At Witt's End

31

Sounds of laughter and rejoicing drifted from the cabin as Jane, Sadie, and Mr. Bakke hugged and offered congratulations to one another on their pending victory.

"What if Carl backs out? What if he decides to go to the newspaper by himself?” Jane said.

"From what Sadie told us, I'd bet Carl's dropping the lawsuit as we speak.” Mr. Bakke pulled Jane to his side and kissed her cheek.

Sadie bobbed her head from side to side as she danced an impromptu jig by the kitchen sink. She held a hand out to Theo to join her as she celebrated.

Theo reached for her hand, grasped it, and held it to his lips. After placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles, he said, “To quote our eloquent friend, Rodney, you're one hell of a broad.” He twirled her around the room, dipped her in a graceful sweep, and escorted her to the table. He bowed low as she took her seat.

"Will wonders never cease?” Sadie said. “Theo just complimented me."

"He did?” Jane said.

"He did.” Sadie relished in the glow of Theo's compliment, a hard-won morsel of praise.

"Who else is here?” Mr. Bakke asked.

Sadie looked around the room. “Just Theo. I think Lora's out on the porch with Rodney. Tim and Aanders are in the inner room resting because Tim's stamina is almost gone. Guilt is getting the better of Aanders. He's afraid he ruined Tim's chance of going back through the light."

Sadie walked over to the window, parted the white curtains, and looked out at Lora. A tiny chipmunk sat on Lora's lap. His paw rested against her stomach, his head bobbing with each stroke of Lora's finger. Belly's legs trembled with excitement and he pranced at Lora's feet trying to convince her he needed some quality time with the animal, too. Lost in concentration, Lora ignored Belly's pleas.

Belly finally retreated to the top porch step and plopped down in defeat. His ears twitched erratically and he cocked his head from right to left, focusing on the faint movement beneath the porch.

Mr. Bakke bolted from his chair. “Oh, no. I forgot to take the meat out of the freezer. I better get over there or we'll have frozen fish for dinner."

As Mr. Bakke waited for Jane to join him, Sadie heard a plaintive cry from Rodney. “Sadie. Come here quick. Something's wrong."

Sadie hurried toward the screen door.

"Sadie. I'm over here by the trail,” Rodney shouted.

Sadie crossed the porch. Lora yelled, “No! Don't…"

Rodney wrapped the end of the fishing line around his hand as footsteps clinked across the porch decking. He yanked on the line. An ankle slammed against it, jerking his hand wildly. He scrambled to find the knife to severe the fishing line. A thunk echoed as a body hit the concrete slab at the bottom of the steps.

Jane screamed. She grabbed the railing and hurried down the steps. Kneeling, she called out, “Dial 911. Get an ambulance."

Jane's plea registered with Theo, but he concentrated on Lora's frantic movements.

"It's Rodney. He's hiding under the porch,” Lora screamed, pointing toward the sidewalk. “He told me he was going to kill Sadie."

Lora followed Theo down the stairs. He bent to see under the porch.

Theo dove head first under the structure as Rodney's boots disappeared into the darkness. Clawing at the ground, Theo inched along the damp dirt until he grabbed Rodney's ankle. Rodney's heel swung wide and caught Theo in the jaw. Theo yelled in pain and surprise.

Theo ducked avoiding Rodney's second kick. He pulled on Rodney's leg with all the strength he could summon. Grunts emanated from both men in their struggle. Jamming his foot against a porch brace for leverage, Theo pried the culprit out of the darkness.

Wide-eyed with rage, Theo shouted to Lora, “Get something to tie his hands."

Lora scrambled past the body on the sidewalk, now surrounded by others who stopped to help. Her shaking hands matched her frustration. She bobbed in place. “What do you want me to get?"

"Here, use this,” Theo shouted. Lora ran to assist him. Theo had wrestled Rodney to the ground and held him face down while he knelt on his back. “Pull my belt off. We'll tie his hands behind his back."

Kneeling in front of Theo, Lora unfastened the buckle and yanked the belt through the loops. She dodged Rodney's flailing feet, wrestled his hands into position, and looped the belt tightly around his wrists.

"You bitch. You bitch,” Rodney shouted, spitting dirt from his mouth. “I thought you were going with me.” He jerked from side to side, trying to rid himself of Theo's weight.

Theo removed his suit jacket and secured it around Rodney's ankles. “You're not going anywhere. If it's the last thing I do, I'll see you never leave this place."

Lora's head jerked up. She shouted, “The car. Those people left their car. We can put him in the trunk."

"No,” Rodney screamed, writhing back and forth.

"That's a rental car and they'll be leaving it at the airport this afternoon. Their suitcases are in the back seat. They won't need to open the trunk when they get there.” Lora gasped for breath, the words tumbling from her lips. “I heard them tell Sadie there's no hurry to get the car back because it's scheduled to have work done on it. It wouldn't be rented out for another two weeks.” Seeing Theo's confusion, Lora explained, “By then Rodney's time will be up."

