“It’s the holidays, Nana. I made big changes in my life. I’m trying new things. Scarves are back in style now along with chunky-heeled boots, which you know I detest, yet I’m wearing.” Sam made sure to keep her tone smooth, even, and pull off the lies better than her previous response. “Styles change, but I promise you, if jelly shoes ever trend again, I won’t buy a pair. Those things were ugly and painful.”
Though it was dark, the only light from the twinkling strands around the railing illuminating Sam’s face, Caroline knew her granddaughter lied. Again. She surmised bruises were hidden underneath the scarf.
At the open house on Monday, upon returning inside after the annoying conversation with Maria, Caroline noticed Sam had gone upstairs and changed into a different dress—one with a faux turtleneck, playing off as though she spilled a drink on the other frock. She didn’t realize until later in the evening Richard showed up to the event. When she overheard Charmee mention to Sam it was nice of her former boss to stop by and wish her well, the look of fury on Sam’s face and lack of response spoke volumes.
Something was wrong. She suspected it was tied to Richard Benton. She met him once at Big Sam’s funeral, which was enough to get a good read on the man. The cover was nice, but Caroline didn’t like the interior of the book at all.
Grief stricken by the loss of Big Sam, unwilling to meddle into the personal business of her family again, Caroline decided to let Samantha figure out on her own the type of man Richard was, and had been surprised it took her several years to end the relationship. After Big Sam passed away, Sam rarely socialized with the family, preferring to bury her sorrow with work.
Even though she lived in Hot Springs, Sam was away more than home. On too many occasions when she called, Caroline heard the slur in her voice. Sam had been drinking too much but thankfully, pulled her head out of the bottle and finally left Richard.
Now her headstrong granddaughter was carrying a loaded gun, smoking like the end of the world was on the horizon, sleep-deprived, and only ate enough at dinner to sustain a kitten. Caroline would push once more for Sam to open up, and if she didn’t, she would break a personal rule and start digging on her own, stopping at nothing to protect her granddaughter.
It wouldn’t be the first time she wielded money and power over someone to obtain the results she desired. “Slugger?”
“Yes?”
“If you need to get something off your chest, I’m listening. If you wish to share a secret, I’m good at keeping them. I have years of practice.”
“Please don’t worry, Nana. I’m just overwhelmed and worried I made the wrong career choice venturing out on my own. The house is finished yet there’s still so much more to do. I can’t afford to hire an assistant so running the business is all on me. I have to decide what answering service to use, what billing software to buy, how I’m going handle preparing documents, make appointments, and file pleadings with the court. I sure do wish Garland County would hurry up and start efiling.”
“Those sound like legitimate concerns, Slugger. They also are a smoke screen. When you’re ready to share, I’m listening.”
Sam held in a sigh, saying nothing.
“You know, I never worried about you. Not once. Until now.”
“Nana, please stop. I told you I’m fine. Promise. All surface-level, mundane things will work themselves out in time. During the past year, transforming the house was the main priority. Every thought revolved around construction and design. Saving a dime here, spending it over there. Since the construction phase is over, thank God, other things I left on the backburner are front and center, so I’m sorry if I seem out of sorts. Guess sweating the small stuff is a waste of time, right?”
“Right. But again, you can’t bullshit a bullshitter.”
“I love you, Nana. It’s not bullshit.”
“I love you too, Slugger, but you’re like me and your mother—tough, sassy, afraid of nothing. You see something you want and go for it, no holds barred. You could have turned out like Suzy-Q, skimming through life on looks and resting on the laurels of family money. But you didn’t. Big Sam was thrilled when you were awarded a full ride to U of A because he knew you worked your little ass off to get it. When you were accepted into law school and refused to use funds from your trust to pay for it and took out student loans, he was so swollen with pride I thought he might burst. You wanted the achievements to be 100% from your efforts. Big Sam loved both you girls, but you? Ah, you were the one he bragged on the most. Oops, don’t you go telling Suzy-Q I said that.”
Fighting back tears, Sam took another drag. “I won’t. Thank you for the kind words. The decision was tough. Taking this leap of faith is terrifying. The little voice of doubt enjoys whispering inside my mind—about a lot of things.”
