Raisin the Dead (17 page)

“Because of a nun Sean told me about. You can't discount anyone.”

Olivia shook her head, looking at me as if I had two of them. “Nun? I don't want to know. Who's Candy Blick?”

Kendra popped her head in. “Sorry to interrupt. Do you mind if I take off? I have class tonight.”

“Sure,” I told her. “Go ahead. Is anyone out there?”

“No, I took care of everyone. What's Serafina like? I bet that car was awesome. What did she need to talk about? Was she nice? Did she give you any perfume samples?”

“She wanted to discuss solving Philip's murder,” I told her. “Don't you have class?”

“Okay, but I want to hear all about it tomorrow.”

Olivia laughed when Kendra left. “That girl is something else.”

I smiled. “She certainly is.”

“Back to Candy Blick. Do I know her?”

“No. Neither do I. She was my mom's best friend in high school. Long story short, she was upset at my mother for making head cheerleader, and then for ending up with my father. Your mom is only a couple of years older than mine. She might know her, too.”

“You think this Candy came back and murdered Philip because she wasn't a cheerleader herself?”

“You know, to frame my mother. I feel she should be on the list. It doesn't mean she has to stay there. It's a preliminary list.”

“Okay, she stays then. But Jill? She couldn't have killed him.”

“I know, but she has to be on there, too. To be fair. I gave Serafina your address. Hope you don't mind.”

“Not at all. The girls are going to be shocked when she shows up. Are you telling any of them ahead of time that she's going to be there?”

“No. Well, maybe Emily, but no one else.”

“Speaking of the book club, did you get this month's selection read?” Olivia asked.

“Almost. I have a few pages to go.”

Olivia turned the notebook around and studied the list. “Nobody on this list stands out.”

“I'm not sure the person who killed him is even on this list. I don't know anything about Philip. Maybe he stole his neighbors' azaleas or tomatoes and they got tired of it, so they whacked him. Murder isn't logical.”

“True,” Olivia agreed. “But I'm leaning towards Serafina. Who else had a real motive? He was fine until she showed up. But why would she kill him?”

“That's why she's on the list.”

“Maybe we should stop being a book club and be a catch-a-killer club.”

“I think we should stick with the book club. I pray this is the last murder in Destiny for another hundred years.”

“Me, too, girl. Me, too.”

I was grateful the rest of the day passed quickly. I was looking forward to seeing Beau and Noelle, and relieving poor Dottie of doggie duty. I hadn't heard anything from the hospital. I chose to take that as a good sign. At least Sean was still hanging on.

There was a strange car in front of Dottie's when I arrived. I hoped it wasn't Felicia, even though this was a different make and model from the car she had been in previously. I got out of my own car and trotted up Dottie's front steps. I knocked on her door and waited.

“We were just having some goodies,” said Dottie when she opened the door. “Doggie treats for them, biscuits and tea for me.”

“Sounds delicious.” The second I was in the house, Noelle and Beau were all over me as if we hadn't seen each other for months.

I was just as bad. I squatted, gathering them to me. “Hey babies, are you being good for Dottie? I missed you, yes I did. Good doggies. Good babies.”

I stood up. They stayed right beside me. “Thank you for keeping them.”

“You know I don't mind at all. They're family, too. Have you gotten an update on Sean?”

I shook my head. “No. But I haven't received any calls, so that's good. I think. Do you have company? I don't want to interrupt.”

She wiped her hands on the apron she was wearing. “I was about to tell you. Sean's parents are here. Lovely people. I feel so badly for them. I let them in to his apartment, so they could see it, and maybe pack some things to take to the hospital for when he comes home. I offered to keep Beau. I didn't want them to have to be distracted by him.”

“That's sweet of you. I'd love to meet them.” I didn't have the heart to tell Dottie that Sean wouldn't be coming home right away. “I wish it wasn't because of Sean's accident.”

“That's the sad part. They want to meet you, too. I told them I thought you'd be home soon. You go ahead. I'll keep the pups for now.”

I hugged her. “I'll come back for them as soon as I see his parents.” I squatted down again and deposited kisses on each of their furry heads.

I rounded the corner of Dottie's house, then knocked on Sean's door. It opened slowly a few seconds later by a man who had to be Sean's father. He had the same features, but his dark hair was flecked with gray, and his face was more mature. Still, he was handsome, just like Sean.

“Hi, I'm Molly Tyler. Dottie told me you were here.”

“David Corsino.” He held out his hand. “Sean has told us a lot about you. I'm sorry we had to meet under these circumstances. Come on in.”

“Who is it, dear?” a soft feminine voice called from Sean's bedroom.

“Molly.”

Sean's mother came out to greet me. She was tall and thin, and I saw Sean in her, too. Her dark, reddish-brown hair was cut in a page boy with bangs, like that famous
Vogue
editor. Her green eyes were rimmed with red. She came across the living room and reached out her arms. I returned her hug. When we stepped back, we were both sniffling, trying to hold back tears. She pulled out a spare tissue from her jeans pocket and handed it to me.

