By now Flo had returned to their table and was enjoying her food. She encouraged the others to get to the buffet line.
But Trudy Sweetwater, who was tired and worried, had lost her appetite.
Andrea noticed and said, Trudy, at least eat some salad. Youll pick up, and its so healthy.
I know. Trudy sighed.
Flo, with a strong voice, advised, I understand. But theres nothing you can do. This really is Tallys big day. Lets put Mariah aside. I know thats easy coming from me, since I truly could not stand the woman, but Tally comes first. She looked up to see Tim and Liz approaching. Try.
Youre right. Trudy got up; Andrea went with her.
Liz, once seated beside her husband, tested a piece of roast beef. Delicious.
Tim did likewise. Good beef out here.
Flo liked Tim well enough. People still run big herds. When land prices hit the roof, some folks sold out and we suffered the rash of overdevelopment that many parts of the country did, but, Tim, real Missouri is still cattle, farming, and a little fishing to do you good. She beamed, for she loved her state.
Liz, oblivious to the discussion, piped up. You know, Ive come up with a package that focuses on computer-chip nanotechnology. Its the future.
Liz, this isnt the time to discuss business, DeeDee chided her.
Oh. Liz looked crestfallen.
Eat your supper, honey. We may not get hot food for a day or two, Tim cajoled her.
Why?
He replied, I expect whole swaths of Missouri will be without power. This storm is getting stronger and stronger.
Flo looked out the long windows of the banquet room. The outdoor lights glowed as best they could through the thick snow. Yes, it is.
By the time everyone had dessert and coffee, the wind was shaking the building. Jahnae, forgoing dessert, spoke to each woman at the over-eighty tables. She then stopped by all the other tables to remind the students to go back to the residence halls in human chains.
The minute the dessert dishes were picked up, people descended on Tally. Big Mim stood with her aunt to assist her. Inez rose, too, since students wished to talk to her, as well.
For an hour, Aunt Tally signed programs and chatted. The line had dwindled and she was about to take a step toward the over-eighty tables when a willowy, attractive girl held out her hand.
Miss Urquhart, Im Aileen Tinsdale. I was named for my maternal grandmother, Aileen Peavey.
For heavens sake! Aunt Tally held the girls hand. Youre Ralstons granddaughter.
I am.
Big Mim, Little Mim, Inez, and Harry all stared at the young woman. Her blue eyes, blonde hair, and regular features made her very attractive. Her manner made her more so.
I remember when your grandmother left. Too many memories. We heard she moved to St. Louis because she found a good job there. Ralston had made some money, but not enough.
Grandma passed away from colon cancer last year. Tears came into Aileens eyes. If only she could have seen you again.
Aunt Tally, touched, said, I would have liked that. She was a good woman who faced a terrible situation. Im so sorry to hear shes on the other side. Are you Georges daughter or Lindas?
Aileen added, Lindas. My mother is doing fine.
Hows George? He was ten when I last saw him.
Uncle George is great. Grandma said he looked just like Ralston.
Is George happy?
Yes. He has three sons, and he and his wife, Judy, are so funny together. He owns a pharmacy in St. Joseph.
Why St. Joseph?
St. Louis overwhelmed Grandma, but she had a really good job as an executive secretary. She met Clyde Waverly, a cattleman from St. Joe. He told her if she married him shed never have to work outside the house again. She did and moved to St. Joe. Its a really nice place. I miss it. I love college, but I guess you always miss home. I miss my horse. Mom and Dad said next year theyd pay to board him here.
That would be ideal. Aunt Tally liked this young woman. She didnt let go of her hand. Any brothers and sisters?
One each. Hannahs two years behind me. John is four.
I never heard from your grandmother after she left. Then I lost track, Tally said wistfully.
Grandma didnt keep up with people back in Virginia. She couldnt take the reminders. She said she wanted to forget, and then she thought everyone had forgotten her and Ralston. She never really forgot.
Neither did we, Aunt Tally said. Honey, if you give me your address, I will keep in touch.