Reaching over, Caroline patted Sam’s slender thigh, wincing at the amount of weight she lost during the last few months. “I realize part of your struggles come from knowing children aren’t in the cards for you naturally, but that don’t mean you’ll never be a mother. There’s step-children; adoption. When the time is right and you’re ready, things will fall into place. Almost ninety years on this planet taught me a lot, Slugger. I made it this far because I keep my eyes open to what’s going on around me, intervening only when asked or I deem necessary. After watching you and noting some things out of the ordinary, I deemed it necessary.”
Wiping a tear from her cheek, Sam laughed. “You mean your longevity isn’t from nicotine and schnapps?”
“Ha! Nope. Those two little treasures help me stay sane in this crazy world. A woman’s soul contains many hidden chambers, Samantha. Most hold precious memories; a few contain secrets. The trick is to make sure to keep the scales tipped in favor of the good recollections. If you don’t, the secrets will bog you down.”
“You’re waxing philosophical tonight, Nana. Already drinking spiked tea?”
“I’m old. One of the perks of aging is I get to hand out advice like candy on Halloween. The choice to pick up the little nugget and ingest is up to you.”
Sam sensed the tone of the conversation seemed lighter, so she changed topics. “Say, if I’m like you and Mom, why do the two of us get along yet you two fight like feral cats with their tails tied together in the rain?”
Caroline burst out laughing. “Where did you hear that expression?”
“Big Sam. Or Pop. I can’t remember which, yet I do recall it was said in reference to the two of you.”
“The truth is I love pushing Charmaine’s buttons because her reactions are hysterical! Coming up with barbs I know will piss her off keeps my mind sharp. The girl takes herself way too seriously. She was, and still is, a spoiled brat, pampered first by her daddy’s pocketbook and then Big Sam’s. Well, not at first. We were blessed in the financial department, but in the early days, we all struggled. Big Sam took Pop’s small construction business to booming levels after coming on board. His architectural degree changed the course of the business. Well, and the fact Charmaine pushed him hard to bring home the bacon. She had a status to maintain.”
Smiling at Nana’s frank words, surprised she shared them, Sam nodded. “I remember overhearing arguments about money and the business when little.”
“When Big Sam came home for winter break and announced he planned on marrying her, I had my doubts it would last, yet I’m glad I was wrong. Without Charmaine, I wouldn’t have you precious girls.”
Rachel, Reed, Jr. and Reed stepped out of the sliding glass doors with Suzy right behind them. One of them flicked on the porch light, bathing the backyard in vibrant light.
Reed slipped his arms around Caroline’s shoulders. “Dinner was great, Nana. We’re leaving to head over to my mom’s.”
Caroline rose, hugging both great-grandchildren. “Hope you two saved some room for some of your meemaw’s legendary cheesecake?”
“We did,” both responded in unison.
“Reed, don’t you let them eat more than one piece. Promise?”
“I pro
mise, honey. You’re coming down Saturday, right Suz?”
“Yep! But only if all Chapman women survive a full day of shopping on Black Friday.”
Sam rolled her eyes. She abhorred shopping. “I’ll pass. Shopping for stuff to decorate the house lasted me three lifetimes.”
“Oh no you won’t, Sam,” Reed teased. “You’re the only one going who can help keep a lid on my wife’s spending habits.”
Everyone laughed except Suzy. She bit her lip rather than saying something rude to Reed in front of their children. They needed to hurry up and leave before she lost the battle. Forcing both kids to give her a hug, she smiled. “Text me when you all get to Meemaw’s. Oh, and don’t forget to email me your wish lists.”
“Mom, we did!”
“I’m aware, Rach. I lost quite a few things after dropping my phone last week. The tech at the cell store tried to retrieve them but it didn’t work. If you don’t want a lump of coal for Christmas…”
“Good thing you bought a waterproof one this time, Mom.” Rachel laughed. “You get on to Daddy for texting and driving. Now he can to tell you not to text and use the bathroom.”
Caroline burst out laughing. “On the pot and using a phone—one with a camera? Not the best choice, Suzy-Q. I may be old but even I know electronics and water don’t mix. Come on, precious ones. I’ll walk you out.”
