Garage Sale Diamonds (Garage Sale Mystery) (42 page)

Had they been alone in the kitchen, they might have embraced, but Heba stood at the sink. One look at Ahmed’s shirt and she understood the problem, took the shirt he handed her and began to wash the stain. As she did, the other two stepped across the kitchen, where Ahmed whispered to Khadija, “We’re all set for tomorrow evening at six. Drive your car to the community center near the library in McLean. Bring only two suitcases and…” His words cut short by a gasp behind him.

He and Khadija spun around to see what had happened. Heba stood in shock, her eyes wide, her mouth forming an “O,” her finger pointing at Ahmed. They hurried over to her.

“What is it, Heba?” Khadija asked with concern.

“You…” Heba spoke the first word any of them had ever heard her say; indeed, it was the first word anyone had heard her speak since her cousins sold their eight-year-old relative.

Khadija and Ahmed exchanged startled looks.

Heba pointed to herself and said, “Amina. I…am…Amina.”

Ahmed frowned in confusion. He stepped closer, looking straight into Heba’s face. Green eyes stared back at him.

“Amina?” he exclaimed in disbelief. “Can this be true? It is you, my sister?”

They clutched each other like the two children they’d been, twins lost to each other all these years. Amina wept with happiness while Ahmed swiped away his own tears of relief.

Hearing the commotion, Zayneb and Safia hurried to the kitchen.

Oblivious to the others in the room, Ahmed spoke only to Amina. “But how did you know?”

“The red mark on your shoulder, the one our Baba said Allah drew to show your importance to him. I could never forget it because I longed for one also to show my importance to Allah. I added this to some things I overheard and…I just knew.”

Zayneb took Amina’s hands in hers. “You can speak. How is this possible?”

“When Ahmed arrived a week ago the voice sounds began to return. I practiced saying words in my room and…now I can speak again.” Her face beamed.

“It’s a miracle,” Zayneb said to Khadija.

“Only one of many miracles today,” Khadija replied, her eyes sparkling.

DAY SEVEN

Thursday

107

Thursday, 6:01 AM

Jennifer pressed the clock alarm “off” button, jumped from bed and hurried downstairs in her pajamas. She started the coffee maker, assembled stuffing ingredients and pulled out the two big turkeys. They must be in the ovens by seven to roast in time for the meal.

Jason sauntered in a few minutes later to unwrap and rinse the turkeys before settling them into roasting pans to await stuffing. “How did you sleep, Hon?”

“Very well. I was really tired last night. How’s your concussion this morning?”

“Completely normal.”

“You’re sure?” She looked at him with concern. He nodded. “That’s wonderful news because we have lots to do today.”

“Just give me commands and I’ll be your devoted servant. That’s DS for short.”

She laughed. “How about bringing in the morning paper then, DS?” 

When he returned, they slid the stuffed turkeys into heated ovens at 6:59. “Right on schedule,” Jason said; “steady as she goes.”

Jennifer turned suddenly, seeing him with new eyes. That phrase seemed a perfect metaphor: his level-headedness kept the ocean-liner-of-their-lives on course, no matter the storm. He’d become an accomplished cruise-ship captain, inventing hands-on how to foil what came along during their forty-one years together. Moreover, his balanced approach to threatening waves allowed her latitude for more whimsical pursuits. He even gripped the wheel bravely when rogue waves smashed them broadside, like Ruger Yates a year ago, and now, this diamond fiasco.

She crossed the room, put her arms around his shoulders and kissed him. “I love you very much,” she whispered.

“Whatever brought that on, have some more.” He winked and squeezed her hand.

“Jay, an idea came to me in the night.”

“Geez, here we go again. Remember I’m in recovery, just home from the hospital. Be gentle.”

“Not an idea so much as an intuition,” she added.

He hung his head as if waiting for the next blow. “I’m afraid to ask,” he mumbled to himself, then raised his head and smiled. “Okay, let’s hear it.”

“I don’t think our family should mention the diamonds to our guests at today’s party. I can’t give you a logical explanation and I know it’s on all our minds, but it’s a strong feeling. If you agree, should we tell them so we’re all on the same page before company comes?”

