I stared at my hands. They ached from clasping them so tightly. How much was I supposed to say without betraying her trust? “Well, she’s been on and off with the medicine. Sometimes when she feels well, she stops taking it, thinking she no longer needs it.” I shook my head. “I’m to blame for not paying closer attention.”

  Adam put his hand on mine. “No. You’re not to blame.”

  “Then who is?” Dedra said just behind the screen door.

  I startled as Adam lifted his hand from mine. I hadn’t heard her open the front door. How much did she overhear?

  Adam turned to Dedra. “We need to talk about this.”

  “I just need some time.” Dedra said. “Maybe we’re moving too fast.”

  “All right.” He rose from the swing “I can appreciate that. I’m willing to give you all the time you need.”

  “I don’t think I deserve that.” Dedra sounded like she was on the verge of tears.

  “You deserve so much more, really.” Adam rubbed his hands on his slacks. “You just can’t see it.”

  “I’m not sure what to say, Adam.”

  “Well then.” He lowered his gaze. “Just know that I love you.” He paused again, and then without saying another word, walked back to his car.

  Dedra opened the screen door and sat down next to me on the swing. The silence felt heavy between us.

  “An hour ago, when we talked, I thought you’d sort of worked things out about marrying Adam.”

  “I know. . .but I was still afraid.” Dedra leaned forward, resting her head in her hands. “Now I’m relieved.”

  “Oh?” Her behavior was becoming so irrational, Dedra was starting to scare me.

  She licked her lips. “So, will you be postponing your wedding because of the fire?”

  Boy, that was a curious change of subject. “No, I don’t think so.” I shifted in the swing to get more comfortable, since the chain was grinding into me. “Why do you ask?”

  “Just wondering. I figured the repairs would take up a lot of your time.”

  “Well, I’m hiring Woody G., so it should be fine.” Why did Dedra seem so disappointed that I hadn’t postponed my wedding? Did she want me to? Was she hoping for it? Surely not. “If you want to talk about anything, I’m here. Okay?”

  Dedra rose from the porch swing. “No. I think I’ll pull a Bailey and not share what’s going on inside me.” And with that announcement, she turned on her heel and disappeared inside the house.

  Oh. My heart constricted. I guess the confusion Dedra felt, along with her lack of medicine, was working through her. I’d need to keep reminding myself of those facts, because friends need friends in rough times as well as good. I just hadn’t expected Dedra to snap at me. I was certain I deserved the comment, and yet the way she hurled it at me wasn’t at all like her. I would need to put my emotional armor back on temporarily.

  I eased up from the swing, feeling more like seventy than my thirty years. I would check in on Dedra in an hour or so, but for a little while I knew she’d need some quiet rest. A stroll through the neighborhood didn’t sound all that promising to relieve my stress, but I found myself going down the steps anyway. And then, like a horse back to its stall, I headed toward Volstead Manor. The air had suddenly gotten chillier, so I huddled inside my jacket.

  When I arrived in front of the manor, I stopped, gazing upward at it. Except for some fire damage to the turret, no one could really tell from the street that the back part of the house was damaged. From the front anyway, Volstead Manor still looked like home.

  Briefly, I turned my attention to the house at the end of the cul-de-sac, which also happened to be next door to me. The big old two-story place was empty now and had taken on an abandoned look. Every time I looked at it, disturbing flashes came back to me. That house would always hold a place of infamy in my dark album of terrors.

  I shook my head. How strange it all was, looking back. The whispers of a legend surrounding Volstead Manor had always looked like a hoax, but I’d been mistaken about so many things. What else could I be wrong about concerning my mansion of secrets? That subject was enough to keep me awake at nights.

  I folded my arms around me and watched as a flock of turkey vultures circled above me. What could they be up to? Maybe they thought I looked weak and helpless. Easy prey. What intuitive birds.

  A dark gray sedan made a loop around the dead-end and then stopped a few yards from me. Somebody probably wanted directions.

  The driver’s window rolled down, revealing a woman in black glasses, raven hair molded into a stiff bob, and an air of cerebral self-reliance. It was how I’d always imagined people who studied insects.

