Page 43 of The Women of Oak Ridge

After he drove away, I locked the door and readied for bed. I’d just turned out the lamp when I heard Peggy’s toenails on the wood floor in the hallway. A moment later, I knew she stood next to the bed. I clicked on the lamp and found her staring up at me.

“I know you don’t understand why Aunt Mae isn’t here.” I reached to pet her. “Hopefully she’ll be home in a couple days.”

The little animal whined.

I didn’t know if Peggy usually slept in Aunt Mae’s bed or not, but her big, sad eyes seemed to plead to be let up into mine.

“Just this once.”

After the dog was snuggled on the blanket at the foot of the bed, I turned out the light again.

“Help Aunt Mae rest, Lord,” I whispered. “If there’s anything I can do to bring her peace, please give me wisdom.”

Thankfully Dad would be here tomorrow. Maybe between the two of us, we could get down to the bottom of what happened to Sissy and why it still seemed to haunt Aunt Mae.

The aroma of coffee woke me the following morning. I lay in bed, sleepy confusion muddling my brain. Had the car accident only been a dream? Was Aunt Mae in the kitchen, making breakfast as usual?

I sat up and rubbed my face. The clock hands indicated it was nine thirty. Peggy wasn’t at the foot of my bed, but the clothes I’d worn yesterday lay on the floor exactly where I’d dropped them before falling into an exhausted sleep.

Sounds from the kitchen drew me down the hall. When I reached the tiny room, I found Dad standing there in his rumpled business clothes, a cup of coffee in his hands. Peggy sat at his feet, but when she spotted me, she stood and barked, as though saying, “Look who’s here.”

“Daddy.” I flew to him, nearly spilling his drink.

“Hi, baby girl.” He set the cup on the counter and wrapped his arms around me. How good it felt to know I wasn’t alone anymore.

When we parted, I asked, “When did you get here?”

“Just now. I managed to get on a late flight to Atlanta last night, but the commuter flight from Atlanta to Knoxville didn’t leave until this morning.”

I sat at the kitchen table. “I’m glad to see you. I’ve been so frightened for Aunt Mae.”

He took the seat across from me. “How is she? I want to get to the hospital as soon as possible.”

I filled him in on everything the doctor said, then told him about Aunt Mae’s outburst.

“It was so strange, Dad. It was like she’d gone back in time and believed her roommate Sissy was right there with her. They sedated her after that, so I came home.”

He frowned. “I can’t imagine what that was all about. Hopefully it’s just a result of her injury and won’t affect her long term.”

“I have something else to show you.” I went to my room and retrieved the MP’s report and newspaper articles.

As Dad glanced through them, I explained.

“While I was searching for information about the bomb and Oak Ridge’s history, I found this notice in the newspaper requesting information about Sissy’s whereabouts.

It was posted by Aunt Mae. Then Jonas—he’s a friend and a cop—found a complaint that was filed with the MPs against Aunt Mae by a man named Clive Morrison.

” I paused. “The troubling part of the story is that Clive Morrison’s trailer burned to the ground the day after he filed the complaint.

A newspaper article says he wasn’t home at the time of the fire and was uninjured.

It doesn’t mention anything about Aunt Mae, but the timing is worrisome. ”

I sat back and waited for Dad to process the disturbing information. The frown on his brow grew deeper while he read the articles. When he finally looked up, his expression revealed he was as bewildered as I felt.

“I can’t imagine what all of this means.” He glanced between me and the papers spread across the table. “You said a policeman helped you track all of this down? Is Mae in legal trouble?”

I explained how I met Jonas and how he’d been such a big help, especially when we learned of Aunt Mae’s car accident.

“I don’t believe Aunt Mae started the fire, but it does seem suspicious that it happened the day after the report was filed.

And then there’s her odd behavior anytime Sissy’s name comes up. ”

“I’m sure my sister hasn’t wanted to talk about any of this. Am I right?”

I nodded. “I made the mistake of pushing a little too hard when I first arrived. I don’t want to do that again, but I have to admit I can’t help but wonder if part of the reason she doesn’t want to talk about the past is linked to all of this.”

He studied the MP’s report. “This says Mae was accused of breaking into this guy Morrison’s house.” His eyes widened, and he met my gaze. “He also said they were lovers.”

I pressed my lips. “I know. It doesn’t sound at all like Aunt Mae.”

“I’ve known her my entire life, and I’m confident she wouldn’t break into someone’s home. She certainly wouldn’t set it on fire.”

“Do you think the part about her being romantically involved with Mr. Morrison could be true? He claims Aunt Mae was jealous. Maybe they’d had an argument and he wanted to get back at her by filing the report, although I can’t imagine she’d resort to arson.”

Dad’s shoulders lifted. “I’ve never heard her mention an interest in anyone, but then I was just a kid when we moved to Oak Ridge. I don’t recall our mother ever talking about Mae having a boyfriend. She fretted over Mae’s singleness and didn’t want her to be alone her whole life.”

“I hope now she’ll be willing to move to Boston.”

“We’ll have to wait and see. First she needs to get better.”

We made plans to leave for the hospital after we’d both cleaned up. When we arrived at the medical center, the doctor was in attendance at Aunt Mae’s bedside. She was sitting up and seemed coherent.

“Harris,” she said when she saw Dad. Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. “I didn’t know you were coming. My goodness, what a lovely surprise.”

Her speech was normal. No slurring or confusion.

