September Wind (35 page)

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Although winter had been gentle in contrast to what Emily was used to, the final bite of the season came with lissome winds sweeping through the clouds and spreading them out like carpets of melted marshmallows. Beneath the wispy mist, a flock of hummingbirds fattened-up for the haul were beginning their migration north and it was apparent that Spring was on the way.

              It looked like any other normal day in February, except for another migration of sorts that was taking place on the front lawn of Donald Schillings’ estate. Emily wasn’t fully awake when the familiar racket filtered in through her bedroom window. For a dreadful moment, she thought she was back at the farm.

             
She sat up and shook her head to clear the fuzz. Then she rolled out of bed, went to the window, and gazed upon two dozen or so cows enjoying the acres of endless green grass. Two Belgian shepherds – one just a mere pup – came like bullets through a section of the fence that was down. Emily remembered seeing someone in the area the day before near the entrance of the circular driveway. She thought it was Harold, although it had been too far away to be certain.

             
“
Hey, Emily. Look at all the cows!” Nathan hollered over the sounds of the makeshift barnyard below. All at once, his precarious position from his bedroom window was more of a threat than the mess the animals were making.

             
Their bedrooms were set in an L-shape and she could see straight across to his window. She weighed the consequences of the bizarre scene that would anger her boss on one hand, but then on the bright side, she saw how it had lifted the boy’s spirits.

             
“
Nathan, get back from the window before you fall.               Nathan! Nathan! What happened to your screen?”

             
“
I’m going down,” he said, and then disappeared inside.

             
Emily pulled on a robe, thrust her feet in a pair of slippers, and went after him. She made a quick stop to ring for Otto, and by the time she reached the front steps, Nathan was already running across the lawn.

             
“
Nathan, don’t get so close!” She was certain he was half-deaf, either that or more stubborn than any young boy his age should be. She was ready to go down and grab him by the collar and send him off to find Otto, but the thought was interrupted by two people on horseback coming around the tree line and over the fallen fence.

There was a boy, probably twelve or thirteen, and a young man around her age; both in cowboy hats, and boots . The boy steered his horse through the herd and began to force the cows back over the fallen fence. And when she saw that the young man was heading her way, she tightened the belt on her robe and made her way down the steps to meet him.

“Sorry about this,” he said as he approached. “We’ll get ’em out of here in no time.”

             
“
Probably a good idea,” she said. She was still in a daze and wasn’t sure if she should just stand back and let it happen, or demand an explanation.

             
“
Well, I’d better get on with it,” he said, and then turned his mount away.

             
Maria ran out onto the porch, climbed the railing, and dangled her legs over the edge.

             
Otto was right behind her, and stopped in the doorway, horrified. “For heaven’s sakes. What in the world?”

             
“
Isn’t this something?” Maria said, smiling up at him.

             
He sighed and stuck his neck out, looking about, shaking his head. “Well, I’d better start making calls.”

             
When the cows were out of the yard, the young man slid off his horse and strode over to join Emily. This time he shook her hand. “My name’s George. George Trutman. The young guy helping out is my brother Jeramie. We live that-a-way, over the hill.” He pointed beyond the downed fence to where the land gradually elevated into a hillside. “Say, it’s nice to meet you, auuh…”

             
“
It’s Emily…” She almost slipped up and said Rezell, as if that even mattered any more. “I’m the nanny.”

             
“
Yeah, I thought as much.”

             
Introductions over, they stood looking at the mess. Emily sensed there was something more troubling George Trutman. Finally, he sucked in his breath and began to tell her exactly what that was: “Sure wish I could say Schillings is getting what he deserves... but, what a jackass.” He stopped, red-faced and embarrassed.

             
Emily held back a chuckle, waiting to hear more. “Go on, I’m listening.”

             
He flashed a smile, pushing back his cowboy hat. With his blue eyes shining, and his blond hair curling around his ears, he looked rather pretty for an almost grown man. “I guess, what I should’ve said was that I’m afraid this...
mess
he caused will somehow work to his advantage.”

             
“Uhm, George. I’m not meaning to take sides here, but to be honest, I mean, the cows are yours and they’re
in
his yard.”

George gave a half-hearted laugh that was a bit of a smirk. “Yeah, I see what you’re saying, but you’ve got it wrong.” He pointed to where the back-end of the cows were still moseying around the tree line. “See the fence that’s been dismantled? Well, Schillings brought it down. It wasn’t us.”

              She gasped. “What, he just up and tore it down? But... why?”

             
“
Ha! He’s claiming the surveyor made a mistake, even had his lawyer send us documents to back him up. But then without waiting until we could understand exactly how that happened, he’s already ripping down the damn fence and planning to move it further onto our property. As if that’d make it official. Probably thought we’d just let ’em run us over.”