  “Do you live around here?” the stranger asked me as she stared up at Volstead Manor.

  No, I just spend my time roaming the streets looking lost. “Yes.”

  “Good. I was wondering if you could tell me about this house at the dead-end. I was curious if it was—”

  “Well, the house changed hands from the Lukins to a man named B.J. Ware. After B.J.’s death, his stepbrother, Charlie Ware, inherited the house, but he won’t be coming back for a while, since he’s in a mental health facility. So, yes, the house is empty again.” Is there anything else you’d like to know? I felt myself teetering toward the abyss of lunacy myself, but the lady had asked, and I was suddenly in no mood to water down the facts.

  The woman paused as if deep in thought. “I already know everything you just told me. If you had let me finish, I was merely going to ask about the utilities. If they’re high here.”

  Embarrassment wasn’t quite strong enough to describe what I felt. “I got a little carried away.”

  “Yes, you did.”

  The vultures up on high cruised a little lower now, ever watchful. They must have sensed some sort of fresh vulnerability. “How did you know about B.J. and Charlie Ware? If you don’t mind me asking?”

  The woman rocked her head back and forth, assessing me with what looked like calculative purpose, much like the way a vulture studies its lifeless lunch. “I’m Zola Fowler. I’m B.J. Ware’s older sister.”

  5 – That Dark and Stormy Night

  I could almost hear a crackle of thunder to accompany Zola’s announcement. My mouth forgot how to move. You mean, there were more living relatives in the Ware family? I felt a little swooney. “I see.”

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yes. No. It’s just so unexpected. Charlie never mentioned a stepsister.”

  “Well, as you said, he had issues. But he’s remembering me now, bless his heart. I need a place to stay, and he’s offered the house until he returns.”

  I choked and then regained my composure. “Will he be released soon, do you think?” Surely they wouldn’t let him out. To have him back in the neighborhood would be unthinkable.

  “We don’t know.” Zola leaned over and stuck out her hand. “I guess you’ll be a neighbor then. And you are?”

  I shook her outstretched hand, which felt warm, but also rather rigid and clammy. “I’m Bailey Walker. I live here at Volstead Manor.” I pointed to my house. “But right now, I’m living with my other next-door neighbor, Dedra Morgan. At least until my house is repaired.”

  “Oh?” Once the sun illuminated the rest of Zola’s face, the deep wrinkles around her cheeks and the sagging skin under her neck became more evident. She was perhaps in her late fifties. Hard to tell for sure. But oddly, she sat there just staring at my house. In fact, she’d been glaring at my house long before I’d even mentioned where I lived.

  “There was a fire,” I said, wondering why I’d brought up the subject.

  She clutched the rim of the car’s window as she craned her neck at Volstead Manor. “How terrible was it?”

  “Well, the outside of my house had just been refurbished, so it was very distressing to me.”

  Zola drummed her fingers on the car. “No, I mean how much damage did it do?”

  “Oh. There was significant damage on the north side, enough that I can’t live in the house right now.”

  “I see.” Zola sighed. “I’m sure I’ll see you again then.”

  “Take care.”

  Zola drove off, leaving me in a wake of blue-gray exhaust. I coughed. Lovely. But I couldn’t take my gaze off her car as she drove far up into the Ware driveway and parked. I just hoped she turned out to be a better neighbor than all the previous ones. Of course, it wouldn’t be difficult to win that award. And yet she didn’t seem all that unhappy about my fire. In fact, Zola seemed a little too curious about it and maybe even a bit sad there wasn’t more damage to my house.

  As I faced the Ware’s house, I felt my body lift off the ground. I almost screamed, but smothered my yelp when I realized the perpetrator was Max. My darling Max, who, even though he didn’t see it in himself, was one of the most handsome men who ever lived. At least I thought so. I chuckled and relaxed in his arms. “So, are you practicing for when you carry me over the threshold?”

  “Well, I’ve performed this ritual in my head a thousand times. Thought it might be nice to see what the real thing felt like.” Max got a studier grip on me and headed toward the sidewalk.

