by Linda Hanna
Cora placed coffee cups on the top rack and wiped her damp hands on a dishtowel. “Oh Em, I’m so excited about you staying with us for a few days. We’re going to have so much fun.”
June joined them in the kitchen and handed Jordan’s dirty dishes to her mother-in-law. “Well, the men are busy making plans. I just heard the three of them schedule a golf date for this Saturday morning.” She took a final swipe of the granite countertop.
“We have our own plans to make.” Cora closed the dishwasher. “Let’s join forces in the dining room and see what we can come up with.”
As the ladies settled around the table, Jordan raced into the room. “Dad said I could have some more iced tea.” He looked at Cora. “Uncle Steady was telling us about the guy who followed you home. How creepy is that?”
A momentary panic clenched Cora’s stomach. “Yeah, it was creepy alright.” Her gaze dropped to the table.
June took her son’s arm. “Why don’t you get your tea and go back in with the men? We have a lot of girl talk to do.”
“Are you all right?” Emily reached over and held her sister’s shaking hand.
Cora answered with a nod as her mind searched for answers. If George or his partner were still at large, she and Em would both be in danger.
17
It was after 10 pm when Cora and Ed finally pried themselves away from the Morgans’ home. Cora found it impossible to stop her chatter about their new relatives.
“Can you believe how much alike we are?” She pulled a pack of gum from her purse and offered a stick to Ed. “Think you could tell us apart?”
“Need I remind you of the Pegasi fiasco?” Ed checked the side mirror as a semi rattled past them. “Think of all the people that have been confused by the two of you. George Shipley must’ve seen Emily at the Pegasi and thought it was you, just like I did. With good reason. I’ve never seen two people look and act so similar.” Ed chuckled. “George had to be going berserk trying to pull off his scam.”
She laughed along with her husband. “He was so angry on the phone when I didn’t understand what he was talking about. It’s been a bizarre situation right from the start.”
“Today in particular.” Ed pulled to a stop in the turn lane. “Although, finding that picture yesterday sure threw me for a loop. I thought you’d left me.”
She studied the contour of his face as headlights of the car behind them illuminated the front seat. “Why on earth would you think that?”
“You’ve been acting so strangely, and then your dresser drawer was empty except for that picture.” The traffic light changed and Ed made a left turn. “What else could I think?”
“So you came to the brilliant conclusion that I just packed up my undies and scampered off? Have bloomers will travel? Didn’t you consider the fact I’d need something a little more substantial than that to wear?”
“Well, it was in the heat of the moment, Toots. I didn’t think to look in your closet.”
“You should have. What happened is I tossed all my stuff into the hamper, because George had his filthy paws on everything when he put the picture in.” She shivered. “It still gives me the creeps.”
Ed glanced her way and nodded. “Well, that makes more sense. Anyway, I’m glad you’re still with me.” He reached over and patted her knee.
”And to think, I was afraid of losing you, Eddie.”
“Why? My unmentionables are still in the drawer where they belong.” His hearty laugh filled the car. “You know, I think I’ve experienced every emotion possible the last few days.”
Cora sighed. “Me too. I’m so glad it’s over.”
“Let’s hope our minds unwind before we get home or it’ll be ages before we can settle down. And we both know I won’t be catching any Z’s until you do.”
She snickered.
“We’re so exhausted, we’ll both sleep like babies.” Her laughter ceased as she reflected on Ed’s accusations of that morning. Her tone was somber as she asked, “Hey buster, speaking of babies, exactly when did you think I’d have time to have a child behind your back? I know you were on the PGA Tour a lot, but honestly, Ed, what a silly assumption.”
The comment momentarily silenced Ed. His voice was husky as he apologized. “I’m sorry. Evidence was mounting, and I jumped to the wrong conclusion. I’ve been a major clod.”
“I should say so.” She stared out the side window. “It really hurt when you accused me of having an affair. If the tables were turned, I’d like to think I would’ve trusted you.”
“Forgive me?”
