Chapter 21
“So how was your day?” Frank unpacked the new coffee maker and began to wash the reservoir so he could set it up on the small counter near the patio doors.
Cassie swept the finely diced red pepper into the pot of primavera sauce and put down her knife. “Busy.”
Frank turned to see her standing stiffly, as if uncertain about what to say. He asked, gently, “So what happened? Is there something wrong with Meghan or Cassandra?”
Cassie shook her head. “No. No, they’re great.” She took a deep breath and said, “I went to the Adult High School after lunch to see about registering. It is not anywhere close to my first choice anymore.” She paused. “I saw them, Frank.”
“Who?”
“Hulk and Deion. I walked over to Preston Street after I was finished at the school to see if Preston Hardware had any good pasta makers, which they did. They were coming out of one of the restaurants. Hulk waved to me.”
Frank moved closer to Cassie and gave her a silent offer of a hug. She shook her head and continued. “Deion saw me, too. He looked pretty mad for a second then Hulk said something and the creep shrugged and walked to his bike. Hulk gave me a smile and pointed to his ring finger then gave me a thumbs-up before he walked over to his Jeep. I think he reminded Deion that I was married now and wasn’t suitable for his purposes anymore.” Then she walked into Frank’s hug.
“I told the RCMP sergeant a little of your story today, Cassie.” She stiffened in his arms. Quickly he continued, “But only enough to get him to pass on the information that Deion and his buddy Vlad might be working in town. The sergeant thinks there might be a link between them and some of the missing persons cases that aren’t solved. He’d like you to think about cooperating with the city police.”
Frank felt Cassie’s tears soak into his shirt. “I’ll have to pray about it, Frank. I know it’s the right thing to do but I’ve done so many hard things in the past year. I feel like I deserve a break. But I’ll talk to them, soon.” After a time she relaxed in his arms then straightened up and wiped her eyes. She took a deep breath to calm herself. “Speaking of breaks, Meghan wants us to attend a fundraiser on Thursday at the National Gallery.”
“That sounds like work, not a break.”
“It is work or it would be if Anne had asked us to attend. I called and asked if it was the sort of thing we should be attending.”
“And what did she say?”
“She said it was up to us but that it was a good way for us to be introduced to some of the donor community. She also reminded me that being one of ‘those Ellises’ would help. I’m glad your mother dragged us to all those events in Halifax after we got back from Norway.”
“Do you have a dress?”
Cassie moved back towards the stove. “I do but I’d rather go shopping for a new dress with Meghan tomorrow. She’s the only girl in her family. She has six younger brothers who all give her a hard time. I think she always wanted a sister.”
Frank winked. “And so did you.”
Cassie nodded as she reached for the tray of pasta to add to the boiling water. “I’m beginning to see what you mean about God having a plan for us. The bad times were bad. I don’t want to relive them but they taught me a lot about myself and how to deal with all kinds of people. But it’s almost like God sent you to be with me, and He sent Meghan to be the sister I need. I don’t have much experience with thinking about God on a personal level like that because Granny’s work schedule meant we couldn’t go to the services where there was Sunday school or a youth program. In the last few weeks at church with you, the sermons have started to make sense, if you know what I mean.”
“I do know. I’m always being surprised by parts of the Bible readings. It’s as if I’m hearing something for the first time or being given a new way to understand it. Pastor Morris says that it doesn’t stop. He’s been preaching for over forty years and he still finds phrases and passages every week where he didn’t quite get it right or he gains a new insight.”
Cassie stirred the tortoloni and moved to set up the colander. “On our last Sunday in Halifax, I heard Pastor Morris talk about how we respond to trials. He said about four times that trials come whether we want them or not, whether we’re ready for them or not, and that we can pray for guidance and ask our fellow Christians for help and advice or we can listen to the whispers of the Devil and go our own way.” She looked up at Frank. “What’s that quote about God’s burden being light?”
