The Wives Of Edward Denbre by Robert F. Clifton (macos ebook reader .TXT) 📕

“Henrietta, there are luxury hotels there.”

“Really. How luxurious?”

“I brought the brochures home with me. I remember seeing one hotel, the Brentwood, that listed their rooms at three hundred and seventy five dollars a night.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“Well, here it is. See for yourself. And, by the way, when you're done doubting me I need you to sign this card.”

“What's that?”

“I'm changing my account at Commerce bank into a joint account. In order to do so they need your signature.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“Because, as the man of the house I see it as my responsibility to pay the bills around here. Since the bills come to you I thought it would be easier for you to just write a check. Now, when you do, it will be out of our account.”

“I suppose you're right. I'll sign it later.”

“Good, now what about my idea of a vacation in Zion National Park?”

“I have to think about it. You do realize that I'm not the outdoors type.”

Later that evening Edward stood looking at the signature of Henrietta Denbre. It appeared, neat and bold and looked to be easy to duplicate. As he looked at the handwritten names, Henrietta Denbre, he smiled, then placed the card in his briefcase.

Over the days and weeks that followed Denbre continued to try and convince Henrietta to join him on a vacation to Utah.

As he tried, she resisted and he reluctantly backed away from an outright argument. Instead, he made the weekend trips to Ventnor and Atlantic City. There, in the condo he practiced forging Henrietta's name. It wasn't perfect, but he was getting close to it appearing authentic.

On another Monday morning after driving from Atlantic City Edward entered the house. “Did you get everything done that you intended to do?”, asked Henrietta.

“Not quite, but I'm make progress,” he answered.

“And no casino's?”

“Nope!”

“Good, because I have a surprise for you”.

“A surprise?”

“Yes dear. I've just learned the the Women's Leadership Conference is going to be held at the MGM in Las Vegas. Before I commit myself to attending in July I want to check out the accommodations. Since Las Vegas is only hours away from Zion National Park I thought that we could see the park. After that rent a car and drive to Vegas. We'll stay at the MGM and while I

look things over before I decide about the conference you can play in the casino. What do you think of that Idea?”

Denbre smiled and after taking Henrietta in his arms said, “I don't know what I'd do without you dear.”

Chapter Six

Zion

Henrietta and Edward followed the bellman down the hallway which led to their suite of rooms. As they did Denbre held his breath hoping that his wife would like the rooms and not make a scene if she didn't. When they came to the door to their suite the bellman unlocked the door then allowed the couple to enter first.

Walking slowly around the room Henrietta remained silent. She walked to the large picture window, parted the drapes with one hand and looked out toward the mountains in the distance.“Well, I must admit dear that what you said about the Brentwood is true. These accommodations are better than I expected. Now, we'll have to wait and see about the qualifications of the chef. Don't forget to tip the man Edward,” she said.

After the bellman left Henrietta began to unpack. As she did Denbre looked out at the red rock formations miles away. From the hotel room window it was impossible for him to be able to judge the height of some of the mountain tops. He tried to find Angels Landing, but couldn't locate it.

The couple dined in the hotel restaurant and once again Henrietta was impressed with both the cuisine and the service. During dinner Edward suggested that they plan the next days activities. They had arrived on a Wednesday. His plan was to be on Angels Landing on a Sunday morning. That way the trail would be either absent of hikers or only a few out and about. Right now he had to create an interest in Henrietta's mindset. He needed her to want to go to Angels Landing. He took a sip of water from the glass on the dining room table and said, “ They say the best place to start is on the trail of Wildcat Canyon. Now that's mostly dry and to do it all the way is only about five miles . I suggest my dear that we just hike a short way in and back. We'll take in the scenery take a few photo's, sit somewhere and have lunch then come back to the hotel. That way we won't be doing more than we should on the first day and besides, we won't need a permit. What do you say?”

“ Make sure you call room service and have them prepare a lunch we can carry, and make sure we have plenty of water, Henrietta replied.

“Speaking of water, there's suppose to be many pools in what they call the Narrows. Some are waist deep so I know you won't want to hike that part of the park.”

“Make sure you check the weather for tomorrow. I don't want to get caught out in any type of storm?”

“Yes Dear.”

After breakfast the next morning Edward and Henrietta made their way to the trail head of Wildcat Canyon. Edward carried the backpack. In it was a lunch prepared by the hotel kitchen staff. It consisted of two ham& cheese sandwiches, two apples, two candy bars and four pint bottles of water. Henrietta carried the camera. It was a bright, sunny morning and the noon day temperature was expected to be seventy two degrees. The snows that had covered the meadows was gone and the bright, daily sunshine dried the mud created by the melting snow. Now, the footing was excellent and they made there way into the fields of the park. As Henrietta stopped occasionally to point out something that caught her attention or to take photographs, Edward noticed that there were very few other hikers on the trails. He expected that there would be less on Sunday. Right now he had to make sure that his wife enjoyed the day so she would hike again.

