The Sounds of Home

by Greenwood Muir, Diane

  Polly shook her head. "My lands? Are you suddenly a southern belle?"

  Agnes sat down on one of the stools. "You're getting awfully personal. Where's all your help?"

  "You're it, my love," Polly said. "Cat is upstairs with a terrible cold. The boys have already done their part and are off working on their homework. Cassidy is probably sacked out on a sofa in the family room and Jon is in the office."

  Agnes rapped on the countertop to draw Polly's attention. "Did you adopt another child? Jon? Jon who?"

  "Your favorite. Jon Renaldi."

  "The young buck from Boston? He came back to visit me? Well, I'll be switched."

  Rebecca limped in, hitching along mostly on her right leg, her hair flying loose and wild, her shirt ripped on one side.

  "What in the world?" Polly asked.

  Rebecca heaved a deep sigh. "What if I told you it was a cat fight?"

  "With who?"

  "With cats," Agnes said. "Didn't you hear her?"

  "Uh huh." Polly replied, already on her way to Rebecca's side. "What really happened? Am I going to get a call from the school?"

  Rebecca chuckled. "No. There weren't any cats involved and I wasn't in a fight. Unless you call tripping down the last five steps at school a fight. They made me go to the nurse and she wrapped my ankle. It hurts like a …" She paused and looked around. "Forget it. It just hurts."

  "How did you rip your shirt?"

  "Cilla tried to catch me. We both ended up on the floor. I had built up some serious momentum by that last step."

  Polly tried not to laugh. "How badly is your ankle hurt? Do we need to take you in for an x-ray? I probably still have time to call Doc Mason's office and get you in tonight."

  Rebecca blew out a loud breath. "The nurse said I should."

  "How long have you been walking on this?"

  "It happened after school. Not very. It really hurts, though. Cilla drove home."

  "Okay," Polly said. "I'm making the call. Jon Renaldi is here. He and Agnes can keep an eye on the kids."

  "If something bad happened, I'm not going to be able to march." Rebecca said. Then her eyes lit up. "I won't be able to march! That wouldn’t be the worst thing that happened to me this year." She threw her arms around Polly. "You'd still let me go to the game, but I wouldn't march with the band, right?"

  "We'll let Doc Mason make that decision. It's not like you wouldn't go to school early for band practice, anyway. You'd still have to take Cilla and Kayla."

  Rebecca dropped her head in defeat. "Well, that's just wrong. Okay, maybe I just take one week off from marching."

  "Maybe you wait and see. Let me make calls and get things organized."

  "What can I do?" Agnes asked.

  Polly pushed the platter of burgers across the counter. "Finish these. Everything that's there. Hopefully we'll be home to eat, but there are scalloped potatoes in the oven. It's already programmed to turn on. The corn is on the stove and I need tomatoes sliced."

  "Making a salad?"

  "No, just sandwich fixings. Mustard, ketchup, mayo, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles. Oh, and these onions." Polly pushed two large onions to her. "Henry will grill them with the burgers if you slice them. I was going to make more ice cream. Jon loves homemade ice cream. The recipe is on the inside of the cupboard here and the ingredients are in the fridge. She headed for the pantry.

  "Stop it. I've been here enough to manage all of this," Agnes said. "Ice cream makers are in there. We'll make it happen. Do I need to do anything for Cat?"

  "I think she's sleeping. Hayden will be home soon, and he can be on wife-duty."

  "Jon's in the office?"

  Polly nodded.

  "I'll get him on board. We'll have dinner ready when you get back. Go. Don't call. Just go. Buy the good crutches if you need them. Don't skimp. Anything else is just awful."

  "Crutches?" Rebecca whimpered.

  "We'll see." Polly gave Agnes a quick hug. "Thank you. This means a lot." She hitched an arm around Rebecca and helped her out to the Suburban.

  "This is so embarrassing," Rebecca said. "And I didn't even get to see Jon. Why is he in town?"

  "Meeting lawyers in Des Moines. Something to do with the opioid investigation from this summer. We had an interesting day."

