by Ali Spooner
“Do you have to work tomorrow?”
Terri looked up at her. “Yes, I go in at seven and work until three.”
“Would you mind if I helped Lexie harvest some pecans tomorrow after running a few errands?”
“She would love that. Miss Betty watches over her for me when I work, but I’m sure she wouldn’t mind a break.”
“Okay, so next question. If she asks, may I take her for a ride on my bike?”
Terri hesitated for a few seconds. “Do you have a second helmet?”
“Yes, but it will probably be huge on her. I promise I will be extremely careful.”
“I’m sure you would, so yes, when she asks, it’s okay with me.”
“Thank you. You have one fine little woman there,” Cadin said.
“I know. She’s six going on sixteen somedays.”
“Will she be starting school soon?”
“She will be in first grade in three weeks. She’s so excited to meet new kids and make friends.”
“I bet she is,” Cadin said as she took out shorts, a T-shirt, and her hygiene bag. “I think I’ll hit the shower and get some sleep.”
“Goodnight then, Cadin. If I don’t see you in the morning, have a good day.”
“Thanks, you too,” she said and left the room.
She showered and prepared for bed. When she returned to the sleeping room, Miss Betty was the only one still awake. She sat up in her bed reading, a small lamp giving her light. She looked up and smiled at Cadin.
“Goodnight,” Cadin whispered.
†
The fresh country air and the long ride took a toll on Cadin who slept soundly through the night. The next morning she smiled and fought back laughter when a rooster woke her with his crowing. She climbed from the bed and dressed. She made the bed quietly and then walked outside.
The morning was dawning brilliantly. The cool air felt good on her skin. She looked toward the main house and found that lights were on in the kitchen. Terri and Miss Betty were sitting at a picnic table drinking coffee. Terri was finishing a light breakfast of eggs and toast.
“May I fix you some breakfast?” Miss Betty asked.
“I can fix it,” Cadin said.
“Nonsense, besides I love cooking,” she said. “Grab a cup of coffee and keep Terri company until she has to leave for work.”
Cadin chuckled and went to the counter to fix a cup of coffee. She had a growing suspicion that arguing with Miss Betty would prove fruitless, so she conceded and allowed her to prepare her breakfast.
“You are up early,” Terri said as Cadin sat across from her.
“I slept well last night and I’m usually an early riser. I did have to chuckle when that rooster started crowing.”
“That’s Roscoe. He’s the neighbor’s pride and joy, but sometimes he gets his times a little confused,” Terri said.
“I can’t say as I’ve ever had a rooster for an alarm clock,” Cadin admitted.
“Are you a city girl?” Terri teased.
“Yes, ma’am, I was born and raised in the concrete jungle, what about you?”
“Pure country,” she answered. “Until a few weeks ago we lived in a small town in Florida called Quincy.”
“I’ve heard of that. Isn’t it just outside of Tallahassee?”
“That would be the place. We lived on a small peanut farm.”
“So you’re probably used to Roscoe then?”
“Yes, but his name was Buford.”
Cadin smiled and took a sip of coffee.
“I hope you like over easy, I forgot to ask,” Miss Betty said as she placed a plate of food in front of her.
“That’s perfect,” Cadin said as she took a fork and started mashing up the eggs.
Both Terri and Miss Betty started laughing.
Cadin looked up at them confused.
“That’s exactly what Lexie does with her eggs,” Terri said.
“Ah okay, I thought I was doing something forbidden for a second.”
“Nope, just tickled by the coincidence,” Miss Betty answered.
Terri checked her watch. “I better get a move on. See y’all later today,” she said.
“Have a good one,” Cadin called after her as she swallowed a bite of food.
“What are your plans for today, Cadin?”
“I want to ride around the area and do a few errands and then I’m coming back to help Lexie harvest some pecans.”
“Oh, she’ll love that,” Miss Betty said.
“Good morning, ladies,” Sister Frances said as she entered the room.
“Are you ready for some breakfast?” Miss Betty asked.
“I’m actually hungry this morning, so yes, please.”
Miss Betty looked at Cadin. “Is there anything else I can get you?”
“No, ma’am, I’m good here. That was delicious. Thank you.”
“My pleasure,” Miss Betty said as she walked into the kitchen.
Sister Frances poured a cup of coffee. “Do you need a refill?”
“Yes, I think I can handle one more.”
“Sit tight and I’ll bring the pot over,” she said.
She filled Cadin’s cup and offered her the cream and sugar. She also handed her a folded piece of paper. “The information you asked about last night,” she said.
Cadin took the paper and placed it in her pocket. “Thank you.”
She drank another cup of coffee while Sister Frances ate. “I’ll be back in a few hours. If you will let Lexie know we’ll work on harvesting when I return, I’d appreciate that.”
“No problem. She’ll sleep at least another hour and then I’ll get some breakfast into her,” Miss Betty said.
“I’ll see you ladies later then,” Cadin said and left the house.
She walked to the covered area and pushed her bike around to the front of the house before she started it to keep from waking the others. She took out the slip of paper to read the address and the simple instructions Sister Frances had written down for her. As she rode through town, she noted the location of the bank that she would pay a visit to later that morning.
