by Bonnie Tharp
“Peggy tells me you have a beau.”
“Where does she come up with this stuff?” Annabelle tugged at her shirt. “Just because I’ve seen Coach Edwards a couple of times. He’s okay, I guess, but I’m not . . .”
Regina smiled at her. Annabelle felt her cheeks warm again.
“Whatever you say, Cousin.”
“Oh, leave her alone, Regina Louise.” Tillie poked her best friend. “It’s not like you don’t know what it’s like to have a favorite fella.”
“I’ve tried to get her to make an honest man of me,” Sam said. “But she won’t have it.”
Tillie leaned against Joe’s shoulder. “I highly recommend marriage. We’re enjoying every minute.”
“I don’t need a piece of paper to say I’m married.” Regina sat up straighter. “Sam knows he has my heart.”
“Now if I were to say that, you’d have Gram ground me for life,” Peggy said.
“That’s because you’re only sixteen. I’m an adult.”
There was no real censor in her voice because Annabelle knew Sam and Regina were soul mates. “And setting quite an example, too.”
Regina didn’t have to remind her.
Malissa leaned toward Peggy and whispered. “Your family is cool, all this talk about love and stuff. My folks sure don’t talk that way. And my grandparents . . . well, they just talk about where they hurt and what operation someone just had.”
“I think your grandparents are older by like twenty years.” Peggy kept her voice down and her mouth close to Malissa’s ear. “Besides, some people are just born old.”
Annabelle overheard and agreed with the girls, but didn’t voice her opinion. I like to let them think they can’t be heard, I learn more that way.
“Let’s go see if any of our friends are around.” Malissa popped up off the ground.
“Okay.” Peggy turned to her grandmother. “We’re going to walk along the river and see if anyone we know is here. Okay with you, Gram? I’ve got my cell.”
“Sure, if Regina and Tillie have their cell phones, then it’s fine. Just be back before it’s completely dark, okay?”
“Mine’s here.” Tillie patted her pocket.
“Mine, too,” Regina chimed in.
The girls strolled off, giggling and talking, their voices fading as they distanced themselves from the crowd of family and friends. Annabelle shook her head, realizing how much Peggy resembled her slender mother. And what tiny little Malissa lacked in height, she made up for in personality. Peggy was lucky to have such a good friend.
Although she sat alone on her quilt, Annabelle didn’t feel lonely. She watched the two youngest skip rocks across the water and smiled with simple enjoyment. When she turned and looked at Joe and Tillie lounging on their blanket, then Sam and Regina whispering to each other, she felt a peaceful warm.
Just being together is enough. But it might be time for me to get a cell phone, too. Past time to join the global village they’re always talking about on TV.
As the darkness grew, the expanse of grass became dotted with blankets and lawn chairs filled with families gathering for the fireworks. Fireflies blinked in the bushes, like tiny stars twinkling off and on between the patches of darkening color. The cicada serenade tuned up in the trees, their song a lullaby to the night. A slight breeze picked up and coolness caressed Annabelle’s skin from the direction of the water. She dug out a windbreaker from the piled up wagon.
Megan and Tad walked up the bank toward her.
Tad flopped down beside her and grabbed his stomach. “We’re hungry.”
“You’re always hungry,” Annabelle said. “The food is in the cooler. Help yourselves.”
The kids dug out a handful of sandwiches.
Annabelle handed them each a paper plate and plastic fork. They piled on deviled eggs and globs of potato salad.
“Want lemonade to wash it down?” she asked.
“That sounds great,” Megan said around a mouth full of egg.
Annabelle got out cups and the thermos and passed out paper towels.
Tad tucked a towel under his chin. “Rolled napkins are the best kind. More absorbent.”
Megan giggled.
“Got a couple extra deviled eggs in there?” Joe asked.
“Sure.” Annabelle laid out what they had on her quilt then Joe and Tillie added to the spread.
