Jack of Hearts Read online

  “Actually,” Carl interrupted, “it’s everyone’s list. All I did was compile it from folks’ individual notes.”

  Ellie squeezed his hand. “You did more than that, but thank you for including us all.”

  Carl blushed.

  “What about the Harrisons’ yard?” Laura said. “They’ve never had anything taken.”

  Carl shook his head. “Their backyard is lit up like a Christmas tree. And they have Bella.”

  “Their Pekingese,” Laura explained to Jack. “She’s a little yapper.”

  “I think the Wilsons’ yard would be perfect,” Ellie said. “Ida just planted some angel’s trumpet, and the frog would look absolutely precious there.”

  “He’s not asking where it would look good,” Laura said.

  Ellie’s brows knitted together. “But it’s so cute. I like it. Will you get it back after you catch the thief, Jack?”

  Jack nodded. “Sure.”

  Carl leaned forward, and the frog started croaking “At the Hop” again.

  “How do you turn it off?” Laura asked.

  “You don’t!” Jack moved the frog to the counter and faced it toward the wall. “That’s the beauty of it!”

  “Don’t you think the thief will know it’s a trap?” Carl had to speak up to be heard over the frog.

  “They might, but I’m hoping the bandit is as brazen as everyone thinks and can’t resist the prize.”

  “Like the golden arrow for Robin Hood!” Ellie said.

  “Exactly. So…where do you think the thief will strike next?” Jack asked.

  They debated for another fifteen minutes before finally settling on the Johnsons’ house. They were up in Massachusetts for the birth of their first grandchild.

  “You said you needed two things from us,” Carl said. “What’s the second thing?”

  “I think everyone should take a shift keeping watch. We can break it into four shifts.”

  Carl rubbed his hands together excitedly. “Another stakeout! When do we start?”

  “I’ll go over and set up the statue in the Johnsons’ backyard now. We’ll start keeping watch at sunset.”

  “Carl and I will take the first shift,” Ellie volunteered.

  Carl leaned close and whispered into her ear.

  “Oh, wait. No, we won’t.” Ellie shook her head. “We want second shift. And Ruby and Ginny won’t want first shift either.”

  “I figured I’d take the late-night shift,” Jack said. “Is there a problem with the first shift?”

  “Bingo night,” Laura said. “They have this new speed bingo. It’s really fun.”

  “How about Ted takes first shift?” Carl suggested.

  “He loves bingo,” Laura protested.

  Carl shrugged. “He’s not here.”

  “Ellie volunteered already,” Laura pointed out.

  “She took it back,” Carl snapped.

  “Are there take-backsies?” Ellie’s nose wrinkled.

  Jack waved a hand in front of the statue to launch another rendition of “At the Hop,” hoping to stop the squabble. Everyone stopped arguing and looked at him.

  “I’ll do it,” Jack said.

  “But what about the late-night shift?” Ellie asked. “I don’t think I can stay up too far past eleven.”

  “It’s not fair if Jack has to do everything,” Laura said.

  “I’m fine, Mom. Really. Two shifts. No problem. And Alice will be with me.” Jack paused. “Where did Ruby and Ginny take her?”

  Ellie chuckled. “She’s helping a friend.”

  “A friend of yours? I hope they didn’t leave her alone with some weird old…I mean…I hope they didn’t leave her in some awkward situation.”

  “They’re helping Mrs. Ferguson,” Ellie said.

  Laura locked eyes with Ellie.

  “When’s she coming back?” Jack asked.

  “Won’t be long.” Carl winked at Laura.

  Jack caught the glances shooting around the table. “You don’t have my girlfriend doing anything that could get her in trouble, do you?”

  “I don’t know what she’s doing.” Laura held up her hands as if she were surrendering.

  “Technically, neither do I.” Ellie made a face. “Ruby just said that Alice would be perfect to help Janet, but I don’t know exactly what she’d be perfect for.”

  Laura patted Jack’s arm. “I’ll bet she’s helping with her computer. I’m sure Alice is having a wonderful time.”

