Page 42 of Halloween with a Daddy
“I saw a couple of telltale signs.” He says with a bit of pride in his voice. “After that, I just studied the architecture.”
“Smart man.” I give him a nod. “Now I see where Bethany gets it from.”
“She gets some of that from me.” Wendy puts her hands on her hips.
I don’t respond because I’m too busy making way down the wall to the room in question. I step inside and look it over. It’s not surprising that it’s mostly empty, but the trunk is a mystery. I open it up to confirm it’s actually human remains and there is no doubt. The only option is to call the police. We go back to the main part of the house and I dial the number.
“This is going to cause quite the stir around here.” Wendy sits down on the couch. “I bet that nice lady from Channel Four will come do a story.”
“They might even interview you, grandma.” Bethany looks at me and sighs.
“I better make sure I’m pretty enough for TV then!” Wendy reaches into her purse to pull out a compact mirror.
“You’re already pretty enough for TV.” Jon leans over and kisses his wife on the cheek.
I’m glad they’re still able to make light of the situation. Inside, I’m freaking out, but I keep my composure. After the call is made to the police, all we can do is wait.
“I’m really sorry.” Bethany walks over and leans her head against me.
“I’d hug you, but…” I look towards her grandparents.
“They’ve figured it out by now.” She sighs. “Please give me a hug. I could really use one right now.”
I pull her into my arms and I notice a smile on Wendy’s lips. Jon glares at me, then whispers something to his wife. Whatever she says put a smile on his face and he gives me what I can only interpret as a nod of approval.
We get little time to ourselves because Willow Grove PD pulls up outside. I decide it’s best if I handle it from here.
“Good afternoon.” I nod to the officer that approaches. “My name is Edgar Grim. I own Grimwillow Manor.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Grim. I’m Detective Matthews.” He extends his hand and I shake it. “I hear you found some old bones in here or something?”
“Yeah, I’ll show you.” I motion for him to follow me.
Once the detective confirms they’re human, chaos erupts, and we’re escorted outside. The house gets covered in crime scene tape. News reporters arrive. It’s bedlam. It seems like every important person in Willow Grove is here, including the mayor and the entire city counsel. I meet them all, listen to their stories about Grimwillow Manor, and apologize for causing a disturbance. Some of them don’t mind. It’s the first interesting thing that’s happened in this town in quite some time.
“It’s getting dark.” I look over at Bethany and sigh. “I need to get a hotel room for the night.”
“A hotel room? What? No, you’ll stay with us.” Wendy pats my arm. “This has been the most exciting day I’ve had in years. We’ve got a guest room, and I’m cooking dinner.”
“That’s a great idea.” Bethany smiles.
“Yeah.” Jon nods in agreement. “No reason for you to stay in a hotel and have to eat out of a vending machine.”
With that, it’s settled. I’m trying to make a good impression on Bethany’s grandparents, so I will not turn down their hospitality. I can’t believe I’m going to be under the same roof as Bethany and sleep in the guest room, but some sacrifices have to be made.
At least I will be in town for a few days. We may have to sneak away in my car like a couple of high school kids, but we’ll find a way.
Once the cops leave, I follow Bethany and her grandparents back to their house. I settle into my room with the things I packed in a haste. The rooms are small, and I’m not a fan of the decor, but I remind myself why I’m here. Bethany loves her grandparents to death. If I’m going to keep her in my life, this has to go well.
Dinner is a recap of the day’s events, with each person offering input, and lots of questions I have no way to answer. After dinner, Jon asks me to join him out back for a drink and a cigar while the‘womenfolk’clean things up. The glare he gets from Wendy tells me he’s talking a big game, but I’m willing to bet he does the dishes more often than her.
I look to Bethany after Jon’s offer and she gives me a couple of nods, urging me to agree, so I do.
“Well, let’s get through the hard question first.” Jon lights his cigar and hands the lighter to me. “What are your intentions with my granddaughter?”
“Right out of the gate, huh?” I am glad to have a moment to light my cigar and think about the answer before I have to respond. “I’m going to be honest with you. A week ago, I would have told you I never saw myself settling down. Now, I’m not even sure which way is up or which way is down.”
“Love will do that to you.” He puffs his cigar and nods. “You got it bad. I’ve been there. If you treat her right, you and I will never have a problem. If you don’t…”
