Moreno’s smartphone chimed. “Hello, Sam here,” he barked, “What’s up?”. He and Edith Kilmaury were relaxing, after dinner, at an Italian restaurant on “The Hill”.
“I know you’re off duty,” the police dispatcher said, “but, I thought you’d want to know. There’s another Transcendental girl down. She just expired in the lobby of the Alcott Hall dorm. You might want to check it out.”
“I will,” Sam said. He and Edith sped to the campus and hurried into Alcott Hall. The paramedics had the deceased girl on a stretcher and were preparing to take her to a nearby hospital. Dorm residents and some of their beaus were crowding the lobby, quietly sharing their thoughts. A young man sat on the floor near the corpse, his head in his hands.
Edith gasped, “Look, Sam, she’s bronze, like Mrs. Berkmann was when she died!”
Sam knelt next to the distraught boy on the floor, flashed his credentials, and asked, “What’s your name, son?”
“Jim Lancet,” he whispered.
“What happened here?”
“I don’t know,” the troubled, young man moaned. “Andrea and I went to the movies ... ate out ... and then, we strolled around campus for about an hour, talking about our future together. She was so beautiful tonight ... so charming. We were serious. We came here ... kissed goodnight ... She stepped back a bit and gave me a lovely smile. Suddenly, she just slumped to the floor. Someone called 9-1-1 while I administered CPR. I know how to do it. I’m a lifeguard at the campus pool. But, Andrea didn’t respond at all. And, the paramedics couldn’t save her either.”
“Was she always this tan?” Sam inquired.
“No. That’s new,” Jim replied. “She herself was puzzled by that. Normally, she was very light-complected, but for some reason this week she developed a tan. But, she felt fine, and she liked the change, so we didn’t give it much thought.”
Sam scribbled some notes in his case book, got the victim’s full name and Jim’s contact information, gave him his card and said, “If you think of anything else or you just want to talk, call me. I’ve got to get to the hospital to arrange for an autopsy. I’m very sorry for your loss.” Sam gave him a manly hug and helped lift him to his feet. He gestured to some of the young men in the crowded room and said, “You fellows see to it that Jim gets to his room. And, sit up with him for a few hours. He needs company.”
Several fellows said, “We
will, sir.” And, Sam and Edith were off to the hospital.
Quickly, the airwaves were filled with news of Andrea’s demise. Radio, TV and the Internet blared, “Second Transcendental girl drops dead. Mysteriously, in the last two weeks, two college students have slumped to the floor in public. Is there a disease on campus? Both girls were beautifully tanned with a glowing, bronze tone. Are tanning parlors to blame?” The next edition of the local paper echoed the messages.
Bewilderment and sorrow hung over the St. Louis region. Andrea’s family and her friends were in deep grief. A promising young lady had been cut down in her prime. But, one wicked man noted the news with glee. Vic was in his bed, watching the late night news. Keturah, “The Cat”, was asleep beside him. He breathed a sigh of relief, as he thought, “Now, Moreno will be busy chasing the wind. His suspicions of me will fade away. This is a great moment. Flare and I have won a huge victory. Just wait till the other two drop!” He snorted an ugly laugh as he pictured himself deriding Moreno, “Hah! You’ll be too busy to sleep this weekend. It serves you right for trying to convict me. I’ve outwitted you, completely.”
...
Saturday morning, Vicki Swanson was on one of the campus tennis courts with Bill Karsov. She was the number two player on the women’s varsity squad. He was number six on the men’s team. She had asked him to play a match with her and critique her game. And, she was playing very well. Her energy was up. Her serves had more zing than usual. She moved like a ballerina as she positioned herself perfectly for each return shot. And, she looked impressive. Her snow-white shorts and shirt contrasted nicely with her beautiful, new tan. “Always before,” Bill remembered, “she’s had a very light tan, but today, she’s a glowing, bronze color.” Bill had never seen her play so well. She had even won the last set. That was unusual.
