Frances puts down her phone after her conversation with Benton Knight. Completely flabbergasted that the man displayed manners or was even capable of such basic mannerisms; Frances was already writing everything down that was discussed over the phone.
‘Initial call with new patient B.K. displayed rapid and sudden mood changes, typical to those with bipolar disorder. Patient and I already have a tense relationship; whether his prejudices towards same sex relationships will be an issue when we meet, that I cannot say. B.K. has already begun taking the prescribed medications giving to him by his Doctor; doctor Abigail Robinson. I will need to remind the patient that he will need to also see her from time to time to adjust his meds and re-assess his condition. As an aside, patient said thank you after our initial call; I consider this noteworthy, for past history through public interaction B.K has never been polite or shown any courtesy towards others except during social functions. ’
Frances closes the file she just started on Benton; making a note in her schedule to see Benton after lunch on Wednesday, Frances looks at the time to see that it is almost lunch. Getting up she heads to her front reception area to see Rudy eating his usual ham sandwich; “Rudy I’m stepping out to get a quick bite, I’ll be back in thirty minutes.”
“Doctor Twist,” Rudy handing her a message; “your twelve thirty appointment call. He had to cancel.”
Frances looking at message smiles, “make that and hour then.”
*****
John Shafer was in the back of Sheriff Cooper’s cruiser; with the state trooper in the passenger seat, Cooper behind the wheel. The three were driving to the bank to inform Beth McDougal; John’s aunt and only family member of the tragic news regarding Cathy Shafer’s passing. With the principal giving John permission to be excused from classes for the day, he follows the sheriff and the state trooper as they enter the bank.
Beth seeing the three as she finishes serving a customer knew exactly what this was all about. With the Sheriff and the trooper escorting her into and office; John was left alone waiting outside. Seconds later he and everyone else in the bank heard his aunt’s shouts and screams over being informed of Cathy’s death.
Sheriff Cooper and the state trooper help Beth as she is crying uncontrollably. The Sheriff calling a deputy over on the radio to escort the trooper back to the station; he looks at Beth; “We already inform your Nephew John. I’m sure you would like him to be with you now.”
Beth doesn’t answer. The news of finding out her sister died while in custody awaiting trial for her numerous alcohol fueled crimes, put her in such a state; both the sheriff and the state trooper where worried they might have to sedate her.
“Get her nephew in here,” the sheriff looks at the trooper.
Moments later John comes in to hug his aunt. He too upset over her mother’s death. Both the Sheriff and the state trooper leave the office to give the two their privacy.
“I have a deputy coming by to escort you back to the station,” Sheriff Cooper comments; “I’d do it myself but I have a personal matter to deal with.”
“Personal,” the trooper asks; “did it have anything to do with the kid at Moon Lake High, wanting to talk to you?”
“Yes,” the sheriff grumbles; knowing that his cousin didn’t listen to him last Friday, Douglas Cooper was clearly un-nerved. “It shouldn’t take long for the deputy to get here. In the meantime, give John and his Aunt a bit of space.”
Sheriff Douglas Cooper leaves the bank; a small crowd observing the commotion. In the back of the crowd was Mr. Franklin*; John’s catering employer. He quietly observed the affair of the two law enforcement officers informing Beth of her sister’s death. Being a recovering alcoholic, he understood the dangers that liquor poses. ‘I hope that boy will be in a fit state tonight after school. We have that buffet to prepare for the Knight estate this Tuesday evening.’
*****
Sheriff Cooper was in his cruiser making a beeline to the last place he saw his cousin’s new rental; Café Luna. Entering the establishment he pulls out a photo of his cousin and shows it to the barista.
“Have you seen her today?”
The barista looks at the photo and nods, “yeah she ordered a latte and a bagel.”
“Do you know where she went,” Sheriff Cooper asking.
“No she kept to herself,” the Barista answers; “not sure if this helps sheriff but I couldn’t help but notice a lingering scent of mothballs and old soap coming from her.”
“Mothballs and old soap,” Sheriff Cooper thinking to himself; he snaps too and thanks the barista for the information. “Hiding up in my cabin are you cousin,” the sheriff grumbles as he hops back in his car. Driving off he starts to loosen his tie and uniform; preparing for the worst but hoping for the best; Douglas Cooper had every intention of talking to his cousin; even giving her a good scare in his were-bear fursona if needed.
* Way back in the chapter “John's part time job and talk with his Aunt”