Frank responded, “Come unto me all who labour and are heavy laden and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly of heart and you shall find rest unto your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
“That’s the one. Well, the pastor reminded us that we can never avoid hard work or trouble but when we do it God’s way the work is easier and the troubles are more bearable. Granny said that praying helped her stay sane and centered while she was dying.” She lifted the pot over to the sink and drained the stuffed pasta. She drizzled olive oil over the pasta and tossed everything together with some fresh oregano before transferring the primavera sauce to a serving dish to bring everything to the table.
Frank set two places at the undersized table in the large breakfast nook then brought over the pitcher of orange juice and some glasses. Cassie returned with the garlic bread and salad and sat waiting for Frank to say grace. After they had eaten enough to ease their hunger, Frank asked, “Was one of your neighbours Italian?”
Cassie smiled. “No, this is from a recipe I got online although Mrs. Soares made similar Portuguese style sauces. The Italian deli I stopped at for spices after I picked up the pasta maker was making tomorrow’s sauces and I asked what smelled so good. She said it was probably her husband’s special primavera sauce, so I decided it would be a good accompaniment to the pasta.”
Frank paused to analyze his next bite. “This is really good pasta. What’s in it? Did you get it at the deli?”
Cassie beamed with pleasure. “I told you I bought a pasta maker. These are home made with ricotta, egg, basil and ground almond filling.”
Frank said, “Don’t make them too often, okay?”
Cassie straightened with pride and said, “You can expect this sort of thing on weekdays during the school year. It takes a couple of hours to make a batch from start to finish and according to the recipe you have to make at least two kilograms or the filling doesn’t taste right. I made around ten kilos and froze the rest.”
“Did you see anything else at the store we need for the kitchen?”
“We have everything that I truly need but there were more tools I’d like to get, like extra icing bags and cookie sheets.”
Frank smiled. “Well, I promised we’d go shopping tonight for the house. Are you still up for that?”
“I don’t know. Seeing Hulk and Deion today kind of spooked me.”
“I’ll be with you. And the way you described the encounter, Hulk seems to have some sort of code of chivalry. Unlike Gord and your creepy guys.”
Cassie crossed her arms and stated forcefully, “They not my creepy guys. They’re not my anything.”
“I’m sorry. But Hulk seems to draw the line at forcing innocent people into doing things they don’t want to do. Maybe he has a daughter or sister you remind him of. Or a soft spot for your mum.”
Cassie relaxed slightly. “Maybe.” Then she resumed eating and said, “I think I’d like to finish furnishing the kitchen tonight. This table only seats six people comfortably and I’d like to be able to invite the Sokolovs and the Trimbles over. It’s better if we can eat with the kids in the kitchen. It’s much easier to clean than the dining room, at least until we can change the carpet in there for hardwood. And there’s enough room for a table for fourteen.” She shook her head. “The nook in the kitchen at Granny’s apartment was barely big enough for a table for four.”
Frank acknowledged her comments with a sympathetic smile then got up to search for a notepad
. “Shall we start making a list?”
Cassie reached over to stroke Frank’s arm affectionately. “You and your lists.”
———
“You never did say what happened yesterday at the Adult High School.” Frank pushed the button to make his morning coffee.
“Aside from being too close to Deion and Hulk’s favourite hangout?”
“Yes.”
Cassie paused to slide omelet halves onto plates. “Just a feeling. It operates differently from a regular school so there are students there year round. A lot of the people who were there yesterday to register were reluctant single moms on welfare but there were a few eager people who are returning to school after finding out that flipping burgers isn’t much of a career and you can’t get promoted into a better job without having some sort of diploma.” She snorted. “You know, sometimes I sound so ancient.”
Frank shrugged. “Goes with being a grown up. Some people are grown up at sixteen and some don’t ever get there. I didn’t really start to grow up until more than a year after Tiffany dumped me. Anyway, you were telling me about why you didn’t think you’d fit in.”