And, Vicki had the advantage in the game they were contesting. She wanted to put it away with a vicious serve. She moved to the back line, tossed the ball to the sky and started to smash it at Bill, but instead, she collapsed onto the court. Bill was stunned. He ran over to see what was wrong. She made no sounds. He saw no signs of life. He dashed to the sidelines, pulled his phone from his equipment bag, and entered 9-1-1. While he waited for help, he carried her limp body to the shade of a nearby oak and tried to revive her with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. He was frustrated, because he knew he wasn’t proficient with the technique. He had no success. By the time the paramedics arrived, the situation was hopeless. Bill blamed himself, but the professionals comforted him, saying, “It’s not your fault. Even if we had been here when it happened, we don’t think we could have saved her.”
A small group of bystanders began to gather, attracted by the bright lights of the medical van. A voice crackled from the van’s radio, “Detective Moreno is on the way. Are there any witnesses there?”
“Yes,” the driver replied. “The guy she was playing tennis with is here.”
“Well, get his name and phone number, and ask him to wait for Moreno. You better get the girl to the hospital.”
Bill agreed to wait for the detective and the emergency team hurried away. While waiting, Bill secured Vicki’s racket and equipment bag. He sat down on a bench beneath the tree. No one knew what to say.
Sam Moreno broke the silence. He whipped into a parking space next to the court, tires squealing, and dashed over to the crowd. “Which of you is William Karsov?” he asked. Bill raised his hand. Moreno said, “What happened?”
“Well, Vicki and I were playing tennis. She was trying to improve her game for some upcoming tournaments. She was doing really well; better than ever. She started to serve the ball and fell. I couldn’t revive her. Neither could the medics.”
“Were you two close?” Moreno asked.
“Not really,” Bill replied as tears welled up in his eyes. “Just good friends ... This is just tragic. She was showing so much promise. I’ll never forget the way she played today.”
“Where did she live?”
“Browning Hall dorm.”
“I’ll see her at the hospital in a few minutes,” Sam
continued, “but can you describe her ... I mean ... Was there anything unusual
about her appearance today?”
“She was tall ... slender ... very athletic ... light-brown hair, cut short ... and yes ... today, she had a radiant tan.”
“You mean, the tan was a new thing?”
“Yes, she usually had a light tan, but today, her tan was glowing like bronze.”
Moreno’s gut wrenched. He got Bill’s contact information, finished his case notes, and handed his card to Bill, saying, “If you think of other details, give me a call. I have to hurry to the hospital and arrange an autopsy for Vicki. I’m sorry you witnessed this tragedy.”
Feeling like a pall-bearer, Bill carried Vicki’s things to Moreno’s car. They shook hands, solemnly, and Sam raced away.
News of the slaying traveled fast. The final edition of the local newspaper flashed the headline, “Third Transcendental Girl Drops Dead.” Electronic media echoed that notice and added much speculation about the string of deaths. “Is there a strange virus on campus?” “Is the drinking water contaminated?” “Are the campus cafeterias safe?” “Is a serial killer causing this?” “Why have all the deceased displayed a radiant suntan?” “Are tanning parlors at fault?” “Is there a new, dangerous, tanning lotion on the market?”
Moreno was galled, and Victor was giddy. Keturah had gone home for the day, and he sat on his couch, drinking, with his eyes glued to the television, surfing for news about his most recent victim. He was thrilled when he heard it reported on nation-wide, cable news channels. He over-imbibed as he celebrated his triumph. He laughed maniacally and screamed, “Take that Moreno! You thought you had me! Now, you have nothing! I’ve outwitted you! You’re nothing but a gumshoe hack! Flare and I have conquered you!”
...
Sunday morning was hot, hazy and hushed. All was in slow motion. Most folks behaved as if they were in attendance at a Funeral. A tentative mood prevailed. People were asking themselves and others, “Will there be more dead girls? Who’s next?”
The crowd filing into Transcendental Community Church was larger than usual. People were looking for answers. They greeted each other with warm smiles and gentle handshakes, but a somber aura hung in the air.