She located the small farmhouse and smiled as she pulled into the drive and parked. It was a quaint little home, probably three bedrooms at most, obviously maintained with loving care. Beautiful roses were in bloom in the immaculate flowerbeds. The lawn was in need of mowing, but otherwise the grounds were in good shape. She walked up the short sidewalk and frowned when she reached the door to find the foreclosure announcement posted on the door. Cadin looked around but could not find a For Sale sign posted anywhere. That’s a good sign. It's not on the market yet.
She walked the length of the porch, peering into windows at the bare interior. Apparently, Miss Betty removed the furnishings and her personal belongings when evicted. She must have them in storage somewhere.
Cadin continued around the house peering in windows. At the back of the property she found a large detached garage and workshop. She was surprised to find the door unlocked. This must have been Henry’s haven. The tools and gardening supplies were still inside the building. She returned outside and behind the building found a large fenced garden spot. Weeds had taken over the vegetable plants, which made her frown. Someone had taken great care to plant and tend the garden in the past and it was sad to see the fertile garden go to waste.
This simply will not do. Another idea popped into her head. She would need help with the project, but she had the perfect little helper in mind. First things first, though, she thought and pulled out her cell phone.
A white wooden swing hung in the backyard and Cadin took a seat while she dialed Pam’s number. When Pam answered, Cadin told her of her plans.
Pam could hear the excitement in Cadin’s voice. “I think it’s a lovely plan. Let me know if you need any help.”
“I’m glad you agree,” she told her friend. “Don’t be surprised if the bank contacts you today about a check being written out of state, because I intend to sta
rt this process today.”
When she ended the call, she walked around the house to her bike. “It’s time to see a banker,” she spoke aloud.
†
After parking in the bank’s lot, Cadin reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a business card. She confirmed that her checkbook was in her back pocket.
An elderly man was exiting the bank as she reached the door. He smiled and hurried through the door, opening it for her. “Here you go, ma’am.”
“Why thank you, kind sir,” she said and flashed him her most brilliant smile. “Have a great day.”
“You too, ma’am,” he said as he tipped his hat to her.
She walked into the bank, went straight to the reception area, and handed the woman her card. “I would like to speak to the bank president,” she said.
“Do you have an appointment, Miss…” she looked at Cadin’s card, “Miss Michaels.”
“No, ma’am, I don’t, but I am here to buy a house, so maybe he can make a few minutes for me,” she said with a sweet smile.
“Have a seat and let me make an inquiry,” she said and scuttled away from her desk as Cadin found a comfortable seat. She could see the woman through a glass window as she approached a man she assumed was the president and handed him her card. The man looked at the card and immediately sat up in his chair and straightened his tie. The woman scurried from his office and approached her.
“Mr. Thomas will see you now, Miss Michaels. May I get you something to drink?”
“No, ma’am, but thank you for asking,” she said politely, following the woman to the office.
“George Thomas,” the man said as he offered her his hand.
“Cadin Michaels, pleased to meet you, Mr. Thomas.”
“Oh please, just call me George. Won’t you have a seat?” he said, gesturing to the chair across from his desk.
Cadin settled onto the plush chair and looked up at the man.
“What may I do for you this morning?” he asked.
“I am here to buy a house,” she said, leaning forward to remove her checkbook from her back pocket. “May I borrow a pen?”
George’s eyes grew wide, but managed to hand her a pen. “What house are you interested in?”
Without looking up from her checkbook, she reached into her pocket and handed him the slip of paper Sister Frances had given her with the address written on it. “This one. I believe it’s a recent foreclosure from the notice plastered on the front door,” she said as she busied herself writing out a check.
He looked at the address. “This would be the Franklin place,” he said after checking his files.
“Yes, that’s the one. I believe you foreclosed on the property for a bit over twenty thousand dollars after Mr. Franklin died.”
“Yes, his death was unfortunate, and his account was several months behind. I’m afraid his widow had no way to bring the account current,” he said. “Business is business.”
“It is a sad day in America when a woman of her stature is forced to live in a women’s shelter after she is ruthlessly evicted from the only place she’s known as home,” Cadin said, her voice lowered to a growl. “You know damned well you could have extended her the courtesy to wait for her benefits to come in so she could refinance the home with you.” She ripped the check out of her checkbook and placed it on the desk in front of him.
George, genuinely startled by her movements and the edge in her voice asked, “What’s this?”
“It is a check made out to your establishment for twenty-five thousand dollars,” she said. “The amount should cover her remaining debt, the expenses for the paperwork and deed registry of the property. I would like the deed registered to the Missy Foundation.”
“Now wait just a minute,” he cried, his voice louder than he intended.
Activity in the bank came to a halt and she could feel the eyes of the bank employees and customers drawn to the office.
Cadin watched as redness crept up his neck into his face. “Why would I sell you the place for this amount?” he snarled at her. “That house is worth so much more.”