  Jack imagined Alice pulling off one of his mother’s plans—and then ending up behind bars, waiting for bail. He looked at Carl, Ellie, and his mother in turn, hoping someone would spill the beans, but each one simply smiled. With a sigh, he went to the refrigerator to refill his iced tea.

  “Don’t forget, Carl, bingo is fifteen minutes early tonight,” Ellie said. “They’re electing a new treasurer for the Community Group Fund.”

  “It’s so sad about Roy,” Laura said.

  Jack came back with his tea. “What happened to Roy?”

  “Roy was the treasurer,” Laura explained, “but he passed.”

  “They still haven’t been able to reach his daughter-in-law,” Ellie said. “She’s traveling in Europe. That’s all they know. He must have gone just like that.” She snapped her fingers, and Laura flinched.

  “It’s scary,” Carl said.

  Ellie smiled thinly. “At least he got to enjoy himself before he passed. When I talked to him last, he was happy and tan.”

  “I don’t know about that,” Carl groused. “I was reading up on heart attacks. I’ll bet that trip put too much of a strain on his heart. All that cruise food—nothing but great-tasting, salty, fatty goodness. They say a minor heart attack can go unnoticed. And traveling is stressful. He just got back and—”

  “Nonsense,” Laura interrupted. “They also say a vacation can do a lot of good for a person. It’s relaxing. Calming. Besides, those studies…those doctors…” She set her teacup down with a clatter. “I’m going to check on Ted.” She got up and left the room.

  “Oh, Carl.” Ellie frowned. “She and Ted just went on that same trip. That’s all she needs to hear while they’re waiting to find out what’s going on with Ted’s heart.”

  Jack’s head snapped up.

  Ellie put a hand over her mouth, apparently realizing what she had said. An awkward silence settled down on the kitchen.

  Carl cleared his throat. “I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about, Jack. They’re just waiting to hear back—”

  Ellie squeezed Carl’s hand and gave a slight shake of her head, cutting him off. “You should let Laura tell him.” She stood. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

  Carl put his hand on Ellie’s shoulder. “We’d better go.”

  As they shuffled out of the kitchen, Ellie paused and took Jack’s hand in both of hers. She looked as if she were about to say something more, but instead she just patted his hand and said, “I’m sorry.”

  Jack mumbled, “That’s okay. That’s fine.” Right now, he just wanted to speak with his mother.

  Carl and Ellie pulled the front door closed behind them just as Laura walked back into the kitchen. “They left? Is everything okay? I wasn’t too harsh with Carl, was I? It’s just…” She trailed off when her eyes met Jack’s.

  “What’s wrong with Dad?”

  Laura sighed and walked to the table. She sat down and gestured for him to take a seat as well. Jack’s body stiffened, as if bracing for bad news. He stayed where he was.

  “Mom… Is it that bad?”

  She pointed to the chair and forced a smile.

  Jack sat.

  “I’m praying for the best. The doctors aren’t entirely sure yet.”

  “What do they think it is?”

  She drew in a long, deep breath as she picked up her teacup with both hands. She put it back down without taking a sip. “The doctors believe your father has an electrical issue going on with his heart. They want to run some mo
re tests to be sure. These things can be tricky to figure out.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me? And why hasn’t Dad gotten these tests done?”

  “We didn’t…” Laura sighed. “I didn’t even know the extent of it myself. A month ago, Ted started getting very winded on our walks. He went to his doctor and told me afterward that the doctor wanted him to lose a few pounds. He was supposed to change his diet instead of doing any rigorous walking. I didn’t read between the lines, Jack. Your father was shielding me, and I missed it.”

  Laura sipped her tea. “Turns out they sent him to a specialist, but he didn’t tell me until we were on the plane coming back from the Bahamas. He said he didn’t want to spoil anything.” She sniffed.

  Jack reached out and held her hand. “What did the specialist say?”

  “They wanted him to have an electrophysiology study done right away, but your dad decided to put it off until after we got back and after your visit.”

  “Are you kidding me? I can’t believe he took that risk!”

