It's About Time: A White Feather Mystery

Chapter One

Let Us Pray ...

O most holy apostle, Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honoureth and invoketh thee universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, and of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, who am so miserable. Make use, I implore thee, of that particular privilege accorded to thee, to bring visible and speedy help where help was almost despaired of. Come to mine assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consolation and succor of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (my last days) and that I may praise God with thee and all the elect throughout eternity. I promise thee, O blessed Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favour, to always honour thee as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to thee. Amen

—Catholic prayer

Judy muttered a prayer as she opened the envelope. The return address was for St. Jude Methodist Retirement Home. She pulled out the letter and scanned it quickly. She let the tear run down her cheek. Her prayer had been answered.

Chapter Two

7:00 A.M. Rescued

FRANKLIN DAMON ROBERTS SAT at one of the many long tables at the Canon City Homeless Shelter and cupped his steaming bowl of oatmeal with his tattered wool gloves hoping to thaw his frozen hands. His body was still chilled to the bone after a long, restless night in his cardboard box under the bridge. But tonight would be different. His name was on the list for a bed in the shelter.

Good morning, Frank. Her bright, optimistic voice shocked him out of his numbing funk. It was coming from a world he was no longer a part of. He was part of a world where survival was the only tenant. Judy lived in the civilized world he had left behind five years before.

Frank looked up slowly and blinked to focus on the pretty face of the happy, thirty-ish woman whose innocence and sincerity drew him out like an electric connection to his past, to a time when he was a part of her world. He managed a smile and a nod.

Judy reached over and touched his wrist. You look like you’re freezing.

Bad night, Frank explained as he involuntarily shivered. Tonight, I have a bed.

Judy smiled brightly. Oh, you have more than a bed tonight, Frank!

Frank frowned. He never knew what to expect from his favorite shelter volunteer. She had always treated him with a bright smile and an encouraging word. He braced for one of her optimistic phrases. She had always treated him as an equal, not some hopeless, homeless person to be pitied. In reality, she had not treated him markedly different from others, but had always made him feel like her special friend.

Her exuberant voice framed in an air of sophistication, breeding, and education drew him out of his trance. I have wonderful news to share with you. She patted his wrist and looked deep into his eyes.

There is an opening at St. Jude Methodist Retirement Home and they have accepted your application.

Frank looked at her bewildered. I don’t remember applying.

Judy sat back as if embarrassed. Well, I took the liberty.

Frank looked down at his oatmeal. He was starving, but somehow felt it would be rude to eat in front of her. What is it?

Judy shifted to the edge of her chair, placed her hands on the table and sat very straight with an ebullient smile on her face. It is a very nice place, Frank. It was once a tri-county hospital and is a charming old brick building on a lovely one-hundred-acre estate. There are lots of trees and a lake and grassy lawns. It is quite exclusive and difficult to get accepted.

Judy glanced down at the aging oatmeal. Oh, please eat your breakfast before it gets cold.

Frank was stunned by her overwhelming news. From her description, he pictured the place in the movie Rainman. He looked down at the oatmeal that had formed a crust and had ceased to emit steam. He took the old spoon and stirred thoughtfully, but he had lost his appetite.

Frank felt grimy, filthy, and smelly sitting in Judy’s elegant new Mercedes. They had driven through that part of Canon City he had made his territory since losing everything in the great recession. As they passed the park where only the derelicts were welcome, he gazed upon the destitute, one of which he had become and been obliged to befriend. He had never felt a part of that crowd, and now he found himself quickly reframing his view of them, his old territory, and himself.

Sitting beside Judy in her elegant vehicle, his self-esteem slowly began to return and he began to feel normal again. He had been a successful executive in several major corporations and private businesses. He was well-educated in his own right and could have driven a Mercedes once had he preferred it to his Jeep Grand Cherokee. Now he owned nothing but the clothes he was wearing.

They were soon out of the old commercial district and winding through modest, well-kept craftsman houses and bungalows before easing into the quiet downtown area. Frank stared silently out the window, captivated by the journey that was a metaphor for the internal transition going on within him.

They drove by the old prison on Highway 50 and made a sharp turn to skirt the slice of limestone rising up on the west side of the city like a giant knife blade and were soon climbing up the winding highway as the town and his homeless life were indeed fading away behind them.

Judy tried to start a conversation, and they settled the matter of the weather and each remembered an experience on the terrifying one-way road aptly named Skyline Drive that crowned the limestone knife blade.

After climbing over rolling hills where the Royal Gorge tourist town and famous suspension bridge lay quietly sleeping, Judy gave an update on the great fire that had temporarily shut it down and the status of reconstruction.

Highway 50 descended into a beautiful, deep canyon carved out by the Arkansas River. The raw, wild, rocky canyon seemed a far cry from the dirty park and deteriorating commercial district where he had spent the last five years of his life.