"No. Don't do it,” Rodney yelled as he watched Lora check the trunk latch. “You're supposed to go with me to the other world. I'll give you anything you want.” Lora continued to grope frantically at the latch. Rodney shouted, “I'll kill you. I'll kill you, you bitch."

Lora's hands trembled as she continued to search the trunk's seal. “I can't find the latch.” She felt again and then looked toward Theo. “The keys. I saw those people give Sadie the keys before they went to visit their friends."

After retrieving the keys from the kitchen table, Lora hurried to the driver's door, unlocked it and felt along the driver's seat for a lever. Locating the lever, she lifted it and the trunk popped open.

"Grab his feet. Help me lift him into the trunk.” Theo stooped to slide his arms under the angry crosser. Rodney bent his knees and thrust his feet toward Lora. “Watch out,” Theo shouted. Lora stumbled and fell backward.

Rodney's feet slammed against the ground when Lora dropped them. She stood, set her jaw, and stomped against his knee cap. Ignoring his cries of pain, she looped one arm around his ankles and lifted them off the grass.

Rodney writhed back and forth by bending and then straightening his knees. His captors, bobbling in sync with each thrust of his body, shuffled toward the trunk. Bursts of air issued from Lora's lips.

Shouting to be heard above Rodney's cries, Theo said, “When I say three, lift.” Theo spread his legs to gain better balance. He forced his arms under Rodney's arms and clasped his hands together in front of Rodney's chest. Theo began swinging Rodney's body; Lora mimicked his rhythm. She gasped for air against the burning strain.

Grimacing under the weight, Theo rasped, “One. Two. Three."

As his body was hoisted into the trunk, Rodney clamped his upper arms tightly against Theo's arms and pulled Theo in with him.

Theo's feet left the ground. He sprawled on top of Rodney. Theo struggled to regain his balance and free his arms.

Lora stuck her fingers in Rodney's nostrils and yanked. Then she yanked again.

Screaming as his chin rose to meet Lora's hand, Rodney released Theo's arms. Theo put both hands on the trunk and slammed it. He turned toward Lora. “Are you all right?"

A breathless Lora nodded. She joined Theo and tucked her trembling hands next to her elbows. The two turned their backs on the trunk and leaned against it.

Profanity spewing, Rodney issued every threat he could contrive. “Let me out, you worthless piece of shit.” He banged his knees against the trunk. “I'll fade away if you don't let me out."

"Really?” Theo said. “What a shame that would be."

"Didn't you hear me? I'll fade away."

Theo waited for the banging to stop before he responded, “You should have thought of that before you tried to kill Sadie."

"At least that bitch is dead.” Rodney let out a haggard laugh, a laugh meant to disguise panic. “Who needs her any way?"

"You made a big mistake,” Theo said. “By killing Sadie, you ruined any chance of going to the parallel world. Be sure to let me know what it's like in oblivion."

More profanity escaped from the trunk. Lora grimaced and looked away.

Theo joined the crowd kneeling over the body and made his way to Sadie's side. He drew in a somber breath. His eyes grew moist as he placed a knee on the ground and stared at the body.

"Nooo. Please, nooo. Don't go. Don't leave me,” Jane moaned, cradling the bleeding head. Tears flowed down her cheeks, dropping in small splats against her arm. She gently held the still hand, rubbing her cheek back and forth against the bruised skin. Her head dropped back as a piercing wail escaped.

Aanders appeared at the door and realized what had happened. A guttural cry rumbled forth as he ran to the people gathered around the sidewalk.

Trembling, he knelt next to Jane. He reached out and touched the body. “Please don't die.” Brushing tears from his eyes with the back of his hand he repeated, “Please. Please don't die."

Aanders’ pressed gently on Sadie's shoulder fighting to regain his composure. “It's time. It's time for Tim to go. I need to get him."

Jane wailed as Aanders’ words registered. She pulled Mr. Bakke closer to her chest. The man's head fell against her shoulder. She placed kisses on his forehead.

Aanders’ breaths came in spurts, suddenly understanding the finality of his statement.

"Hurry. We don't have much time,” Sadie said, fighting the acid inching its way up her throat. The roar of her pulse pushing adrenalin through her system was deafening.

"Why did this have to happen to him? Why couldn't it have been me?” Jane said grasping her sister's hand.

Sadie looked toward Lora who leaned against the rental car's trunk with her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Lora's lower lip trembled. She nodded toward Sadie. The frail woman stood sentry over the trunk, ignoring the threats emanating from within.

Tim appeared in the doorway with Aanders bracing him on one side. Theo ran to assist the pair.

"Just a little farther,” Aanders whispered, encouraging Tim to take a few more steps. Aanders helped lower Tim to the ground and sat behind him to prop him up. He swiped at his tears with his hand.

The sound of sirens in the distance caught Jane's ear and she looked at Sadie.

Sadie shook her head in reply to Jane's unspoken question.

"Noooo,” Jane said, as she caressed Mr. Bakke's hand. “Noooo.” She bowed her head and placed a final kiss on Mr. Bakke's cheek.

