Running Out of Luck – Extended Epilogue

Six Years Later

Pru’s college graduation / Ellie’s high school graduation celebrations

Admiral Road was the place to be in mid-June, as a dual graduation party was taking place for Prudence and Eleanor Bertrand. Pru graduated with honors from the University of Oregon and Ellie was graduating from Lush High. Ellie had a full scholarship to Lane University in the fall and Pru was going to medical school in Portland.

Katie Bertrand was beaming with pride. Dale Bertrand and his wife Colleen had flown in for the weekend and every Cox was in attendance.

“Pru, I love the hair. The bob suits your busy lifestyle, which will only get crazier when you start med school.” Katie pulled her daughter in for a hug.

“Thanks, Mom. People say I look more like you with my hair this way. I consider it a compliment,” Pru said.

Pru carried the energy she had at Lush High onto Eugene, where she made the cheer squad. Katie and Dale were afraid she’d be distracted living away from home for the first time, but that wasn’t the case. Pru took a full load of tough pre-med courses with a concentration in exercise science. Her grades were excellent, and she even had a job working as a waitress at Eric Hall’s restaurant.

Katie encouraged Pru to keep her options open when she went to Oregon Health and Sciences University, because there were so many different fields of medicine that might interest her. Pru insisted on sports medicine because of her longtime boyfriend Seb. He had avoided major injuries and credited it to the advice of his team doctors. Seb was favored to at least win a silver medal at the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, which would likely be his last.

After Pru had her white coat and Seb had his medal, it predicted that they’d settle down and get married. Through the years, they had supported one another through ups and downs. Pru and Seb were best friends and shared goals for the future. Katie often said they reminded her of her parents, Mitchell and Sally Cox

“What time will Seb be here? And I hope he remembered to invite his father,” Katie said.

“They’ll be here. Seb is playing golf with Flip and his dad. They’ll be here together, and Cherry will join them later,” Pru said as she ran off to greet some college friends.

When Sawyer died six years before, it could have shattered the town of Lush Butte, but it had done the opposite. Flip Banks had gone to the local municipal golf course for a 6 am round, expecting to be alone. Eric Hall had the same thing in mind, but they were both wrong. They discovered that day that they were both surrounded by people all day, but lonely.

Eric and Flip didn’t talk much about their past rivalry, and they started golfing together a couple of times per week. Breakfast at the Chipped Mug afterward became a tradition. It was on one of those mornings they came up with the Sawyer Banks Memorial Golf Tournament.

***

Katie was helping her mother carry the cakes when she saw Ellie pull up in her black electric car.

“There you are, sweetheart.” Katie gave her daughter a big hug. “I was afraid you’d be late to your own party.”

“No, Mom. I was meeting my new roommate at LU and I think we’ll get along great. She’s from LA and nothing like me as far as interests go. I like that, because we can learn new things from each other and there won’t be any competition. She’s a tall blonde like Pru and, well, I’m not.” Ellie laughed. Ellie had flawless skin, and her hair was brown and naturally curly. People came up to her all the time and complimented her waves. “She’s on the track team, which is why she came to LU.

“Will Bart and Maddie be here? I don’t see them, and if I know Maddie, she’d be checking out the sweets table. When they lived with us, I saw them every day and I miss them.”

“I’m sure they will be. Their house is so beautiful, it’s hard to get them down from Tucker Mountain. I see a dog in your car, Ellie. Please don’t tell me you brought me another homeless animal,” Katie said. Ellie worked with Doctor Henderson and spent countless hours working with animals through 4-H. As a result, she’d brought at least a dozen animals home and the house on Admiral Road had become the go-to place for injured cats and dogs. Ellie would rehabilitate them and place ads in the Observer to find them forever homes. Eli was a mix of something and shed like crazy. He’d found his forever home at Katie’s, and she had to admit he was cute. She was suspicious that it was Ellie’s plan all along for her to keep the dog.

Ellie had chosen Lane University because of her job with Doctor Henderson at the farm. She would be able to continue working when she started classes. Her full scholarship was awarded for her perfect grades and community engagement. Ellie mentored youth and pitched in when Habitat for Humanity had a project nearby. The free tuition had made Dale jump for joy. Veterinary medicine was one of the careers she was considering, but also creative writing. Ellie had won numerous blue ribbons for the animals she showed through 4-H at events throughout the west, but her creative writing got just as much attention and she was getting better with age.

“Is Grandma Sally here? I see the cakes so I know she can’t be far,” Ellie said.

Katie’s mom tried to always treat her children equally and, for the most part, she was a success. It was a different story when it came to her grandchildren. Pru made her laugh. Danny was the only boy. Bitsie was a fellow baker, and Sally was always there for Elisa and Stacy. Ellie, however, was Sally’s favorite by far. They had a special connection, and it was a beautiful thing to see. Ellie said Grandma was young at heart and Sally said her granddaughter was an old soul. Maybe, Katie thought, they were both right and met somewhere in between.

