Raisin the Dead (15 page)

My sharp intake of breath echoed in the small office. “What happened to Dusty? Is he okay?”

He nodded. “He will be. Officer Garza found him. I'm more concerned about Detective Corsino. He's a real asset to this department, as well as a good friend.” His face softened as he met my eyes. “I'm sorry, Ms. Tyler. I know this can't be easy for you.”

“Thank you. It's not, but as long as I know he'll be okay, I can get through it.” I got up. “Thank you for seeing me, Chief Carly. I appreciate it. Come see me at Bread and Batter. I'll give you a box of cupcakes.”

Chief Carly rolled his chair back and got up. He laughed and rubbed his flat stomach. “Sounds good. Your bakery makes a hell of a cupcake.”

“Thank you.”

“Don't worry,” he continued. “Our boy's going to make it. Nothing less will be tolerated.”

I drove to Dottie's, hoping I could keep a kernel of the chief's optimism about Sean.

She shepherded me inside when I arrived. “Let me get you some tea, then I want to hear all about it. Go get comfy in the living room.”

Noelle and Beau followed, pacing right along with me. When I sat on Dottie's couch, they jumped up and snuggled up next to me. I put my arms around them. Tears leaked out of my eyes.

Dottie came back with my tea. “Come on kids, get down, and let Molly have some room.”

They obeyed, and I took a drink of tea. “He's in bad shape, Dottie. They won't even let me see him.”

“Oh, no. What did they say?”

I repeated what the nurse, Lila, and the chief had said. Tears filled Dottie's eyes as well. “The poor man. That must have been some tumble. Is there anything I can do for you?”

I shook my head. “No, thank you, Dottie. I don't know what to do. There's nothing I can do.”

“That's the hard part, I know. I'll pray for him, you can count on that, honey.”

“Thank you. Me, too.” I finished my tea. “I can't sit here all night.”

“You most certainly can if that's what you want.”

I managed a weak smile. “You're a doll. Thank you for the tea. I'll take the dogs and go.”

She hugged me at the door. “Why don't you leave them with me? I'm sure you want some quiet time. Try to get some sleep. Maybe tomorrow you can see Sean. Beau and Noelle can stay as long as they need to.”

I hugged her. “Thank you so much.”

“No need to thank me. You and Sean are the best tenants I've ever had. You're like family. I love both of you. If you don't want to stay alone, you can stay in my spare bedroom. It has a big old bed with lots of blankets on it and one of those fat mattresses. I have a special stool you have to use to climb up into it. My grandchildren love it. You can burrow yourself right down into it.” She stopped. “I'm rambling, I'm sorry. Forgive me.”

“Oh, Dottie, that sounds so inviting, but I think I'm going to sleep in Sean's bed. It'll make me feel closer to him. And you aren't rambling.”

“I understand. You go ahead.”

I went upstairs, trying to hold myself together. All I wanted was to talk to Sean. It was surreal that he was lying in Destiny Memorial. I took it has a good omen that my phone was silent. That meant he was still hanging in there. I called Olivia, Emily, and my parents. They were all horrified, and they all wanted to come over, but I didn't want to see anyone.

I appreciated their concern, but I wanted to be alone. I managed to undress and get my pajamas and robe on, then I brushed my teeth and washed my face. I went downstairs and let myself into Sean's apartment.

The quiet was almost unbearable. I couldn't conceive of him not coming home. I went right to his bedroom, carrying with me the box of tissues I'd brought from my apartment. I took my robe off. I was about to climb into his bed when I stopped, stripped down to my underpants, opened up his closet and pulled one of his dress shirts on.

Then I climbed into his bed, settled on his pillow, and cried myself to sleep.

When I walked into the bakery late the next morning after checking on Noelle and Beau, Olivia and Kendra rushed towards me. They took turns hugging me, the tears in their eyes bringing more to mine. After last night, I didn't think I had any left.

“Moll, I'm so sorry to hear about Sean,” cried Olivia. “I'm stunned. I prayed for both of you as soon as you told me.”

