P.D. Workman - Rushin Death

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1

I t had been too long since Kenzie had been to Burlington to see her mother. She couldnt remember for sure when the last time had been. Long enough to make her feel guilty about it. But she wasnt going to wallow in that guilt. She was on her way to Lisa Cole Kirschs house for a surprise Christmas Day visit, and that would make up for her negligence over the past months. Lisa loved Christmastime. Kenzie could remember how she used to decorate the house; everything draped in fairy lights, Christmas trees in almost every room, garlands, nutcrackers, candles, and every other kind of Christmas decoration she could think of. It was beautiful, like stepping into a fairyland.

But she knew that wasnt how it would be when she got to the house. Walter had mentioned that Lisa didnt go all out for Christmas anymore. Without any children at home, she didnt see the point in going to all of the work. Kenzie could understand that, even though it made her feel a little sad.

They would have a nice afternoon and evening just visiting, reminiscing over old times and, of course, whatever Kenzies mother managed to drag her into. There was always a cause or function or soup kitchen. Lisa Cole Kirschs name was known all over the state, maybe all over the northeastern states, for her philanthropy. She was always working on some campaign. And Kenzie would help her out this time without any eye-rolling or complaints. That would be her gift to her mother.

Walter Kirsch, Kenzies father, would probably be there too, even though he and Lisa had been divorced for many years and lived in different cities. They still saw each other often and kept up. They were great friends. They just werent married anymore. Since the Senate was closed for Christmas break, there wouldnt be much lobbying for Walter to do, and he could sit back and relax for a few days. Though Walter probably wouldnt actually take much time off. Just because the Senate wasnt sitting, that didnt mean all of the backroom lobbying had ceased. It might be just the opportunity Walter needed to see people who were normally unavailable. They were off for Christmas and, if he was lucky, feeling more charitable than usual.

But he would probably be with Lisa for Christmas Day at least. When Kenzie had talked to her mother that morning, Lisa had said that she might see him.

Vermont was beautiful during the winter. Yes, it was cold, and the roads got bad, and Zachary hated the postcard-perfect views of snow-laden trees in the days leading up to Christmas. It was a difficult time of year for him and, consequently, for Kenzie. But that didnt ruin her enjoyment of the view. It looked like the inside of a snow globe.

She didnt enjoy driving Zacharys car as much as she would have enjoyed driving her sporty red convertibleher babybut Zachary had suggested that she use it while he was in the hospital. It was better for winter driving and certainly held the heat better than her baby with its canvas top. Kenzie had finally conceded and left her car in the garage, taking Zacharys nondescript white compact instead. He had purchased it because it blended in so that he could conduct surveillance. He didnt want a vehicle that would stand out or be identifiable. There were white compacts everywhere, and his was never the only one parked on the street, no matter where he went.

Kenzie exited the highway and pulled into the familiar streets of Burlington. They had been her stomping grounds growing up, but felt foreign now, like they were from another life. Really, they were from another life. From before Amanda had died. Before Kenzie had overhauled her life and gone to medical school. Before her job at the Medical Examiners Office. Before Zachary. She hardly even recognized her younger self when she looked back at her old life. A spoiled trust-fund kid, even if she hadnt thought she was. She thought that she was independent and had her own mind. But really, she had just been drifting. Finding herself, Lisa had said generously. Kenzie had been rebelling against her mothers socialite life but still living on her trust fund, not needing to find work. So she went to a lot of parties, took home a lot of young men, and helped her mother out with one of her causes when Lisa managed to twist her arm hard enough. Kenzie hadnt been unique; she had been a cliche.