             
George folded his arms stiffly, working trampled grass back up with the tips of his boot. He clinched his jaw, took in a long breath, and narrowed his eyes. “See over there?” He nodded in the direction of the back yard. “A couple of neighbors moved within a matter of months of each other. And even though I’ve got no proof of this, I think he forced them out.”

             
“
Really?”

             
“
Really. And when we refused his offer to sell our place, he started this... this
bullshit
. I believe he’s gonna try to force us out too.”

             
“Why that’s... horrible, forcing people off their own property.” Emily glanced around to see where Nathan was. “Listen, George, to be honest, I’m not exactly a fan of the man myself.”

             
“
Yeah? Well… I can believe that. But you might be surprised how many people wouldn’t agree with you. Then again, a lot of people only see the charming side of him. But me... I know different. One of these days, I tell you I’m gonna…” He glowered at the house, his nose twitching as if he were trying to sniff the man out. He was an inch or two shorter than Emily, nearly as thin as she was, and she thought it was amusing how much he reminded her of an over-zealous puppy trying to protect its ground. He took another breath and pulled his eyes back to her. “The guy gets me so dang worked-up sometimes I can’t think straight.”

             
She saw visions of Donald Schillings grabbing him by the neck as George continued to egg him on. “So, what does your family think of him?”

             
“
Oh, my mother feels like I do. See, my grandpa knew Schillings when he was younger, and he didn’t think much of him even back then. Now for my father, well... I guess his cushy nature doesn’t help us any, probably even makes Schillings bolder.”

             
Emily recalled Beatrice telling her that the Palace was going to be built on top of a hill. Schillings’ estate was massive, but it was flat except for a few mounds that didn’t amount to much. She scanned the neighbor’s property, following the trees to the top of the hill, and then back down again, and contemplated whether to tell George what she suspected. But, if she told him, he’d find out about her stint at the whorehouse, and then she’d have to start explaining and defending herself. She looked at George’s pretty, clean face. When he wasn’t growling or twitching his nose, he looked so innocent. No, she didn’t want him to know what she had been before she came to be the nanny, at least not unless she had to.

             
“
You see, Emily, once the neighbors across the dam moved out, that’s when he started his logging business. And to tell you the truth, I’ve always been curious about that setup. Say, how long have you been living here, anyway?”

             
“
Uhm, around five months, something like that.”

             
“
I see. Well, I haven’t been here in a while, not since Sylvia…” He stopped when Nathan ran over.

             
“
How you doing?” he said, patting the boy’s head.

Nathan grinned up at George. “Thanks for bringing the cows over,” he said, then darted off again.

              “
Anyway, Emily, I’m glad I got a chance to meet you. And, hey, if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to come by. It’s the log cabin over the hill.”

             
“
Oh, thanks. I appreciate that.”

He strolled back to his horse and mounted. She watched him ride off, then turned her gaze up the hill again, wondering just how far Donald would go to get the Trutmans out. She felt guilty for not saying something. Part of it was that she was afraid of giving herself away. But she was also worried that George, with that simmering temper of his, might come over and work Donald into such a frenzy that he’d get himself into more trouble than he bargained for. And then there was always the chance he might be wrong about the property line.

* * * *

             
By the time Donald arrived home, the yard was back in order. If he’d found out about the cows, he decided not to say anything. Emily guessed this was because he had more important things on his mind.

             
She was expecting to meet the children for their usual Friday night hot dogs and chips. They’d been in the library, working on homework, and she’d gone out for a walk. When she came in through the foyer for dinner, she found Gabriel still there, and the table only set for one.

             
“
Where’re Maria and Nathan?” she asked Pearl.

             
“
In the formal dining room. They’re having dinner with Mr. Schillings.” She smiled haughtily. “And, some important guests.”

Pearl was flushed and buzzed around more excitedly than Emily had ever seen her. The whole thing made her wonder if perhaps Donald was trying to bring about some positive changes after all.

              Her hopeful theory only lasted a day or two. Nothing changed at all. And the only reason he had dinner with the children was to impress a California State Senator and his wife. She wondered what they would think if they knew he was harboring a fugitive, and if they knew or even cared about his ties with the Palace.

             
Over the next few weeks, Donald spent most of his time up in his suite with various people coming and going by way of his private entrance. At times Emily heard distant voices long after the children were in bed. That’s when she felt most alone and out of place with these strangers she could hear but not see, meeting in what seemed to be some sort of curious shroud of secrecy.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Before Emily could even walk, she sensed things others might have put aside. She still remembered sitting on the kitchen floor flailing to the music, the door opening and her grandfather walking in and how just the look on his face killed her joy. Her grandmother let her know afterward and times more, that those looks were not about her, but because his precious daughter died and it still ate at his soul. That each time he looked at her, he was reminded of his little girl Rachael and that she was never coming back.