They saw fly fishermen casting into the wide river as they drove further and further along the winding canyon road. The serene canyon had captured Frank’s thoughts and, for the last fifteen minutes, he and Judy had just sat quietly in the car watching the road twisting and turning beside the river.

Judy leaned forward and squinted as she slowed to make a turn onto Highway 69 that climbed out of the canyon into a long valley separating the massive peaks of the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the west side and the rolling peaks of the Wet Mountains lining the east side. As the valley widened, there were patches of forest mixed with meadows where cattle grazed on sprawling ranches. Small herds of deer grazed along the road and seemed confused by the passing car.

They drove on and on until the forest thickened and Judy pointed to a lush, green hill to the front, right. There it is, Frank.

He eagerly searched for it as the car slowed and Judy turned on the right turn signal. Ahead, a plain green sign unceremoniously announced St. Jude Methodist Retirement Center.

As Judy eased into the turning lane, Frank resumed his search. In the distance, a small forest was split by a wide, asphalt road leading up a large, rounded hill. An impressive old brick building with a conical center tower crowned the top of the hill. That must be it, he thought.

The large facility disappeared behind the trees as they entered the thick forest and climbed the long hill. Suddenly, a large clearing opened up and St. Jude Methodist Retirement Center loomed at the far end. The face of the building was broken up by two identical protrusions on either side with the hexagonal, conical tower in the center. Frank counted four stories with the tower rising another story above the rest.

To some it might look massive and imposing, but to Frank it looked warm and appealing, like a beautiful castle full of hope and promise. Judy offered her opinion, It’s such a charming old building. It is over one hundred years old.

Chapter Three

8:00 A.M. Home Sweet Home

A SMALL PARKING LOT was carved out of the lush yard in front of the left section of the grand building at St. Jude Methodist Retirement Center. There were only a few cars parked in a neat huddle in the corner closest to one of the two entrances. As Judy stepped out of the car, she pushed a button on the key fob and the trunk lid clicked. She retrieved a bulging athletic bag and handed it to Frank.

What is this? he asked as he took the bag.

Judy smiled, raised her eyebrows and tilted her head to one side. Oh, just some clothes and things. Hope they fit.

Frank looked at the incredibly thoughtful woman. Thanks.

As their shoes crunched loudly on the gravel in the parking lot and they drew closer, the age of the ancient building became readily more apparent. Frank noted that the small, covered porch entrance was quite unimpressive compared to the grandeur of the rest of the building.

Inside, they had entered an average size room decorated like a cozy living room. An elderly, neatly dressed black woman sat behind a small desk in the back corner of the room. The woman looked up and smiled when she recognized Judy. Well, good morning Miss Judy.

Good morning, Naomi. She turned to Frank. This is Frank Roberts.

Naomi smiled at Frank. Welcome to St. Jude, Mr. Roberts.

Frank smiled awkwardly. Thank you. A pleasure to meet you. He had grown unaccustomed to meeting people formally and strained to recall her name.

Naomi nodded and looked at Judy as she picked up the phone. I’ll call Mrs. Barkley to let her know you’ve arrived. She’s expecting you.

Judy nodded and then led Frank to one of the inviting couches near the center of the room. It’s quaint, but comfortable, don’t you think, Frank?

Images of his cardboard box under the bridge flashed into his head, Oh, yes, quite nice.

Judy smiled at him. I think you will find it a most pleasant place to live. The staff is very friendly and helpful. There are a lot of fun activities. I think they really care about the residents here.

Frank’s mind was hung up on the irony. Judy’s life was so far removed from his that she could not possibly see this building through his eyes. To him it was a warm shelter, maybe a comfortable bed, three meals a day. It meant not having to live in a cardboard box anymore. Anything more was just gravy. In fact, this room was too nice to be comfortable for him.

Naomi interrupted, Mrs. Barkley is on her way down. How about some coffee or tea or something?

Judy turned to Frank, What would you like, Frank? I’m sure you must be thirsty after the drive.

Frank glanced around the room. He was not accustomed to having a choice. Tap water at the park was his staple, but in a fancy place like this he felt compelled to request something special. Iced water maybe?

Judy nodded and added, Tea for me. Two sugars, please.

Frank shifted on the couch. He felt so dirty and was ashamed of his worn clothes. He decided to leave on his coat even though the room was quite warm, for fear his smelly body odor might escape. Where is everyone?

Judy glanced around and then explained, Oh, this is just the reception area. The residents have a grand living room inside and several recreation rooms. I expect they seldom come out here.

Frank raised his eyebrows. What a shame; seems like a waste.

Judy nodded and glanced around the modest room. Yes, I suppose.

