felt so low in her mind.
As the firefighters disappeared out of the cul-de-sac,
Judith heard a sound just off the porch on the other side
of the Weigela bush. Walking down the steps, she
turned the corner and peered through the fog.
A gray-clad figure appeared like a wraith out of the
mists. Judith stood very still, her heart in her mouth.
Then, as the figure came closer, recognition dawned.
“Mrs. Izard!” Judith exclaimed. “What are you
doing here?”
Meg Izard clutched at her imitation-leather purse
with one hand and held the felt picture-frame hat in
place with the other. “Just passing by on our way out
of town,” she said, her usually cold gaze showing a
spark of life. “I didn’t think anybody was home. Walt
and I saw somebody leave the house. We thought it
was you. What’s going on with the firemen?”
“A small fire,” Judith replied. “Guests are sometimes heedless.”
“I’ll bet,” Meg said, looking away toward the
Weigela.
Judith retreated to the bottom of the porch steps.
“Despite the problems we had with your reservation,
do you plan on staying at Hillside Manor when you
visit again?”
“We’ll see about that,” Meg replied with a scowl.
“The weather here’s dismal.”
“September is lovely,” Judith said. “So is early October.”
“September’s no good,” Meg said, adjusting the
round felt hat before her hands tightened again on her
purse. “We never miss the state fair.” She started to
move past Judith on the walk.
“Where’s Mr. Izard?” Judith asked, a hand on Meg’s
arm.
“He’s wandering around, having a smoke,” Meg
replied. “You can’t smoke in these rental cars, you
know.”
“We permit smoking,” Judith said. “Why don’t you
come in for a few minutes? The fog’s supposed to lift
soon. Then driving will be safer, especially in an unfamiliar city.”
“Well . . .” Meg flexed her fingers on the black
purse. “I’ll come in for a bit. Never mind Walt. He’s
happy just moseying around outside.”
Judith led the way into the house. “Have a seat at the
dining-room table,” she offered.
But Meg went straight into the kitchen, where she
fumbled with her purse.
“Would you prefer sitting in here?” Judith inquired.