Her heart took a leap as she reached over and gently stroked the light stubble on his cheek. “Oh Eddie, of course I do.” An undeniable attraction grew in her. Warm currents raced and melted the once icy hold on her heart. Cora grinned mischievously. “Now, let’s get back to discussing that mysterious son you thought I had.”
“Oh.” His voice reflected guilt. “Well, can I be blunt?” He squinted over his glasses to see her in the darkened car.
“Go on, but measure your words carefully, and keep your eyes on the road.”
Ed shifted in his seat and adjusted his seatbelt. “We didn’t meet until you were nineteen. Then, yesterday, seeing that photograph in your drawer, I realized I might not have been the first man in your life. You even told me you bought coconut cookies for your son, so my mind immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion.” He reached over, took her hand in his, and pressed his lips to her palm.
She felt the electricity of his tender kiss. “I understand. Actually, with everything going on, I was beginning to doubt myself.” Cora remembered something else. “Hey, since we’re clearing the air, wanna tell me about that big life insurance policy you took out on me?”
“For crying out loud, Toots, is this some sort of interrogation?”
“You betcha. I’ve had so many questions on my mind and we haven’t been able to talk. Now, tell me about the policy.”
“Aha! I thought you trusted me.”
“Just tell me about it, Ed.”
He took a deep breath. “Remember when I saw George and Roger at Sugar Dips?”
“How could I possibly forget?”
“Well, George was still feeling guilty about stealing from me. That’s why he couldn’t look me in the eye and left as soon as I went to their table.”
“What’s that got to do with the insurance?”
“When I got to work the next morning, Roger told me George was working for McFarland Group Insurance and was trying to sell him a policy at Sugar Dips. When I learned that was the reason they were talking, I took out the policy to help him.”
“Oh.”
“What did you think?”
“I thought maybe, well, never mind. It isn’t important now.”
Ed looked at her. “Did you think I had plans to knock you off and collect the money? Come on, Cora. We’ve got more money in the bank than we’ll ever spend in this lifetime. Do I really need that penny-ante insurance money? Now, who’s not trusting whom?”
“Busted!” she exclaimed with a throaty giggle. “Maybe we should change the subject?”
“Good idea.”
Cora watched the lights as they approached the Saguaro Valley Complex. Thoughts of the photograph and the brother-in-law she never knew came to mind. “You know, that was probably Philip in that picture. It was so sweet to see him holding Em in his arms. Hey, why didn’t we remember to give it to her this evening?”
With a heavy sigh, Ed searched his breast pocket. “You’re not going to believe this, but I might’ve left it at the Pegasi.”
“Well, you have to go back and get it. And while you’re at it, would you mind getting a copy made, so I can give the original to Em? She’ll be glad to have it.”
“Right, I’ll do that tomorrow. Do you want me to leave the copy in your dresser drawer?”
“I’ll answer that with another question, dear,” Cora said as the car pulled into their garage. “Do you want to wear your putter as a necktie?”
<
br /> “Point taken.” They shared a laugh as Ed helped her from the car. In one forward motion, he took her into his arms. His kiss was soft and searching.
Cora smiled as he guided her to the door.
Before they crawled into bed, Cora listened as Ed offered thankful prayers. First, for bringing his wife through traumatic times and for their newfound family.
“…but most of all, Lord, we thank You for restoring our relationship.”
When the prayer ended, Cora thought she detected a playful flicker in Ed’s eyes. Was there a deeper significance to his gaze? The implication sent waves of eagerness through her. She ached for his love, and reached out to him.
Ed gently gathered her into his embrace and held her tightly. Cora spontaneously wrapped her arms around his neck and experienced his heartbeat against her. She felt like a breathless girl of eighteen as he reached over and turned off the lamp.
As they snuggled, Cora’s head fit perfectly in the recess of his shoulder and neck. She inhaled the familiar spicy scent of his cologne and was wrapped in the invisible warmth of his love. The anguish of the past few weeks dissipated as he tenderly pressed his lips to hers. She answered with a sweetheart’s kiss.
