Buffalo Mesa Mummy

Chapter 26

Maria slid into the back seat of the big limousine next to Mrs. McMillan while the driver held the door for her. She stroked the smooth leather and smiled.

“This is the nicest car I have ever been in.” Maria said, with a big grin. She rubbed her hand across the glove soft leather and leaned back into the luscious seat.

“When Roger and I first got married we had a car that was so old we had to put a board in the floor so our feet wouldn’t fall through. Once he didn’t see a big puddle and both of us were drenched when the water came inside.” Maria’s companion laughed easily at the recollection.

The ride was pleasant as Mrs. McMillan regaled Maria with stories of her life. She had plenty of stories about Samantha and some of them made Maria laugh out loud.

“Once, when Samantha was about ten years old, she decided that because it was a cold and wet day all the stray animals should be out of the weather. I heard this terrible ruckus coming from her room and went to investigate. When I opened the door to her room there were at least a dozen dogs, cats, and some other animal that I never could figure out what it was. The dogs were after the cats, which had wisely climbed the curtains and were perched on top of the curtain rod. Samantha was trying to get the dogs away and stepped on the edge of the curtain and pulled it down on top of her.” Mrs. McMillan laughed.

“What happened then?” Maria asked.

“Well, the dogs chased the cats all over the house and we chased the dogs. The “I don’t know what kind of animal it was” just sat there in the middle of the room watching it all.” She said.

“It sounds like your daughter was quite a handful.” Maria said.

“Oh, she was at that,” Mrs. McMillan agreed, “And I imagine you have given your mother more than one crazy memory.”

Maria started to protest, but then thought about the last couple weeks and decided her new friend was probably right.

“We are here Mum.” The limo driver announced as they pulled up in front of the county jail.

“Mum?” Maria asked in a whisper.

“Fredrick’s from England.” Mrs. McMillan whispered back.

For a long moment both of them sat looking at the plain gray building that housed the county prisoners. Inside was the man that had taken part in the kidnapping of Samantha McMillan. Samantha had died and now her mother was about to meet that man face to face.

Maria placed her hand lightly on the woman’s arm and asked, “Mrs. McMillan, are you sure you want to do this?”

Placing her hand on top of Maria’s she smiled and said, “Oh, I am sure Maria. There is one thing I would like from all of you.”

“From us? What could you want from us?” Maria asked.

Mrs. McMillan laughed and patted Maria on the shoulder. “It isn’t that big of a thing. I would just like it if ya’ll would not call me Mrs. McMillan all the time. It sounds so formal and well…stiff. Now, I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina and in the south they have a much better way of addressing someone that is a little more casual, but still respectful. I would like you three to call me Miss Anna. Would that be ok with you?”

“Miss Anna, Miss Anna,” Maria repeated to herself a couple times. “I like that…Miss Anna.”

“Good, then shall we go inside so I can meet Mr. Kershaw?” Miss Anna asked. 

Somehow Fredrick, her driver, knew she was ready to exit the vehicle, even though he had been standing by the front fender. He quickly moved around and opened the door. Miss Anna gracefully exited the car and Maria slid across the seat so Fredrick wouldn’t have to go around to the other side.