“I'm sorry, too,” said Kendra. “I couldn't sleep all night worrying about him and thinking of you. I said a prayer, too.”

“Thanks, both of you. I'm at a loss. It seems so unreal. I mean, I just saw him. The hospital wouldn't let me go into his room.”

“Are you going to the hospital today?” asked Olivia. “I'll go with you.”

“Me, too,” offered Kendra.

“I'd love if you both came with me. Last night I slept in his apartment because I wanted to be alone, and surrounded by his things. But now, I don't want to be alone.”

“Then you won't be. We'll put out the
CLOSED
sign for an hour,” said Olivia. “Emily was here looking for you. She feels awful, too.”

“You may not want to look at
The Destiny Trumpet
,” warned Kendra. “His accident was front-page news.”

“I threw Sean's copy inside his door when I left earlier, and didn't bother reading it. How much did the paper say about it?”

“Just that he was out riding when his horse bolted and ended up throwing him when it was spooked by a noise. A jogger called 911.”

I was glad when the door jingled. I didn't want to picture Sean lying broken and bleeding on the ground. Emily rushed in. Her arms were around me within seconds. “Sweetie, I am so sorry. Do you have any news?”

I shook my head. “No. I'm going to go back to the hospital in a while. Kendra and Olivia are coming along.”

“Do you want one more? I can call my mom. She'll watch the store while I'm gone, and she's good with Jane.”

“I'd love it if you came along. I hope I can see him.”

“I'll drive,” said Emily. “My SUV has room for everyone. Let me run back to the store and call my mom. When do you want to leave?” she asked.

“Is an hour good for everyone?” I asked. “I need to eat a bagel and have some tea before we set out.”

They all agreed it was fine.

“There was another story in the paper,” said Kendra after Emily had departed. “Philip Baldelli's house was broken into late yesterday evening. A neighbor called the police. They questioned Serafina and have asked her not to leave town. The article said that she's also still a person of interest in his murder. Apparently she's not happy. Sergeant Jacoby from Rigby has stepped in to help because Sean is in the hospital.” She looked at me, crestfallen. “I'm sorry, Molly. I didn't mean to say that. About Sean, I mean.”

“There's absolutely no reason to be sorry, Kendra. It's okay. I know where he is. Not talking about it won't change anything. What else does it say?”

“Not much. Other than Serafina, there are no suspects.”

“Who would break in to a dead man's house?” asked Olivia.

I wondered if Mary Sue hadn't had a point about Serafina killing Philip. After the killer in our town last winter, and Sean's story about the murdering nun, you'd think I'd be open to anything. Thinking about Mary Sue spawned a tiny kernel of an idea somewhere in my brain that I'd address later. My first concern was Sean.

***

When I walked into Destiny Memorial with my friends, we went straight to the ICU. The nurse on duty looked up and gave me a brief smile. “Good morning. Can I help you?”

“Good morning. I'm here about Sean Corsino. Can you give me an update on his condition? I was here yesterday. My name is Molly. I've been dating him the past few months.” I don't know why I added that. I guess I wanted the nurse to know I had a vested interest in him.

“He's resting comfortably, but I'm sorry, no visitors yet. You should be able to see him tomorrow. Another woman came in earlier. His sister-in-law, I think she said.”

My stomach plunged, but I couldn't worry about her now. This was all about Sean. “That would be his deceased wife's sister, Felicia Adams.”

She nodded. “She didn't give her name, but she was distressed when she couldn't see him. She really gave the nurses a hard time.”

“I can believe it. I don't think she's a happy woman. Can you do me a favor? He doesn't want anything to do with her, actually. I'm afraid she'll upset him when he is able to have visitors if she returns. Can you block her from seeing him?”

She nodded, which encouraged me. I expected her to say no. “Yes, as long as the request comes from a significant other, which you are, I can honor the request, or if you have power of attorney.” She grabbed a notebook, then looked up at me. “What's your last name?”

