This story is intended for amusement purposes only. This story is not meant to infringe on the names of Remington Steele, Laura Holt or anything that would cause MTM productions or anybody else to sue me. This story is the property of Lisa Watson ã 2001.
Remington looked at the phone as though it were a real person. He couldn't have heard Francis right. She was upset and maybe he'd misunderstood her.
"Francis, what did you say?"
"Mother's dead. I got a call...from her neighbor Lois. She was supposed to pick mother up for their afternoon bridge party. She called but mother didn't answer so she went over to the house. Mother's car was in the driveway but she didn't answer the door so Lois used her key. When...when she went in she found her, lying on the floor in the living room. She'd been vacuuming and...and when Lois checked her pulse there wasn't one. Lois called 911 and the paramedics came but couldn't revive her. Apparently it was a heart attack but we won't know for sure until the autop...autopsy," Francis choked out.
Francis dissolved into tears and Remington heard the phone drop. It was quickly picked up and then Remington heard Donald's calm voice. He filled Remington in on everything they'd been told thus far and then asked after Laura.
"Well she collapsed after hearing the news from Francis. Mildred's with her right now in my office. What's the next step Donald? How soon will you both be headed to Connecticut?"
"I'll be booking a flight as soon as we get off the phone. I guess we'll stay at the house. I think Francis will want to stay there and get things seen to." Donald said quietly.
"Quite right Donald. I'll ring off now and go check on Laura. Call me after you've made flight arrangements so that I can try to get us on the same flight."
"Sure thing Remington." Donald said and hung up.
Hanging up the receiver Remington stared at the desk a few seconds, squared his shoulders and headed to his office. Seeing him enter Mildred rose and went to his side.
"She's better, but I don't know for how long. You want me to do anything Chief?"
"Yes Mildred, Donald should be calling any moment with the flight information. See if you can book us on the same flight and then cancel all our upcoming appointments - until further notice," he said somberly.
"Sure thing Boss and I'm coming too," Mildred replied.
"Thank you Mildred, I'm sure we'll need you." Remington said rubbing her arm.
Mildred left, closing the door behind her. Remington went over to the couch and leaned down next to it. Laura was laying there staring at the floor. He saw the tears sliding onto the fabric from her face and reached out to wipe one away.
"Laura, don't worry about anything, Mildred is booking us on the next flight to Connecticut with Francis and her family." Remington assured her.
"How," Laura whispered. "How could she have died so suddenly? I just talked to her two days ago and she sounded like she always did. What could've happened?" Laura said in a voice heavy with emotion.
"The unofficial report is a heart attack. It happened quickly Laura, she was...she wasn't breathing by the time her neighbor found her and though she called the paramedics they weren't able to revive her."
Laura eased herself up and put her head in her hands. Remington knew by the slight movement of her shoulders that she was crying. He got up, sat down next to her and pulled her close. Laura sank solidly against him as Remington rubbed her back and said soothing words of comfort. He didn't know if what he said was right or wrong, but he wanted Laura to know that through it all he would be right there with her.
*******************
The next twelve hours were a blur to Laura; Remington drove her home, did most of her packing and then drove them to his house to pack his clothes and await Mildred's arrival. From there they drove to LAX and met up with the Pipers. Laura and Francis hugged each other tightly but neither one cried. Remington suggested they sit together for awhile since the flight would be a long one. They had a stopover in San Francisco and then would travel on to New Haven arriving the following morning. When the flight attendant stopped to take drink orders Laura and Francis both ordered a glass of wine.
"It's strange you know? I feel so numb Francis. Like I'm not even myself,"
"I know. I'm always so organized you know and now I can't even think straight. All I keep thinking about is what Mother and I talked about when...when I spoke with her yesterday. I didn't have a clue that something like this would happen. She sounded fine when I spoke with her and was looking forward to her bridge game. It just doesn't seem real that Mother is gone," Francis' voice broke .
Laura squeezed her sister's hand and stared out into the darkening sky. Her stomach clenched and felt like it was turning in on itself. She closed her eyes and breathed slowly in an effort to calm herself.