  “That’s what I said to him. Your father said the risk he couldn’t take was disappointing me and messing up your visit. He said that that would break his heart.” She shook her head slightly. “Please don’t say anything to your father.”

  “Don’t say anything? About something this big?”

  “You know how he gets.”

  “He’s been running around with me. I don’t want him overdoing it if something’s wrong. When is he having the tests done?”

  “He gets a cardiac loop monitor put on next week and will wear it for a month. It should shed some light on what they haven’t been able to pinpoint. Having you here is good medicine for him, Jack. I think it’s helping take his mind off it.”

  “I’m going to talk to him, Mom. You know that.”

  She patted his hand. “I do. I’m sorry you heard about it from Ellie, but I’m glad you did.”

  Jack’s mouth opened. “How’d you know it was Ellie?”

  Laura took a sip of her tea, but Jack could still see the little smile behind her cup.

  “You didn’t know it was Ellie. You just guessed. And now I told you. Ellie didn’t mean to tell me, Mom. It slipped out.”

  “Ellie’s got a heart of gold. They all do. But enough about all that. I want to hear some good news.” She tilted her chin and smiled. “My son decides to come for a visit, and he brings his girlfriend along…” Her voice rose hopefully.

  “Did Alice talk to you?”

  Laura shook her head, and her smile grew. “I fished around, but Alice gave me the distinct impression she wanted you to be the one to tell me.”

  “I’ll bet she did,” Jack mumbled. “Well, you’re right. I asked Alice to marry me.”

  “Oh, Jack. I’m so happy for you both!”

  Jack shrugged. “She said no, Mom.”

  The little saucer bore the brunt of Jack’s mother’s teacup. “She what?”

  In his mother’s hard eyes, Jack saw the look of a fierce mother bear. “It’s my fault, Mom. Alice—”

  “Your fault?” Laura’s eyebrows rose along with her shoulders. “Your fault? I don’t think so. She said no? And to think I was starting to—”

  “Mom, dial it back. She didn’t say no no. It was more—”

  “Was it a yes?”

  Jack shook his head.

  Laura squeezed Jack’s hand. “I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine you down on one knee, ring in hand, looking up at her—”

  Jack squirmed. “Don’t get so dramatic, Mom.”

  “I’m not being dramatic. That’s horrible. It’s supposed to be such a monumental moment. Think about all the planning you put into it. Picking out the ring, figuring out the most romantic place to ask her, writing down what you would say…”

  As his mother’s indignation rose, Jack felt himself falling deeper and deeper in a hole. “Mom, that’s kinda why she said no. Well, it was more like, ‘Do it over.’”

  “Did you go overboard? Some girls get embarrassed by too much attention.”

  Jack shook his head. “I kinda went under-board, Mom. Seriously, I’m starting to think Alice may have had a point. In my defense, I thought spontaneous was romantic.”

  Laura shook her head as if she had water in her ears. “Please explain exactly how you proposed to my future daughter-in-law?”

  Jack scratched his chin. “Well…we were at breakfast…”

  Those four words were the last Jack spoke for the next ten minutes. His mother fired questions at him, to which he either only nodded or shook his head. After she finished her inquisition, she leveled a stare at him and drummed her fingers on the table.

  “Mom, I—”

  His mother held up a finger, cutting him off. But she didn’t say anything.

  Jack waited another minute before he stood. “You think I blew it. I get it.”

  “It’s not unfixable.”

  “You’re making it sound like it is.”

  “Well, it’s not. She’s here, isn’t she?”

  “Shouldn’t you be getting her?”

  Laura looked at the clock. “She might need a little more time.”

  “What’s she helping your friend with?” Jack asked.

  “I think I hear Ted.” Laura headed for the door. “One second.”

  Jack got up and leaned against the counter. He felt as though he’d just given a deposition. As he waited for his mother to come back, he looked at the montage of photos on the refrigerator.

  He zeroed in on a photo of him and his father, taken at his high school graduation. They both were dressed in the traditional cap and gown—Jack’s dad because he was a teacher at the school. Jack’s cap and gown were red, and Ted’s were black. In the photo, they had switched caps. His father was grinning as if it was the proudest day of his life.