Aileen had been hoping for this. She pulled out a pink slip of paper on which shed written her school address and phone number, her email address, and her home address in St. Joseph.
Aileen then noticed students lining up.
Dr. Barnett told us we have to walk back to the residence halls in lines. The weathers so bad. Ive never seen it this bad. She squeezed Aunt Tallys hand. Im so excited to meet you. She turned to Inez. And you, too, Dr. Carpenter. Grandma told me you paved the way in Virginia.
Your grandmother was very kind. Inez hugged the young woman, as did Aunt Tally.
After Aileen left, Aunt Tally said sotto voce to Inez, All this hugging. I think every student hugged me. Im not one for intemperate embrace, but I was glad to hug that child. I so hope the killer is found before I die!
The alumnae board, waiting to say their good-byes, stepped forward after Aileen had walked away.
Liz overheard the last part of the conversation, as had Flo.
You know. Liz began to wail.
Know what? Aunt Tally was puzzled.
About Mariah.
Flo said sharply, Liz, shut up.
Whats going on? Aunt Tally was more than curious. She knew something was being kept from her.
At that moment Inez would have gladly killed Liz. The thought was occurring to Jahnae, as well.
Smoothly, Inez told her dear friend, Blossom, one of our board members appears to be in trouble. We dont know any more than that.
Shes dead! I know shes dead. Liz, being a somewhat inebriated twit, made it worse.
For Christs sake, Tim. Get her out of here, Flo commanded Lizs husband.
He did as he was told, but Liz did not go quietly. Shed snuck in a third drink, which was all too apparent to her husband.
You all are trying to shut me up!
Thats right. Tim moved her faster and faster to the door.
He didnt stop for her coat but hauled her out in the high wind and snow, all but dragging her to the rental car.
My coat.
Ill get it later. He slammed the door and hoped the cheap piece of metal would start.
Nothing like a rental car to make one appreciate a good vehicle.
Back in the building, Aunt Tally squared off at the alumnae board. Is she dead?
Andrea replied honestly, We dont know, but shes missing, and its not like Mariah to miss a board meeting or your party.
Why would Mariah Well, let me put it this way: Who would wish her harm?
Flo, to her credit, said, Apart from me, I cant think of anyone.
Inez noticed the lines of students moving out and whispered to Harry, Will you fetch our coats?
Of course. Harry left with Little Mim, who wanted to pick up her mothers and her own.
Back at the group, Aunt Tally thanked the alumnae board for their efforts and made them feel better. I know you all didnt want to disturb me. Im sure Mariahs vanishing was a strain on everyone. Thank you for considering my feelings on my special day.
Flo nodded. Sooner or later well get to the bottom of this. You have a special present from the board. Its waiting for you at Rose Hill.
This certainly lifted Aunt Tallys spirits. I cant wait.
She bid everyone good-bye, then she, Big Mim, Little Mim, Inez, and Harry donned their coats. Jahnae walked them to the door. A driver with a school vehicle waited for them. He first ferried Aunt Tally to the passenger seat. Although they were only a short distance from the door, the winds almost blew the ti
ny old lady away.
Once back at Fairchild Alumni House, the humans were greeted by the animals. Everyone sat in the living room as the lights flickered.
If the power goes, no heat. No hot anything. The stove is electric, Big Mim announced.
This wont be the first time William Woods has lost power. Let me rummage around. I bet theres a propane heater somewhere. Harry got up, with Mrs. Murphy, Tucker, and Pewter right behind her.
She checked the kitchen closets. Then she went into the basement. Sure enough, there was a propane heater, and it was full.
She brought it upstairs and placed it in the living room. Just in case.
Better look for candles or flashlights, Mrs. Murphy suggested.
Although Harry didnt understand what her cat was saying, she began searching for those very items. If you live in the country, you tend to think ahead. She found candles on the shelves of the broom closet and one flashlight. She brought these back to the living room.
Detective work. Little Mim reached for a candle.
Inez and Tally had been discussing Mariahs no-show.