Once they'd arrived in New Haven they rented cars for the drive to Stratford. The Pipers rented a minivan and Remington rented a Chrysler Sebring convertible. Laura quirked an eyebrow but refrained from comment.
"Yes, well I thought the domestic car line was due a turn," Remington clarified as if she'd spoken.
He'd gotten a map from the rental place in case Laura wasn't up to navigating but Donald said he knew the way and to follow them. Mildred decided to ride with the Pipers so Remington and Laura were alone. Remington tried for a few minutes to keep up conversation but when it became apparent Laura would remain silent he followed suit. The drive took only twenty minutes and soon they pulled up in front of a large victorian home on a quiet, residential street. Remington got out, stretched his legs and walked around to open the door for Laura. A gesture he didn't do often since Laura usually bolted out the car by herself. She got out and stood rigidly by the passenger side panel looking at her mother's house. It was exactly as she remembered and every square inch bore the mark of Abigail Holt; the siding was gray with bright white trim, window boxes were perched snuggly below the front windows housing an array of colorful flowers and a large, colorful flag welcoming friends hung from one of the porch's columns. The large porch had a wooden bench swing and wicker accent chairs. The fenced yard was well manicured and beautifully landscaped, another one of Abigail's trademarks. The small party hadn't reached the door when it opened and a plump, red-eyed woman came onto the porch.
"Hello, I'm Lois, Abigail's neighbor. I thought I should come over to meet you," the woman said tearfully.
Donald shook the elderly woman's hand and introduced everyone. They followed Lois into the house and into the living room. Laura's eyes immediately went to the floor and she stiffened. Remington followed her line of sight and quickly suggested they congregate in another room.
"Oh my, I'm sorry I shouldn't have..." the woman apologized.
"No it's fine Lois, perhaps another room where we could sit and talk would be better," Remington replied politely.
"Yes, the sunroom at the back of the house would be better," Lois said rushing ahead of them.
"Can I get any of you something to drink? Coffee, tea? Soda for the children?" Lois offered.
Laura, Francis, Donald and Remington declined but Mildred spoke up.
"That would be wonderful Lois but you sit, the kids and I can find the kitchen." Mildred said ushering the kids from the room.
Lois sat on the edge of an arm chair and looked at the group.
"I suppose you all most be tuckered out from the long plane ride. Would you care to rest up before we talk?" she said looking at Francis and Laura.
"Laura?" Francis spoke up.
"I'm fine. Lois I know I speak for everyone when I say thank you for being here and assisting mother," Laura said with difficulty.
"She was my closest friend Miss Holt. I'd have done anything for Abigail and I'm just as shocked about her passing as you all must be," Lois sniffed.
"Call me Laura please. Uh where is mother now?" Laura asked. She couldn't bear to say "mother's body."
"At the morgue. One of her family members had to identify and sign for her release to the funeral home. Since you all arrived so quickly it wasn't necessary for me to claim her. I've got the name and number of the local funeral home and Abigail's lawyer."
"Thank you Lois," Laura said before she stood up and excused herself.
"Uh I think now would be a good time to take the bags upstairs and get the kids settled." Donald said rising.
"Donald I can do that but I guess now's a good time to discuss sleeping arrangements any suggestions?" Francis asked.
"Since there's only 3 bedrooms, I'd be happy to put anyone up at my place," Lois offered.
"Thanks for the offer Lois but I think we'll manage just fine," Donald assured her. "Remington is that alright with you?"
"Actually I'm going to check with Laura to see if she'd like to stay here or in a hotel," Remington replied and went to find Laura.
Laura was upstairs in her mother's room looking around. Remington tapped lightly on the open door before he entered. He walked over to her and took her hand in his. It was cold and slightly shaky.
"Laura, what would you like to do about the sleeping arrangements? Since there are only 3 bedrooms here Lois offered her place or we could stay in a hotel, whatever you'd prefer."
A few moments went by in silence before Laura spoke up. "I'd like us to stay in a hotel if you don't mind and since the kids are here I think it would be best. I know I should want to stay here but..." Laura's voice trailed off.