“First, the housing market is flooded with homes that are not selling. Second, you haven’t listed the property for sale yet, so the foreclosure paperwork isn’t final.” She looked up to see his eyes bugging out. “Third, you will never sell the property after I raise a terrible scandal about another heartless banker stealing a lifetime home from a widow. It’s a shame a banker takes more pride in making a sale than taking care of his lifelong customers.”
“Now hold on here a minute,” he started, but Cadin cut off his argument.
“It’s a more than a fair offer and I shouldn’t think it would take more than three days to secure the paperwork. You can reach me at the number on my card,” Cadin said and stood to leave.
George’s mouth was hanging open as he stood behind his desk.
“Do you have any questions?” she asked.
“No,” he stammered.
“I will assume we have a deal then and I will wait to hear from you soon, George,” she said sweetly and offered him her hand.
“Yes, yes, we’ll be in touch,” he answered, and then collapsed back into his chair.
“Thank you and good day, sir,” she said and walked out of his office, all eyes in the bank following her movement. She looked at her watch and grinned. “Fifteen minutes, that has to be some sort of record.” Still smiling, she mounted her bike and rode to a nearby store where she purchased several pairs of inexpensive shorts and a pair of sneakers. She placed her purchases in the saddlebags and rode back to Sister Frances’s home.
†
Lexie was riding a bicycle in the yard when she pulled into the drive. Cadin parked under the cover and took her bags from the saddlebags. Lexie rushed over to her and Cadin asked, “Ready to gather some nuts?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Lexie squealed.
“Let me change clothes and we’ll get started.” Cadin walked into the sleeping area and changed into the shorts and sneakers. When she walked back out Lexie was patiently waiting for her. “Got your bucket?” Cadin asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” she answered.
“Let’s see if we can find a rake and we’ll get started. Do you know if Sister Frances has a rake?”
“There’s one in a small tool shed out back,” Lexie answered.
“Let’s go get it and start to work.”
†
Lexie kneeled on the ground and began picking up pecans as Cadin started raking them into piles for her. It took little time to fill her first bucket. Lexie carried it to Sister Frances to empty it and she came rushing back out to the orchard.
When she came back out, Cadin stopped raking. “I have another project I need your help with, but it’s a secret,” she said.
Lexie’s eyes sparkled when she heard the word “secret,” and asked, “What is it?”
“There is a garden not far from here that I need help cleaning up and I thought I might hire you to help.”
“What will we be doing?” Lexie asked as she began picking up pecans.
“It’s going to be hard work, pulling weeds, trimming plants and maybe picking some veggies,” Cadin said.
“I can do all that,” Lexie said. “I’ll have to ask Mommy though.”
“I understand. I’ll talk to her when she gets home if you’d like.”
“She will probably have some questions. Why is it a secret?” she asked.
“Because it is a surprise for Miss Betty,” she explained. “I don’t want her to know what we’re doing until I know something for sure.”
“Okay,” Lexie said, but Cadin could see she didn’t quite understand.
“Just don’t mention it to anyone but your mommy,” Cadin said.
“Yes ma’am,” Lexie said.
The back door of the kitchen opened and Miss Betty stepped outside and yelled, “Lunchtime.”
“I’m starved,” Cadin said. “Let’s eat.”
Lexie pick
ed up her bucket and carried it proudly to the house.
Sister Frances saw Lexie carrying the bucket and smiled, “Another one already?”
“Yes, ma’am, it goes faster when I have help,” Lexie said.
“I see that,” Sister Frances said with a wink to Cadin. “You two go clean up and come eat and I’ll dump your bucket.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Lexie said and handed her the bucket.
She and Lexie walked into the bathroom and washed their hands and faces. “Eww, we were dirty,” Cadin said, surprised by the amount of dust they washed from their faces.
“Yes, we were,” she agreed.
They walked into the dining room to find a large stack of ham sandwiches on the table and a bowl filled with chips.
“Tea for two hard workers,” Miss Betty said as she brought glasses to the table.
She and Sister Frances joined them at the table with another mother and a small boy named Tommy. “You two have been working up a storm this morning,” Sister Frances said.
“We’ve got to get the harvest done,” Cadin said.
“Have you counted?” she asked Lexie.
Lexie looked shocked. “No, ma’am. I was so busy filling the bucket I forgot to count.”
Sister Frances chuckled. “That’s okay. Miss Betty and I will count. I think we need to do some shelling this afternoon, Betty.”
“We’d better if we’re to have any ready for the market next weekend.”
“Speaking of weekends,” Sister Frances said, “could I ask a favor of you, Cadin?”
“Sure thing, what can I do?”
“Miss Betty and I need a chauffeur and a chaperone this Saturday night.”
“Well, that certainly sounds interesting,” Cadin said. “You have my attention.”
“A friend of ours holds an annual, women only dove hunt once a year. It’s this Saturday night. We’d like to go, but neither of us sees well after dark.”
“A dove hunt at night, that sounds suspicious.”
“No silly, the hunt is during the day and then a big cookout is held. There’s often as many as four generations present and it’s the only time we can see some of our older friends,” Miss Betty said.