Free Garnet or Garnets Curse by Nancy Brewer Page B

her father had not been able to control her either. She was dressed in men’s clothing and her body was covered with tattoos. In addition to her unsightly appearance, she drank, smoked and cursed at the children. The village people were afraid of her and that fueled her bad disposition.
    Shortly after that she claimed Martin as her brother and they moved back in the old home place. Nell called him Ox, because she worked him like one. She soon became frustrated when she realized his strength was regulated by his weak mind. Her plans to restore the place cooled.
    Maria suspected that Nell mistreated her servant girl and Ox. She tried on several occasions to convince Nell to let the girl go and put Ox in a proper institution. The captain had left them an inheritance and they could have lived comfortably had Nell not been so greedy.
    I listened carefully. I understood why Ox brought me there. He thinks of Maria as his mother. Maria was a good talker, but when I asked where Nell was, she grew silent.
    “I’ll have to go back,” I said, standing to my feet.
    “You won’t be able to do that,” Maria said.
    “I have to. My father left me there and he will be back for me any day now,” I clarified.
    “Garnet, the house has burned to the ground with Nell inside,” she said, sympathetically.
    “Nell is dead?” I questioned.
    “Yes. The fire department believes she was most likely in one of her drunken stupors and knocked over a lamp. By the time they got there, there was nothing left but Ox and his shack. The police came this morning and took Ox to the department for questioning. They explained it was just a matter of routine. I am sure they will see he is simple and bring him back in a couple of hours.”
    She had just finished her words when someone knocked at the door. She looked out the window and saw the police wagon. “See,” she said. “They are already returning him.” She opened the front door, but the police officer was alone. “Where is Martin?” she asked.
    “The chief is holding him for further investigation,” the police officer answered.
    “Why? He is a man of shallow mind. What can be accomplished by further questioning?” Maria said, laughing nervously.
    “We found an empty kerosene can and a used box of matches behind his shack. When we questioned him, he got frustrated and angry. He said something about a big fight and a pretty lady. Do you know anything about this, Mrs. Lanier?
    “No, of course not,” Maria lied. “Poor Martin gets confused. It is part of the illness, you know,” she whispered.
    At that point, she must have stepped outside and closed the door. I heard nothing more, until I heard the wagon go down the drive.
    It was several minutes before she came back inside. “I need to go down to the department and sign some sort of papers. Will you be alright dear?” she asked.
    “Yes, I believe so,” I replied.
    “Well make yourself at home. Try to get some rest and I will be back shortly,” she said, as she reached for her hat and scarf. “Oh, if anyone comes around asking questions, best not mention your association with Nell. Tell them you are my niece visiting from abroad,” she coached.
    “But...,” I said, thinking someone might show up with a message from my father.
    “Just don’t go to the door; that will be best,” she instructed, and hurried out the door. I went to the window and watched her trot down the drive.
    After Maria left, I felt compelled to wander over her house. What a contrast it was to Nell’s. Everything was orderly and clean. Paintings hung on the wall and the cupboards were filled with perishables. On the stove was a freshly baked cake. Since she had said make yourself at home, I felt having a piece would be excused.
    Most of the books on the shelves in the main room were religious reading. I was taught to believe that the Holy Church is the sole interpreter of God’s word. It is through the church’s guidance that we are taught the scriptures