Manhunt. Volume 14, Number 2, April/May 1966

Southern Comfort by Shirley Dunbar

“After all, honey, what’s family for... but to help out in time of need.”

At first glance George Waton appeared to be deep asleep, but even when fully awake he had a half asleep look, with his small eyes set far back in wrinkle creased sockets and pale blonde-stubby lashes adding no color to his light blue eyes. “You really are taken with this quaint little town, aren’t you Laurie Lee?”

“Why, honey, I just think it’s so nice after all the hustle and bustle of our busy city life,” she slowly answered him in her sweet soft southern drawl. Laurie Lee never raised her voice, got excited; always calm and composed. She was brought up to be what she was... a lady.

Looking at the large expansive lawn, tall trees with leaves slowly stirring in the mild breeze, he replied, “It is peaceful sitting outside here.” The lounge groaned as he leaned back, relaxing in the lazy mild climate. Laughingly, he had an after thought, “Maybe I should have said, right peaceful as the natives do.”

Laurie Lee didn’t bother to reply, being what he referred to as a native, she was never argumentative. Removing her sun glasses, she smoothed the light tan linen dress over the snug hip line, crossed trim legs with feet encased in dyed to match tan shoes. She admired the large diamond ring on her finger, watching the fading sun catch the light in the stone. Her long blonde hair was coiled around her head, almost a halo effect. Petite and fragile appearing, Albert had loudly remarked when first meeting her... in fact, it was still his favorite line, “Honey, you are just too tiny and pretty to be real, you look like a gorgeous lady doll.”

“I’m so glad that all the ole bother with the land is finished. Aren’t you just delighted with this darling house? Of course, some of the furniture is in poor condition, but then some of the pieces are just masterpieces.”

Mopping his damp forehead, Albert said, “Anything to make you happy, baby.” Placing his hands on the mound of his stomach, squirming in the lounge, as if he could possibly squeeze in tighter, “But I just don’t think we will get a good return for our money. We can’t afford to spend too many weeks out of the year here. You know, Sugar, I have a business to tend. But, if being a plantation owner makes you happy it’s well worth the price.”

“Yes dear,” noticing that as always, he spoke to her as if she were a teen ager... a feeble minded one at that. “This is the house I’ve dreamed of. Why, when I was a girl the most influential family in the whole state lived here... and now, it’s mine.” Lovingly she admired the rich green grass, the beautiful full trees, flowers and shrubs, the curved drive. Her glance lingered longer on the huge white house with the four white pillars that seemed to hold the two story house upright. It was truly... a gracious home for a gracious lady.

Smoothing down the thin grey blonde hair, that was having a difficult time covering the large area of baldness, Albert inquired, “Sugar, I can’t understand why you wanted so much land with this house. I guess you are a very sentimental gal. Yes, I’m glad we signed the final papers today and you are a big land owner.”

Reaching over he took her small manicured hand in his damp one. “I hate to spoil your visit, but we will have to start packing tomorrow, close up the house and start back to the big city.” Giving her hand a clammy pat, he added, “Back to our little love nest.”

Laurie Lee’s hand lay limply in his. She thought of their apartment. It was lovely as apartments go, large ultra deluxe, richly furnished. She would return to being the cute little Mrs. Walton... entertaining Albert’s business associates, who were as he, older, well established... business upper most in their minds. Even their dull drab matronly wives talked business... diet business, the business of running a smooth house with such miserable help, duties of charity, and always thinking of her as Albert did... a little brainless doll with a cute accent.

Albert’s fat hand slowly slid up and down her arm, “Let’s meander to our mansion and have a nice cool drink.”

“That’s a wonderful idea. I’m so glad that we only have the housekeeper during the day... It’s so much nicer to be mistress of my own home, it makes it so much cozier.”

“I wouldn’t call this palace cozy. I really should have a white suit, bit white hat and a long black cigar to reside here... not this casual attire.” He was refering to his baggy legged burmuda shorts, showing pasty white legs that were held up by flat feet encased in T-strap brown sandals. The shirt tail partially covered his round middle.

At the vestibule, Laurie Lee sweetly said, “Honey, you go in the living room and relax. I’ll take just a minute to fix the drinks.”

