"You've taught me a thing or two about it. So, I've been thinking."
"Yes?"
"Hannibal needs a buddy since I'm gone all the time."
"You want another cat? I don't think Rebecca will give any of hers up."
"No. I've been watching the Humane Society's social media and there's a little one that I'd like to adopt down there. Would you have time to take me to Boone in the next few days?"
Polly slowly turned her head. "I would love to do that."
"When she comes home with me, I might have to take a few days off from visiting you. Maybe you could bring Cassidy over to my house during that time. I want the new kitty to feel like she has a safe place in my home."
"What do you think, Cassidy? Would you like to visit Mrs. Agnes more often at her house?"
"Yes!" Cassidy clapped her hands. "But I come home and sleep in my own bed."
"Of course you would, child," Agnes said. She patted Polly's arm. "You are going to have a lot in your life these next few months while Lexi finds her way. And then Cat and Hayden will have their new baby. You don't need a little old lady intruding on your family time."
Polly stopped at a corner, put the Suburban into park and turned in her seat. "If that's why you are doing this, you’re making a huge mistake. You’re part of our family. You give more to us than I can ever say. We love you and want you to join us whenever you're available. I will miss you if you aren't around. The boys will miss you."
"We'll miss you," Elijah said. "I didn't mean anything when I said that Lexi needed us. We love you."
"I wasn't looking for that much attention," Agnes said. "I should have kept my mouth shut."
"No, if that’s something that has been on your mind, you needed to tell me. But don't think for a minute that we'll let you go that easily. If you need time to make sure your new kitty is comfortable, we'll give you time, but that better be the only reason you don't come over."
"Maybe we'll talk later when there aren't so many little ears." Agnes nodded toward the back of the Suburban.
"We can talk all you want," Polly said, putting the car back into gear. She drove on ahead. "I'm not kidding. You are part of our family. If I have to have Henry sit on you, I will."
Agnes chuckled. "I might enjoy that a mite too much."
Polly pulled into the driveway. "You all know the drill. Make sure things are put away and then let the dogs outside. Go, go, go!"
The boys tore for the house and Polly got out of the Suburban, then opened Cassidy's door to let her out. "Tell Agnes how much you love her a lot tonight, okay?"
Cassidy nodded and ran over to take Agnes's hand. "I love you," she said sweetly.
Agnes sent Polly a glare, then smiled at Cassidy and said, "I love you, too."
Caleb held the door open for Agnes and Cassidy, and then Polly. "She did it again," he whispered.
"Lexi?"
He nodded.
"Where?" Polly stepped inside the mudroom and blinked. The room was immaculate. Baskets filled with folded laundry sat atop the washer and dryer and the chest freezer. "What in the world? I've never seen it look like this."
JaRon was standing in front of his cubby with his backpack in his hand. "I don't want to mess it up."
"I don't blame you, baby," Polly said. She took it from him and set it on the shelf. "This is amazing."
She walked into the kitchen and shook her head. While she'd straightened up this morning, it was clean and neat as a pin again.
Agnes stood in the middle of the room. "You need to keep this one."
"I'd love to," Polly said. "I could learn to love coming home to this. Lexi?" she called out.
Elijah and Lexi came in from the foyer holding hands. Well, Elijah was tugging on Lexi's hand to move her faster.
"Hi, Polly," she said. "I wasn't sure where to put the laundry, so I left it. If you go through it with me, I can learn to put it away."
"You’ve done enough. Are you feeling okay?"
"I'm tired. I probably did too much yesterday. I only worked on that back room today and I didn't bring any laundry down except a few things of mine. That's just the stuff that was already here. I washed the towels for the downstairs bathrooms, but I don't know what your schedule is with the bathrooms upstairs."
"Schedule?" Agnes asked with a laugh. "There's no laundry schedule around here. These kids are lucky they have clean clothes to start the week. Am I right, Ms. Giller?"
Polly burbled a laugh. "She's not wrong. Lexi, this is amazing, but you do not have to work this hard. You're supposed to be recuperating."
"If I don't work, I go out of my mind thinking about …" She shrugged. "… everything. It's easier to keep busy."
"Idle hands," Agnes said. She smiled at Polly. "Cassidy and I are going up to her room so she can change into play clothes. Should I gather her laundry into the basket?"
"If you did, that would be wonderful," Lexi said. "I'd know that it was hers and make sure it went back to her room."
"She was kidding," Polly said. "Boys, let the dogs out. They're ready to run."
"I let them out when I made lunch earlier. I hope that's okay," Lexi said. "And I gave them a treat like I saw you do yesterday. Was that right?"
"Perfect. Thank you."
Elijah tugged on Lexi's hand. "Come on. I want to show you our tunnel."
"Have you shown her the main level?"
"We just went really fast around the hall," he said.
Polly patted his shoulder. "Tell you what. Lexi just said she's tired. Maybe she could sit out here and talk to me while I figure out what to do for supper."
His shoulders sagged and he nodded. "Okay. But I get to take her to the tunnel."