Seemingly by chance, but actually by the orchestration of the Holy Spirit, the morning sessions proclaimed a common theme: “This life is fragile and troubled; for believers, the next life is eternal and blissful.” Without the prior collaboration of the primary presenters of the day, Dr. Angelo’s Sunday School lesson, the Choir Director’s selection of special music for the morning service, and the sermon prepared by Dr. Bandy were all centered on this theme.
In a miraculous way, the Holy Spirit had coordinated these activities for the sake of one special attendee, a small, young lady named Laura Smith. She was soon to be Vic’s final victim from the poisonings he had administered at the blood-bank’s refreshment table. She was very worried. She had an inkling of what was going to happen. All her life she had been beleaguered by asthma. Normally, she appeared wan, but, that morning, as she sat with three of her friends from the dorm, she felt and looked healthy. During the prior week, mysteriously, her breathing problems had eased, and her skin had developed a beautiful tan. And, that was the cause of her uneasiness. She knew that each of the three dead college girls had died having a radiant tan.
Laura was a tiny girl with big plans. She was majoring in Spanish, because she wanted to be a missionary to immigrants crossing the southern border. She felt she could befriend newcomers by offering them free English training, and then, encourage them to attend her Bible studies.
Dr. Angelo began his lesson quietly, “At a time like this, we are reminded that life is fleeting. We are mourning the loss of three young girls. For sure, our present lives are temporary, but we know that our resurrection lives are permanent. Perhaps, we can lift our spirits this morning by thinking about permanent things. But, to put them in perspective, we must begin by considering a temporary thing.
“Do you know that our Universe is temporary? It is! That’s a stark thought for me, personally. For years, I have been studying our Universe. All the while, my Bible has been telling me that the whole thing will pass away and be replaced by a permanent Universe. My studies have caused me to believe that everything in our Universe is made of very tiny things for which we have no names, yet. We refer to them in a generic way, calling them ‘strings’. An electron is a combination of strings. So are all the other sub-atomic particles and forces. So, it follows, you yourself are a complex combination of trillions of strings. Even ‘outer space’ is made of strings. So, the whole Universe is a giant weaving of strings ... a cosmic fabric.
“With that in mind, let’s look at a few Scripture verses. Here’s a couple of passages from Isaiah:
All the stars in the sky will be dissolved and the heavens rolled up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree. (NIV Isaiah 34:4)
and ...
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old [grow old] like a garment...
(Isaiah 51:6)
and listen to this passage from Hebrews:
In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but you remain forever. They will wear out like old clothing. You will fold them up like a cloak and discard them like old clothing.
(NLT Hebrews 1:10-12)
So, you see, the ancient Scriptures have told us for millennia that the Universe is one giant fabric that will be discarded, someday. Furthermore, they teach us that the Universe will be replaced. Look at the words of John, the Apostle, in the Book of Revelation:
... I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
(Revelation 21:1-2)”
For the next 25 minutes, Dr. Angelo expounded on the ideas in his opening statement. Then, he answered questions raised by class members. And finally, he concluded with this observation: “If you are a true believer, you are well-positioned for the future. You’ll get to see the New Heavens and Earth and the New Jerusalem. Do everything you can for Jesus during your present life, but remember, it is temporary. None of us knows when we will be called up into the next life, but isn’t it wonderful to know we have a fabulous future?”
Laura thought, “How true, how true. I want to be a missionary, but, most of all, I want to see Jesus, whether it’s 60 seconds from now or 60 years from now. That’s up to the Lord.”
Dr. Angelo’s words initiated the supportive message of the day. The theme was furthered by a very special piece of music performed during the morning worship service. The choir and the orchestra joined to present a thrilling rendition of Fanny Crosby’s hymn, “My Savior First of All” [1]. Miriam was a key performer in the number. She played a vigorous, beautiful descant as the rest of the orchestra carried the main melody and the choir voiced the inspiring lyrics:
When my lifework is ended,
and I cross the swelling tide,
When the bright and glorious morning
I shall see;
I shall know my Redeemer
when I reach the other side,
And His smile will be the first
to welcome me.
