Sacred Ground. Adrienne Ellis Reeves

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СКАЧАТЬ had the feeling she could be snobbish at times if she found herself in circumstances where she was uncomfortable. Use it as a defense mechanism. She had the presence and the style to carry it off.

      He knew the type well. In fact, he had been seriously involved with one called Olivia several years back. They’d dated for a year or so and he’d never been so in love. He’d been saving to get her a ring before popping the question. Then by pure accident he discovered that she’d been seeing a guy who lived in New Jersey, which explained why she’d been unavailable to go out with him sometimes, especially on weekends. He’d felt like a fool and a dupe and had promised himself to never get in such a situation again.

      The few dates he’d had after that were casual and harmless. His social life had been curtailed anyway after his parents died. Leaving Drew alone in the apartment while he partied wasn’t an option.

      His boys would come over and sometimes bring girls along and that was it. This year Drew had complained that he didn’t need Gabe babysitting him. He was going on sixteen and big enough to take care of himself. Gabe was touched, and just to stop Drew’s bellyaching he went out a couple of Saturdays with Webster and Calvin.

      Drew was always anxious to know the next day all about his evening out. Gabe obliged with an account of where they went and what music they heard. It had been a welcome change, but Gabe discovered that this was not how he wanted to spend his evenings. There’d been a time when he did but that time had passed.

      He wondered if there were any clubs here in Grayson. What did Alana and her crowd do for entertainment other than go to the movies? As for Makima, she might not go out at all just for entertainment.

      Getting the clinic up and working probably took all her time. Something like that could make you obsessive and she seemed the type. Immediately he had the image of her trying to get the salad off his jacket even when it was clear that the mayonnaise had already soaked into the fabric. He’d been so angry then but now when he thought of it, he was amused. One thing about the incident, she’d made an indelible impression on him. And on his jacket.

      He was still smiling when the phone ran. It was the attorney, Jasper Moultrie.

      “How are you and Drew settling in?” he asked.

      Gabe filled him in on the trip, the church experience and Sam Williams.

      “We’ve been learning about Great-Grandfather. Did you know he’s looked upon as an expert on Africa and even spoke to schools on the subject?”

      “I believe he did mention that at one time,” Moultrie said. “He never lost interest in the subject.”

      “You’ve seen this house, Mr. Moultrie?”

      “Yes, I have.”

      “We were overwhelmed. Had no idea it was this grand. You know it’s mostly his own work.” Gabe heard the pride in his own voice and was surprised.

      “Your great-grandfather was a man of many parts as they used to say of outstanding men.”

      “I see that. I’ve been going through his papers. Found his property tax assessment and my heart nearly stopped.”

      “I hope it gave you some motivation to observe the dictates of the will,” Moultrie said calmly.

      “Don’t worry. I’m observing them. I’ve already searched his bedroom and now I’m working through his office. By the way, Mr. Moultrie, what did my great-grandfather look like? I haven’t found any photographs of him yet.”

      “I’ll do my best to describe him as I saw him. He stood about five-eight, had a powerful body and strong features. Deep-set eyes, broad nose and mouth. Wore his hair thick. Had a fine forehead. He was dark-skinned. Does that give you a picture?”

      “Yes, it does.”

      “One more thing, he had a presence about him. He wasn’t a loud-speaking man but he had your attention when he spoke.”

      “That I can imagine. I’m curious about another thing. Did you come to the funeral?”

      “Yes, as quietly as possible. Someone had to lock up the house and see that all was in order.”

      “I wondered about that and how the rumor was started about an heir from New York. That was your doing?” Gabe asked. He didn’t see how it could have been anyone else.

      “I did it because the community had to have some idea about what was going to happen. I hoped it would prevent the kind of idle curiosity that occurs when houses are left unoccupied too long. You found everything was all right?”

      “Yes. I expect Sam Williams across the street was watching it anyway.”

      “No doubt. Good man, Sam. Call me if you have any questions, Mr. Bell, and my regards to Drew.”

      Gabe went back to work with the image of his great-grandfather in his mind. He wished he had a photograph. It was strange that there weren’t any in the house, but maybe they’d been put away in one of the numerous dressers. He’d keep an eye out for them. Meanwhile he was through with the desk so he started on the books.

      They were organized by subject matter and since it was clear from the first glimpse that Africa was the predominant theme, he paid close attention to those books. Most of them showed signs of heavy usage but Gabe could find no clue in them. He did make a mental note that there were several on the small nation called the Gambia.

      Downstairs he made tuna sandwiches with lettuce and tomato for lunch. He had to start getting more vegetables on Drew’s plate any way he could.

      “In a week or two I’m going with Mr. Williams to get stuff to put in the garden. He says we have to wait because it’s too early now. You can’t plant just any time,” he proclaimed.

      “That’s good to know,” Gabe replied. “What will you be planting?”

      “Don’t know yet. Some are already started in little pots and you have to look them over for the healthiest ones.” He took another sandwich. “This is good. I never thought of putting tomato with tuna.”

      “Now that we’re going to have our own vegetables we can experiment with our cooking instead of eating the same old things day after day.” Gabe was serious but he was also giving Drew a new idea.

      “Yeah, and you know what? The first time something comes up in the garden we can invite Mr. Williams over for dinner,” he said with enthusiasm as he swallowed a large bite.

      “Good idea,” Gabe agreed. “By the way, Mr. Moultrie called to see how we’re getting along.”

      “Did you tell him we haven’t found anything yet?”

      “He didn’t even ask. He knows we just got here Saturday. I asked him how Great-Grandfather looked because I hadn’t seen any pictures around here. Have you?”

      “No. I was going to tell you the same thing because it’s weird not to have a single picture of your family.” Drew looked puzzled. “Don’t you think so?”

      “I guess they’re all packed away.”

      “What’d he say Great-Grandfather looked like?”

      Gabe СКАЧАТЬ