Frank read into her response an indifference born of a more lavish lifestyle. He guessed that she might have rooms in her house that received only occasional use. Five years in poverty had trained his mind on efficiency.

Naomi returned with their drinks and Frank eagerly enjoyed the cold, delicious water. Want a refill? Naomi inquired smiling warmly.

Frank was embarrassed. He had gulped down the water boorishly. A door opened and a slender, young woman burst in beaming a grand smile, Judy! So good to see you again.

Judy popped up, set her tea on an end table, and smiled. Hello, Edith. Good to see you, too.

Edith Barkley charged across the room and grabbed Judy’s hand and then offered her hand to Frank as Judy introduced him, This is Frank Roberts. Frank this is Mrs. Barkley, the Administrator for St. Jude.

Frank jumped up, accidentally shoving his glass into her hand, jarring ice cubes out on the floor. Humiliated, he shifted the glass to his left hand and tried again. Mrs. Barkley had a firm grip and shook his hand enthusiastically. It is such a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Roberts. Judy has told us so much about you.

Frank glanced at Judy sheepishly wondering what she might have told them. It is a pleasure to meet you. He could not say that Judy had told him anything about St. Jude.

Naomi had picked the ice cubes up off the floor and discretely retrieved the glass from him. Mrs. Barkley clasped her hands and suggested, How about a tour?

Judy added, Oh, yes, I can’t wait for Frank to see this place. It is such an amazing old building and you have done so much with it.

Frank nodded. That would be great.

She smiled and turned toward Judy. Oh, thank you, we try. You can leave your bag, Mr. Roberts. We’ll be back down here after the tour.

She led them through a large double door into the intersection of two long, wide corridors. Mrs. Barkley led them to the end of the east-west corridor and pointed out the staff dining room and lounge on the left. She stopped at tall, double doors and explained, This goes out to the back lawn.

They back-tracked to turn down the north-south corridor where she stopped to point out the entrance to the large dining room on the left filled with six-place oval tables. On the right side of the corridor was a parlor and library. Another reception was in the northeast corner and the medical facilities down the other east-west corridor.

They returned to the center of the floor to the elevators. There were two sets of elevators, one with silver doors, the other with bright red doors. Barkley explained that the red doors were off limits to the residents since that elevator ran to the top floor where the administrative offices were located. They took the resident elevator, with the silver doors, to the second floor where the administrator pointed out the large Craft and Activities room, which Frank imagined was probably directly above the ground floor dining room. Next to it was a larger game room with card tables, TVs, and pool tables. The back wall was lined by tall windows looking out over the back lawn and lake and provided a spectacular view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Across the corridor from the Craft room was a parlor with comfortable chairs and couches for reading or quiet reflection and a nice view of the front lawn and the Wet Mountains in the distance.

Mrs. Barkley explained that resident rooms lined the perimeter of the floor. Ready to see your room?

The third floor was dominated by one large corridor running north-south with narrow hallways branching off the west side. A parlor with comfortable chairs, several card tables and a view of the front lawn was on the east side and centered on the corridor across from the elevators. Frank’s room was the first room on the right past the parlor further down the corridor. It was a small interior room with no windows. A regular sized bed was just to the right as you entered the room. To the left an old recliner sat in the corner and, to the right of it, the door to the bathroom. A chest of drawers was centered on the back wall.

The bathroom was shared and had a large window looking out over the east lawn. To the left, a small lavatory was tucked into the corner next to the window, and to the right, a large shower accessible by wheelchair dominated the south wall. After all the spacious public rooms they had viewed, Frank was disappointed with this cubby hole, but he took a deep breath and forced a smile. Home sweet home.

Mrs. Barkley turned to Judy, took a deep breath and declared, Well, let’s get you signed in.

Judy did not budge. She was studying Frank. What do you think, Frank?

Frank felt bad. He sensed that she had detected his disappointment. He did not want her to think that he did not appreciate what she had done for him, It is truly an amazing place, Judy. I am pretty overwhelmed right now.

Judy perked up. So, do you think you can live here?

Frank’s heart lurched and he felt giddy and a little scared. Definitely.

Mrs. Barkley clapped her hands. OK then. She pointed her hand toward the door. Let’s do it!

Chapter Four

11:00 A.M. Settling In

JUDY HELPED FRANK UNPACK, explaining each item in the bag and where it had come from. She seemed to enjoy organizing his chest of drawers and helping him get settled. Frank enjoyed her company and wished he was half his age. Thankfully, she did not seem to notice his attraction for her.

As she placed the last item in the bottom drawer, she pushed it shut, tossed her hair back and stood. Well, that’s it. Can you think of anything else you might need?

Frank had watched her from the comfort of the soft recliner. He sighed. "No, Judy, you have thought of everything. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what