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
And redeemed by His side I shall stand,
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
By the print of the nails in His hand.
Oh, the soul-thrilling rapture
when I view His blessed face,
And the luster of His
kindly beaming eye;
How my full heart will praise Him
for the mercy, love and grace,
That prepare for me
a mansion in the sky.
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
And redeemed by His side I shall stand,
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
By the print of the nails in His hand.
Oh, the dear ones in Glory,
how they beckon me to come,
And our parting at the river
I recall;
To the sweet vales of Eden
they will sing my welcome home;
But I long to meet my Savior
first of all.
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
And redeemed by His side I shall stand,
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
By the print of the nails in His hand.
Through the gates to the city
in a robe of spotless white,
He will lead me where no tears
will ever fall;
In the glad song of ages
I shall mingle with delight;
But I long to meet my Savior
first of all.
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
And redeemed by His side I shall stand,
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
By the print of the nails in His hand.
Laura was warmed by the sentiments of the song. Her Mother had passed when she was in high school, and she had often dreamed of seeing her again in Heaven. “How I miss her! What a tender moment that will be, when I get to feel her hugs again,” she dreamed.
Dr. Bob Bandy completed the theme of the day with a strong evangelistic plea: “Friends, we are saddened today by the deaths of three young ladies. I hope they were all believers when they died. If so, they are now with Jesus in Glory. This string of tragedies should teach us that we must hold on to this life loosely and get a firm grip on eternal life. If you are not sure where you’ll go if you’re suddenly struck down, you need to get right with Jesus, now. He’s the only one who can get you ‘Heaven-ready’. He can erase your sins and escort you into Glory. You need to have the sentiment Paul expressed in Second Corinthians, chapter 5. He said:
... we are always confident, knowing that, while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. We are ... willing ... rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Does this passage express your convictions? Are you ready to be absent from your body and present with the Lord in Heaven?”
Pastor Bob based the rest of his sermon on two texts:
We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this ...
(NLT 2 Corinthians 5:2-5)
and
... when ... this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,
Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
(1 Corinthians 15:54-55)
Dr. Bandy concluded, saying, “You see, for Christians, death has no sting. It simply moves us from serving Christ in this life to serving Him in the next. If you are a believer, your eternal life has already begun. You’ll continue to live here for now, but shortly, you’ll step into that better place we call Heaven. Please don’t leave here today until you are sure you’re ready to move up to Glory. If you need to discuss your spiritual state with one of our trained counselors, come on up to the front of the Sanctuary as we sing our closing hymn. They’ll help you establish a right relationship with the Lord.”
Laura’s mind toyed with the phrase, “swallowed up”. Brother Bob had used it twice: to indicate that the dying bodies of believers are swallowed up by a new life in Glory, and to indicate that death is swallowed up by the victory believers win when they die. And, she clung to the verse that said, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Her anxieties had faded in the light of the consoling messages she had heard throughout the morning.
After the service, Dan and his Mother, Jan, and Dr. Angelo assembled in the lobby. Shortly, they were joined by Miriam, and the foursome moved to the exit, headed for lunch in a quiet café selected by Dr. Angelo.
The Church building was prefaced by a broad staircase comprised of seven steps, each a yard wide. As the lunch party stepped onto the top tier, a commotion erupted at the far end of the stairs. Laura Smith reclined in peace on the middle stair. Her three friends, animated by intense grief, were crying and wailing. One of them exclaimed, “She said this might happen! She was worried about her tan!” An off-duty nurse, who was among the congregants streaming from the building, tried to revive Laura while her husband called 9-1-1. Within minutes an EMT crew and two police cars were at the scene. But, all efforts to rescue Laura were unsuccessful....
Laura was already in Heaven with Jesus. Her lungs filled with delightful air. Her eyes were dazzled by the glorious landscape before her, but most of all she was fascinated by Jesus. She had never seen anyone look so kind and so beautiful. Clothed in her new body, in awe, she knelt, bowed her head, and said, “Thank you Jesus!”