  "More interesting than this?" Rebecca pointed at her ankle. She pulled her pants up and Polly could see that it was purple and swollen. She would definitely not be marching this week.

  "If you call finding out that there was a counterfeiting operation in the old newspaper building interesting, then yes."

  Rebecca dropped her pant leg back down and pulled her seatbelt across her lap. "Wow. Who found that?"

  "Jon. I wanted to show Henry the newspaper office, to get his thoughts on whether we should buy it. Jon realized the presses had recently been used and then he found paper in the basement. He put things together and we brought the sheriff in."

  "He found paper and recently used presses and put together a counterfeiting operation from that?" Rebecca asked. "That seems like a stretch."

  Polly chuckled. "I guess when you're in the security business, you always have your eyes open for trouble. He said that the paper they had stored there would only be used for printing currency."

  "And how did they get that into Bellingwood? Did they drive in the cover of night?" Rebecca still sounded skeptical.

  "I don't know," Polly said. "But the office has been closed for over a year, and evidently the last few years she ran the shop, Annabelle hadn't printed the newspaper here in town. She shipped it somewhere else. So, there shouldn't have been ink in those presses."

  "I thought hundred dollar bills and stuff were all pretty much counterfeit-proof."

  "Older bills are less so."

  "You can still use those?"

  Polly looked over at her daughter. "If they aren't counterfeit. Money is always worth its face value, at the very least."

  "I had no idea."

  "We're here. Do you want me to get a wheelchair for you?" Polly asked.

  Rebecca gave her a snarl. "If you walk with me, I can hop in."

  "I can't believe you got in the back door. You should have called."

  "Cilla got me up the steps. She was going to come in, but then her Mom yelled at her. That woman sees everything."

  "I guess she does." Polly never thought about it, but Andrea probably did see all the comings and goings at the Bell House. It wasn't a problem, they had nothing to hide. In fact, it was probably a blessing. She liked the idea of someone keeping an eye out on the neighborhood. Andrea was busy all the time, so at least it wasn't like she sat in her window and watched things so she could gossip about it with her friends.

  Polly walked around the Suburban and waited for Rebecca to swing her leg out. After a few false starts, they got a good run at the front door of the doctor's office.

  "What have we here?" Doc Mason's new nurse, Randi Stone, asked. Polly like the young woman.

  "Fell down some steps, twisted her ankle. The school nurse looked at it, but I think we should make sure it's not broken."

  "That's smart. Doc Mason is in with someone right now, but I'll let him know you're here. Let me get a wheelchair. How is the rest of your crew?" Randi walked over to a corner and came out with a wheelchair. "I know it isn't cool, but who cares, right?" She helped Rebecca get situated. "Did you hear a snap when you went down?"

  Rebecca shook her head. "I don't think so, but a lot of things were happening. There was screaming and yelling and shirt-tearing and piles of people and everything."

  "My goodness," Randi said with a laugh. "I'm surprised you lived through it."

  "Me, too," Rebecca said.

  "I'll be right back," Randi said. "Don't run away." She laughed at herself as she left the waiting room.

  "Is that a thing after you become an adult?" Rebecca asked Polly.

  "What?"

  "You make dumb jokes and think you're funny?"

  "Look at you, being all snarky a
nd stuff. You haven't even gotten any fun painkillers yet."

  "He's going to give me painkillers? Cool. I've never been high before."

  "And hopefully, today won't be the start of a new experience."

  "I really won't have to march this week, will I?" Rebecca asked.

  "Absolutely not. Even if it is just a simple sprain, it will take a few days to heal. Doc Mason will give you a note."

  "Whew," Rebecca said. "I know it sounds like I want to get out of marching, but this really hurts."

  The door opened and Randi came back into the waiting room. "Rebecca? Let's get you into a room. Are you coming, Polly?"

  Polly looked at her daughter, who shook her head.

  "I've got this, Polly." She was trying to be so adult about this.

  "There's no blood," Polly said. "I can be there as long as there's no blood."

  "No worries. If I need you, you'll hear me scream."

  Randi laughed. "This one's a riot. It shouldn't take long."