As they hiked the sounds of birds singing made Henrietta stop. “Listen, I wonder what kind of birds they are?,” she asked.

A guy in the hotel lobby this morning told me to listen for the song of the Hermit Thrush. That's probably what they are,”

Edward answered.

“Well, right now I'm hungry and thirsty. Let's sit on that large log over there and have lunch, Henrietta suggested.

Denbre removed the backpack then sat down on the log. After opening the pack he handed his wife a sandwich and a bottle of water. “I see you neglected to bring napkins,” she said.

“Sorry about that.”

“Really, I don't know how you would make out if anything happened to me. Now, I have a question.”

“What is it?”

“I notice that your checking account is slowly dwindling. You haven't made any deposits in some time. Why?”

Edward thought fast before answering. “ Since I turned the checking into a joint account I no longer look at it. I left that up to you to tell me.”

“Well, I just told you.”

“Thank you dear. I'll move some cash from either my Caribbean or Swiss accounts. There's nothing to worry about,”he lied.

“Good, now after I wipe my mouth with a handkerchief instead of a napkin you forgot to pack we can get on our way. I must admit Edward that your decision to visit the Park was an excellent idea. The scenery is beautiful. I can't remember when I felt so good as I do right now.”

“That's wonderful, but let's not over do it. I want you to enjoy the climb to the top of Angels Landing on Sunday. I'm sure you'll have an experience you've never had before.”

“Are you sure?”

“I'm positive.”

At nine o'clock Sunday morning Edward and Henrietta sat having breakfast in the hotel restaurant. As he chewed on a piece of sausage Denbre looked out through the large window checking the weather conditions. He didn't need any delays or postponements. A delay meant more people on the trail. A postponement meant having to leave and head for Las Vegas. Fortunately, the sun was shining in a cloudless sky.

“Tell me Edward. How do we get to this trail you've been raving about?”, asked Henrietta.

“We simply walk to the Visitors Center and take the shuttle.

Then we're dropped off at the trail head. From there we enjoy the climb to the top of the Landing.”

“I really don't see why this hike is so important.”

“Henrietta, you've read the brochures. Don't they say that it the famous and best of all the trails? Isn't it said that most visitors hike to the top of Angels Landing?”

“Yes, but it is also said that the climb can be strenuous.”

“Believe me my dear, once you're on the trail for awhile you won't feel a thing.”

“I hope you're right. Anyway, after we come back to the hotel I want to pack. We'll have a long drive tomorrow to Vegas. Are you sure there's no problem driving the rental car there?”

“No, I made arrangements to turn it in at the airport the day we fly back home.”

“The airport in Vegas?”

“Naturally.”

“Good. Finish your breakfast dear. I want to get this over as soon as possible.”

“So do I,” Denbre responded.

Two hours later Edward and Henrietta began the climb to the top of Angels Landing. As they did Denbre, leading the way kept looking back, first at Henrietta and second to see if there were other hikers behind them. At that moment they were alone.

He had made the right decision in planning the hike on a Sunday morning.

“I think we're high enough, don't you?”,asked Henrietta.

“Nonsense. We're only half way to the top. You'll never forgive yourself if you don't complete the climb. Come on. Don't be afraid. I'm right here to grab you if anything happens.”

“I don't like it Edward. Right now it's a long way down to the canyon floor.”

“Look up there. See the chain. All you have to do is get there and hold on to the chain the rest of the way. That part of the hike is the easiest. You've already completed the hardest part of the climb.”

“I see a very narrow place up ahead”.

“And with a chain. I'll tell you what. I'll go ahead and wait for you. You take your time. Hold on to the chain with your hand. When you get to that narrow place I'll be there to help you around it.”

“Alright, but I still don't like it.”

Denbre moved quickly up the red rock trail. At the narrow place on the path he looked down. He figured it was at least a thousand feet to the bottom of the canyon. At the same time he saw the jagged rock formations of the mountain walls. Turning his attention to Henrietta he said, “That's it dear. You're doing fine. Just keep coming to me. Take your time.”

As she approached Edward she said, “Give me your hand Edward. I'm scared.”

As he took her hand in his he replied, “There's nothing to be afraid of. Now, let go of the chain. I've got you.”

Henrietta released her grip on the heavy chain. When she did Denbre gave one massive push. He saw the expression on her face change from asking why, to fear. Her mouth opened as if to scream, but no sound came from her. He watched as her body fell, bouncing off of the red rock and down into the trees and shrubbery in the canyon floor. He stood and looked again to see if there was anyone else on the trail. He saw a young couple beginning the ascent and he began screaming, “HENRIETTA!

HENRIETTA!”

It took five hours for the park rangers to search and find Henrietta's body. While they searched