He reached out His hand and touched her shoulder, saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Now, Laura, look up, someone wants to see you.”
A lovely form rushed to her side and raised her to her feet with a thrilling hug. “Laura,” she said.
“Mom!”, Laura exclaimed. “You’re so beautiful. How marvelous to see you again. I’ve missed you so much.” Laura was filled with peace in her new home.
...
Back on Earth, things were not peaceful. The EMTs placed Laura’s body in the van and headed for the hospital. Pastor Bandy and his wife gathered up Laura’s friends and took them to the Pastor’s office for counseling. One of the police officers called Detective Moreno. He was out of town, enjoying a day at Alton Lake with Edith Kilmaury. The officer reported, “We have another bronze corpse. She collapsed on the steps in front of Transcendental Community Church. She was here with some of her college friends.”
Sam replied, “I can’t come now. Be sure to get the names and phone numbers of those who were with her, and tell them I’ll be calling them, and make sure the hospital runs an autopsy on the deceased.”
Dan and the others in the lunch party had watched the proceedings in stunned silence. Suddenly, he turned to Miriam, placed his hand on her shoulder, looked her in the eyes, and said, “Miriam, you’ve got to get out of that dorm! You’ve got to get off campus!”
“How can that happen?” she replied. “I’ll be all right. I’m not afraid.”
“Listen!” Dan continued, bristling with ardor. “Something creepy is going on. I don’t know what it is, but I want you off that campus.”
“Where would I go?” she asked, meekly.
Jan jumped in, “We have an empty cottage at our place. Our renter moved to Texas a few weeks ago. It’s furnished and in good shape. You can stay there till this is over.”
“But, how would I pay you? How would I get to my practice room at Melody Hall?”
Dan insisted, “You can afford ‘free’, can’t you? We won’t charge you anything. And, where we live, you can practice as loud and long as you wish. You won’t bother anyone.”
“What do you think, Doc?” Miriam asked. “You’re my surrogate father.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” Dr. Angelo responded. “I would feel much better with you off campus.”
“Good,” Dan said, jubilantly. “Let’s go to the dorm, right now. We’ll load your things into our three cars and move you to our place.”
“And, when we get there, I’ll fix us a lunch,” Jan added with a sparkling smile, “It’s really quiet there, and we’ll have a lot to talk about.”
...
At Browning Hall, Jan and Miriam secured two garment racks from the storage closet and rolled them to Miriam’s room. Miriam’s concerns abated as the Comforting Spirit washed over her. She relaxed, feeling she was doing the right thing. She brightened up as she opened her door and spotted “Danny Bear” on her dresser. She held him up for Jan to see, saying, “Who does this remind you of?”
Jan laughed. “I know all about that bear. Dan told me the story more than once. And yes, it does resemble Dan ... strongly.”
When the ladies rolled the racks into the dorm lobby, Dan and Dr. Angelo took over and rolled them to the parking lot. The foursome quickly loaded the cars. Jan and Dr. Angelo drove their own vehicles, and Dan rode with Miriam. She wanted to drive, knowing that would fix the route in her mind. Dan gave her directions. With Miriam in the lead, the team formed a caravan and headed for the Diederman residence. As they moved along, Dan felt compelled to say, “I hope I didn’t anger you with my intense outburst on the Church steps. I just won’t leave you in danger.”
Miriam’s face flushed. “Dan,” she said, emotionally, “I’m just glad you care about me. This is all very strange, but I think we’re doing the right thing. I’ll try not to be a burden.”
“A burden?” Dan quizzed. “I think of you as a delight, not a burden. Mom’s going to love having you around. If anything, I’ll be the problem. I’ll be too intrusive. If you feel like I’m crowding you, just tell me to get lost.”
Miriam laughed her sweet giggle.
