I closed the door and said to Aunt Irene, “I doubt they’ll even miss us while we have lunch.”
She smiled and agreed.
Heavenly Grill offered chili and chicken noodle soup on Saturdays. Whenever I took Aunt Irene to lunch, Paul would grill a plain burger bun, add a little grated cheese, and serve it along with her soup. She felt special and I didn’t feel guilty spooning chili on top of my cheeseburger.
Georgie nearly split a gut listening to my story.
“It really isn’t funny; you weren’t there.” I insisted.
“Yes, it is. The fire department. Really, Annie?” She laughed again.
“Claudine called them and took pictures. I could strangle her. She had the nerve to come inside before anyone got there and said she would give them to the paper. I’m doomed.” I used my fork to cut off a chunk of chili covered burger and slid it into my mouth. It was delicious and took my mind off Claudine for a moment.
“Call Lucas,” Georgie suggested.
“Why,” I mumbled trying to chew.
“He could tell the paper about you giving the mansion to the city. He could offer them an exclusive interview with you, if they treat you right.” She pressed her lips together, raised her eyebrows, and looked at me.
“That’s blackmail,” I said.
Georgie shrugged.
Chapter Twenty-one
I was dressed and nearly finished with breakfast when Aunt Irene knocked at the patio door. Dressed in her Sunday finest, I wore one of my dresses that were appropriate for church. The dogs behaved well left alone in my small guest bathroom yesterday, so we put them in there again before we headed for church. As I was locking the front door, my cell rang.
It was Bill. “Good morning, Bill. Is everything okay?” I was a bit nervous to get a call from him early on Sunday morning.
“Yes, nothing bad to report just a thought. The last time the Kellehers were in town, I saw Craig and Clark having lunch at the diner. They seem to be deep in conversation. I thought you might want to know in case Craig shows back up in town.”
“Thanks, Bill. It’s always best to be prepared. If you learn anything new, please let me know.”
“I will.” I disconnected from the call and slid into my car.
Aunt Irene wasn’t paying attention to me. She was staring at the flower beds along the front and side of my house. “Your tulips are coming up. I think there are crocus leaves, too. Spring is here.” She smiled at me.
She, my parents, even Laci all have green thumbs. Mine must be the color of doom because any plant left in my care dies. Laci once told one of her teachers that her mom can kill plastic plants, and that is why there are no plants in my house. If not for Aunt Irene, I would plant grass in my flower beds. Paul gives Georgie beautiful roses, and she keeps them alive and looking fresh for at least a week. If I receive a rose or worse several roses, I do my utmost to take care of them the way the instructions state. Regardless of what I do, the next morning their little heads are drooping. Most likely in reverence to all the flowers that have gone on to greener gardens before them.
On our drive to church, Aunt Irene commented that she could see green leaves sprouting all over town. Last winter was particularly cold and snowy. I’m looking forward to spring. Aunt Irene and I made our way to the front doors of the church.
A voice rang across the parking lot, “Wait up, Annie.” It immediately pulled me back to junior high. I “waited up” while Georgie hurried across the lot with her heels clicking on the blacktop.
“Did you remember a change of clothes for after church when we head to the mansion?” I asked.
“In the car and Paul said he’d drive Aunt Irene home again,” she smiled.
“He’s a keeper.” I smiled back. “Speak of the devil if you’re not careful my aunt might grab him.” We watched Paul escort Aunt Irene into church.
“Nah, he wouldn’t know what to do without me. The man loses his socks more often than Beth Ann did when she was five. If it weren't for me, he’d be sockless or broke from buying replacements.” She burst into laughter.
“I have some boxes and sealing tape,” I said trying to not double over laughing in front of church.
“Me, too. I kept all the boxes from our past weeks deliveries and Paul bought us a box of clean paper for packing, so we don’t get ink on our hands from the newsprint.”
“Like I said, he’s a keeper.” I poked her with my elbow, and we hurried to catch up with Paul and Aunt Irene.
We found a pew near the back and Clark’s mom caught my eye. She waved. I like Mrs. Cavanaugh, and it isn’t her fault her son was evil. I waved back at her. Clark grinned and waved. He must think I was waving at him.
I whispered to Georgie, “As soon as possible, we’re leaving. No fellowship today. We’ll toss your boxes in my car and leave. Clark just waved at me. Ugh! I don’t want him following me. We could hide my car in the garage. It’s big enough, and then we can pack without interruption.”
She gave me a thumbs up.
#######
The pastor had barely finished his blessing when Georgie and I headed out the door. We moved the boxes and paper from her car to mine and were pulling out of the parking lot as the other parishioners were leaving church.
I stopped near the back of Inga’s mansion and pulled the keys from my purse. I found the garage key and Georgie, and