****
In the wee hours, Ed still mulled over the day’s events. He visualized the photograph of Emily and Philip and remembered the words on the back. “Does your old man know?” Was the man in the snapshot Philip? Exactly how did George fit into Emily’s life? Where did the money come from and how did she end up with it? Was it blackmail? After meeting Cora’s sister, it was difficult to think of her ever being a party to anything illegal.
Niggling thoughts continued to hound him. Something didn’t add up.
18
Cora was up early the next morning to prepare for her sister’s visit. After a quick breakfast, she washed grapes, sliced bananas and pineapple and added them to her fruit salad.
In the living room, she re-fluffed the throw pillows for the third time, and then glanced to the fireplace mantle. The tapered candles were off-kilter next to the framed photograph of Van and her family. How she wished her daughter could share in the day’s excitement. Her heart ached as she looked into Van’s face.
Cora blinked away the tears. It was time for a break. Emily would be here soon, and she didn’t want to greet her sister with red-rimmed eyes.
She poured a glass of lemonade, dialed McGibbons’s number, and crossed her fingers in hopes her neighbor would take the bait. Dahlia answered on the third ring. Cora spoke in her most serious voice. “Something’s come up, Dahlly, and I desperately need my best friend to confide in. Could you come over for lunch today?”
“Oh Sugar, today? I’m up to my elbows in pie dough.”
Cora suppressed a giggle and cleared her throat. “It’s important, or I wouldn’t ask.”
“Oh…well, I guess I can have this here mess tidied up by twelve-thirty. Would that work?”
“You’re an angel. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.” Cora hung up. She rubbed her hands together and basked in the thought of setting her friend up for a double-barreled surprise. Dahlia always pulled pranks on her, so it was time for the dessert maker to get her own just deserts. The chiming grandfather clock reminded her that she still had to whip up a coffee cake before Emily arrived. She’d have to get busy.
It was an hour later when she wiped the counter clean and the sweet aroma of hot cinnamon filled the air. Her mouth watered as she peeked inside the oven.
Cora eagerly waited at the window, and could hardly contain herself when her new relatives pulled into the drive. She threw the door open, and Emily raced to her. June, carrying Emily’s two suitcases, followed her mother-in-law into the house.
The kitchen timer’s buzz interrupted their emotional greeting. “Oh, my coffee cake’s done.” Cora motioned to the dining room. “Sit down, sit down, I’ll be right back.”
June patted her arm. “Tell you what, while you’re in the kitchen, I’ll get the photo albums.” She faced her mother-in-law. “Would you help with the door, Mom?”
As Cora brought the coffee cake to the table, she saw her twin open the door. A man with a tool belt set a large box inside. Cora hoped to keep her twin identity a secret until later, so she backed into the kitchen.
The man’s voice said, “Mornin’ Ms. Timms. Do you feel safer with the new door locks? I made sure to get the very best.” After a pause he added, “Well, gotta run. Have a nice day, now.”
Emily giggled all the way to the kitchen. “He thought I was you, Sis. I didn’t even try to trick him.”
“That could be because I’ve never met the man.”
“What?” Emily put her hands on her hips. “You mean I wasted a perfectly good ‘come hither’ look?”
With a hearty laugh, June guided Emily into the dining room. “Mom, you’ve only been here five minutes, and you’ve already tarnished Aunt Cora’s halo. I can’t take you anywhere.”
“I think Em’s going to enjoy what I have planned for later.” Cora motioned for her guests to take their seats as she passed the servings of coffee cake.
After the carefree chatter, June drained her cup. “I’d love to stay for seconds, but I gotta run.” She wiped her mouth and folded her napkin.
“You’re leaving all ready?” Cora set her fork down and frowned. “You just got here.”
Emily proudly stroked her daughter-in-law’s hand. “Junie and her friend are directors of the ‘Grannies-On-the-Go’ program at the Senior Center.”
“And, if I don’t leave now, those grannies will be on the go without me.” June kissed Cora goodbye, and then went to Emily. “I’m so glad your world has grown to include your new sister, but do us all a favor and behave yourselves, you hear?”
