hook. “Bill!” she cried in surprise. “I thought you’d
forgotten me. What’s going on with Cammy?”
Her sudden pleasure turned to consternation. “Oh?
That’s rotten luck. But it can’t be helped with all the
snow, I guess . . . Yes, I’m sure they’ll find the car
eventually . . . I’m doing okay, I’m just sore and hungry . . . Because it’s inedible, that’s why. Say, what
about those Chihuahuas?”
Judith watched her cousin closely, but Renie’s face
revealed only perplexity. “Well, you’re the psychologist, so I guess you know what you’re doing, but it
sounds kind of loony to me. Don’t you think the dogs’
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Mary Daheim
owners would like them back? . . . Yes, I know, the
weather . . .” Renie heaved a big sigh. “The weather is
putting a crimp in everything, from finding our car to
seeing you and the kids . . . Friday, unless they throw
me out, which Blanche Van Boeck has threatened to
do . . . Never mind, it’s a long story . . . You’re
Renie pulled a face, cradled the phone against her
shoulder, and made circular “he’s nuts” motions with
her finger by her ear. “Anne can’t sew any better than
I can. How could she and Tony make the damned dog
a Sea Auks uniform? Forget the dogs, how’s everything else going?”
This time, Renie’s face fell. She stared at Judith,
then turned away. “Really? That’s not good.” Her voice
sounded unnatural; she grew silent, listening intently.
“Yes . . . Yes . . . Yes . . . No. I wouldn’t dream of it.
Let me know what happens. Love you. Bye.” Renie
hung up and disappeared under the covers.
“What was that all about?” Judith asked. “At the
end, I mean.”
“Nothing,” Renie said in a muffled voice.
Judith, who had turned down the sound on the TV,
now turned off the set. “Is everything all right?”
“It’s fine,” Renie replied.
Judith stared at the mound that was her cousin.
“Look at me,” she demanded.
“I don’t feel good,” Renie said. “Leave me alone.”
“Coz.” Judith’s tone was stern, almost imperious.
“Get out from under there and talk to me. We don’t
keep secrets from each other.”
The mound didn’t move. Judith set down her fork
and folded her arms across her breast. “This cutlet is
quite good. I thought you were starving.”
“I’m not hungry,” Renie mumbled.
SUTURE SELF
221
Judith’s sense of apprehension mounted. “Coz, this
isn’t funny. Talk to me or I’ll . . .” She stopped, aware
that there wasn’t anything she could do to Renie except