“Thank you,” I said. “I've gone through a lot of these.”

“I'm sure. Me, too. I'm Janice Corsino. Have you seen him? We went straight to the hospital this morning when we arrived. They won't let us see him yet.”

“I know. I haven't seen him yet, either. Why don't we go together in the morning? Hopefully we'll be able to find out more.”

“That would be wonderful. Sean is so happy with you. He talks about you every time he calls home. He wanted to bring you to our house in the Poconos. I told him I was thrilled he had someone in his life again. I was so looking forward to meeting you.”

“I was looking forward to meeting you, too. I'm sorry it's like this.”

“I know. We're staying at the Holiday Inn on Route 5, but I had to see where he lived. I wanted to see his things. We'll have to bring him clothes for when he's discharged from the hospital.”

“Why don't you stay here? I'm right next door, so you don't have to be alone.”

She glanced at her husband and reached for his hand. “It would be nice, wouldn't it? But I don't want to intrude on his living space.”

“I'm sure he would want you here,” I assured them. “He's told me a lot about both of you, and Anthony.”

Janice smiled. “Anthony will be arriving tomorrow. The boys are so different, but they're close.”

“Would you mind having Beau here?” I asked.

“Not at all,” David replied. “You probably know about Sid and Martha. We adore dogs.”

“I'll bring him in later. Have you eaten recently?”

Janice's eyes filled with tears again. “No. I'm not hungry.”

“You have to eat, hon. Starving isn't going to help Sean,” said David, reaching for her hand.

“I'll tell you what. I'll fetch Beau, and I'll make dinner for us. Did Sean tell you I'm a lacto-ovo vegetarian?”

“Yes, he mentioned it. We have no problem with it. We aren't fussy eaters, but I don't want to put you out. There are restaurants around, I assume.”

“I don't want you to go to a restaurant. I want to cook for you. Would you mind if I invited my parents?”

“Of course not,” Janice replied, smiling at me. “I'd love to meet them.”

“Great. There's one thing I need to tell you. I'm not sure Sean mentioned it. Felicia is in town.”

“Yes,” David said. “He mentioned that. We've only met her a couple of times. Sean didn't care for her, that much I know. I can't blame him. I didn't warm up to her, either.”

“She visited me at Bread and Batter; that's the bakery I own with my best friend, Olivia Williams. Felicia told me you both agreed with her that Sean belongs back in New York City.”

“What?” Janice's eyes widened. “That's ludicrous. We don't interfere in our son's life. He's happy here. Why should we interfere? I can't believe the gall of that woman.”

“I was pretty sure she was lying.”

“She certainly was. I'm sorry, Molly. I wish she hadn't said that to you. I don't know why she's here,” said Janice “But right now, all I care about is Sean.”

“Absolutely,” I agreed. “Sean doesn't want her here. He asked her to leave, but she's apparently not going anywhere. I had her blocked from seeing Sean, but she may try anyway. I hope you don't mind. That I had her blocked, I mean.”

David looked vexed. “If she's a problem to Sean, I'm glad you did. He doesn't need the disruption. Don't worry, she won't get past the three of us, and tomorrow, when Anthony arrives, she'll have to get past four of us.”

I managed to smile. I loved his parents already.

***

The next morning after dropping the dogs off with Dottie, and calling Olivia to tell her I was taking the day off, I picked up Sean's parents, and we set out for Destiny Memorial.

“Thanks for driving, Molly,” said Janice. “You're everything Sean told us you were. By the way, it was wonderful meeting your parents. We really liked them a lot.”

“We sure did,” said David. “We heard from Anthony this morning. He'll be arriving at the Rochester airport at six tonight.”

“Do you want a ride to pick him up?” I asked.

“Heavens, no,” said Janice. “We have a rental car. We aren't making you drive all the way to Rochester. We do want to take you out to dinner tonight, if you're agreeable to that.”

“I'd love to, thank you.”

I was glad to see that the same nurse who was at the desk yesterday morning was again on duty when we arrived. “Good morning, Rachel.”

She looked up and smiled. “Molly, right? You're with Sean Corsino.”

“Yes. These are his parents, Janice and David.”

“Nice to meet you.”

Janice leaned forward. “Thank you. Is there any change? Can we see him now?”

“Good news. I believe you can see him today. You're actually here at a good time. Doctor Tryon, the surgeon who operated on Mr. Corsino, is making her rounds now. Would you mind sitting in our private waiting room for a few minutes? When she's finished, I'll send her to speak with you.”

“That's fine,” I looked at Sean's parents for confirmation.

“Yes, we'll be in the waiting room then,” said David. “Thank you, Nurse.”