Guilt racked me for a second or two. Okay, maybe half a second. I wasn't Sean's wife, or even his fiancée. Did I have a right to determine who saw him? Would his parents mind my intrusion? I didn't think so. He certainly wouldn't. “Tyler.”

“How does she spell her last name?”

“I assume it's the common spelling, A-D-A-M-S.”

“Got it. I'll send her name down to the sign-in desk and give it to the guard as well. In addition, we'll put a sign on his door to come to the nurses' station before entering.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you so much. I asked Lila, the nurse who was here yesterday, to call me if there's any change. Would you mind doing the same?”

“I did see her notes. We will be sure to call you if there's any change. My name is Rachel.”

“Thank you, Rachel.”

“Anytime.”

***

“Are you sure you want to work today?” Olivia asked me when we were back in Emily's SUV.

“Yes. I have a couple of new cupcake recipes I want to introduce. As hard as it'll be to concentrate, I can't do anything for Sean by sitting in a corner crying. The only things I can do are pray and think positively. He has to make it. I can't think about him not making it.”

Emily began driving. “That's a good attitude. He'll pull through.”

“I think so, too,” said Kendra. “He's strong. He can fight this.”

“He's a survivor, Moll,” added Olivia. “He's young and healthy. His chances are good.”

I stared out the window as Emily drove. Survival is good, but would he be the same Sean? Were his injuries permanent? He loved his work. He'd be heartbroken if he couldn't do it anymore.

Emily pulled into the parking lot behind the bakery and her bookstore a few minutes later. “Thanks for driving, Em,” I told her. “And thanks for coming.”

She hugged me when we all got out. “No thanks needed. Call me if you need to talk, I don't care what time it is.”

“I will.”

Kendra, Olivia, and I went into the bakery. I busied myself with cupcake baking. I was in the middle of putting batches of Salted Caramel Chocolate and Pancake Breakfast (maple bacon cake, with maple bacon buttercream frosting) cupcakes in the oven when Olivia appeared. “You are not going to believe who's here to see you.”

I straightened up and swiped my cheek with the back of my hand. “Oh my God. Please do not tell me it's Felicia. If it is, tell her I'm busy and can't speak to her.”

“No, it's Serafina Alessi. Her Rolls Royce just glided up. Kendra is out there with her mouth open, staring at the woman as if she arrived in a space ship.”

I smiled in amusement. “Is she here to complain about our bagels again?”

“I don't think so. She asked for you by name; she said I couldn't help her.”

I headed to the front of Bread and Batter, wondering why she needed to see me.

“So have you met anyone famous? Like the Kardashians? What about Beyoncé and Jay-Z? Taylor Swift?” Kendra was grilling Serafina.

“No,” sniffed Serafina. “We don't run with the same crowd.”

“I saw a picture of you with one of the Royal Family cousins, have you met Prince—”

“Kendra, would you mind watching the counter while I talk to Ms. Alessi?” I asked.

She glanced around. “There aren't any customers.”

“Let's hope there will be soon,” I gave her my pointiest pointed look. “I'm going to talk to Ms. Alessi in my office. Olivia is watching the ovens.”

“Okay. Nice meeting you, Serafina,” Kendra said.

I turned to Serafina. She wore black yoga pants, the ultra-expensive ones, I'm sure, which had somehow become a fashion staple among the rich and fashionable, and everyone else. She'd layered on two tank tops, black and pink. Her hair was pulled up in a messy ponytail and her face looked devoid of makeup.

She could have used some to cover the bluish circles under her eyes, but I didn't offer my advice. Huge diamond studs were in her ears. I assumed they were diamonds; I couldn't see her going for zirconia. She had to be around my age, but with no makeup on, I was surprised at how much younger she looked. “Olivia said you wanted to speak to me.”

“Yes. I'd—”

“We have company,” interrupted Kendra, pointing to the front door.