No matter what was going on in her life – the years of putting up with Claude, and Grandfather’s rejection of her – they were still battles she fought. Just when all seemed forgotten, the memories came back to haunt her. Yet, at times, the memories appeared like an army ready for battle, raising her guard to even the smallest of signs that came to warn her.

So it was natural for her to take everything Donald did, said, or didn’t say, and let it nest in her mind. She mixed the good with the bad and finally came to believe that, whatever drove him, it was at least in part his obsession for power, and his need to have control of those around him. He was fueled by the misfortune of others. Those who were most vulnerable were like prime rib to him, and he demanded they maintain his scrupulous order.

His confidence that he was molding her into one of his pawns would have been almost laughable to her, if it weren’t so frustrating.

             
She thought this through many a night and now, with a completed plan and a purpose in mind, she went to find him. Not knowing what sort of mood he would be in, she felt a sense of relief when she didn’t find him in the library.

             
Even so, she continued down the hallway, nervous but anxious to begin her crusade. First, she wanted to find out if Bruce was coming back. He had been gone for months now.

             
When Donald was expecting guests he didn’t plan to take up to his private quarters, or if he was getting ready to leave on a trip, he usually hung about his sprawling office downstairs with its sleek bar and fireplace.

             
When she approached and found his door ajar, she knocked and poked her head through. He was sitting at his desk, folding a letter. “Excuse me, Mr. Schillings?”

             
He turned in his chair. “What is it?”

             
“
Uhm, do you have a minute?”

             
He stuffed the letter into a pocket of his wool sweater and nodded to a chair.

             
She took a seat, and watched him carefully for any signs that he might turn on her. “I was wondering whatever happened to Bruce, when he’s coming back.”

             
“
Your last concern should be what happened to the old guy. Now, is that all, because I’ve got a plane to catch.”

             
“
There’s no concern. The kids have just been asking if he was coming back, and since Otto said he didn’t know, I–”

             
“
They could’ve asked me and I would’ve told them ‘no’.”

             
She wanted to tell him that if he spent more time with them, they might’ve asked. Nevertheless, she decided to stick with her original plan, with something that might do them some good.

             
“
The reason I came by was because Maria’s birthday is coming up in a few months, and I’d like to invite her friends over for a party. She said she hasn’t seen them for over a year.”

             
“
I don’t know what your point is. That girl’s had her share of friends over, only the little rats ended up where they didn’t belong one too many times.”

             
“
But this’d just be for her birthday. And I’d be with them the whole time.”

             
“
So how old’s she going to be?” he asked, fumbling for his cigarettes.

She wasn’t surprised at his lack of knowledge regarding his daughter. “She’ll be nine, sir.”

“Oh, yes. How could I forget? Nineteen fifty-one. The year we left Texas.”

             
She cringed at his indifference, although fortunately, many things that had happened would now play in her favor. “So, uhm, you and I talked sometime back about the children, and... well, I just wanted to mention that I’m feeling more concerned than ever that something’s got to be done.”

             
His face turned dark all of a sudden, and she realized there was his ego to keep in mind.

             
“
Mr. Schillings, I know how busy you are. But I spend a lot of time with them, and honestly, I’m concerned. They’re growing up fast, they’re changing, and it’s natural for them to want something more. And, what I’ve been thinking is that if they had a hobby they could look forward to, it would do wonders. Of course, you could always send them back to public school. They’d love–”

             
“
That’s out of the question.” He sat up and tapped his cigarette over an ashtray. “They’ll get all the socializing they need when they get to college. Which, I might add, is already set up and paid for.”

             
“
You’ve already paid for their college?”

             
“
I have.”

             
“
But that’s nine or ten years away. Their birthdays only come once a year. Well, in theory not always. Maria told me that last year Pearl forgot to bake her cake. Off on a trip or something, I don’t know. Anyway, I could see it still hurt her. But I’ve got an idea that’ll make up for that, and also keep both of the children amused for years to come.”

             
As she spoke, he began to fidget, his jaw muscles tightening, his eyes darting. She knew she’d better hurry before he threw her out. “You mentioned that Maria got into trouble with a couple of her friends. Well, I think this plan will help keep her and Nathan both occupied, give them something to look forward to. It’ll make up for what they don’t have, for what they’ve lost.”

“How dare you. What else could they possibly need?” He glowered at her, and then as if he suddenly recalled the loss of their mother, and maybe even his own bereavement, his shoulders dropped and he leaned back in his chair. “So what’s this plan of yours?”

              “
Well, Maria told me more than once that she’d like to have a horse. I mean, she’s got pictures of them plastered all over her bedroom walls. And then she’s still clinging to that battered stick-horse that’s way too small for her. Anyway, so what I thought was… maybe you could buy her a pony for her birthday. She could have herself a real birthday party with friends and all. And of course, you could buy Nathan a pony too, sort of like an early birthday present for him. Two wrapped into one.”

