Chapter Twenty Seven
The Next Morning
Caroline read through the paperwork and searched for the safe, hoping to find instructions or her father’s last wishes.
The pain struck her chest, and she grew angrier.
James Stanton cheated her out of getting to know her father all over again.
A couple of months didn’t cover six years of worrying, the beatings, the rapes, or getting her life back.
Walking past the closet, she recalled Nancy telling her about her dad collecting presents in hopes she returned home.
She turned around and opened it, finding a plastic bin marked “Caroline.” Pulling it out, she took it to Thomas’ bedroom and sat on the bed.
She opened the lid to find gaily wrapped gifts with name tags.
Reaching for the first one, she read the note.
It said, “Caroline’s second missed birthday.
” She glanced at all the gifts, noticing he had written how many years she had been missing from their lives.
Placing them in order, she opened up the first gift.
A pair of diamond-studded earrings accompanied a card.
Our hearts will never feel the same until we have you home and safe with us. Remember, coal undergoes a lot of pressure before it turns into a diamond. You always carry a light within you. Don’t forget it exists.
Love,
Mom and Dad
The second year contained a leather journal, engraved with her name.
It’s the second year we haven’t seen you, my Honeybee. You might have some thoughts you want to write out. Remember, none of us is perfect. No matter what you’re going through, I’m with you in your heart.
Love,
Mom and Dad
She pulled out a beautiful picture frame for the third year. They took it the month before James stole her.
My heart yearns for you, my sweet girl. Remember how much we love you, Honeybee. We’ll never stop searching.
Love,
Mom and Dad
She unwrapped the fourth year, finding a pin with a beehive and a bee with diamonds for wings.
Did you know bees can carry seventy-one times their body weight? When they pollinate, it’s so intense, it produces 5G. It’s five times the force felt by fighter jet pilots. Whatever you’re going through, remember you’re my Honeybee.
Love,
Dad
The fifth year, she opened an ornate box, holding her mother’s pearls.
Your mother wanted you to have these. She wore them on our wedding day and wanted you to have them for yours. God willing, I’ll see them on you. I miss you, Caroline, more than you’ll ever know.
Love,
Dad
She held the last present from her father for a minute, knowing he took great care in picking these out for her. She unwrapped it slowly, feeling sad this represented her last connection with him.
My health continues to fail. I hold out every day for some news about you.
If I don’t see you in this lifetime, know I will be watching over you.
I’ve lain awake at night, thinking of what you must be enduring.
It tears at my soul. If this reaches you, my last advice to you, my precious girl, is to never give into the darkness.
Find the light and build something new. Find love and seek happiness.
You deserve it and much more. I’m leaving you this gift and hope one day you’ll know I never forgot you. I love you, Honeybee.
Love,
Dad
Caroline opened the small box, containing a key.
She turned the key chain over, noticing the name of a bank in Corpus Christi.
Guessing he left her something in a safety deposit box, she put the key in her pocket.
Glancing at the gifts, she felt his never-ending love for her.
Caroline set them on the dresser while she went to his closet and searched for the safe Nancy mentioned.
In the far back, she knelt and used her birthdate to open it.
The door swung open, and a stack of labeled files greeted her.
Pulling them out, one by one, she sifted through them.
Caroline found one labeled “information upon death.” Inside, she found his birth certificate, a life insurance policy, a deed to her old home, and his social security information.
Unsure of what she needed for the funeral home, Caroline took the entire file.
Picking up another file, she found a private investigator’s notes on his search to find her. She flipped through the pages, seeing where he ended up at dead ends. James Stanton ensured she’d never be found.
Another file contained her mom’s information and marriage documents. The next contained Caroline’s birth certificate and social security number. She set it aside, wondering how to proceed with her social security number.
A soft knock came from behind her, and she turned to see Jameson leaning on the doorframe.
“What did you find?” he asked softly.
“I have his information for the funeral home. He kept my birth certificate and all of my documents,” she said, staring at the folders.
“You don’t need to do it all today,” he reminded her. “We can take it one day at a time.”
“I know. It’s funny. I assumed he died and mourned his death six years ago.
I don’t know if it hurt worse then or now.