There were several people circling around Serafina's pink Rolls Royce. When they noticed she was in the bakery they came in, then proceeded to pretend to not notice her, which was comedic, given that they were huddled in one mass lump over by the t-shirts, twittering and staring at her. I had a moment of sympathy for the woman. A small moment before I remembered our previous encounter.

“Can I help anyone?” called Kendra.

It was comical to see the mass move as one towards the counter, their eyes slanted sideways at Serafina.

“Can we take a ride instead of sitting in your office?” Serafina whispered.

“In the Rolls?” I asked, feeling almost light-headed. The fanciest car I've been in to date is my uncle's Mercedes-Benz, and it's about ten years old.

She arched an eyebrow at me. “So sorry, it's the only car I have.”

She had a point. After telling Olivia where I was going, I left with Serafina. Everyone in the bakery turned to watch us. I hoped Kendra made some sales off them. She was good at that, so I had no worries, although I half-expected the crowd to follow us out to the street.

I slid into the black interior, which was tastefully accented with just the right amount of pink here and there. I'd never experienced, or smelled, such luxury. I could live in this car. Serafina climbed in the driver's side and we sailed away in her Ghost sedan. If the car had an engine, I didn't hear it.

“I didn't think we'd get much talking done in there,” she said.

“Probably not,” I agreed.

“We'll go to my suite at Castle Shore.”

“That's fine,” I replied. Who was I to argue? Besides, she hadn't exactly asked my opinion. I leaned my head back on the thick headrest, embroidered with the interlocking pink double Rolls Royce
R
, and closed my eyes. Sadness engulfed me again as I thought of Sean.

My eyes flew open as I realized I didn't have my purse, nor my phone, with me. What if the hospital called? I hoped Olivia would hear it and answer it. All I wanted was for Sean to be okay. I missed him so much. More than I thought possible. I hated that I couldn't see him; couldn't talk with him. I hoped that would change soon.

Serafina didn't speak the entire ride, and I must have drifted off to sleep because when I awoke we were pulling up under the stone archway at the front door of Castle Shore's main building, an imposing Romanesque Revival mansion.

“Valet parking,” she announced as she slid out.

I undid my seatbelt and reluctantly left the luxurious cocoon. I hoped she realized she was driving me back.

An elevator whisked us to the top floor, where all the suites were. She unlocked the door and I followed her in. A window filled the entire back wall. The view of Destiny Lake was breathtaking. I'd never seen it from this angle.

“I'm sure you're wondering what you're doing here.”

I turned around. “It crossed my mind.”

“Sit,” she ordered, waving in the general direction of the small living room. I did as I was told.

“You apparently helped solve the murder of some orchard owner here.”

“How did you know that?”

“My great-uncle, Philip Baldelli, saved newspapers. I was going through them after he died. I saw several regarding a woman's death and some articles mentioning you. You're the star around here, it seems.”

“I had a little to do with it, yes. Mostly, it was my ex-husband's grandmother.”

“I want you to find my great-uncle's killer.”

I'm pretty sure my mouth was frozen open in surprise. “What?” I managed to squeak.

She clicked her tongue. “What part of that did you not understand? The police are holding me in this stupid hick town that closes at sunset, just because my great-uncle happened to be murdered right after I arrived and because his house was just broken into. Really? Like I need to break into his house? He gave me free reign. I have his key, for God's sake. Detective Corsino is an ass. I don't know where he went to detective school. He probably didn't. God, I hate small towns. I'm a prisoner.”

I shot out of the chair, my fists clenched. “Detective Sean Corsino was trained in your precious New York City, Ms. Alessi. He was a New York City detective. He only moved up here after his wife's death. He is most certainly not an ass.

“How dare you call him that? As far as I'm concerned, I wouldn't help you if you were the last person on Earth to help.” I took a breath and continued before she could cut in. “Right now, Detective Corsino is in the ICU at Destiny Memorial Hospital.”

I think a flicker of sympathy shadowed across her eyes, but I wouldn't bet on it. “You're in love with him.”