“You have as good an idea as I do. Just ’cause some old man is a little furry and they startle him awake doesn’t mean he’s unnatural. I think they’re just pissed that I didn’t let them haul the poor old guy off to the hospital to be kept alive and run up bills no one can or will pay,” said Sam.
“Agreed. Some people should just be allowed to die. That man musta been at least 100,” said Betty Jane.
“At least that. He’s got pictures of him in a WWI outfit in his room,” said Sam.
“Oh my. Hope you find some relatives to give that stuff to,” said Betty Jane.
“That’s what I’m going to do later today. After everyone’s gone, I’m taking a nap!” said Sam.
“Don’t blame you. If I hear those two idiots running their mouths, I’ll smack ’em for you,” said Betty Jane. “Bye!”
“Bye dear,” said Sam as she closed the door. She wrote a note and stuck it on the bulletin board stating that the kitchen was available for whoever wanted to cook. Then she headed back to her room.
Donald and James had just left her room as she came around the corner. Donald continued down the hall with the gurney. James came to talk to Sam.
“We’ll cremate him and have his ashes ready for pick up in a day or so. I’ll call you,” he said.
“Thanks James. Was there much… um… mess?” Sam asked.
“No, I don’t think the poor old man had eaten much in the last day or so. Steam cleaning will be real easy. Plus, we got here quickly. If you have any questions, just give me a call,” James said and handed her a card.
Sam thanked him and went into where Doc sat in her room. He was holding the death certificate and starring off into space.
“Wool gathering?” Sam asked.
“Yeah. Too damn early to be up,” he said. “I’m going home to take a nap. I suggest you do the same.”
“I am. Going up to #5 and locking the door. I only have three guests and left them a note to fend for themselves for breakfast,” said Sam.
“Good. See you later,” said Doc and he left the room with her.
Sam locked the door and headed up to room #5.
*
Patrick, Ginny, Luc and Meg were in Luc’s Subaru. George and Angie were following in George’s F150 Ford Truck. They’d packed and left by 4:30am. No traffic at that hour of the morning made for quick travel. Luc signaled the left hand turn that lead up to Spoon River. Once they turned off, Luc slowed down to look for an out of the way parking spot near the Spoon River B&B. Good thing too, as there were a bunch of cars out front. Luc passed them by and turned where Patrick pointed to a fenced off entrance about a block down. George followed.
“Damn, what a mess,” said Patrick.
“What in the hell is going on?” asked Meg.
“Probably those two paramedics stirring things up,” said Ginny. “I’ll go in the back and see if I can find Sam. Ginny headed through the back yard and paused for a moment to look at Buster’s empty backyard retreat. “Hmmm, may have to do something about that,” she thought.
She opened the door to the kitchen and peeked in. A sleepy looking Sam stood at the stove. Ginny walked over and hugged her.
“Sam, I’m so sorry,” she said.
“Me too,” said Sam. “Where’s the rest of your bunch?” Sam asked.
“Outside waiting to see if I could find you. Let me go get them,” said Ginny.
Sam nodded, wiped the tears from her eyes and went back to making chile. A few moments later, in walked one of the biggest men she’d ever seen followed by Patrick and three other people.
“Sam, this is George Moreau and his girlfriend Angie, and Luc Moreau and his wife Meg,” said Ginny.
Patrick walked over to Sam and wrapped her in his arms. He lifted her up and just hugged her.
“Damn it’s good to see you two, but what a mess,” said Sam. “Now put me down and explain who’s who before the bunch at the front desk get past Dotty.”
“Who’s Dotty?” asked Ginny.
“She’s the little gal I have to do the rough work when things get busy. She don’t talk much, but she works like no other. She’s holding down the front desk. I shut down the B&B except for those already here and you bunch. So right now she’s trying to tell everyone else where they can get rooms,” said Sam.
“Why? Are the two paramedics still saying Buster, um Brian was a werewolf?” asked Patrick.
“Yes, Idjets. Betty Jane don’t believe them, and we got him off to that funeral home right quick, but those two have mouths. My big worry is when they notice that Buster is missing,” said Sam. “Now who are these people to you Ginny?”
Ginny could see that Sam was trying to change the subject. “Luc and George here are brothers and my oh so many times removed cousins. Angie and Meg are new to the family and don’t…” Ginny left the unsaid hang in the air.
Sam nodded. “Nice to meet all of you. Ginny, I gave you your same rooms. Didn’t know how many were coming, but there are two more rooms down that same hall. Keys are in the doors,” she said.
“Okay, Luc and I will get the bags,” said Patrick. “George, I need to talk to you,” he said and gestured for George to follow. The three men left the kitchen.
“Sam, where’s a bathroom?” asked Meg.
Sam really looked at Meg for the first time. “Oh! Honey! Right down this hall,” she said. “When are you due?”
“In about five months. It’s twins, so I’m huge,” she said as Sam showed her where the bathroom was.
“Oh my. Luc’s a lucky dad. Come back to the kitchen when you’re done and I’ll have some iced tea for you,” Sam said.
“Oh, that sounds good,” said Meg.