When the caravan arrived, Miriam and Dr. Angelo were awed by the pleasant venue. Two misty-green, ranch-style houses, trimmed with white porch rails, soffits, corner moldings, and rain-gutters, sat about a hundred yards back from the road, on its South side. They were in an oak grove, groomed like a park. A semi-circle, chat drive allowed one to approach the homes from either of two entrances. The houses were connected by an enclosed breezeway. Miriam’s new domicile was on the East; the Diederman’s residence was on the West. About a hundred feet to the West of the houses was a handsome metal shed where Dan kept his lawn tractors, tools, machining equipment, and guns.
As the party gathered before Grandma’s house, Jan said to Dan, “You show the cottage to Miriam and Chuck. I’ll get a lunch together.” Dan agreed.
Dan whisked Miriam and Dr. Angelo through the house. He showed them the dining room, living room, kitchen, washroom, and two bedrooms, each with an attached bathroom containing a tub-and- shower module. All was clean and in fine condition. As the group moved back toward the front, Miriam paused to admire the chandelier in the living room, “That is so beautiful,” she said. “I love the way those six kerosene lanterns sit on that giant wagon wheel. It’s so rustic ... so lovely.” She flipped the switch and exclaimed, “Look, Doc, the lights flicker a little to mimic the light of old-fashioned lamps.”
Dr. Angelo agreed, “It’s unique ... a work of art.”
Miriam continued, “I’m overwhelmed. This is so nice. It’ll spoil me.”
Dan smiled and said, “Best of all, it’s safe.”
Miriam had selected the bedroom on the back side of the structure, so the fellows began hauling her stuff to that room, and she began arranging things. About the time the men finished emptying the cars, Jan popped into the cottage kitchen and called out, “Lunch is ready!”
The foursome gathered, and Jan led them through the breezeway to her kitchen table. They sat down to an inviting meal: a tossed salad, chicken stir-fry, garlic bread, and a choice of coffee or iced tea. And, for dessert Jan was warming a peach cobbler she had made the prior evening. Somewhat nervously, she said, “Well, let’s join hands and Dan will say the prayer.”
Dan intoned, “Lord, bless us now. This is an unusual day. None of us knew what was coming. We pray that Miriam will be safe here. And, we pray that the families and friends of those girls who died in this plague will turn to You for comfort. We thank You for this food and ask You to bless our efforts. In Jesus name we pray.”
And, all at the table said, “Amen.”
They were a hungry bunch. They quickly devoured the main course and moved on to the warm, peach cobbler with rich, vanilla ice cream on top.
...
Meanwhile, the news of Laura Smith’s demise was thundering through the airwaves. The next edition of the local newspaper screamed, “Bronze Plague Claims Fourth College Girl.” Reporters from all over the country converged on St. Louis to interrogate members of the police department and college officials. Even Chancellor Grigsby was asked for answers.
The good people of the community mourned, but Victor Bobreaux celebrated. Keturah, sitting next to him on his couch, was alarmed by his reaction to the steady drone on the cable news channels as they explored the story, again and again. Vic acted inappropriately. He giggled when the interviewees expressed consternation. She thought, “These strange deaths were tragic, but he seems to get a kick out of them. Is he drunk? Did he have too much before I got here? Maybe another drink will settle him down.” She poured him a glass of wine.
All afternoon she tried to tear his attention away from the TV news coverage, but her efforts were ignored. He was unhinged. He paced the floor nervously, staggering here and there in an ungainly manner. He grabbed the wine bottle and gulped even more of the purple fluid. He struggled to his full height and screamed, “Mo ... re ... no!” and laughed an ugly, snorting laugh. As she pulled the wine bottle from his trembling hand, he lurched onto the couch and passed out.
Keturah was disgusted. “There’ll be no party here
tonight!” she surmised. She put the wine away, turned off the TV, locked the
door behind her, and headed home.
...
Lunch over, Jan invited everyone into her living room, saying, “It’s been a tough day. Let’s relax in the parlor.” Though she didn’t show it, she felt uneasy. During the prayer before lunch, she had joined hands with Chuck, and, in some unexpected way, she had felt attracted to him. That had made her feel unfaithful to her deceased husband, Walter.
