“What’s wrong? You look miffed.”
“I
are running amok.”
Renie tipped her head and gazed at Judith’s left
hip. “I thought you only had one.”
“I don’t mean that,” Judith said with a wave of
her arm. “I mean, my replacements at the B&B. It’s
that damned snake they let in.”
“Enough with the snakes!” Renie cried, yanking
the blanket from Judith’s bed and putting it over her
head. “You know I hate snakes. I don’t want to hear
another word about that creepy thing.”
Judith, however, prevailed, her attitude conveying
just how sorry she felt for herself and how little
sympathy she had for Renie. As for Hillside
Manor’s reputation, Judith was certain that it was
hopelessly tarnished.
When Judith had finished her tale of woe, Renie
peeked out from under the blanket. “Phyliss,” she
168
Mary Daheim
declared, “is not having a heart attack or whatever she
claims. She’s merely trying to get attention.”
“That’s the least of my worries. Marooned guests,
reptiles on the loose, whoopee cushions, emergency
vehicles in the cul-de-sac—why can’t I be allowed an
unencumbered recovery?” Judith reached for her water
glass, took a big swallow, and choked.
Renie replaced the blanket, doing her best to tuck in
the corners. “Are you okay?”
Between splutters, Judith nodded. “Yes,” she
gasped. “I’m just frustrated. For about a hundred reasons. Tell me about Addison Kirby and I’ll tell you
about the younger Randall twins.”
“Twins?” Renie looked intrigued.
“Yes, but not identical,” Judith deadpanned.
“No, I guess not.” Renie shifted around on the bed,
trying to make herself more comfortable while not disturbing Judith’s leg and hip. “Addison’s in pretty good
shape this morning. Or, as he put it, he’s still alive,
which I gather sort of surprised him.”
“I can imagine,” Judith said. “He may have thought
he’d end up like his wife, Joan.”
“Right. Anyway, he was reluctant to talk at first, not
that I blame him. He doesn’t know me, I could be a
maniacal killer.” Renie stopped as her phone rang.
“Drat. Let’s hope it’s not my mother.” She managed to
grab the receiver on the fourth ring. “Hi!” she said with
a big smile, propping the phone between her chin and
shoulder. “Yes, I’m feeling better . . . Don’t feel bad
about not being able to come see me, Tom . . . No, I realize you can’t go to work. Oh? . . . Then ask your