  It’s just tests.

  26

  Look, I’m Invisible

  Ted parked in the Johnsons’ driveway.

  “You’re sure we can leave this in their yard?” Jack asked.

  “They’ll be fine with it.” Ted waved dismissively. “They’re friends. I’ll ask for belated permission.”

  “Well, okay.” Jack grabbed the frog statue and the colorful yard spinner. “I’ll scope out a good spot in back. You can wait in the car.”

  “I’ll give you a hand.”

  “If you’re up for it.”

  Ted eyed him suspiciously. “Why did you say ‘If I’m up for it’?”

  Jack shrugged. “You looked tired when we came home.”

  “Because I was tired. I took a nap, if you must know. Now I’m good to go.”

  “Just asking.”

  They walked around to the back of the house.

  “Are you sure you want to put it out now?” Ted said. “Bingo doesn’t start for another few hours.”

  “I’m sure.” Jack smiled. He carried the frog to a wide tree stump that stood about six inches off the ground. “This looks like a good spot.” He set the frog on the deep-brown wood. When he waved his hand, it started to croak “At the Hop.”

  Ted spoke over the frog’s chorus. “This was a beautiful mahogany tree. A hurricane took it out.” He ran his hand over the wood. “The tree guys wanted to charge several hundred dollars to pull out the stump and roots. Bill said he’d rather let it rot, but I think the real reason he left the stump was he didn’t want to let it go. It was one of the most beautiful trees I’ve ever seen.”

  Jack stuck the pinwheel in front of the frog statue. It spun and rotated toward the wind, which made the frog start croaking out its song again. After a minute, the song stopped, but as soon as the pinwheel started spinning once more, the song started up again.

  “Okay…” Ted looked around nervously. “That’s going to make the neighbors go crazy.”

  Jack smiled. “Exactly.”

  “You’re trying to? Oh, you think this is like that solar-powered rooster.”

  “The rooster was the first thing stolen. I hope the thief fin
ds the frog irresistible.” Jack looked around for a good vantage point. The houses were spaced far enough apart to provide lots of visibility. He pointed to a spot three houses down. “We can park over there and keep an eye on the statue from the street.”

  Ted shook his head. “That’s over a hundred yards. At that distance, I doubt anyone in Laura’s book club would notice if Godzilla waltzed across the backyard.”

  “I can see it, and we only need one set of eyes.”

  “Look over there.” Ted pointed to a five-foot-high hedge surrounding the air-conditioning units in the next yard over. “In there would be perfect. Watch.” He slid behind them, and only the top of his head was visible.

  “Dad, we can watch from the street.”

  “It’s too far. Come here.” Ted’s hand stuck out of the bushes and waved Jack over. “It’s perfect.”

  Jack walked over.

  “I’m invisible!” Ted declared.

  Jack had to admit that he couldn’t see his father until he got very close. He stepped around the bushes.

  “I could bring a lawn chair and book, and no one would know I was here,” Ted said.

  “The homeowner might notice.”

  Ted’s smile vanished. “Not this one. It’s Roy McCord’s house. He had a heart attack a few weeks ago.”

  “I heard. Did you know him?”

  “A little. We chatted a few times. Roy kept to himself. Seemed like a good guy. He was a vet. Marines.”

  At the thought of Roy’s heart attack, Jack felt his own chest tighten. “Dad?” He exhaled slowly. “Dad, what’s going on with you?”

  Ted narrowed his eyes. “Did your mother tell you?”

  “No. But I want you to.”

  “Oh, Jack. I didn’t want to ruin your visit.”

  “You’d ruin it more if you didn’t think I could handle the truth.”

  “I didn’t want to worry you. Or Alice.”

  “Don’t be so stubborn. I need to know.”

  Ted looked at the clouds for a moment. “You’ll understand someday, Jack, what it’s like to feel weak for the first time. But you’re right.” He punched Jack lightly on the arm. “A son should know what his father is facing.”

  Jack found himself planting his feet shoulder-width apart, physically bracing himself for the emotional impact.