“Don’t forget to lock the door after they leave.” Sam watched the foursome head back inside. Waiting until the kids were gone, she lit another smoke. “Did you really drop your phone into toilet water?”
“Don’t’ start with me, sis. Please? I’m never going to live down the shame at my house.”
“Ha, no you won’t. You should consider electronics rehab. You’re a full-blown geek if you text while tinkling.”
“Funny, sis. Not.”
“Speaking of things that aren’t funny, or enjoyable, I was serious about bowing out of shopping tomorrow. I’m not up to fighting the crowds.”
“Samantha, Black Friday shopping is a tradition.” Charmee walked to the table. “Besides, you’re a great buffer between me and Caroline. You’re going.”
Sam stiffened. “No, Mom, I’m not. There are plenty of tasks at home needing my attention. I won’t be much company. Besides, I’m giving out gift cards this year. Money’s tight.”
“Smoking is quite an expensive habit, dear. Perhaps you should quit?”
“Perhaps if you wouldn’t continue to butt your nose into my personal life, I wouldn’t have picked up the nasty habit again.”
Suzy held up a hand. “Did you forget today is Thanksgiving? For goodness sake. Can’t you two call a truce or something?”
Sam stood, mashing the butt in the ashtray. “The decision’s made. I’m not going shopping tomorrow. Please come by my place on Saturday. I have a few things to share in private.”
“We’re here now, Samantha, and the mood’s tense. Go ahead and say what’s on your mind. If you plan on discussing Richard…”
“Shhh, Mom. Not here. I’m not going to upset Nana. Period. And yes, the discussion will center on him. Early dinner at my place—around five or so. That should give Kip plenty of time to fix the areas he neglected before. Not a word of this to Nana. I mean it. Promise?”
“Sam, what’s wrong? You’re scaring me.”
Reaching over, Sam gave Suzy a hug. “If I said I didn’t mean to it would be a lie. Five. My house. Saturday. Please, both of you be there.”
Suzy and Charmee both nodded in agreement as Nana headed back down the hallway.
Before Sam could leave, Charmee edged closer, tugging at the scarf. Sam jerked her head back but not fast enough.
Charmee gasped. “Are those bruises…from Richard?”
Resituating the scarf, Sam scowled then nodded once. “Again, now’s not the time. Saturday.”
Suzy and Charmee didn’t say another word as Sam headed back inside. They heard her saying goodbye to Caroline then the sound of the Tahoe’s engine roaring to life minutes later, followed by ice tinkling in a glass as Caroline made a drink.
“Oh, Lord. I didn’t know. Did you?”
Swallowing hard to rid of the lump in her throat, Suzy shook her head, afraid if she opened her mouth, her mother would detect the lie.
“Screw waiting until Saturday. Let’s tell Nana we’re hitting the early-bird sales tonight. I want to know what the sonofabitch did to my daughter before I ruin his life.”
CHAPTER SIX
Thursday, November 24, 2016
JOGGING UP THE porch steps, Sam cringed when a streak of lightning skittered across the night sky. While fumbling to unlock the door, she counted Mississippi’s in silence. She made it to five when a boom of thunder made her jump.
Before stepping inside, a faint meow from the right caught her attention. Squinting, she reached inside the door, punched in the security code and then flicked on the porch light. A tiny kitten crouched underneath the swing, shivering.
“Oh, poor baby! Shh. I won’t hurt you. I’m scared of storms too. Come on, you wee little thing. You can hang out with me and we’ll keep each other company. Come on.”
The pathetic little creature trembled as the wind intensified, flinging cold droplets of rain across the porch. Squatting, Sam edged closer, hand outstretched, cooing gibberish in a low, soothing voice. Another crackle of lightning hit. The kitty burst from its spot right into Sam’s waiting arms.
“You’re freezing! Let’s see if some warm milk and snuggling will fix that.”
Shutting the door, Sam locked it then headed upstairs while the kitten purred. After heating up some milk in the microwave, she tried to set the kitty down for a drink, but the terrified cat clung to her sweater.
“You need something to eat. Come on.”