Emily looked at Cora with a conspiratorial gleam in her eyes and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “I just wasted my best come hither look, Junie. I’m not about to make a promise I can’t keep.”
Cora added, “Would you be satisfied if we promised to pace ourselves?”
June laughed and threw her arms up as she headed for the door. “I’m washing my hands of the whole thing.” She shook her head and left.
”Now that we’re alone,” Cora whispered. “We’re going to have our first twin caper. My best friend’s coming for lunch, and she doesn’t have a clue about you. First, we need to make some minor adjustments.” They hurried to the bedroom. “Here, Em, try on this blouse. She gave it to me on my…our last birthday.”
Cora shut the closet door. “Be sure to call her Dahlly, like I do, or the jig’s up.”
“Dahlly. Got it.” Emily fastened the last button, and went to the full-length mirror.
Cora stood beside her. “Now the only thing that needs changed is your hair style, Em.”
“What?”
“Nothing major.” Cora reached for a comb. “We’ll just add a little more pouf and bangs. There we go. Now, you’re me.” She giggled. “Ready to put our prank into action? Let’s go watch for our victim.”
Emily nodded. “Do you realize even our giggles sound alike?” She followed Cora to the living room.
When Dahlia arrived, Cora swallowed her giggles, and eagerly hid in the kitchen. She watched the scene play out from around the corner as her proxy answered the door.
With a straight face, Emily welcomed Dahlia, who barged in without blinking an eye. “I know it’s only been a couple days since I was here, but it seems like ages,” she prattled. “So much has happened. Right after we hung up this mornin’, I got me a call from QSN, ya know, Quality Shoppin’ Network. Anyway, I’ll be hawkin’ my cookbooks an’ a new line of aprons.”
Emily’s hand flew to her mouth.
“Ya look like someone slapped ya on the back while ya was chawin’ tabacca. What’s wrong?” The flamboyant host of Heapin’ Helpin’s TV show set the steaming pie with a crunchy-topping on the coffee table, and hugged the small woman close to her. “Did ya get another phone call?”
; Emily coughed. “Ph-phone call? Uh, no, I-I don’t think so.”
Cora suppressed a giggle as her twin struggled back into character.
“I’ll explain in a minute, uh, Dahlly. Make yourself comfortable at the dining room table while I take the pie into the kitchen.”
“Hey, the table’s set for three. Who else is comin’?”
“You’ll see. I’ll be right back.” Emily hurried into the kitchen.
Cora burst out with titters and snorts as she hugged her sister.
“What’s goin’ on out there?” Dahlia called out. “Who’s that with ya?”
“Just a minute, Dahlly.”
“You’re up to somethin’. I know you’re up to…” Dahlia stopped mid-sentence when Cora and Emily entered the dining room.
Her mouth dropped. It was the first time Cora had ever seen her effervescent friend at a loss for words.
Dahlia’s cackling laughter broke the silence. Soon tears ran down her plump cheeks. She looked from one lady to the other, and whipped out a hanky. “Well, I’ll be hornswoggled. Will the real Cora please step forward?”
“That would be me. I’d like you to meet my long-lost sister, Emily Morgan.”
Another guffaw pierced the air as the Texas cook pulled Cora and Emily to her, and in one fell swoop, smothered them both into her bosom.
With gasps for air, they finally pulled free.
“I haven’t laughed this hard in a long time.” Cora held the back of her chair. “Let’s sit down, although I’m not sure I have the strength to eat.”
“Horsefeathers! All that excitement put me on the growly edge of starvation.” Dahlia scooted up to the table and plopped her usual super-sized portion of Caesar salad onto a plate. “I wanna know how y’all met, an’ I’m talkin’ details, ladies.”
With a deep breath, Cora launched into her nightmare of menacing phone calls, car chases, and the disastrous lunch with Ed. She finished with how they found Emily’s son, Dr. Morgan. “Jeff was the catalyst who brought the mishmash of puzzle pieces together. With one phone call, he arranged for us to meet.”