She sat and took a bite of omelet as Frank slid a cup of hot chocolate towards her. “I think it’s because I’m dressed too well for the neighbourhood. There was one girl that looked strung out who was eyeing my engagement ring like it was her ticket to a month long high. And there were a couple of tough looking kids scoping out the Mini when I got back from Preston Hardware.” She let out a rueful snort. “Two months ago I would have fit right in, probably better than at Rideau, actually, but now…”
Frank gave her a sympathetic look. “Now you have enough visible wealth that you’re a possible target?”
Cassie sighed. “It would probably be fine but I don’t like having to watch my back all the time. And Hulk and his friends probably hang out on Preston Street a lot. I don’t think I want to run into them again unless you’re with me.”
“Have you thought about what you’re going to do about school?”
“I have an appointment with Pastor Ron at ten this morning to talk about counselling and to get a reference letter to take with me to the Christian high school. They’re expecting me at eleven. Then I’m meeting Meghan in the Market for lunch so we can go dress shopping for Thursday night. Her mother wants a chance to spoil Cassandra, so we won’t have to rush. How does your day look?”
Frank shrugged. “More reviews of client files this morning then a progress meeting at eleven with the forensic team. Have you thought about meeting with the police?”
Cassie looked uncertain. “I’m still praying about it, but I’ll probably be ready to speak with them on Friday.”
“That’s fair. Oh, I probably won’t be home until six-thirty tonight and at most I’ll need a bowl of soup or something. Charles and I will be golfing this afternoon with a group of clients so they can meet me in a less formal setting. We’ll have the inevitable beer and burgers afterwards.”
“Maybe I can tag along sometime?”
Frank sat back to consider that. “I’ll have to ask Charles if Ginette golfs or maybe Anne does.” He looked up quickly. “It’s not that I don’t want you to come but it can be a bit of a boy’s club if there are no women along, and I do mean boys. We can get pretty sophomoric. On the other hand, it’s very pleasant way to get some fresh air for a few hours while you walk and talk.” He examined Cassie for a moment. “Considering your build and height, you should probably get lessons.”
“Why?”
“Because shorter people need better technique unless they are very strong. Which seems unlikely given that I can circle my hand around your upper arm.”
Cassie said, airily, “I’m plenty strong enough, Mr. Ellis.”
“One of the strongest people I know, my love.”
With a pleased blush, she lowered her eyes demurely.
———
“Well, Mrs. Ellis, it is a pleasure to welcome you to the school. Let me introduce you to Mrs. Jay and she’ll help you get started on all of the forms.”
Cassie breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you for making room for me.”
“You’ll be our first married student. We’ll have to think about how you and your husband can meet some of the expectations we normally have of the parents.”
“I hadn’t considered that.”
“We haven’t had to before either. Pastor Ron called just before you arrived to confirm some arrangements, because we rent space from your church for special events. He mentioned that you were coming over and put in a good word for you, and Frank.” The principal got a serious look. “I know that you don’t need a parent to co-sign our rules statements but I would like your husband to sign off on them. For example, we have some very strict rules about alcohol at student gatherings and he should be aware of them.”
“I’ll make sure that the bar is equipped with a lock before I invite any of my classmates over. We do have some liquor in the house because we entertain for Frank’s business. But I’ve never seen Frank have more than one drink in an evening and then only if we have guests. I have no use for alcohol. I’m hoping to come up with an excuse to avoid it after I turn nineteen.”
The principal looked curious, so Cassie said, “My mother was an alcoholic until she discovered opiates. I’m praying that she seeks help and is able to get clean but I’m not expecting it. It’s one of the reasons Frank married me so quickly – to get me away from Mum’s house.”
The principal heard the bitter seriousness in her tone and nodded thoughtfully. He rose and asked Cassie to follow him. He introduced a middle aged woman who had a friendly smile and an efficient manner. “Can you please walk Mrs. Ellis through all of the pre-registration forms? And if you need a decision about a parental signature just ask me. Mrs. Ellis is legally able to sign off on most of the forms but there are a few things, like the school rules, that I’d like her husband to sign off, too.”