  I rested my head against him to enjoy the ride more fully—the strength of his arms and the soft cloud of cologne.

  I’d never even thought to yearn for someone like Max. Didn’t know God could create anyone so perfect for me. But there he was all along. If I’d known what awaited me in Houston, I would have quit my realty job in Oklahoma years earlier. And that dark and stormy night when we first met would have gone very differently. I wouldn’t have been so numb to the rest of the world around me. Wouldn’t have been quite so self-sufficient. Instead, I would have seen Max for the man he really was, and I would have boldly asked him what he was doing for the rest of his life. “Are you going to carry me all the way to Dedra’s house?”

  “No, I’m carrying you all the way to my house.”

  Good thing that was only one more house down. “You know, I think I like being carried. Can we do this again tomorrow?”

  Max grinned.

  Magnolia got up from her work of planting winter pansies. “Look at you lovebirds. Aren’t you a sweet sight,” she hollered from across the street. “Warms this old heart of mine. Yes indeed. Mm, mm, mm.” She chuckled and then eased her ample frame back down to her flowerbed.

  I waved at her while Max kept trucking down the sidewalk. When we arrived at his front door, he pushed the lever and let the door swing open. Instead of dropping his heavy burden, he ever so slowly released me while administering an unhurried kiss.

  “And is that the way you’re going to kiss me in the church after we say, ‘I do’?”

  “Think it’ll raise a few eyebrows?”

  “I hope so.”

  We tossed our jackets on the living room couch.

  “I’ve made us French roast and lots of it.” Max headed toward the kitchen.

  “Yes!” I did a jig. “I have to say, Dedra is as generous as they come, but she doesn’t know squat about brewing coffee. Or how to buy good beans.”

  Max picked up the carafe, poured us our coffees, and then scooted a mug over to me. I loved his kitchen as I did the rest of his house. Rich colors, lots of stone, and high-tech everything.

  I nearly stuck my nose in the black liquid as I breathed in deeply. Oh, yeah. When I noticed a bowl of shelled peanuts sitting next to the coffee machine, I took a few nibbles.

  Max scooped up some peanuts and popped them in his mouth. Before he’d even swallowed, he’d already dug in for another handful.

  “I had no idea you loved peanuts so much.”

  He cornered me against the curve of the counter. “Well now, I guess that’ll be one of the many fun things you’ll learn about me after we’re married.”

  I tugged on the collar of his crisp white shirt. “I can’t wait to get to know you better, Mr. Sumner.”

  Max kissed me then, peanut breath and all.

  “By the way, how is Dedra?” he asked.

  Guess that romantic moment is over. “Why do you ask?” I reached over to the counter, poured a liberal amount of cream in my coffee, and took a tentative sip. Ahh. Ambrosia. Real coffee. Life is bearable again.

  Max sat down on a stool on the other side of the counter. “She was acting peculiar the other day. Didn’t look like she was feeling very well.”

  He should know the truth. Max was her friend too, after all. “Dedra has just called off the wedding.”

  Max looked at me, his brows creasing. “Why would she do such a foolish thing? Adam’s a good man. He’s older than Dedra, but that’s a benefit. He’s mature and well adjusted in life. He’ll make her a good husband.”

  I walked around to Max and touched his arm. “I’m not sure, but there may be a problem.”

  “What is it?”

  “I think Dedra is in love with you.”

  Max set his mug on the counter, but he missed the mark and the mug went to the floor, smashing into pieces. Just like our sweet banter.

  6 – A Pompous Little Mole Rat

  “I’m sorry. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything.” But wouldn’t Max eventually need to know my concerns? I yanked off a wad of paper towel from a roll on the counter and began cleaning up the mess.

  The gesture seemed to knock Max out of his fog and into a helping mode. “Did Dedra say that to you? That she loved me?”

  “No.” I suddenly disliked myself. I’d never appreciated gossipy types, and that was exactly how I’d come off—like some neighborhood ninny stirring up trouble. “It’s just something that’s been nagging at me for a while.”