Bending down, Sam scooped the saucer up, holding it so the kitten got a good whiff. The ploy worked. Squirming to reach the milk, Sam set both back on the floor, smiling as the cute little mite slurped.
It hit her then—the color pattern was the same as the disemboweled cat she found on the back deck. It had to have been its mother. The distinct markings were alike. The thought made her shudder.
“Guess you’ll be staying with me now. Hmm, I’ll have to go shopping tomorrow to get you proper food and stock up on cat stuff. I’m sorry about what happened to your mom, but I’ll be your mommy now, okay? Oh, you’re so tiny! Such a wee thing—you can’t weigh more than a pound. I think I’ll call you Wee Thing.”
Finished with the milk, little whiskers covered in white, Wee Thing’s motor started running. The kitten had quite a rumbling purr. Yanking the ugly scarf off, Sam picked it up, cocooning its body in the soft cashmere. Cradling it like a baby, she headed back downstairs to find an empty box to fill with shredded newspaper until she could get to the store and purchase a proper litter box.
The storm raged outside. Sam cringed when a clap of thunder shook the house. The power flicked off, leaving her stuck downstairs in pitch blackness. The old, childhood fear of storms roared back. Her legs trembled.
“Well shit. My phone’s upstairs. Hang tight, Wee Thing. My eyes will adjust to the dark soon. Once they do, I’ll find the flashlight and then light some candles in case we lose power again. I’ll stop shaking if you will.”
Bam! Bam! Bam!
Sam and the kitten jumped at the same time.
“Open up! We’re soaked. It is pouring cats and dogs out here!”
“Suzy?” Another burst of lightning lit up the interior of the house as though every light turned on at the same time. Sam let out her breath when she saw two familiar faces on the other side of the glass. “Mom? What in the world?”
“Ask questions once we’re inside, Samantha!”
“Hang on, Mom. I can’t see.”
Bright, white light streamed through the glass. Either her sister or mother held up their cell phone. Minding her steps, Sam made her way across the slick hardwood floor, finally reaching the locks. Both women rushed inside, filling the entryw
ay with water droplets, a string of expletives, and dripping umbrellas.
“Good God but you scared me! Ten new gray hairs shot out of my scalp. I guess I don’t need to ask why you’re both here.” Sam hugged Wee Thing closer, trying to soothe both of their raw nerves. “Neither of you can tell time nor follow instructions for shit. The designated meeting was set for Saturday at five p.m. not Thursday at nine-thirty p.m.”
“Samantha Marie, you can’t drop such a huge bomb and expect us to wait nearly 48-hours before telling us what’s going on! We’re worried!”
“Mom, I didn’t drop anything. You removed my scarf, not me. You would still be in blissful oblivion had you left it alone, so don’t blame…”
“Enough!” Suzy yelled. “Please stop nipping at each other like two dogs in a ring! We’re family—we all love one another even though some of us have trouble showing it—so start acting like it. Sam, you need to tell us the truth. No dancing around in circles; no bullshit about breaking agreements.”
Sam did her best to control a wave of anger churning inside her chest. She hated being told what to do and being inside her own home made it worse. Before she could respond, Wee Thing hissed, letting out a weird, mewling noise. Oh, the saying is true—animals can sense evil.
Sam chuckled.
Suzy turned the light of her cell phone toward the sound. “Is that a cat?”
“Yes. I don’t know the sex so I picked Wee Thing as a name. Works for either boy or girl.”
“Don’t you have enough going on in your life, Samantha? Do you want the responsibility of taking care of some nasty fleabag? What will your clients think when they…?”
“Mom! I don’t need a lecture. This is my life, not yours. Yes, I am holding a kitten and no, I didn’t wake up today and think, ‘Hey, I need a pet’ then run out to the nearest animal shelter. I think the mother is dead. I couldn’t leave Wee Thing alone to die as well.”
“Oh, poor kitty.” Suzy stretched her hand out, smiling as her fingers touched soft fur. She missed having a cat. It had been years since the white fluffball Tinker had been in her life. Tinker died while she was away in college. Since Reed was allergic to cats, they didn’t have one. “Why is she—er, he, all wet? Did you give it a bath?”
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