“Yes I did. But don’t worry. They wrapped it and instructed me to keep my leg propped up as much as possible.” I patted the bulky bandage. “I brought my cane.”

“Do you feel well enough to meet me for lunch? You can bring Dee Dee and Nana, too.”

“Of course, I do. I’ll ask them, I’m sure they’ll jump at the chance to eat lunch out.”

“There’s a pizza place on the square. Would that be okay with you?” Not my favorite food, but I knew she loved pizza, so I acquiesced.

“That’s fine. How about one o’clock? Maybe the lunch rush will be returning to their jobs?” I wasn’t in the mood for a crowded pizza joint.

“It’s Papa’s Pizza. And Mama, I have a surprise for you.” She sounded so excited. I couldn’t imagine what she had for me. Maybe it was a late birthday present.

“Can’t wait to see what you have for me.” We said our good-byes and I decided to go ahead and get up. I could smell bacon frying; I knew Nana was up cooking breakfast. I attempted to sit up, but searing pain shot through my knee. I’d need to take it a lot slower than I’d thought.

A multi-colored knee greeted me as I unwound the bandage. My joint showed decreased swelling since it had been propped up all night, but not enough to drive. Dee Dee didn’t yet have an inkling she’d just volunteered to be my chauffeur. I hobbled into the kitchen.

Nana, decked out in a jogging suit, stood at the stove holding a spatula. Dee Dee already up, was dressed in Capri’s and tee shirt. “Hey, ladies.” Thank goodness they weren’t in their Scarlett dresses.

“Good morning, Trixie.” Dee Dee and Nana spoke in unison. Dee Dee stuck a pancake laden fork in her mouth. She wiped excess syrup off her chin.

“How’s that knee? You look a little green around the gills.”

“The last time I felt this bad was when I gave birth.” Speaking about birth jogged a memory. “Hey, did y’all hear what Wynonna Judd said about giving birth?” They shook their heads. “She said having a baby was like trying to pass a ham through your nose.” The snorting sounds emitted from three women were not pretty. The laughter relieved some of the built up tension we’d experienced over the past few days.

“Come on, Trixie. Sit down and grab a plateful of these pancakes,” Nana said. “You need all the strength you can get.” She stacked five pancakes on my plate. Granted, they weren’t huge, but they weren’t little either. Oh, what the heck.

“We’ve already offered the blessing, so dig in.” I couldn’t get the fork to my mouth quick enough.

“Okay, Missy.” Nana grabbed my plate almost before I was finished. “You go right back to bed. Dr. Rossi said you should rest your knee.” Nana balked at being bossed, but she didn’t mind being bossy.

“That’s right.” Dee Dee agreed.

“Sorry. Bedrest ain’t gonna happen today. There’s work to do. My article isn’t finished, and I’m still helping Doc. We’re getting close. First, Dora’s house was broken into and then someone pushed me down?” Today I’d planned to visit the Marietta National Cemetery. Over 10,000 union soldiers laid to rest in this historic landmark. This would be great material for my article. “And I’m meeting Jill for lunch.”

“I can’t make you stay in bed, but why don’t I drive you around today?” Dee Dee must have read my mind.

“I’ll take you up on that offer.” I rubbed my aching knee. “Jill said she has a surprise for me. Want to come see your grand-niece, Nana?”

“No, dear. If you don’t mind I think I’ll go sit with Dora. Would you give Jill my love?” I exhaled when she declined the invitation. I don’t know how Mama did it, keeping up with Nana everyday. She harbored more energy than a two year old.

I hobbled back to my room and dressed the best I could with my swollen joint. Khaki Capri’s with a blue short sleeve tee would have to suffice. Nana, as usual, had dressed sharp as a tack. She sported a watermelon colored running suit with a white short sleeve shirt underneath. Jogging co-ordinates were her favorite outfits: spring, summer, winter or fall. And they always had to match. I admit she looked spiffy.

Dee Dee had chosen denim Capri’s. She had on a multi-colored, and I do mean multi-colored, pull-over blouse. On her wrists she wore a myriad of colorful bracelets. Bright pink Keds adorned her feet. I loved Dee Dee’s fashion flare. Her colorful outfits never failed to bring a smile to my face. I needed to have a serious meeting with the clothes in my closet and brighten up my wardrobe.

We released Nana at the main entrance of the hospital. I couldn’t visit Dora, but I was sure she’d understand when Nana explained.

“Where to, James?” Dee Dee guffawed. “I’ve always wanted to say that.”

“I think that’s home James,” I said.

“Whatever, it’s still fun to say either way.”

“We’ve talked with everyone on the list but Jeffrey. Let’s find him and see if we can question him before we meet up with Jill?” A warm glow filled me with the thought of seeing my daughter. It’d been too long.

“Sounds good.” Dee Dee latched onto the wheel with both hands and took a corner like she sat in the driver’s seat of a race car.

I grabbed the handle above the window. “Whoa. Slow down, you’re going to get us killed, or run over some little old lady.”

“Aw, you’re just jumpy this morning. I wasn’t going that fast. You relax, and leave the driving to little ole’ me.” Relaxing while she drove was an oxymoron.

“Let me see your list and I’ll check where Jeffrey works.” I thought he worked at one of the banks, but I wasn’t sure which one.

“It’s in my purse.” She scooted it toward me. Dee Dee’s love for large bags was no different today. She had a hot pink purse to match her shoes. It sported a giant pink flower on the front. I removed a billfold, brush, bottle of Tums, and an address book before I found the tablet.

“Hmmm, you’ve written down the First Trust Bank located a couple of blocks from the square. I think I’ve seen it going to the hospital. Take a left at the next….” She took the corner so fast my heart palpitated, and I feared it would fly out of my chest. “Good grief, Dee.”

“Well, you said take the next left.” She slowed behind a truck loaded with hay bales. “Out of the way, Farmer Brown!”

I silently offered a prayer of thanks when we managed to arrive without running down any little old ladies or kids. I couldn’t wait until I could drive again, because Dee Dee would certainly be the death of me.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

There’s a parking place right in front.” Since I couldn’t walk far, I was grateful for a space this close.

“Allll righty!” She parallel parked quicker than a lizard hiding under a rock. I was impressed.

It appeared like any other bank – ostentatious. I would never understand why banks built such enormous buildings. The bank is located on the bottom floor and who knows what is on the other levels.

The receptionist hung up the phone as we arrived. “May I help you?”

“Yes. Could you tell us where Jeffrey Jones’ office is located?”

“Sure. Go down the hallway, and his office is the last door on the left.” She turned around and returned to her business.

Raised voices filled the hallway as we walked toward the office. And they weren’t friendly. I lifted my hand to knock on the door when I overheard a familiar voice. “Just remember what I said.” Sammy turned around and saw us standing in the doorway. “Excuse me ladies.” He took off like a fox chased by hound dogs. What was that all about?

“May I help you?” Jeffrey sat behind an oversized mahogany desk. Framed certificates covered the dark paneled wall. “Weren’t you at the museum fundraiser the other night?” He stood up, and looked directly at me. “I believe you’re the one they transported in an ambulance.”