until he saw the front door open.  Dad wrapped his arms around me and squeezed me so tight I could hardly breathe.  Then again, he might have had the same problem as I hugged him back.

The Letter - Chapter 57

I woke up feeling refreshed for the first time in nearly a week.  Last evening I’d gotten several text messages from Jennifer.

Good news.  I think they may send me home soon.  Looking forward to your famous meatloaf. LOL!

And then a little while later.

Been doing some snooping.  Found some information that may be helpful to you in the custody case.  Will bring it with me if I can.  Signed, Nancy.

I smiled at her Nancy Drew reference and wondered what she could have discovered.  The fact that Richard was back earlier than expected could mean he was concerned that Melissa’s actions could damage his campaign.  I didn’t care about that.  I just wanted my daughter back where she belonged.  I still hoped I could work something out with Melissa.  A child should have a relationship with her mother.  I didn’t want to prevent that.  I just felt strongly that Jennifer should finish her senior year at the high school she had attended for the past three and a half years

Ever since that call from Ellie, I had had a feeling that things had taken a turn for the better.  I showered, got dressed and decided to treat myself to a hot breakfast. I threw three slices of bacon in the microwave, and toasted two slices of rye bread. I slathered mayonnaise on the toast, added the bacon, a fried egg, a slice of cheddar, and a few leaves of lettuce. Delicious! I washed it down with a cup of dark roast coffee and relaxed with the morning paper. 

After I finished the newspaper, I took my third cup of coffee into the den to continue working on my speech for the rally on Saturday.  The organizers had asked to see a draft of my planned remarks no later than noon on Friday.  I wanted the speech to be short and to the point and sketched out an outline of what I wanted to cover. 

I should include a call for universal background checks, since the Senator had given indications that he could support that issue.  What about bump stocks which convert semi-automatic weapons into ones that functions like rapid fire machine guns?  Machine guns were banned back in the 1930s, so reasonable people should be able to agree on a bump stock ban.  I made a note to put that in my speech.  Military-style assault weapons with high capacity magazines can quickly shoot large numbers of people.  I put a question mark beside that.  It’s important, but is there any chance of convincing Congress to enact restrictions?  I also wanted to say something about handguns.  Approximately two-thirds of all homicides involving firearms are committed using handguns.   I did some research and found a 1991 editorial by Ronald Reagan supporting the Brady Bill’s 7-day waiting period for purchasing a handgun.  I definitely should refer to that. 

I drafted what I intended to say and spent some time revising and editing my comments.  By the time I felt pretty good about what I had sketched out, it was going on 2:00 PM.  I remembered that Ellie Barnhart had helped shape my thoughts on this speech.  She had called me a few times, and I had yet to call her.  It would be almost 11:00 AM in Seattle.  She should be up and about.  Why not give Ellie a call and read her my speech to see what she thinks about it?  I had saved Ellie’s number to my contacts.  I dialed her up.

“Hello?”  A female voice answered, but it didn’t sound like Ellie.

“Uh, hi.  This is George.  George Leskovic.  Is this Ellie Barnhart?”

Oh, hi George.  This is Ellie’s friend Beverly.  I feel like I know you.  Ellie can’t seem to stop talking about you.”

I smiled.  “Is she there?”

“No.  Ellie left early this morning for Cleveland.  She asked me to come by and check on her house.  She was afraid she’d forgotten to turn off the coffee pot.”

“Did you say she’s in Cleveland?”

“Yes, that’s where her son lives.  Ellie’s daughter-in-law is pregnant and is having some issues with the pregnancy.  Ellie flew there to help out for a few weeks.”

“I’m sorry to hear about her daughter-in-law.  I hope everything is all right.”

“Yeah, me too.  They prescribed bed rest.”

“Uh, do you happen to have her number there?”

“Sure, George.  But she won’t get in till very late this evening.  She has a long layover in Chicago.  You’re better off trying to reach her tomorrow.  Anyway, let me give you Jimmy’s home number.”  I repeated the number and Beverly confirmed that I had it right. “Do you have Ellie’s cell number?” she asked.

“No.  This is the only number I have.  I never thought to ask her for it, I guess.”  Beverly gave me the cell number, and I thanked her.

“Oh, by the way,” Beverly continued, “Ellie showed me your interview on the local news.  I fully support what you said.  I hope people start listening to you and others with your message.”

“Thank you.  Did she tell you I’m speaking at a rally this weekend?”

“Yeah, she’s concerned about that.  Be careful, George.”

“I intend to be.  I don’t think it will amount to much.  Probably no one will show up.”

“It’s a big issue and an important one.  Passions run deep on both sides, but one of those sides has guns and lots of them.  Take care, George.”

“Thanks, Beverly.  Nice talking to you.”  I hung up.  Hmm.  Beverly seems very nice.  Well, I’ll just have to wait till tomorrow to try to reach Ellie.  I said a quick prayer that her flight safely reaches Cleveland and for the health of her daughter-in-law and future grandchild.