I cut into my turkey and savored my first bite. It was deliciously moist.
We made small talk during dinner. My thoughts kept drifting back to Evelyn. I was still waiting to hear from someone at the hospital. I?d been calling all day to check on her status, but no one had given me any information.
I thought about the case against Celia. The Grizzly had told me that any criminal defense attorney worth his weight would get that recording disallowed, but he?d promised not to take the case.
I?d spoken with Bruce in the morning. He?d been stunned by the news of the fake adoption but grateful for the update. Of course, with the cops arresting Celia, it meant he was off the hook. He could start rebuilding his life after losing Helene. He vowed that he would help the police build their case against her and wouldn?t rest until she was convicted.
I?d also phoned Margaret, feeling like she was owed some closure. To my surprise she was up to speed having already spoken with Miss No-nonsense. It turned out Howard confessed his affair after receiving a call from McNearny. Margaret was distraught about Evelyn and promised to call me if she had any news before I did.
We finished dinner, then Jim and I cleared the plates to ready the table for dessert. In the kitchen I turned on the coffeemaker.
Jim leaned into me. ?I love you, Kate. This is the best Thanksgiving ever because you?re my wife and we have Laurie.?
Tears sprang to my eyes and I hugged him. ?I?m so worried about Evelyn. That?s a family that might lose their mommy tonight.?
Jim held me. ?You can?t think that way, honey. They saved the baby. I?m sure they?re thankful about that. All we can do now is pray.?
We held each other in silence. After a moment we heard Mom call from the dining room, ?Where?s my pumpkin pie??
I brought out Paula?s magnificent pie and served it at the table with a generous scope of vanilla ice cream on the side. When it was ready, Jim poured coffee and splashed a little Irish Crcme into each cup.
As I sat down to dig into my pie, the phone rang. Jim and I looked at each other expectantly.
?Let it go,? Mom said. ?Whoever it is can call back.?
I jumped up. ?I can?t. It might be?
?Kate? It?s Evelyn. Thank you.?
