Death Waxed Over - Tim Myers [82]
Markum patted my shoulder and said, “Harrison, I’m sorry.” He hesitated, then added, “Millie came out while you were paddling in. She called the police, so they should be on their way.” Millie Nelson, a plus-sized woman with brown hair and soft gray eyes, ran The Crocked Pot Cafe, a place where I took most of my meals.
True to the promise, I heard sirens in the distance. I started tugging on the rope to pull Becka out of the water when Markum said, “You’d better leave her there and let the police handle it.”
I nodded numbly, and he started to stand when I grabbed his shoulder. “Don’t go. Please.”
Markum settled back down beside me on the step. “Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere,”
Sheriff Morton, a tall man with a ruddy complexion and a mop of brown hair, came rushing down the steps toward us a minute later. “What happened?’
Markum said softly, “She was in the water. It’s Becka Lane. Harrison used to date her, so take it easy on him.”
Morton’s face softened. “I know. Sony, I didn’t know who it was.” Two of his men arrived just behind him, and they carefully pulled the body out of the water and onto the bottom step. What happened after that was lost to me. I felt the sheriff grab one arm and Markum the other as they pulled me to my feet. I didn’t care if the kayak drifted away. The way I felt at the moment, I was never going out on the water again.
The sheriff shouted to one of his men to pull the kayak up onto the steps as Markum led me to Millie’s place.
Morton released my arm and asked, “Are you all right?”
I managed to nod, but I couldn’t bring myself to make eye contact. It must have satisfied him, though, because he left me to rejoin his deputies.
Millie stepped in as she wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “Come on, Harrison, let’s get you upstairs.”
Markum took a step back, deferring to her.
“Could I have some coffee first?” I asked. “I need something strong.” The truth was that I didn’t want to be alone, but the coffee would be welcome as well.
“Of course,” she said, “Come into the cafe I’ll fix you right up.”
I walked inside, nearly stumbling as I crossed the threshold. I was surprised by Millie’s strength in righting me. She led me to a table near the back, and Markum joined me. Millie returned in a minute with three cups of coffee and I felt the liquid burn as I gulped it down. We sat in silence, each of my friends giving me space, but staying close by in case I needed either one of them.
After a while, Markum looked outside toward the river and said, “It looks like they’re finally finished out there. Are you ready to go upstairs now?”
“I’m feeling better” I said as I stared into the last dregs of my cup. As I pushed it away, I added, “I have to open the candleshop.”
Markum said, “Harrison, you’ve just had a tremendous shock. Close the blasted place up for a day, or a week if you need to. Your customers will understand.”
“And what do I do in the meantime? Should I hang around my apartment feeling bad about what happened to her?” I asked him. “Becka was my friend. Who am I trying to kid? She was a lot more than that to me, at least at one time. I’m sorry she’s gone, but there’s nothing I can do for her anymore.” I was surprised to find myself crying again as I spoke.
Markum looked surprised by my outburst, but Millie just patted my shoulder with a comforting touch. “Why don’t you at least let Eve handle things this morning? You can work after lunch if you feel up to it.”
I shook my head, wiping at the tears that betrayed my words. “I can’t. She’s not coming in until this afternoon.”
Millie wasn’t about to let it go, though. “So we’ll call her at home. You know she’ll pitch in if you ask her to help you.”
I started to protest when Millie added, “Please, will you do it for me? You need to take some time to accept this.”
I was still struggling with the suggestion when the sheriff walked in and sat down heavily at our table, blowing