Remington hugged her lightly and kissed the top of her head.
"Laura it's ok. Whatever makes you comfortable is what we'll do. How about we go check with Mildred to see if she'd prefer to stay here or in a hotel eh?"
Mildred opted to stay at the house in case she was needed to help with the kids but she told Remington she'd research the hotels in the area for them.
A few minutes later Mildred came back and informed Remington that there were only three hotels to choose from in Stratford and those had only standard rooms available.
"Mildred would you try widening your search to include the surrounding areas?" Remington asked.
With a knowing smile Mildred went off to investigate. She returned within five minutes and informed Remington that he and Laura were booked in a suite at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale. It wasn't too far so he didn't think Laura would mind opting for the luxury hotel.
"You are beyond valuable Mildred," Remington said in earnest.
"Like fine wine and cheese Boss?" Mildred laughed to hide her embarrassment.
"Much more Mildred. I honestly don't know what Laura and I would do without you,"
"Well isn't it lucky you don't have to be without me." Mildred said pinching his cheek.
Remington quickly agreed and kissed her soundly.
Mildred called Abigail's lawyer and set up an appointment with the family for the following day. Once that was taken care of she offered to cook dinner for the kids and keep an eye on them while Donald, Laura and Francis went to to claim Abigail's body. Remington wanted to go but Laura told him she'd be fine and for him to get them settled at the hotel. Donald assured a hesitant Remington that he'd take care of his wife and Laura so he left. At the hotel Remington unpacked and ordered a bottle of wine and a bouquet of fresh flowers to be brought up from room service. He discarded his wrinkled suit, took a hot shower and changed into jeans and a sweater before heading back to Abigail's.
***************
In her profession visits to the morgue were numerous and Laura tried reminding herself of this as she walked into the cold, white, sterile room that housed endless rows of drawers where the bodies were kept. Donald offered to identify Abigail instead of Laura and Francis but they refused. Trying to be as businesslike as she could Laura stood rigidly by the technician as he opened the drawer and pulled it out. When the white sheet was slid back to reveal her mother's face Laura felt the room and the moment recede. She heard Francis crying but it didn't touch her. She saw her mother's pale blue skin and it didn't touch her, she felt her nails digging into her crossed arms but it didn't touch her. Instead she recalled a time long gone, when her mother was chastising her for using her good glasses to mix the volcano lava for her science project or when she grounded her for wrapping a sleeping Francis up in liquid starch and newspaper to make a pinata out of her. Standing as still as a statue Laura looked on with unseeing eyes as the technician pulled the sheet back over her mother's face and slowly closed the heavy drawer. The loud sound that came afterwards, like the closing of a refrigerator door startled her, she blinked and returned to the present. They followed the technician out to retrieve their mother's personal items and sign the necessary papers. Laura listened to the clicked of their shoes on the tiled floor as they left the room. She turned around a final time to look at Abigail's drawer before leaving the room.
When they arrived back at her mother's house Remington was there playing a game of "Go Fish" with Mildred and the kids. He stood up when they walked in and went to Laura's side.
"Are you ok?" he asked with concern.
"Yeah I'm fine. Have you eaten?" Laura asked heading for the kitchen.
"Uh no, not yet. I wasn't up for it. How about you? Would you like me to fix you something or go out?" Remington offered following her into the kitchen.
"No thanks, I'll just have some coffee." Laura replied grabbing a cup off the counter.
Remington eyed her and wondered at her calm demeanor. Francis had arrived looking haggard and blood shot and even Donald's look was strained, but Laura just looked nonchalant.
"Are you ready to go back to the hotel?" Remington inquired.
"Yes, I think I should turn in. We've got to meet with mother's lawyer and the funeral director tomorrow," Laura said quickly drinking her coffee and washing out the cup.
On the way to the hotel Laura talked non-stop. She talked about work, getting the floors polished at her loft, getting the rabbit's oil changed when they returned to L.A. and how beautiful New England was in the fall. Remington replied when he could get a word in edgewise, which wasn't often.