***

Katie was scanning the yard that in six years had transformed from a house into a home. Her yard featured a full-grown dogwood tree and a few lilac bushes as focal points, and she was proud of herself. Katie looked toward the castle, which had gone through several remodels. She saw JR and her father in deep conversation, so naturally, Katie walked over to find out what was so interesting.

“What are you the two of you discussing? It had better not be business, because you’re supposed to be retired, Dad.” Katie laughed.

“I’m just telling Dad about our spectacular quarterly numbers that just came out. Since going digital with our measurements, we’re seeing a 13 percent drop in waste, which has already paid for new equipment,” JR said proudly.

“I guess it was a good idea to step aside and let the next generation take the reins. Someday, one of the grandchildren will be at the helm of Cox Lumber,” Mitchell said.

JR had been the heir apparent for years. It didn’t look like Mitchell Cox would ever retire, but a mild heart attack had changed all that. Sally was the one who’d put her foot down and threatened to leave the marriage and Lush Butte if Mitchell didn’t stop working. She never would have done either, but her point was made and now they were able to enjoy their golden years together.

“Danny’s not even a teenager yet and right now he wants to be a professional skateboarder. Poor Jenny has the only young boy in this family, and there are times she doesn’t know what to do with all that testosterone,” JR joked.

“He’s a bruiser but he loves his mom. Jenny will always be taken care of, and Bitsie, too. She’s turning out to be quite the beauty—your son will fight off the boys,” Katie said.

“I’ve decided Bitsie isn’t going to date,” JR said.

“Good luck with that. Seriously, what age are you talking about?”

“Never,” JR said flatly. He didn’t smile until Katie nudged it out of him.

Katie grinned and went to check on her guests.

***

“Tim, what are you doing here alone?” Katie asked. Elisa and Stacy were seniors at the U of O and Tim’s girlfriend Susie was an aid to the governor in Salem. Tim had met Susie when he was appointed to the governor’s Council on Health and Fitness.

“The girls are supposed to meet me here. They have a couple of weeks before their summer internships begin. Stacy is staying close to home, as you know, and Elisa will be off to Portland,” Tim said as he raked his fingers through his short blonde hair. “Susie is at her son’s high school graduation up in Salem. She sends her best.”

“It’s been over a year since you started seeing Susie, am I right?” Katie asked.

“Yeah, and it’s flown by. I don’t know what I did to deserve falling in love twice with amazing women. When Claire died, I figured that part of my life was over. It was Stacy who encouraged me to go to a widows’ group. It wasn’t supposed to be a dating thing, but it turned out that way.”

Tim’s deal with the district attorney required him to participate in forums throughout the state that spoke of the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs. Not only were they illegal, but deadly. When he completed his required number of events, Tim found he had a knack for speaking to college-aged kids.

It was like he was given a second chance in life and he was always grateful. He didn’t take the freedom he was given for granted and made a concerted effort to make his corner of the world a better place. He and Susie were unsure about marriage, having both done so before, but they spoke often about merging their households. They were both parents and about to be empty nesters.

“Are both boys here yet?” Tim asked about his brothers. They were as close as they’d ever been.

“JR is here and last I saw him he was talking to Dad. Jenny should be here with the kids at any time. When Stacy gets here, have her find me. I want to talk about her internship at the Observer,” Katie said. She was the assistant editor of the Observer, still under Stew Mantooth. He was all but retired, so Katie ran the operation most of the time.

***

“There she is—almost double digits.” Katie kissed Maddie and wrapped her in a hug. Her birthday was the following week and she’d be 10.

“My dad is coming. Every time we come down from the mountain, people stop him and ask if he can make them this or that. Famous people call sometimes, and he had to tell them he has enough work,” Maddie said. “Is Papa Flip here yet?”

“Not yet, sweetie. There’s plenty to eat, why don’t you go check it out? I can see your dad talking to some folks—he might need saving.”

Bart had officially adopted Maddie when she was six. It didn’t take long before Maddie figured out she had a special connection to Flip Banks. The adults thought it would be confusing and harmful, but she had accepted it with no problem. Bart was her dad and Flip was her papa. Maddie thought she was lucky, having two dads, and Cherry was a bonus because she spoiled her rotten.

Flip wanted to support Maddie financially, but Bart insisted he do it. There would be an inheritance someday and help with college, but otherwise, it was all Bart. It was ironic that the whole thing had started as a money scheme and now no one cared much about it.

Bart had opened a showroom in the mill, which was JR’s brainchild, and his woodworking skills were noticed. First, it was the locals who picked up on his skills, which spread statewide, nationwide, and beyond. He made more than enough money to buy land on nearby Tucker Mountain. Together with architects and builders who were happy to work with the woodworking wunderkind, Bart built a home.

“Bart, I need you for something.” Katie led him away by the elbow.

“Thanks, sis! Your neighbor has a vision for a new mantlepiece. I didn’t have the heart to tell her there would be a three-year wait until I could get to such a commission. Have you seen my girl?”