“I see no reason but don’t object. If it makes you more comfortable, that’s what we’ll do.  By the way, when do the guests arrive?”

“I told them 12:30 to get acquainted before the meal at one o’clock. Of course, the kids and Grands will drift in throughout the morning. You shouldn’t exert too much the next few days, so when some of those strong, young men arrive, ask them to help you bring in the tables and chairs.”

Becca shuffled into the kitchen. “Did I hear the phrase ‘strong, young men’? I’m a girl in my prime tuned for compatibles.”

“Morning, Becca. I meant to ask you: How were the Donnegan kids when you took over the dinner we sent last night?” Jennifer asked.

“Sad but pragmatic. Besides planning the funeral, they met with their lawyer yesterday about the estate and need to decide what to do with the house.”

“Did you invite them to our Thanksgiving?”

“Yes, but they said no. Understandably, they’re not feeling too thankful…and not up to dealing with a happy crowd.”

Hannah strolled into the kitchen and they heard the rhythmic thump of crutches descending the stairs behind her. “Hello all,” she said. “Adam had a bad night. Guess the painkillers wore off. We’ll grab a quick breakfast, then dash over to Sally’s so I can get the bedroom settled before we move in there tonight. Adam can rest there while I return to help out here. Then I’ll get him about noon and we’ll return in time for the party.”

Adam crutched in, settled onto a chair, rested his bandaged arm on the table and greeted them. “Sorry I wasn’t much help yesterday with the furniture, but luckily the seller loaded it on his end and Greg, er, Dad was at my mother’s house when we arrived, so my two dads made it happen.”

Jason sighed. “Took two trips but it all fit into the van. Teamwork triumphs again.”

“A real craigslist bargain,” Hannah added. “Two dressers, two night tables and a king-size bed with like-new mattress and springs, all for $400.”

Jennifer put out breakfast choices buffet-style. They helped themselves.

“I’ll be back in about an hour to help out here. Our sheets from last night are in the washer. Transfer them to the dryer, Mom, and I’ll make the bed when I return…to get it ready for new guests tonight,” Hannah called over her shoulder as she and Adam left.

“Where do we start, Mom?” Becca asked.

“The dining room table for twelve is already in position. We’ll decorate it first as a model for the other three.” They piled the tablecloths, napkins, centerpieces and utensils for the other three tables on a rocker in the sunroom. “We’ll put a buffet line of food across these two credenzas with two stacks of fifteen plates each at one end; then the wine bar goes there and desserts over here. Each place at the table needs a water and wine glass except the children get tumblers instead of goblets. Each spot needs a place card to mix guests and family. I’ll write names on the cards and you can decide who’s compatible. If I’m distracted later this morning when someone else offers to help, you can show them the ropes.”

“Mom, its 8:30 and you’re still wearing your pajamas.”

Jennifer laughed. “Just hope I’m not still wearing them when the company arrives.”

108

Thursday, 12:29 PM

Jennifer answered the door to a slew of arriving guests. “Hello, Sally and Greg. Welcome. Come right in. Celeste will put your coats in the study. Tina MacKenzie, it’s so long since we’ve seen you. Becca,” Jennifer called, “Tina’s here. Veronika, thanks for sharing this holiday meal with us. We hope our boisterous family doesn’t overwhelm you. Celeste, please take her coat.”

Becca hurried to the foyer to greet her friend and introduce her to Nathan.

Several asked Jennifer, “Did you see the police cruiser? Do you know why it’s parked in the cul-de-sac?”

“Later. I’ll explain after everyone’s here.”

Fred circulated among the guests offering wine and sodas while Jason and adult family members mingled and chatted. Nearby, Grands ran about squealing with excitement as they played.

In the kitchen, Jennifer coordinated last-minute details, asking her girls and Celeste to help put food on the buffet. “Tina, will you be Salad Girl?” From previous meals here, Tina knew Salad Girl combined and tossed the ingredients. Celeste spooned stuffing from the turkeys into serving dishes and Jason carved the birds with an electric knife.