             
Donald rolled his eyes. “I don’t have time for such things.”

             
“
But I’ve thought it all out, and you won’t have to do a thing. Otto can make a few calls to set things up.”

“I’ve heard enough of this.” He rose abruptly, flipping his briefcase open.

              Emily sat up, clutching the arms of her chair. “But Mr. Schi–”

             
“I’ve got a business to run, and I don’t have time to worry about a bunch of smart-aleck brats running around my house when I’m gone. Now, I have to go.” He collected some papers off the desk and dropped them into the briefcase.

             
She knew she had to do something quick. “Let me remind you again, Mr. Schillings, of when Nathan brought the skunk up to his bedroom. And then there was the river incident. Remember? He was just bored, that’s all.”

Donald started rummaging through an open drawer.

She moved forward in her chair. “You have to realize th-that the real problems will begin when they both start sneaking around to find excitement. I’ve been reading up on this, and I’ve learned some important facts that’ll make things a lot easier on you.”

             
He dropped something in his pants pocket, closed the drawer, and looked up. “Oh? Now what could that be?”

“Well, for one, they need more stimulation, more challenges. You see, as they get older they’re likely to start misbehaving in ways they never did when they were younger. Before long, they’ll be bringing friends home, like maybe... when you’re out of town. I can’t sit up all night watching them. With you gone, who knows what they’ll get into. I really believe if they don’t have something to look forward to, they’ll find the excitement their own way. Remember when you were young?”

              He slammed the lid of his briefcase and sat down again, brooding. “You’re getting too big for your britches, young lady.” He thought for a moment, groaned, and then softened his tone. “You might have a point, though. Maybe I’d be better off buying them a couple of ponies.”

             
“
They’re going to be so happy, sir. You won’t regret this.” She waited for a response, but he had something else on his mind.

             
He sat back and fumbled with the letter in his pocket. “This Peter fellow over at the Palace. You left with him that first night.”

             
Taken aback, she had a feeling the less she said about Peter, the better. “Peter... oh yes, that first night. Uhm, there really wasn’t anything. Right after we left, we were heading upstairs and I told him I had a headache. You might’ve heard of some of the excuses I used over there.” She chuckled, trying to make light of the subject. “Anyway, he left right after. And I haven’t seen him since.”

             
Donald seemed satisfied. He secured his briefcase, lifted it from his desk and stood, then walked around to where she sat. “As far as the children are concerned, you may have brought something to my attention. But don’t think I don’t know what goes on around here.” He turned, motioning her from the den, then locked up, and rushed down the hallway and out the front door.

             
Emily noticed a piece of paper on the floor, and realized he must have dropped it on the way out. She looked to see if Otto was around then went to pick it up. It was an address in Monterrey, Mexico. She wondered if that was where he spent his time away from home.

             
Footsteps came up the hallway, and she dropped the paper back on the floor, then hurried up the stairs and watched from the landing as Otto bent to pick it up. When he let himself into Donald’s office, she went to Maria’s room.

             
Maria was sitting at a table playing with paper dolls. “Here. You dress her,” she said, handing Emily one of the dolls.

             
“
So, what’s her name?”

             
“
Lolita.”

             
“
Hey, nice name, I like that. Say, Maria, you were telling me about your best friends from the third grade, remember? Who was it now, Bethany, and–?”

             
“
Yeah, her and then there was Heather, and Sheri Anne.”

             
“
So was there anything in particular that happened the last time they were here?”

             
Maria looked up, suspiciously. “What, did father say something to you?”

             
“
A little. I gather you guys got into some trouble?”

             
“
Mm... That’s the night I had them over for a slumber party. Bethany was the one that noticed the attic entrance. It’s covered now, but it was right up there.” She pointed to a spot in the ceiling. “She told me that except for the missing handle, it was just like her aunt’s, and that she knew how to open it. We decided to check it out and brought a ladder from the garage. She was up on the top step, prying a knife in through the opening when the door flew open and Father walked in.” Maria scrunched her nose. “One of the maids ratted on us.”

             
“
Yikes, I’ll bet your father was angry. So what happened?”

             
“
Well, Bethany dropped the knife as she was coming down the ladder. Father picked it up and started screaming so loud that he made everyone cry. Then he had Bruce take my friends home. Heather’s mom came over the next day, threatening to call the police. After she left, Father told Nathan and me we were lucky he finally got her calmed down. He said that was the last time we were having friends over. That’s when we started with the tutor.”

             
“
Has your father ever said anything about college?”

             
“
He says we’re going to a college back east somewhere. He never said where exactly.”

             
“
You know that’s a long way from here. Do you mind?”