I'm sure we all felt we were on some ludicrous death watch with Mrs. Abbott holding our future hostage with her tenuous cling to life. When she did give up the struggle, I first misinterpreted the news.
"She's gone," Quinn said when he phoned.
"Julie?" I asked, confirming my lack of faith in the couple's long term relationship.
"No, the old lady," Quinn answered and in a demonstration of his sympathy level added, "I suppose that means were shut down again."
"How is Howie taking it?"
"Baffled. He really hardly knew her but thinks he's supposed act like he's grieving. I mean; it's his mother. He didn't spend much time at the hospital because the step father is a prune and he snubbed Julie. There was a big blow up last evening . . . something about Annie, the daughter that died. The old lady babbled something to her husband about Howie, and naturally, Howie doesn't know what guy is talking about. Anyway, it's a mess and I'm damn glad it's over and we can come back."
"When is the service?"
"They're going to roast her the day after tomorrow. There are some relatives, mostly on his side so they probably don't know Howie exists. The old man looks at Howie like puss on a pudding and Howie doesn't know why; it's really tense."
"Where's Julie in all this?"
"She's consoling Howie, for the most part. I'm glad she's here. Otherwise, he'd be crying in my gin instead of her beer."
"Have you told Martha?"
"No. Why?"
"The woman was her aunt, Quinn."
"Damned! That slipped my mind. Got to go." I was listening to a dial tone.
I called Betsy to let her know the news. She asked if I thought Martha would fly out for the funeral or memorial service. I told her I'd asked the same question of Martha earlier and she'd been noncommittal.
"If she wants to go, I could take care of Claire. With Molly's help, it would be fun. I'll give her a call." I doubted Martha would embrace a separation from her daughter, even if only for a few short days.
Having time on my hands and nothing to do, I called After. It had been several days since I'd spoken to them. I was put through to Agnes Delanco.
"Frank wants to talk to you, but I've got a question first. Has the tipster started up again?" I confirmed that she had temporarily began working but something else has come up so she should expect another lull.
"Shucks. I was hoping it was back to business as usual."
Agnes then gave me Frank Vasapolli's cell phone number saying he was out in the field. When I dialed, it went to voice mail, but he returned my call in a matter of minutes.