“How’s my big sis?” Dad moved to her bedside. She reached a hand to him, which he clasped. “I don’t like finding you in the hospital.”

“I don’t like it either.” She cast a glare at the doctor. “They say I have a concussion, but I feel fine. I want to go home.”

Dad turned his attention to the doctor, his brow raised in question.

“Now, Ms. Willett,” the doctor said, chiding in his voice.

“I’ve already told you, you need to stay in the hospital until tomorrow.

A concussion is a serious injury to the brain.

You may feel fine at the moment, but we don’t want to take any chances of you losing consciousness or having an emergency of some kind.

” He met Dad’s gaze. “It’s my opinion she should remain here for observation for at least another twenty-four hours.

I believe her new eyeglasses will take a couple days to arrive since they’re coming out of Nashville.

Television or reading would be too much of a strain on her brain.

Quiet rest is what she requires to make a full recovery. ”

A scowl tugged Aunt Mae’s forehead. “Pssh. I can rest at home better than I can here.”

“Mae,” Dad said, using the I-won’t-take-any-nonsense tone I’d heard every time I got into trouble growing up. “You can come home tomorrow... if the doctor agrees. Until then, you need to rest. I’m here to keep you company.”

A look of pure adoration shone on her face as she gazed at her baby brother. “I’m glad you’re here, Harry.”

Dad followed the doctor and nurses into the hallway, speaking in low tones. I moved to Aunt Mae’s bedside. “I’m happy to see you’re feeling better.”

A sheepish look crossed her features. “I’m sorry to have caused so much trouble.” She shook her head. “I can’t imagine how the accident happened. I don’t remember the traffic light turning red. My poor car. I’m just grateful the other driver wasn’t injured.”

I agreed. “I think Peggy was happy to see Dad,” I said, changing the subject.

She chuckled. “He claims he doesn’t care for her, but they have a special bond.”

Dad joined us. “I heard that. I’ll admit your dog is cute, but I draw the line at letting her sleep in my bed.”

“Uh-oh.” I laughed. “She looked so sad last night, I gave in.”

We were still discussing Peggy when the pretty blonde nurse arrived with some medication. I braced for another outburst, but Aunt Mae simply accepted the pill.

“Is there anything I can get you, Ms. Willett?” the nurse asked. “You didn’t eat much of your breakfast.”

Aunt Mae wrinkled her nose. “The oatmeal was stiff and lumpy.”

The nurse pursed her lips. “Would you like some fruit? Lunch won’t be served for a couple hours.”

“No, thank you, dear. I’m not very hungry.”

After the nurse left the room, Aunt Mae said, “She’s a nice girl. Very attentive.”

I waited to see if she’d remark on the girl’s resemblance to Sissy or mention her panic from yesterday, but she changed the subject.

“I know what you’re going to say, Harris.

” She scowled at her brother. “You’re here to tell me I need to stop driving and move to Boston.

Well, I’ll save you the trouble. I’m not leaving Oak Ridge.

If you take my car away, I’ll get a bicycle.

I used to ride miles and miles every day when I worked at K-25.

I’m sure I can get around on one again.”

I glanced at Dad. He wore a bemused look on his face.

“I think a bicycle is a great idea, Sis.” He grinned. “Maybe we’ll get one of those tandem bikes. You know, the kind that’s built for two. Then you can pedal me around town when I come for a visit.”

Clearly, she didn’t see the humor in his comment.

“You may find this situation amusing, Harris Willett, but I don’t.

I know everyone is thinking I shouldn’t be allowed to drive anymore or live alone, but I’m telling you I’m still in charge of my own life.

I’ll be the one to decide when it’s time for me to make a change. ”

Dad didn’t appear offended by her stern words.

He grasped her uninjured hand and cradled it with both of his.

“Of course you’re in charge, Mae. No one is going to force you to do anything you don’t want to do.

But I’ve told you many times how much Sallie and I would love for you to move to Boston.

With the girls grown and moving on with their own lives, we have plenty of room.

We’ve even talked about renovating the basement and turning it into an apartment. You’d have all the privacy you want.”

I remained quiet during their conversation.

Although I had a strong opinion regarding Aunt Mae driving again, I wasn’t involved in the decision.

I especially didn’t need to add my two cents about uprooting her from the place where she’d lived for more than thirty years.

That discussion would take place between the siblings when the time was right.

Aunt Mae’s shoulders soon relaxed against the pillow. “I’m glad you agree it’s up to me to decide where I should live. I appreciate your offer, and I promise I’ll think about it.”

“How long have you been having trouble with your eyesight?” Dad asked.

A look of guilt crossed her face. “Six months or so.”

Dad clearly wasn’t happy with her answer. “You should have told me, Mae. The accident could have been much worse.”

“I know.” She sighed. “It’s only been recently that my eyesight has gotten worse. But I’m not ready to have my independence taken away from me.”

Dad nodded. “Let’s focus on getting you home first, then we’ll talk about the future.”

Aunt Mae’s eyes grew heavy. “I think I’ll take a nap now, Harry.”

Dad leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Rest well, Sis. I’ll be here when you wake up.”

The touching scene reminded me that their relationship went back to the days when Dad was a little boy and Aunt Mae watched over him while their parents worked.

The bond between them was strong, made stronger because of the adversity they’d faced together.

Poverty, the death of their father, the loss of their mother.

Even long miles that separated them couldn’t diminish the love they had for each other.

I smiled.

Grandpa and Grandma Willett would be proud of their children if they could see them now.