Page 56 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 40

Suzy stepped into the kitchen. Hands on hips, she asked, “What’s going on? Why are you transfixed on the television and whispering to Fernando? I can tell something’s up. Tell me.”

Jon tugged on his mother’s sleeve. “Follow me.” Once they got into the laundry room, he closed the door, and told Suzy about the automobile fatality. Glumly, Jon said, “I bet it’s Vanessa’s parents. She said they drive a black truck and they’re now three hours late.”

“Oh, no. Where’s my phone? I’m calling Alex.” Suzy raced toward the kitchen, found her cell, and disappeared into her bedroom. After filling her in, she asked Alex to call Tony immediately.

Suzy stepped back in the laundry room where Jon and Fernando were in a worried huddle. “This is one time I wish I smoked.”

“Want a glass of wine?” Fernando asked.

“No, I, we need to be clearheaded. Don’t say a word to Vanessa until we know for sure.”

Rolling his eyes, Jon said, “Duh.”

Within minutes, Alex called back and relayed Tony’s off-the-record account. He said they still hadn’t identified the victims and would only say it was a man and woman.

Suzy groaned. “Please call the minute you know.”

“I will.”

~ ~ ~

Thirty minutes later, Vanessa sobbed as she picked at the food Suzy insisted she eat. “I don’t know why my parents sent flowers and didn’t come to see my baby.”

Rubbing her back, Suzy said, “I’m sorry, sweetie. Try not to wor—” The doorbell interrupted her.

Jon, Fernando, and Suzy rushed to the front door where Lt. Tony Montgomery stood in uniform.

Removing his hat, Lt. Montgomery said, “Bad news, I’m afraid. Is their daughter still here?”

Suzy led a wide-eyed Vanessa to the door. Jon took Violet out of her arms as Fernando slung his arm around the young mom’s waist and held her tightly.

“Are you Vanessa Nelson?” the officer asked.

“Am I in some kind of trouble?”

“No, ma’am.” Lt. Montgomery blew out his breath. “I hate days like this. I’m sorry to inform you but your parents, Reverend and Mrs. Nelson, were involved in an automobile accident earlier today.”

Gasping, Vanessa fell back a step but Fernando caught her. Her voice cracked. “That’s why they’re late, isn’t it? Are they in the hospital, Officer?”

Lt. Montgomery shook his head and swallowed. “No, ma’am. I’m sorry.” He stared at his feet. “The accident was fatal. It was instant. They didn’t suffer.”

Wailing, Vanessa fell to her knees. “Noooo. They never saw my baby. They just now forgave me. They just accepted me. Noooo.”

Jon handed the baby to Fernando then sat on the floor beside Vanessa and held her close as she sobbed. Fernando bounced the now-crying baby while Suzy stared at Tony, unable to find any words.

Mama Gia, Fernando’s brothers, and Izzy raced toward the door after hearing the commotion and cries. All of them stopped short at the sight of the policeman.

Lt. Montgomery put his hat back on. “I’m very sorry for your loss, Miss Nelson. If you have any questions about the accident, call the CCPD or me. Suzy knows how to reach me.”

Sobbing so hard her chest heaved, Vanessa pounded her fists on the carpet. “This can’t be true. I don’t believe you.”

Shock, disbelief, and silence filled the room. No one spoke. No one could speak. Mostly silent tears streamed down speechless faces as they watched the officer get back into his patrol car and drive away.

“Please tell me I’m dreaming,” Vanessa wailed, making the baby cry even louder. Mama Gia and her sons poured wine and handed a glass to every adult. No one spoke except for someone who simply said, “Jesus. Why?”

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