Aanders, Sadie, and the crossers looked on as a glow began to form and a gentle breeze swirled around Mr. Bakke.

Tim managed a forlorn smile. He looked up at Aanders who lifted him into a standing position. He mouthed “Thank you,” but the words were barely audible.

Aanders sobbed, trying to fight the consuming emotion.

"You know I don't want to leave you. But I have to. Mom and Dad need me."

"I know,” Aanders said, bracing Tim's sagging body. “I'm sorry I kept you from going through the light the other day. That was wrong."

The wind's intensity grew as the tunnel began to rotate with increased momentum.

Mr. Bakke rose and placed a kiss on Jane's head before he turned to gaze at the vivid aura building in the background. Wisps of his thin, white hair danced excitedly in the wind. He reached out to Tim and beckoned with a motion of his fingers. “Let's go son. I think I know two people who are anxious to see you."

Tim released Aanders’ hand and grasped Mr. Bakke's arm. The elderly gentleman pulled him to his side.

Brilliant rays danced like lightning. The power of the light drew them deeper into the vortex. “Please remind Jane how much I love her and take good care of her. Tell her we'll meet again,” Mr. Bakke shouted, waving farewell to Sadie.

"Thank you, Sadie,” Tim said. “Thanks for taking me in.” Tim stood straighter as his strength increased. He placed his right arm behind Mr. Bakke and together they began the journey they had chosen. Tim looked back over his shoulder. He scanned the group gathered around Mr. Bakke's body. “You'll always be my best friend, Aanders. Don't ever forget that."

Sadie wrapped her arms around her sister and placed her chin on Jane's shoulder. “He's gone now, Jane. He took Tim with him. They've completed their declaration."

Jane hugged Sadie fiercely in return and let her anguish flow.

A young paramedic gently encouraged the twins to move to the side while he knelt next to Mr. Bakke's lifeless body. After checking for a pulse, he shook his head. He pulled the stethoscope from his ears.

Jane, Sadie, and Aanders accompanied the paramedics back to the ambulance and watched them release the spring-loaded mechanism and push the stretcher into the ambulance. “I'm sorry, Ma'am,” a paramedic said, tenderly prying Jane's hands from the gurney. “I'm so sorry."

After the deputy finished interviewing Jane and Sadie about the accident, the sisters retreated to the porch swing. Jane rested her head on her sister's shoulder. Sadie kept the swing in motion with the tips of her toes. She and Jane reflected on the afternoon's tragedy.

Sadie raised a hand and waved at the Pouliots as the rental car laden with luggage, and a crosser who would soon slip into oblivion, rounded the corner and disappeared from view.

Belly lay near their feet and watched with soulful eyes. Each time Jane began to sob, he let out a high pitched whine. “It sounds like that silly goose is yodeling,” Jane said between sniffles. As the flood gates opened once again, she said, “How could he do that? I just don't understand how someone could do that to Mr. Bakke."

"Mr. Bakke wasn't his intended victim. I already told you Rodney was trying to kill me,” Sadie said. “He told Lora about his plan to put me out of my misery. Because Mr. Bakke realized he'd forgotten the fish in the freezer, he headed down the steps in front of me."

"Are you sure Rodney won't ever get out of that trunk?"

"All we can do is hope that what the Pouliots said about the rental car is accurate. By the time the trunk is opened, Rodney will have faded away.” Sadie patted Jane's hand. “He can kick and holler all he wants. No one's going to hear him."

Tears dropped into Jane's lap. “I'm really proud of Mr. Bakke. He was such a kind man."

"I know you are,” Sadie responded, pressing her nose against Jane's cheek.

"Mr. Bakke and I both decided we'd go to the parallel world if we had to make a decision. It was unselfish of him to accompany Tim back through the light so he could find his parents. But it doesn't surprise me. He always loved helping people. I hope I'm fortunate enough to meet up with him again.” Jane smiled up at Sadie.

"If we're lucky, we'll all be together. Mr. Bakke wanted me to tell you how much he loved you and that he'd see you again."

"Do you think he'll be lonely without me?"

"Of course he will,” Sadie said.

Jane leaned her head against Sadie's shoulder. “Do you think death coaches will have a different role in the after life once they leave earth?"

"I guess I'll have to wait to find out,” Sadie said. “Maybe you'll have to worship me as a goddess and wait on me hand and foot."

"Then nothing will change, will it?” Jane's attempt at humor was lost in another torrent of tears.

A family of four walked past the cabin and waved at the sisters. They briefly stopped to offer condolences. After they left, Sadie said, “You know what else shocked me today?"

Jane dabbed at her eyes and shook her head.

"Lora didn't go through the light with Tim."

Gasping in amazement, Jane said, “Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure. She's sitting right there.” Motioning toward Lora on the porch step, Sadie continued in a whisper, “Lora knew Tim had chosen to return to his parents rather than go to the parallel world. If that's really where Lora wanted to go, she'd have taken advantage of Mr. Bakke's death and gone with Tim. Apparently she's had second thoughts."