“Yes, she went looking for sweets. She eats so much, and Maddie is still a beanpole,” Katie said. “I guess it has something to do with being ten.”

“It’s hereditary, too. Flip is over 40 and he doesn’t have an ounce of fat on him. One thing that grows on Maddie is her feet.” Bart chuckled. “Good thing Flip gives her new shoes every month. At my request, he’s been easy on getting her to run, but it’s in her genes. She can’t wait for middle school so she can run track.”

“Has she been to see Cassie lately?” Katie asked. The prison in Southern Oregon had a family day for incarcerated parents with young children. It was offered semi-monthly and Bart took Maddie four times a year.

“We have a visit scheduled next month. Maddie doesn’t look forward to going, nor does she dread it. I try and keep up my end of the bargain with Cassie and Flip acts like she’s dead. Unfortunately, this is something Maddie will have to deal with forever, and who knows what will happen when Maddie is an adult.”

“Cassie will have a parole hearing someday, right?” Katie asked.

“No way. Malice and forethought and framing someone else for the murder. Cassie got life plus 25 years,” Bart said. “I feel the need for an adult beverage.” He smiled.

Katie didn’t blame him—talking about Cassie Derringer was not easy on Bart. She couldn’t imagine the situation her brother was in. He had made a promise to Cassie not to turn Maddie against her and make sure she attended visits several times a year. Bart lived up to his end of the bargain and because he did, Maddie loved her mom as much as she could. Only time would tell how she would feel when she was an adult.

***

Clay came up behind Katie and kissed her on the cheek as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

“Clay, one of these days you’re going to give me a heart attack!”

“Sorry, Katie. I’ll try and control myself in the future. You’re in control all the time and the look on your face when you’re surprised is priceless. What can I do to help?” he asked.

“We’re good. My favorite people are here, and the yard has never looked better, if I do say so myself. It took six years for the plants and trees to fill in. It’s been a long process, but it was worth it. Takes patience to create a garden like this,” Katie said.

“I know about patience, Katie. You worked at the Observer for two years before you said yes to a date. Then you insisted we keep our relationship a secret even though everyone knew what was happening.” Clay smiled.

“Was I worth the wait?” Katie asked coyly.

“Every minute of it, Katie. I see Sally heading this way, so I’m going to leave you two to some mother/daughter talk.” Clay kissed Katie on her cheek.

“I’ll see you at the office on Monday. I’ll be putting together my investigation on the Midnight Graffiti Artist,” Katie said.

Clay shook his head. “Whoever said Lush Butte doesn’t have anything to write about. This must be your tenth investigative series.”

“Something like that. If there’s corruption or wrongdoing, I’ll find it.” Katie had been shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize three times. She hadn’t won yet, but her mention was notable considering the size of the Observer. The New York Times called regularly, and she seriously considered an at-large position, but it required too much travel. In the end, it was Lush Butte, family, and friends that kept her where she was.

***

“Mom, you outdid yourself with those cakes,” Katie said as she gave her mother a squeeze. “Pru’s with the stethoscope hanging off the mortarboard and Ellie’s in the form of a chicken; they’re splendid and unique. You have become quite the artist with fondant.”

“Thanks, Katie. I have so much fun doing it. I’m proud of the girls, of course, but also you. You’ve created this world for them where they feel confident and safe. I know it’s never been easy, raising the girls and being a full-time investigative journalist.”

“The compliment means a lot coming from you. You have this mothering thing nailed down, and grandmothering, too. We’re both blessed,” Katie said. “I can’t help but think of the Banks family when we have milestones like this. So much was taken from them when Sawyer died. I don’t think I’d be able to handle something like that. Maybe it’s one reason I do what I do. I have so much, and I want to help people that are less fortunate find answers.”

“Flip appreciates having Maddie in his life. That girl is a treasure and she has both of her dads wrapped around her little finger We make do with what we are given,” Sally said as she saw the last of the guests arrive. “Speaking of Flip, he just arrived with Cherry and Eric Hall, and it looks like they may have had a beer at the 19^th Hole.”

“I’ll bet. It’s a good thing Cherry drove them here. I know she’ll get those two rascals straightened up.” Katie laughed. “I see Dale arrived, too, with a very pregnant Colleen. She gets a gold star for traveling all this way in her condition. I hope she doesn’t give birth here, in my yard, but knowing how anything happens in this family, I wouldn’t be surprised.”

After everyone was assembled and grabbed a beverage, Katie offered a toast.

“I’d like to congratulate both my girls, Pru and Ellie—I couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments and I’m excited for what’s to come. To Pru and Ellie.”

Pru raised her hand. “Before we toast, I have something to say. Ellie and I wouldn’t be the women we are today if not for our mother, Katie Bertrand. We’re lucky if we become half the woman you are.” Pru looked at Ellie and they said, in unison, “We love you, Mom.”

Everyone raised a glass.

THE END

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