Carefully measuring his, then hers, she thought of the ways she would modernize the house... some of the furniture would have to go, some was dreadfully shabby. Then this kitchen would have to be completely done over... built-ins, a dish washer, a freezer, so much to buy. Also, a couple of bath rooms should be added... one up stairs and another down stairs. Why, maybe even a swimming pool in the back yard. It was a choice location.

Carrying the drinks, she joined Albert in the living room. She loved the living room too, with the large raised fire place. She would not change that, nor the glass picture windows over-looking the yard.

Albert gulped his drink down, “My I was thirsty. You sure fix a mighty powerful good drink, sugar.” When he spoke with his put on southern drawl he was most obnoxious.

Charming as always, Laurie Lee said, “I’ll fix you another one. After all you are the one on vacation.”

Handing him his refill, she said “This has just been the nicest three weeks. I’m so pleased with my new home, and all this beautiful land. Why, I’m just the envy of all my kin folk.”

“It’s hard for an old orphan like me to understand all this relative togetherness.” He swirled the ice around in the glass, watching the amber liquor twirl.

“Is the drink all right, Honey?”

Starting to answer, he suddenly dropped his glass, ice and liquid rolling over the highly polished floor. He stiffened as a convulsive spasm passed through his body. “What!!” he gasped, “What?”

He tried to get to his feet, but another spasm caused him to fall back in the sofa. His naturally pasty face became flushed with a deep red glow... he grimmaced, the facial muscles twitching. Perspiration dripped from his forehead. He gasped, trying to talk. No words would come out, just gurgling noises. One hand tried to grab his shirt... as if to hold back the vise that was gripping his chest.

Laurie Lee sat with her legs neatly crossed, still the perfect lady, watching Albert’s struggles... watching, but not staring... it wasn’t considered ladylike to stare at another person’s discomfort. She heard the gasps become more shallow as she unmovingly took small dainty sips from her glass. The convulsions stopped as Albert’s breathing became more shallow. Finally the labored breathing slowed, then stopped completely. He still had a most peculiar expression on his face... not at all contented.

Slowly Laurie Lee walked to the newly installed telephone. Albert had to keep up with the latest stock quotations, and had to talk to his office and broker every day. Her accent was pronounced as she slowly said, “This is Laurie Lee. Please come over right away. There has been an accident, something seems to be the matter with Albert.”

Laurie Lee calmly waited for the doctor to arrive. She finished her drink and continued to remodel her house mentally. Before too long she heard a car in the driveway. She remained seated, waiting to hear the foot steps rushing in the hall.

Without looking at Albert the kindly white haired gentleman hurried to Laurie Lee, anxiously inquiring, “You all right, Honey?”

Patting her eyes carefully, she ran into his arms, “Yes, Daddy... but, Albert seems to be in real bad shape.”

Before kneeling by the stricken man he adjusted his glasses. Albert’s eyes were wide open... his mouth slack. The doctor felt his pulse’ shaking his head. “I hate to tell you Laurie Lee, but Albert is beyond medical help. It appears to me you are a widow.”

The tears flowed more freely now, with the horrible but expected news. “You had better take me home to Mama, Daddy. I just feel so faint.”

“You sit down for a second... you’ll be fine in a little while. You’ll have to be a big brave girl, darlin’. Daddy has a few things to take care of.”

Looking up adoringly at her father Laurie Lee innocently asked, “Do you have to call the coroner because of Albert?”

“Why, honey, no need to bother your Uncle Willie. I’ll just sign the death certificate... any old intern could tell Albert passed away from a heart attack. A man that heavy should be more careful... take better care of his health. I’ll just call your Uncle Ben to come with the hearse. We will see that Albert has the finest funeral this town has ever seen.”

Laurie Lee sobbed, “Albert would like that. I just know he would want to rest here. Why just this afternoon he remarked how peaceful it was.”

“You just come on home with me for a few days. I’ll have Cousin Billy Bob go to the city tomorrow and take care of all that legal mess.” Putting his arm around Laurie Lee, he said, “After all what’s a family for, but to help out in a time of need like this.”