I miss him,” she said, gathering the paperwork and putting the rest of it back into the safe.
Standing, she held it close to her chest and walked toward Jameson.
“He requested to be buried next to my mom. I’d like to stop at a florist today and have a spray of flowers made up for her grave since I missed her funeral. ”
“We can go wherever you need,” he assured her.
Caroline dug into her pocket, pulling out the key.
“He left me this last year on my birthday. It’s like Dad knew he’d die soon,” she murmured.
Jameson glanced at the key, turning it over. Seeing the name of the bank, he asked, “Did you want to stop there?”
Shrugging, she took the key and shoved it in her pocket.
“I opened his gifts from the last six years. Then, I found the files. It’s enough for today,” she said as he took the paperwork from her.
“I made breakfast. We have time to eat and then get dressed,” he informed her. “Garrett and Spider will follow us as a precaution.”
“Did you hear something?” she asked, gazing at him, feeling fear run down her spine.
“It’s a precaution,” he assured her. “Let’s eat. The eggs will get cold.”
Following him into the kitchen, she sat at the table, where he prepared breakfast for the two of them.
“Will Nancy meet you at the funeral home?” he asked, scooping a healthy portion of eggs onto her plate.
“No. She insisted I honor my father my way. Of course, she offered to help if I didn’t feel comfortable. Then it made me feel weird. Like I didn’t know my dad enough to plan his funeral,” she said, picking at her food.
“I’m sure she didn’t mean anything about it,” Jameson reasoned. “She knew him for a long time and knows how much it meant to him to see you again.”
“I guess,” she agreed. “I’ll try on the dresses Rachel brought over. Then, I can check it off my list. She has good taste.”
Jameson chuckled. “Yes, she does. I’m sure you’ll find something.”
Caroline took a bite of her bacon. “I’ll ask her if she wants anything from the house. I don’t know about her long-term plans. She might want some of his furniture or something more personal.”
“It sounds like a good idea,” he agreed.
Finishing her breakfast, she put her plate in the dishwasher.
“I’ll get the rest. Go try on the dresses,” he said, gathering the rest of the dishes.
Caroline returned to Thomas’ bedroom and gathered the gifts, taking them to the pool house with her. She placed them on the dresser, along with the cards. Taking the key from her pocket, Caroline added it to her purse.
Next, she entered her closet to see several selections of dresses to choose from. After trying on three, she finally picked a navy blue one with silver buttons. She hated black. It reminded her of the darkness, and she needed to find the light, as her dad advised.
After selecting a pair of matching shoes, she showered and dressed. Returning to the living room, she heard Jameson showering. With nothing else to do, Caroline picked up her phone, noticing texts from her new friends.
Rebecca
Thinking about you today. Sending hugs and love.
Rachel
You’re not alone. We’re only a phone call and drive away.
Riley
Sending you strength my friend. Call if you need anything.
Delaney
I’m sorry I’m not there. This kid has decided to tease me. I’ve already grounded it. I’m sorry for your loss and know you’re in my prayers.
Smiling, she texted them back
Thank you.
Jameson entered the living room, picking up the paperwork.
“Garrett and Spider have arrived. If you’re ready, we can leave.”
Nothing prepared her for this. Rising, she picked up the suit and items she chose for her dad the night before and followed him out of the side gate, and he opened her car door. Getting inside, she watched as the men silently signaled the all clear.
Jameson pulled out of the driveway and headed toward the funeral home in Corpus Christi. When they arrived, he held her hand as they entered.
The funeral director greeted them and led them to his office. They took seats across from his desk.
“I’m sorry to meet you under these circumstances, Ms. Bates,” Mr. Kerr gave his sympathies.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
“Do you have something already in mind for your father, or do you want me to walk you through it?” he asked gently.
“My father has a burial plot beside my mom. I want to lay him to rest there. I brought his suit and personal effects,” she said, glancing over to Jameson, who held everything.
“Do you have a budget to work with?” Mr. Kerr asked.
Taking the file, she searched for the life insurance policy.
“He has this,” she said, passing it to him.
The director’s eyes widened as he read through the papers.
“I’ll, of course, verify the information,” he said, rising to make a copy. “Shall we begin with finding a coffin for him?”