Mrs. Jay nodded and motioned Cassie to a mostly bare corner of her desk to begin the paperwork.
———
“So did you find a nice dress?” Frank rolled his shoulders as he hung up his jacket.
Cassie moved forward to give him a welcome home hug. “I did. It’s a lovely little black dress that’s actually a really deep green with antique gold highlights. It makes me feel pretty and sophisticated.”
Frank extended the hug and gave her a kiss. Cassie panicked when his hand moved up to cradle her head. “Not tonight. I’m sorry, Frank.”
He stroked her arms and sighed. “That’s okay, my love. I know you’re working on it.”
She echoed the sigh then backed up a step and began to bounce. “However, I have three pieces of good news. I almost called but I didn’t want you to be rude by answering your cell phone during your golf game.”
Frank said, “Tell me while I fix myself some supper. The burger wasn’t quite enough.”
“Oh, don’t worry about supper. There’s leftover chicken stew that I’m making into pot pies. It’s still warm and I picked up some nice bread and an apple pie at the local bakery.”
She kept her news until he was sitting at the kitchen table with his supper. She brought her dessert and sat with him. Frank said, “Three pieces of good news?”
“Yes. First one is that Pastor Ron arranged for a counsellor to see me. I know I need help to get past some of the things that happened in the last year, especially after the way I freaked out at the cottage when you stopped me for a kiss in the hall, but I thought that a Christian perspective would be more useful to me than calling the contact Kiera gave me.” Frank nodded.
“The second thing is that I got accepted into the Christian high school. The principal wants you to sign that you’ve received and read the school rules because some behaviours outside of school can be grounds for expulsion. He mentioned alcohol use but there are a few more, like drug use or bullying that are in the discipline code.”
Frank said, “No problem. We’ll put l
ocks on everything. We might have to put a second fridge downstairs for soft drinks and snacks.”
Cassie smiled. “That’s what I told him.”
Frank continued, “And we’ll make sure that I’m here when there is a need for a chaperone. We might need to ask one of our friends to help if it’s a big group. Meghan or Fiona would probably enjoy the chaos.”
“I don’t think I’ll host many parties for school friends.”
Frank shrugged. “You won’t know until you’re settled in, but we’ll probably have more room than most of the families and I like hosting people.”
She smiled at him. “I could also get in trouble for inappropriate romantic behaviour, so we can’t kiss on school property.”
Frank furrowed his brow. “But we’re married.”
Cassie grinned. “I think they mean the kind of kissing you do when you’re making out. I’m sure that a quick display of affection when you drop me off would be fine.” She checked the clock. “We have to head out in an hour or so to finish registering.”
“That was two things. What’s the last item?”
“Meghan’s cleaning lady has a sister who’s been having an awful time with her current employer. I met Josefina and her sister Carmen when we went back to Meghan’s after our shopping trip. Carmen’s willing to come to work for us at the budget you gave me if we can get her visa transferred. I think she’d be happy to take the job for only room and board as long as she could get away from her employer’s brother.”
Frank got a concerned look. “Do we have to get her tonight after registration?”
Cassie thought about that. “I didn’t ask and Carmen didn’t seem to be too concerned. Do you think we should?”
“If her employer isn’t protecting her then she doesn’t have to give notice. What was your gut feeling about her?”
“A little timid but she seemed responsible and capable. She helps her sister do heavy cleaning when she has afternoons off at her live-in place, which is why she was at Meghan’s this afternoon. I think they are sending half their salaries back to the Philippines to help out the rest of the family there.”
Frank finished his stew and said, “Let’s go check the in-law suite and make sure it’s got power. If Carmen told her employer about your offer it could go hard with her.”
“I’ll give Meghan a call and get Josefina’s number.”