Aunt Tally turned a sharp eye on Inez. What do you think?
Something has happened to her.
Like foul play, Little Mim whispered.
Dont jump the gun. Aunt Tallys voice rose. She could have had a heart attack or a stroke. For all we know, shes in the hospital. Or having an affair, slipping off before a big storm. That would give her an excuse. Power goes out. No cell phone service or landlines. Its a possibility.
Kenda Shindler called the hospitals. In Columbia. In Jefferson City. In Kansas City. In St. Louis, Inez said. No Mariah.
She could have had a stroke and lost some memory. Maybe she doesnt know who she is. Aunt Tally then smiled. Or she could know exactly who she ispeople in love are resourceful. Like I said, the storm is a great opportunity.
You know, were all probably overreacting, thanks in part to Liz Filmore. Silly and drunk. Inez folded her hands across her chest. Liz rubs some people the wrong way. I get along with her, but shes a social climberat least, thats how I read her. But that tawdry ambition makes her work hard to make money. Good for me.
Liz was loaded. Tim should have stuck a wine-soaked tennis ball in her mouth. Would have shut her up and pacified her at the same time. Aunt Tally laughed.
Low-pressure systems dont help, Little Mim said. Then she explained, People feel tired, some get edgy. Maybe its not so bad.
This is awful to say, but were family. Inez winked. The meeting really was easier without Mariah. Of course, if the situation had been reversedif Flo didnt show up and Mariah didit would have been just as easy.
As Inez spoke, the lights flickered again but remained on. Im sorry for the blizzard and Im sorry for the worry. Casts a shadow over your big day. She turned to Aunt Tally. I hope it was wonderful.
It really was. The biggest surprise was meeting Ralston Peaveys granddaughter. I still cant believe it.
Me, neither, Big Mim agreed, and this was echoed by her daughter.
Tucker, Mrs. Murphy, and Pewter could feel the barometer drop more acutely than the humans could. Tucker wanted to go back to the manure pile, even if it was freezing over and covered with snow. On the other hand, she was happy to be inside. Really, she was getting as bad as Harry: She hated not knowing something.
Flo, plaid wool throw around her legs, was stretched out on Gayles sofa in the living room. Each woman would occasionally glance out the windows. Each time, they marveled at the volume of snow. They, too, were discussing Mariah.
You must have some idea? Gayle was worried.
None. Look, Gayle, I couldnt stand her. Didnt even want to be in the same room with her. If she was up to no good, she certainly wasnt going to tell me.
Apart from your college clashes, did she do something recently that offended you?
She offends me. Her very person. Ive felt that way since I first met her. Havent you ever met someone and disliked them instantly?
Once. I avoided him.
Well, I couldnt very well avoid Mariah. I swear, she spent more time at William Woods now than when she was a student, just to torment me. God knows, she never missed a chance to drive in from Kansas City. And her being on the alumnae board means I have to deal with her a lot. Shes just so pushy. Shed searched for that word.
She is. But its in the service of the school.
Oh, bollocks. The alumnae board is a way for her to get attention. Shes raised a lot of money already. She craves attention. Always has.
I suppose she does, Gayle reluctantly agreed. It would appear that Liz Filmore suffers from attention-deficit syndrome, too. She grinned mischievously. Neither woman gets enough.
Give credit where credit is due. Flo wrinkled her nose. Mariah does raise money, and she wants attention for that. Liz wants attention for herself.
Looks like it, Gayle agreed again.
Mariah would not miss a meeting. Hell, shed go just to irritate me. Flo crossed one foot over the other. Shes done something terrible. Shes on the lam. I guarantee it.
Flo, Gayle took a deep breath, what an awful thought.
Flo thought for a moment, pulled the blanket more tightly around her. Mariah inspires awful thoughts.
Neither Flo nor Gayle knew of the twenty-five thousand dollars that had been drawn from the Kansas City account. Although it had been repaid, both women would have been outraged.
Gayle shifted on her chair. It will all come out in the wash. She paused. Certainly was a lovely dinner. Can you imagine reaching one hundred?