“We’ve got brownies and chicken salad,” Tillie announced.
Megan took a chocolate square from Tillie’s outstretched hand. “I love brownies.”
Smiling, Tillie handed one to Tad. “They’re my favorite picnic dessert.”
“Personally, I prefer watermelon,” Joe said. “But the ants like it too much.”
“I like spitting the seeds.” Tad puckered his lips to show he knew the method well.
“You like spitting them at people,” Megan said.
“Yeah. I do. Especially squishy little sisters.”
“I’m not squishy!” Megan threw a plastic spoon at her brother.
Snatching it out of the air, Joe handed it back to Megan. “My sisters and I used to have contests to see who could spit the seeds the farthest. I always won by a mile.”
“I’ll bet they got even, though.” Tillie wrapped her arm around her husband’s broad shoulders. “With mud pies and chocolate laxatives.”
“Yes, they did. They were mean. You gotta watch out for sisters, Tad. They’ll get you back when you least expect it.”
Nodding her head, Megan grinned. “That’s right!”
It was nearly dark when Peggy and Malissa strolled up and sat down beside Annabelle.
“Hi,” Peggy said.
“Did you have a nice walk?” Annabelle asked.
“Sure did.”
Megan moved closer to the girls. “Did you see any cute guys?”
“A few.” Peggy looked at Malissa who burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Megan asked.
“We saw Miles Asher. He is so in ‘like’ with Peg.” Malissa made quotes with her fingers around the word ‘like.’
“Shhhh.”
Malissa leaned back on her elbows. “Well, he is.”
Joining her best friend in the relaxed pose, Peggy said, “Whatever.”
Megan made a dreamy face. “I think Miles is cute.”
Tad tossed an ice cube on his older sister’s stomach. “So does Peg, but he’s a lousy driver.”
She flicked it off. “Shut up, Tadpole.”
Annabelle could see Tad’s short temper starting to flair. She interrupted the conversation before someone erupted.
“Aren’t you girls hungry? We’ve got ham and chicken salad sandwiches.”
“Are there any deviled eggs left?” Peggy asked.
“I think so. And Tillie made brownies, but you two had better hurry before they’re all gone.”
“I love chocolate.” Malissa helped herself to two, handing one to her friend. “I don’t think I could live without it.”
“Me either.” Megan snatched another from the almost empty plate. “Or cookies.”
“Yes. Cookies. And Cheetos,” Malissa said.
Megan giggled. “You like cheesy feet?”
“Yes, and gelato,” Peggy added.
“I second that.” Regina turned on the radio when it was time for the festivities to start.
It was full dark. They packed up the remains of their snacks. Everyone but the girls lay on their blankets, looking at the sky in anticipation. Peggy and Malissa were huddled together on the edge of the quilt talking, giggling and watching the people walk by.
Startled by a loud explosion, the sky rained gold and silver sparks in time with the music broadcast. Great arches of purple and green s
prinkled down and disappeared before hitting the ground. A chorus of ‘oh’ and ‘ah’ joined the night sounds. All eyes were on the sky, watching as color and light exploded in the heavens.
Tad had his hands under his head. “Now that’s what I call a Fourth of July celebration.”
Putting her head on Sam’s shoulder, Regina turned her eyes back to the sky. “Indeed.”
Everyone responded to the whistles and spinning lights with mouths open or squeals of delight. It was a colorful celebration and they all enjoyed the spectacle.
The fireworks continued for almost thirty minutes. When the sky stilled, they gathered their belongings to head home.
“Happy Independence Day,” Annabelle said to one and all. “What a wonderful way to end the day.”
“Whose idea was it to walk, anyway?” Tad stretched his back. “I’m pooped.”
Peggy took the wagon handle. “I’ll pull it.”
“Cool, thanks.”
“We were supposed to take turns and we forgot,” she said.
He shrugged his shoulders. “No biggie.”