As Jan flipped on the lights, Miriam exclaimed, “Look, Doc! ... another beautiful chandelier. It looks like five of those old-fashioned street lights that village lamplighters used to tend. But, the cages enclosing the flickering bulbs are made of shiny brass, and the arms radiating from the central column are shiny, too. Wow! ... That’s impressive.”
“Oh!” Jan said with a broad smile. “That’s the work of my husband, Walter. He loved to make things in the shop next door. He was an amazing man ... a ‘hands-on’ engineer ... with an artistic bent.” Now, she felt better inside. Her praise of Walter seemed to recompense for her erstwhile attraction to Chuck.
“Well, we admired the chandelier next door. Walter must have kept busy,” Dr. Angelo said.
“That one was done by Dan,” Jan announced proudly. “And, he and his Dad built that whole cottage ... and the breezeway ... and the shop next door. This house was here when we bought the property.”
“Really,” Miriam replied, looking at Dan. “Why didn’t you say so?”
“You didn’t ask,” Dan said with a grin.
“I feel like I’ve been whisked away to Wonderland,” Miriam declared. “All of a sudden, I’m living in a nifty cottage in an lovely oak forest, courtesy of two very caring people.”
The foursome talked for a while about the events of the day, the deaths of the four college girls, and the Strings Project. But, Dr. Angelo’s attention kept returning to the fine craftsmanship of the two chandeliers. Finally, he felt impelled to say to Dan, “I know I’m being nosey, but I am very interested in seeing your shop. On campus, I’ve heard about some of the fine experimental devices you’ve made for the Physics Department. I’m curious.”
“Me, too!” Miriam proclaimed.
“That’s easy!” Dan stated as he rose to his feet, “Let’s go!”
Dan grabbed Miriam’s hand and led her through the front door, turned left, and headed for the shop. Jan and Chuck followed.
“You’re very blessed,” Chuck said. “A fine husband, a talented son, and a beautiful country home.”
“And, a terrific daughter, Deborah,” Jan added with a laugh.
Chuck’s eyes lingered as he studied Jan’s face in the warm sunlight. He was fascinated by her broad smile and her fine, light-brown hair fluttering in a passing breeze. Realizing he had looked too long, he diverted his eyes, shyly, and said, “I have a daughter, too ... Polly ... You remind me of her. Your smile, your hair, your gestures ... even your voice ... They all remind me of her. I guess I’m missing her.”
There was that vexing feeling again. Jan was of two minds. One said, “Run back to the house, and let your emotions cool.” The other said, “That would be impolite, and it’s nice to feel the attention of a fine man after all these years of cloistering myself.” Her indecision was interrupted by entering the shop.
“Wow!”, Dr. Angelo exclaimed. “This looks like a small factory.” He saw Dan’s tractors and yard equipment at the far left, his gun collection next to that, a battery of metal working tools next, followed by an array of woodworking machines.
“Well, Dad was a mechanical engineer. He became an executive, so he made a high salary, but he didn’t spend it on expensive cars and glamorous vacations. He was a ‘home-body’. This was his passion and his refuge.”
As they ambled through the building, Dan explained the use of each machine tool and discussed the nature of each piece in his gun collection. “Dad taught me how to work with all these tools,” Dan reminisced. “We spent countless hours here. I sure miss him.”
As the group walked back to Jan’s house, Dr. Angelo paused, took Jan’s hand, looked into her eyes, and said, “I better be going. You folks have to get Miriam settled in. I can’t adequately express my appreciation for your hospitality. She’s like a second daughter to me, and I’m sure she’ll be safe here.”
Jan tried to remain aloof from her emotions. Nevertheless, she blushed a bit, saying, “This is going to be fun. I’ll be glad to have Miriam around, and you are always welcome to drop in. You don’t need to wait for an invitation.”
As he walked to his car, Dr. Angelo called out to Dan and Miriam, “Hey, you two lovebirds, don’t forget that Knut Sorensen will be with us in the morning. I’ll see you then.”