You know, I never thought about it. A deep sigh followed. The only way, really, would be to marry a plastic surgeon. Maybe then youd look seventy.
Maybe then your navel would be between your eyes. Gayle giggled.
The third eye of prophecy, Flo shot back, and they laughed uproariously.
As a precaution, four of the maintenance workers bunked up at the university. Like the alumnae, people who worked at William Woods eventually fell under its spell. Hardworking, straightforward Missouri men, not one of them could bear the thought of their kids shivering in their rooms or not being able to get hot food.
While Aunt Tally had celebrated, the four men divided up the campus, each protecting his quadrant. Every residence hall was hooked up to a series of generators, and the maintenance men showed the CA, often a graduate student, how to cut off the circuit breakers, then turn on the generator. A few of the students, not country folk, knew how to check a circuit breaker but didnt understand why they needed to cut the power when it was out. Patiently, they were informed that if the power came back on and the generator was running, theyd blow out everything.
The final carrying out of manure to the big snow-covered pile was done. The horses would be in superclean stalls in case they couldnt be thoroughly mucked out tomorrow. The students had put down extra bedding. Water usually didnt freeze inside the barns, but they knew that would happen tonight. Generators were hooked up in the barn so the pumps would still work. The frozen buckets could be dumped, then refilled with fresh water in the morning. Horses drank as much as sixteen gallons of water on a hot day; on a cold one, they still needed a lot of water.
When Fuji Wertland knocked on the door of the alumni house, Harry and Tucker greeted him. The power had gone out an hour ago. The ladies sat around the propane heater.
Come on in. Im surprised you could get through, Harry said.
Snows supposed to end sometime tomorrow. He shrugged. Who knows? A weatherman can be wrong half the time and still keep his job. He stepped inside.
At fifty-four, Fuji kept in shape. Small of build and a quick thinker, he headed maintenance, an important position on any campus and one that faculty and students rarely considered.
We can offer you some cookies but no stove. She smiled.
Im here to hook up the generator. You know to cut the circuit breakers and
Were country people, Aunt Tally called out from the living room. We know the drill.
> He nodded as he passed the living room.
All I found was the propane heater. If Id known there was a generator, I would have hooked it up, Harry said.
We keep it locked up. Things that expensive can walk. He fished his flashlight out of his jacket and opened the door to the dark basement. Let me show you where the circuit breakers are.
Found them. Harry nonetheless fell in behind Fuji, as Tucker trailed behind her.
Mrs. Murphy and Pewter stayed in the parlor.
Seen one basement, seen em all, Pewter announced.
Down in the basement, Fuji popped open the metal cover of the box and flipped off the main breaker, which was a bright-blue longer switch at the bottom of the two rows of small black switches.
Flip it on when the power returns, he told Harry, as he walked to a closet in the back.
Harry remained near the breaker. As Fuji opened the closet with his key, she called, Need help carrying the generator?
No, thanks. Ten gallons of gas are here in two five-gallon cans. This closet has ventilation toward the back. He shined his flashlight at the long, narrow louvers at the top of the ceiling.
He carried the generator, placed it under the circuit breakers, and hooked it up. Someone will need to get up in the middle of the night and top it off. Fuji set both cans in front of the closet but not next to the generator. At least Harry wouldnt have far to carry one.
Ill do it. Harry followed Fuji back up the stairs.
The refrigerator hummed again.
Inez, theyre playing our song, Aunt Tally quipped.
Little Mim walked into the kitchen. How about some soup? Wont take long to heat it up. She smiled at Fuji.
Although the ladies were full, they were more than happy to make something hot for Fuji.
No, thank you, maam. He walked to the front door. Theres a lot left to do. This storm is brutal.
Harry said, Thank you. Do you have a cell?
Do. Course, its not working now. No satellite TV. Well sleep in a trailer back behind the stables. Its there for times like this or for graduation, when we work around the clock. The boys and I hoped to watch some basketball. Well play cards instead. He grinned. Ill clean those dogs out.
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