The walk back was more leisurely with little conversation. The cars along the river were bumper-to-bumper, crawling then stopping for the foot traffic.
Gesturing toward the automobile congestion, Regina sighed. “This is why we walked. We’ll be home long before any of the people who drove.”
The number of cars thinned the closer they approached home. When they arrived, they parted in the middle of the dark street. Sam and Regina got into the Cadillac and pulled away, arms waving out the windows.
“Good night, Annabelle, kids.” Tillie readjusted the quilt on her arm. “See you later.”
“Night all.” Joe pulled the keys from his shorts pocket.
“G’Night.” Annabelle walked behind the children to the porch. The porch light was on and the bugs were doing Kamikaze dives into the bulb. She heard Turbo barking.
Running ahead, Tad fumbled for the key he kept on a chain around his neck. “I’ll get the door.”
The girls were giggling and hadn’t reached the steps. Annabelle looked over their heads to Tad who stood perfectly still.
“Tad? What is it?” Then she noticed that the broken window beside the door was stained with . . .
“Blood,” he said.
Chapter 25
WHILE TAD QUIETED the frantic dog he’d let out the front door, Annabelle called the police on the cell phone. Peggy and Malissa had to hold Megan to prevent her from going inside to find the kittens.
“Gram,” Tad said. “Turbo has a cut on his nose and on his paws, probably from all the broken glass. There’s blood around his muzzle. Do you think that’s his or someone else’s?”
“I’m guessing Turbo took a piece out of the person who tried to break in tonight.” Annabelle bent down and examined the dog’s snout. “It’s all right. You’re a good boy.” She stroked his broad head. “It’s not too deep. I don’t think he’ll need stitches, but we’ll clean it up and take him to see the vet tomorrow to be sure.”
“He doesn’t seem to favor his feet. I don’t think there’s any glass in his pads,” Tad said.
Two police cars pulled up, lights flashing. They asked Annabelle and the kids to stay outside while they made sure the house was safe and secured any evidence. Joe crossed the street and joined them on the porch while they waited.
“I called my mom to come and get me, Mrs. H.” Malissa said. She and Peggy still had their arms around Megan. “You don’t need an extra kid around tonight.”
“Thank you, sweetie. I’m sorry this happened.”
“Heck, it’s much more exciting here than at my house, but I wouldn’t want anyone’s house to get broken into and their dog hurt. That’s so wrong.”
It wasn’t long before Malissa’s mom showed up.
“Everyone okay?” Mrs. Monahan called.
Annabelle waved. “We’re fine.”
Malissa got in the car. “I’ll talk to you later, Peg.”
They all waved back, looking sad.
“Mrs. Hubbard,” the officer said. “We’ve done what we can. Everything’s secure. Do you have a board that I can nail over the broken window for you?”
“Tad, go out to the carriage house and bring back some wood. Don’t forget the hammer and nails, honey.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He handed Turbo’s leash to Peggy.
“I’ll go with you.” The youngest officer flicked on his flashlight.
“Awesome light. I need one of those,” Tad said.
The policeman chuckled as they rounded the corner of the house toward the garage.
It didn’t take Peggy and Megan long to locate the cats hiding under the girls’ bed. Peggy held Ms. Pickles close and stroked her back.
Megan cradled Tang against her throat and rubbed the furry head with her chin. She sang softly, “I love you a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.”
Annabelle marveled that the little girl still remembered the song she had sung to her when she was a baby. It was a loving time and Annabelle would never forget how her granddaughter would hug her neck and wouldn’t let go, just like she held the kitten now.
“We’re really tired, Gram,” Megan said, stroking the kitten’s orange fur.
“I’ll bet you are. It’s already morning.”
“Thirty minutes after midnight. This is the third house broken into tonight in this neighborhood alone,” Officer Johnson said. “We checked on every floor, closet, under the beds, as well as the windows and other doors.”
“So, it’s safe now for us to call it a night?”