"Wow this place is beautiful!" Laura exclaimed when she entered their room. She looked out the window at the flickering lights and the impressive edifices at Yale University. "Now this a view," Laura said as she toured their suite.
"Uh would you care for some wine?" Remington said loudly since Laura had gone into the bathroom.
"Yes that would be nice," Laura called back.
Remington opened the bottle and poured out two glasses. He sat on the couch and waited for her return. Laura came in and sat down next to him. She drank the wine and smiled at the fresh bouquet of flowers.
"You ordered those too?" Laura asked.
"I thought their beauty would give you a boost, however brief." Remington responded.
"I'm fine. I'll admit I was a basket case earlier but I'm much better now." Laura replied.
"Laura you don't have to put up a front for me..." Remington began.
"I'm not. Really I'm fine now. The most important thing is for me to hold myself together and make sure I'm there to handle all the details. Francis isn't in any shape for that right now."
"Laura, you don't have to deal with this on your own you know. We're here to help, we want to help."
"I know and I appreciate you and Mildred being here. It means alot to me and I'm sure mother would be happy you're here, she always liked you," Laura concluded.
"I know. I always liked her and not just because she was your mother," Remington said softly. "Laura if...if you need to talk about anything I'm here for you,"
"I know you are. I think I'll take a bath. That tub looks too inviting too resist." Laura remarked.
Remington watched her retrieve her robe and go into the bathroom. When the water began running and he heard Laura moving about he went to the desk and called Abigail's. Mildred answered the phone and after talking to her he asked to speak to Donald.
"Donald, I just wanted to see how Francis is doing,"
"Not too well but that was to be expected. She's lying down right now but I don't think she'll sleep too much over the next few days. How's Laura?" Donald asked.
"Well. A bit too well if you ask me. She claims she's fine but I don't buy it." Remington sighed.
"You know Laura better than anyone Remington. Do you think she'll be able to hold up?"
"Laura is good at hiding her feelings Donald. Lord knows she's done it often enough. Her initial reaction was much different then the one she's displaying now believe me. I only hope she won't internalize her grief."
"Francis too. There's so much tense history between the three of them. I hope this brings her and Laura closer together."
"I'm sure it will Donald. We'll see you in the morning."
"Sure thing and don't eat before you get here. If I know Francis she'll be up at the crack of dawn cooking enough food to feed a small village." Donald concluded.
Remington hung up and turned to the bathroom door. He didn't hear water running anymore. In fact it was completely silent. He wondered if he should check on Laura but decided she probably needed the time to herself. Twenty minutes later Laura came out of the bathroom in a floor length nightgown, her skin glowing from the heat of the water and what he knew was her loofah sponge.
"You look refreshed," he commented.
"I do feel better now that I've gotten the travel grime off." Laura replied.
Assuring her he wouldn't be long Remington retrieved his silk robe and pajama bottoms and headed for the bathroom. When he returned he found Laura curled up on her side in bed with her eyes closed. He discarded his robe, turned off the lights and climbed into bed. He laid on his back and stared at the ceiling for a few moments before speaking.
"Laura? Are you asleep?"
"Not yet."
"Good." Remington said as he leaned over and pulled her into his arms.
"I wanted to give you a goodnight hug and was hoping you'd be awake to receive it."
"Like I'd go to sleep before getting that," Laura said wearily.
"Oh I don't know. You've gone to bed plenty of nights without it before," Remington reminded her.
"Yes but that's only when I'm mad at you," Laura replied.
"Fair enough. Good night Laura. Remember I'm here if you need anything."
"I know and good night to you too."
Releasing her Remington eased over to his side of the bed and turned over. Laura listened and waited until she heard his even breathing. When she'd assured herself he was sleep she quietly crept out of the bed and into the bathroom. She closed the door without making a sound and slid down to sit on the cool tiled floor. Within seconds she released the tears that she'd kept at bay, the sorrow she felt and like a frightened child she curled herself into a ball and cried for her mother.