I was elated that Sean could have visitors. I realized it had only been a couple of days, but it may have well been an eternity. The three of us didn't speak while we waited for the doctor to come by. We were all lost in our own thoughts about Sean. The silence didn't bother me. I was comfortable with David and Janice. It felt like I'd known them forever.

Doctor Tryon joined us a few minutes later. She was probably around my parents' ages. I sensed an air of calmness and confidence about her, even before she spoke, which in a doctor is a positive thing.

“Good morning. I'm Doctor Maria Tryon, the surgeon who operated on Sean.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” replied David. “I'm David Corsino, Sean's father. This is my wife, Janice, and Sean's girlfriend, Molly Tyler.”

Doctor Tryon closed the door. “Nice meeting all of you. Sean is still in critical condition, but slowly improving. I cautiously predict he'll be home in two weeks give or take, as long as he keeps on improving. You may see him now, but I'll give you a little information, first. Sean may appear to be asleep because he's on painkilling medication and sedatives that can make him drowsy. Being on a ventilator is uncomfortable without that medication.”

“He's on a ventilator?” Janice's voice trembled. “Isn't that a bad thing?”

Doctor Tryon touched her arm. “No. We tried taking him off it earlier, but both of his lungs collapsed. But I plan to take him off permanently in the next day or two and put in chest tubes on both sides. That way he'll be able to talk, at least.”

“Oh, no,” cried Janice.

“Don't worry, I have no reason to believe he won't be fine, eventually. He may be sleeping and unresponsive for a day or so. He's monitored every second in the ICU. Usually, our rule is two visitors at a time, but I'll make an exception if the three of you want to go in together. No food in his room, wash your hands before you go in, and no flowers or any types of gifts, please. The nurses will be happy to answer any questions you have. He's connected to several alarms, so don't be worried if he moves or coughs and one or more of them go off.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” said Janice. She grabbed David's hand. “Thank God he's going to be okay.”

“You're welcome,” replied Doctor Tryon. “He may be out of commission for a while, but there's no reason to believe he won't make a complete recovery.”

“What exactly were his injuries?” David asked.

Doctor Tryon paused.

“It's okay, we want to know,” Janice assured her.

“Me, too,” I added. I didn't tell Doctor Tryon that Nurse Lila had clued me in. I didn't want to get her into trouble.

“The accident broke Sean's ribs, partially tore his aorta, and punctured both lungs, along with his liver and spleen. He also has a concussion. He was in surgery for a while, but it all went smoothly. I have an amazing surgical team.”

“He rides with a helmet. How can he have a concussion?” I asked.

“A helmet is good protection, but not perfect. It's still possible to suffer a concussion with a helmet on,” she replied.

Janice sagged against David, her eyes filling with tears. “My baby.”

“I'm going to continue my rounds,” said Doctor Tryon. “If you need anything, feel free to let the nurses know. Sean is in room one ten. Whenever you're ready, you can go in and be with him.”

“You go in first,” I urged Sean's parents. I didn't want to intrude on their private time with him.

Janice hugged me on the way in with David.

I was too nervous to sit and read one of the ancient magazines fanned out across the coffee table. I went to the window instead, and gazed out at the roofs of houses and the treetops. No matter what the circumstance, or tragedy, life never stops. Not even for death.

“Molly, you can have some time with Sean,” Janice's soft voice interrupted my musings. I whipped around. “How is he? How does he look?”

“I don't think he knew we were there. It's so hard seeing your child hurt, lying helpless.”

David put an arm around her. “At least he's alive. We have every reason to believe he'll be good as new.”

“I won't be long,” I promised.

I found Sean's room. Even though my head knew what to expect, it was a jolt, nevertheless, seeing him lying still as death hooked up to machines that were emitting beeps every few seconds. One of his arms lay across the blanket. His eyes were closed. I covered his hand with mine and he stirred. “It's me, sweetheart. I'm so glad to be able to see you, finally. Everyone is praying for you. Your parents are here, too. They were just in here with you. They're wonderful. I told them it's okay to stay in your apartment.

“Anthony is coming in later today. I miss you so much. So do Beau and Noelle. I love you.” I traced a finger along his stubbled cheek. He grimaced, making me flinch and hope he wasn't in serious pain. “Dottie sends her love, too.”

I put my hand back over his and sat quietly watching him. “I'm going to be helping Sergeant Jacoby find Philip's murderer.” I thought that might get a reaction and was saddened when it didn't. “I hate leaving, but I don't think the nurses will let me crawl into the bed with you. I promise I'll be back tomorrow. Your parents and brother will, too. Be well, angel.”

I collected Sean's parents and we drove home. None of us spoke much, but I'm sure we were all thinking of Sean. I wanted to take a nap before I joined them for dinner with Anthony. I also wanted to go over my suspects, so I'd have something concrete to present to the Destiny Divas tomorrow night. I had even more incentive to help solve Philip's murder; I wanted Sean to be proud of me.