“Yes, ma’am. And you can go on home, Mr. Linden,” the officer said to Joe.
“I think I’ll wait until everything is buttoned up tight before I call it a night.”
Annabelle laid a hand on his arm. “Thank you, Joe. I’m glad you convinced Tillie to go on to bed. We don’t want her getting sick again.”
He leaned down and lowered his voice. “I’ve checked and our curtains have moved a time or two. I’m guessing she’s been watching and waiting.”
“Oh my,” Annabelle said. “That stinker.”
“She is that. Looks like the other curious neighbors have gone to bed, too.”
“It won’t be much longer,” the officer said. “It’s a wonder no one called 911 earlier.”
“The whole neighborhood enjoys the fireworks on the river,” Annabelle said. “I doubt anyone was home.”
Tad came around the corner shining the officer’s light on the ground in front of them. He carried a hammer in the other hand.
“This should work nicely,” the policeman said.
The young officer and Tad nailed up the board over the broken window in short order.
“This should keep the weather and mosquitoes out until you get it fixed tomorrow,” the officer said.
Annabelle stood and offered her hand. “Thank you. We appreciate it.”
He shook her hand. “I’ll give you a call as soon as we have something, Mrs. Hubbard. In the meantime, a car will patrol the area to keep watch,” the officer said.
“Thanks. Come on, kids. It’s way past time for bed.”
“Good night,” Joe said. “I think I’ll go put Tillie to bed although she’ll probably run up the stairs and fake sleep once I turn around.”
“Thanks again. I’m ready to call it a night.” Annabelle led them inside and locked the bolt on the door. “Bed, guys. The sun will be up before we know it.”
“You know, my heart was really pumping at first, but I’m pooped now,” Tad said.
Peggy nodded. “It’s called adrenalin. Fight or flight.”
“I was ready to fight, but now I’m ready to sleep,” he said.
�
�Me, too.” Annabelle gave her grandson’s shoulders a squeeze. “You go on while I double check the back door. Turbo, you can keep me company.”
The big dog’s tongue lolled to the side as he trotted along with Annabelle. His lack of concern gave Annabelle added confidence. She went to the kitchen, wiped his wounds and gave him a small drink of water.
“You were a brave boy tonight. I’m glad you’re here.”
The dog’s tail spun with joy, and he made a woof.
She put her extended finger across her lips. “Shhhh. Whisper.”
The dog cocked his head to one side. Woof, he quietly barked again.
She stroked his big head and smiled. “Good boy.”
As she flipped off the light in the kitchen, the phone rang.
“Hello,” she said.
“You okay?” Tillie asked.
“Yes, we’re fine.”
“Okay. Goodnight then.”
“Goodnight, Tillie.”
There was a click, and the line went dead. Annabelle hung up the phone and walked through the darkened dining room. Peggy’s silhouette filled the living room doorway.
“Gram?” she said. “Who was on the phone?”
“Tillie.”
“She’s supposed to be asleep.”
Annabelle crossed to the living room. “Yes, come on, time to rest.”
“As if.” Peggy fisted her hands. She followed her grandmother and the dog up the stairs, stopping in the entry to her room. “Goodnight.”
Turning around, Annabelle kissed her granddaughter’s head and stroked her cheek. “I love you. Sleep tight.”
Peggy kissed her grandmother and went into the darkened room, slipping between the covers. Her little sister was already asleep, the orange kitten curled around the top of her head.
The dog turned in circles at the top of the stairs, round and round before flopping down. He laid his huge head on his paws facing the front door.
Patting his back, Annabelle smiled. “Good boy.” She went to her room to get ready for bed.
She could hear Tad’s snoring, but didn’t close her door. Annabelle didn’t think she’d sleep the last few hours of the night; she was too keyed up. They had been through so much already. Why couldn’t they find any peace? Regina would probably blow a gasket when she heard about the broken window.