  Polly sat back down as the nurse wheeled Rebecca away. She was thankful this was all it was. Then it hit her. Henry. She dialed his number, not having any idea where he was or what he was doing. He'd told her, but right now, she couldn't remember a thing.

  And she got his voicemail.

  "Hi, Henry. I'm at Doc Mason's with Rebecca. She fell and twisted her ankle at school. We're here to make sure that it isn't broken. Agnes and Jon are wrangling the kids at home. Cat is upstairs in their apartment with a terrible cold. I think everyone is still alive. Oh, and I got a strange call about the house around the corner. You and I need to talk. Do I have your attention yet? You know I love you."

  She grinned as she ended the call. Henry was pretty good about listening to voice mails when he got them. She, on the other hand, had a terrible habit of seeing that she'd missed a call and rather than listen to what it might be about, just called back. Henry never knew if she had the information he'd so patiently given to her or if he needed to start over. He generally needed to start over.

  Polly sat back and thumbed through her emails. It was all junk. Then she saw a message from Drea Renaldi and grinned.

  "Polly, I understand that my youngest and dearest brother is in Bellingwood. You know that he isn't going to be able to stay away now. You introduced him to your family and he's in love with those kids. Who knew? None of us thought he'd ever get gooey about anyone but girls over the age of twenty-one. Chloe is still worried that he's in love with you. It's kind of cute. Mama says to tell you that she would love a video of Elijah playing that new piano and maybe of Noah playing his saxophone at the next concert. And do you have video of Rebecca marching in the band? I am so sorry. Maybe when Chloe and Jon start having their own babies, she'll quit obsessing over your life in Bellingwood, but I'm not counting on it. The other night she was telling me all about Nan Stallings. Apparently, she's now friending all of your friends because she doesn't want to miss out on anything. After Jon and Ray met people, Mama thought that since everybody knew the Renaldi name, she'd be safe introducing herself. She'll never get in their business; she just wants to be part of your life. This is embarrassing! But I know you understand. You do, don't you? Anyway, be sure to poke Jon in the eye for me. I love you, sweetie. Drea."

  Polly shook her head and since she figured she had time, she started typing.

  "Hey there, my lovely. First of all, I do understand. Well, kinda. It's a little weird, but I love and trust your mother. And I love that she wants to know what's happening in Bellingwood. It's a busy little town, that's for sure. You'll have to ask Jon what he uncovered today. I'm not going to tell you, but he's quite the hero. No, not a dead body. That's my job. I'll try to remember to send videos. I'm getting better about remembering to take them. When I sit in the audience and see every other parent with their phone up, it hits me that I should do the same thing. I'm glad Jon is here without Ray. The kids are all over him and I think he's feeling more comfortable with them. Henry's going to teach him how to grill hamburgers and hot dogs tonight, so he'll be ready for a family of his own soon. Tell your mother I love her; and I love you, too."

  Just as Polly was about to send the email, her phone rang and she swiped the call open.

  "What did you do to my daughter?" Henry demanded.

  "Hey. I didn't do anything. She did it to herself. Clumsy girl fell down some stairs at school and twisted her ankle. She's in with Doc Mason right now. I hope it's only a sprain. I think she hopes that it will take her out of marching band for the rest of the semester."

  "She loves marching band."

  "No, she loves the fun of the games and spending time with her friends. I don't know that she loves the marching part of it."

  "You left Jon and Agnes with the kids? Is that safe?" He cackled with laughter.

  "Are you worried they might eat our kids?"

  "More worried the kids might eat them. Now, what was that other call you mentioned?"

  "Do you want to buy the Anderson's property?"

  "What do you mean?"

  "I got a call from someone representing Lillybeth Anderson. She wants to sell the property to us at a reduced price."

  "How reduced?"

  "Funny. I asked that question, never got an answer, and then the phone call was over. We need to discuss whether or not this is something we should do."

  "I've done it before," he said.

  "What do you mean?"

  "Owner defaults on the house while we're in the middle of construction. I buy the property, finish the house and then sell it. It isn't a big deal. At least if we owned it, I'd know that I could finish the project. And we'll make a nice profit. Give me the guy's contact information. If the deal is a good one, I'll talk to Dempsey and the bank, and we'll get something written up."