With all ready at one o’clock, Jennifer handed the dinner bell to the nearest Grand, who rang it throughout the main floor and in the back yard. Guests moved toward the tables, found their places and passed through the buffet line. Burdened with his cast, Adam let Hannah prepare his plate while parents selected acceptable morsels for finicky small children.

Once all were seated, Jason stood. “Everybody, please continue eating while the food’s hot and I start ‘Announcement Time.’ I’ll make a few and then the floor is open to anyone with news to share. First, on this Thanksgiving Day let’s each take thirty silent seconds to consider what we’re thankful for in our lives.” After that pause, he continued. “Next, I’ll introduce our guests with a short description about who they are.” The introduced visitors each waved a jaunty hand. “Since I’m already on my feet, my announcement is how grateful I am to survive yesterday’s traffic accident.” Much applause. “Has anyone else an announcement?”

A hand went up and Greg Bromley stood. “Sally Iverson...” he rested his hand on her shoulder, “and I are both delighted to be here today and we want to announce we’re getting married on December 15.” Sharp intakes of breath, murmurs of surprise. “That makes it easy for Adam and Hannah and for all of you to visit us, since soon we’ll live in the same house.” He sat down to applause, cheering and congratulations.

Getting up with effort because of his cast, Adam stood. “Yesterday our house at the farm burned to the ground, but thanks to firemen like Nathan over there, Hannah and I lived to tell about it. But another person here today warned me a week ago that this very farmhouse was a dangerous place for me. Unfortunately, I wasn’t smart enough to listen. I thank Veronika for trying to protect my bride and me by using her gift of clairvoyance. I’ll pay very close attention to any future predictions.” More enthusiastic response from the crowd.

Smiling, Veronika stood. “It doesn’t take a psychic to sense positive energy around this table. I am grateful to share this occasion with all of you. Thank you for inviting me to your family holiday.” More applause.

Kaela stood. “Owain’s too modest to tell you himself, but this past weekend at his business meeting at The Greenbriar…turns out the big-wigs studied their staff for promotions. He learned yesterday he’s the new regional manager for his company.” She grinned. “I’m very proud of him.” Clapping and atta-boys followed. “Wait, there’s more. Dad and Mom babysat our children for four days while we attended that meeting, which was brave enough, but in the process Mom helped Milo through some excitement with heroic assistance from Veronika, Becca, Hannah and Adam. So we’re thankful for lots today.” Wild cheering ensued.

Tina rose. “Some of you may know I took a year off from college to…to get my act together, but I started back this fall and will complete my senior year in June.” Everyone cheered her courageous recovery from the brutal attack she’d endured.

Becca raised a hand and stood up. “Dad introduced Nathan earlier, but besides being a brave firefighter, the kind who rescued Adam, he’s also an EMS lead medic. So if anyone feels faint today, the timing is perfect.” Chuckles interspersed with applause.

Dylan rose, wine glass in hand. “As the family’s oldest child, I toast Dad and Mom, the makers of today’s feast.” The diners stood, applauding their appreciation.

Jason lifted his wine goblet,  “And another toast…to family and friends with us today. Enjoy your meal.”

Jennifer asked Celeste to take a plate of food out to the policeman in the cruiser guarding the house.

As Celeste replenished buffet platters and Fred filled empty glasses, the guests talked about neighborhood news, including the Donnegan family’s two untimely deaths. Keeping the story short, Jason underplayed the police car out front as providing temporary protection against someone who took a potshot at Jennifer through the sun porch window. This triggered uneasy discussion about a shooter in the community. Several examined strips of clear tape covering the crackled spiderweb of glass around the bullet hole in the kitchen window.

Many guests lingered long after the meal to trade stories and nibble second desserts. Adam hobbled over to Veronika. “We’re leaving early, doctor’s orders, but before I go might you answer a question for me?”

“Gladly, if I can.”

“At the police station, remember when you warned me about the house? You also mentioned an important career decision for me soon. Can you shed any light on that?”