  Max whisked up the last of the shards of glass into a dustpan. “Bailey, why didn’t you tell me before?”

  I looked into the innocence of those chocolate-brown eyes. “I didn’t want to worry you over something that might not mean anything.”

  He lifted me into his arms. “What changed your mind?”

  “I’m not sure. Maybe there were enough little things that were adding up. . .you know, enough that someone needed to pay attention.”

  Max released me. “I went out with Dedra some time ago, but it was just like friends hanging out. I was very upfront with her about how I felt.” He massaged the back of his neck. “I wish I understood how this could have happened.”

  I reached up and cupped his cheek with my palm. Men were so clueless at times about love, it amazed me. Max had no idea how easy it was to fall in love with him.

  He combed his fingers through his chunky hair. “I’m concerned she’s throwing away a perfectly good relationship for something that will never exist. She’s always been impulsive, but surely she wouldn’t do this. Maybe she and Adam just had a disagreement.” Max poured himself another cup of coffee, eased down on a stool at the counter, and stared into the kitchen.

  “I don’t know.” I sat next to him. “But I do know that Dedra is no longer taking her medicine. At least not all the time.”

  “You and Magnolia should talk to her. Maybe you guys could convince her to stay on her medication. Maybe she needs to go back to the doctor for a checkup.” Max pushed his coffee aside and drummed his fingers on the counter.

  I knew he was upset, and Max didn’t get ruffled easily. I wished once more that I hadn’t said anything. “I’ll try.” I wondered why life had to be so complicated.

  Max reached over and gently rubbed my back.

  “Oh, wow.” I melted at his touch.

  “By the way, if you want to come over here to make some calls about the wedding, that’s more than fine. You’ve got a key.”

  I took his hand from my shoulder and kissed it. “Well, now that I finally succumbed to a wedding planner, there’s not much left to do, and most of the decisions have been made now. You know, location, caterer, music, flowers.”

  “So Memaw’s suggestion was a good one? That you hire Claire Steward?”

  “I’m telling you, she’s the perfect wedding planner. Claire has the glide of a swan, the coordinating skills of an air traffic controller, and the grit of a suma wrestler.”

  Max chuckled. “So, I guess it worked out okay.”

  “Yes, you can say that.” I grinned. “Claire seems to know what I want before I even open my mouth.” I looked down at my engagement ring. How dazzling. Never got tired of gazing at it. “By the way, I was just sort of curious.. .have you noticed that I’ve been getting some gray hair?”

  Max looked me over. “Everybody gets gray hair.”

  I narrowed my eyes at him. “You didn’t answer my question.”

  “You look beautiful.” He shrugged.

  I grinned. Well, that still didn’t answer my question, but I guess it would have to do. “Thanks.” On to more important subjects. “Joby came by for a visit.” I took a slow sip of coffee.

  “When was she here?”

  “While you were at your meeting. But that’s okay. She’ll be back. Mrs. Crawford has been very kind.”

  “I’m sorry I missed Joby.” He took my hand in his. “I’m so glad she had a chance to meet all my family at Christmas. I just hope she wasn’t too overwhelmed.”

  “She fit right in. It’s good for her to have lots of people loving on her.”

  Max nodded and then went quiet for a bit. “One more thing about Dedra.”

  “Yeah?”

  “If it turns out that what you said about Dedra is true. . .well, it might end up being difficult for us in more ways than one.”

  I set my cup down and gave him my full attention, although I already knew where he was headed with his comment. “How do you mean?”

  “This is starting to look a little like your past with Sam and Annie. Does that bother you?”

  I nodded. “It does. I’ve thought of it too.”

  “But it’s not the same thing at all. You realize that too, don’t you?”

  Max must think Dedra had created another window of opportunity for me to bail out of the wedding. But she hadn’t. There was no way I’d ever leave Max. “Well, yes, my best friend did run off with the man I loved. At first blush, this situation looks the same. But I know in my heart it isn’t. You were always honest with Dedra. In fact, you’re the most honest man I know.”

 

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