  Polly took a deep breath. "I didn't want to own another big house."

  He laughed. "You're hilarious. The nice thing is that we can be picky about who we sell it to. If we don't think they'd make good neighbors, we can tell them to hit the road."

  "You don't think you'll have trouble re-selling it?"

  "Oh, good heavens, no. I wish this had all happened before we got the house built. I could have put two houses in over there and had them both sold.

  "Polly?" Randi opened the door again.

  "I need to go," Polly said to Henry. "See you at home in a bit?"

  "I'll head that way now. I love you. Tell my girl that I love her, too."

  "Got it." She stood and walked over to the door. "Is she okay?"

  "It's just a sprain. It's a bad one, but she's going to live."

  "Thank goodness," Polly said with a smile. "I don't know how I would have explained that otherwise."

  Randi opened a door and Polly saw Rebecca. Doc Mason was standing at a small counter to the side. He smiled at Polly. "Hi there."

  "Hi," she replied. "I guess we could have treated this at home. I didn't want to wait, though, in case it was broken. Rebecca has so much going on at school."

  "You did the right thing. She has a severe sprain, which means the ligaments around the ankle have been injured. You need to ice the ankle and let it rest. Keep it elevated as much as possible." He nodded toward Rebecca. "I have a note here for her to be released from marching band and gym classes for this week." He handed another note to Polly. "And this one is for next week if it isn't any better. If she doesn't get a lot better by next week, though, I want to see her again. Randi will have an ankle brace for her, but I'd recommend she stay home for at least the next two days. You want to ice this every two or three hours for twenty minutes. After that, you and Rebecca can discuss what's next. Randi also has a brochure on flexibility exercises to help strengthen the ankle again after the pain is gone. If you want a prescription for physical therapy, we can talk about that."

  Polly glanced at Rebecca, who shook her head.

  "Maybe if it doesn't get better soon."

  He nodded. "I've wrapped the ankle. She shouldn't wear high heels for at least six week
s. Those ligaments need time to heal."

  Rebecca looked at him in shock. "Homecoming is next month."

  "We'll find nice shoes," Polly assured her daughter. "No arguing. Say thank you."

  "Thank you, Doctor Mason," Rebecca said.

  "I appreciate you making the time," Polly said.

  "Take care of it. Hopefully you'll start feeling better by the end of the week. Let me know. Here, ride the wheelchair to the waiting room. No reason you can't be pampered while you're still in my care." He helped Rebecca down from the table and into the wheelchair. "I'll give the paperwork to Randi."

  "Thanks again," Polly said and pushed Rebecca through the door as he held it open. He walked with them to the door of the waiting room and opened that door for her as well.

  Once they were out of earshot, Rebecca whispered. "You aren't going to make me wear flats to Homecoming, are you?"

  "That's what you're worried about?" Polly asked.

  "Wouldn't you be?"

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Leaving Agnes and Jon in charge had made her nervous, but by the time Polly and Rebecca got home, the two had dinner well in hand. The dining room table was set, kids were spread out in the house doing homework or practicing their music, and Cassidy had Jon on the floor with her. He had two of her dolls in his hands while she held a third doll. Who knew what game she was playing, but she loved having his attention.

  He looked at Polly, beaming with joy. When he saw her helping Rebecca, he jumped up and without a second thought, scooped Rebecca into his arms. She gave a little squeal of shock and held on as he walked her across the kitchen to the sofa beside where Cassidy waited for his return.

  Agnes was at the kitchen sink, washing the last of a few dishes. "You need to figure out how to add this one to your household," she said, nodding at Jon. "He's so helpful." She took Polly's hand and pulled her down, then whispered, "I think both of your girls have a terrible crush on him."

  Polly chuckled, then put her index finger to her lips. "Shh. Don't tell. It would embarrass Rebecca to death."

  "I understand that. I'll be good. He told me about your adventure today. Counterfeiting and murder? Did we move to Las Vegas or something and I missed it?"