"Maybe tomorrow after school," Lexi said. "I get stronger every day. Thank you for showing me around."
Elijah dropped her hand and ran over to stand beside Polly.
"What?" she asked.
"Can I go over to Nat's house?"
"Knock on the door and make sure he isn't busy. If Mrs. Waters says they have things going on, you come back and we'll find something for you to do."
"If you find something for me to do, it's boring," he said and headed for the mudroom.
When he turned to the left, Polly yelled. "Take your coat."
"Oh, come on," he groaned. "It's just across the street."
"Coat."
Lexi sat down on a stool. "You're good with them."
"I love them so much. How are you feeling today?"
"Better. I really do feel better. I cried a few times. I feel so sad not knowing anything." She closed her eyes. "I don't know anything about anyone. About my baby, about the other girls. And I'm scared that the Mortens will find out where I am. They killed Austin. It had to be them. I don't know if they killed those girls or if they will come looking for me. There's just so much up in my head. That's why the porch is clean."
"The house is safe," Polly said. "Henry and I make sure doors are locked when we leave. But if you're really worried, you can go to work with me."
"No, that isn't it. It's not a big deal."
"It is a big deal. You've been through a lot. We need to get a phone for you, too."
Lexi looked down.
"Don't worry about the cost right now. We'll take care of it. Anyway, I owe you for the cleaning you've done."
"I don't think so."
"That’s beside the point. You need a phone. Maybe we'll stop and pick one up on Wednesday when you go see the doctor."
"Really?" Lexi's eyes lit up.
"Sure."
"If I get online, I can instant message my friend about my stuff."
Polly shook her head and laughed. "I'm a dope. You can use the computer in my office. You should let them know that you're safe and where you are living." Then she put her hand up. "No, don't say anything about where you are yet."
Lexi nodded. "Just in case the Mortens get in contact with them about me, right?"
"But you can tell your friends that you’
re safe and ask about your things. We have plenty of people who would be glad to drive to Iowa City and get your belongings. Cat's family lives in West Liberty. She and Hayden travel that way quite often."
"And you still want me to move in?" Lexi asked.
"I really do. We all do."
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Dogs and cats pushed into Lexi’s room Tuesday morning before Polly could tap on the door. She’d come up to check on Lexi after everyone left for work and school.
When Obiwan jumped up to lay across Lexi's feet, she mumbled something.
"I'm about to leave for the day," Polly said. "How are you this morning?"
Lexi opened her eyes, then closed them against the morning light. "Okay. What time is it?"
"A little after eight. You're not a morning person?"
That elicited a tiny smile. "Never have been."
"You and Rebecca."
"Did I hear piano music in the middle of the night?"
Polly chuckled. "That's our Elijah. When he's thinking about something and can't sleep, he goes down to the grand piano and plays. He's allowed fifteen minutes before one of us chases him back to his bedroom. It's how he quiets his mind."
"That boy can really play."
"He's very good. Do you play?"
Lexi pulled her feet out from under Obiwan and sat up, blinking as she tried to fully open her eyes.
"You don't have to get up, Lexi. I shouldn't have bothered you."
"It's fine. I usually get a few naps in during the day. I'm just so tired all the time."
"Your body is healing itself. Take the naps."
"I like to sing," Lexi said. "I took piano lessons through high school. Not a virtuoso pianist by any means. What can I do around here today?"
Shaking her head, Polly smiled. "I wish you didn't feel like you had to do anything. Why don't you take it easy today? There's a laptop in the office that you can use if you'd like to reach out to your friends."
"Do you care if I look around in there."
"The only rooms that I’d tell you are off limits are the bedrooms on the second floor, only because we are committed to people's privacy. Otherwise, feel free to explore any room on the main level. You can go up to the attic, but it's ugly gross up there. Until I get the energy to start digging through the junk that has been left here for decades, that's a horrible place to be."
"Thank you for making me feel at home," Lexi said.
"Until you tell me it isn't, this is your home. The doors downstairs will all be locked when I leave. Remember, if you need anything, Andrea is right across the street."
Polly turned to leave.
"Polly?"
"Yes, honey."
"If I found food to make dinner tonight, would that be helpful?"
"As long as you promise not to clean the rest of the house."
"Do you do meal plans or anything?"
"Uhh. Wouldn't that be the best idea ever?"
"I won't be messing anything up by using food in the freezer?"
"Not at all. And, Lexi, if you see that we could use something, write out a list. I'll put it on the grocery order and we can pick it up after your appointment tomorrow."
Lexi's eyes lit up. "I could do that?"
"Oh, Lexi. You can do anything you like when it comes to feeding this army. Now, go back to sleep and take it easy today."
"I'm awake now. Thank you, Polly."
It felt strange to leave the house without animals nipping at her heels, but then, they were much happier when someone stayed in the house with them.
She headed down Beech Street and turned in front of the big house that Henry wanted to finish and sell. Sal hadn't said anything more about buying it, but then, the subject hadn't come up. It would be wonderful to have that house filled with kids, but deep inside where she hid her worries, she wondered about having Sal live so close.
She drove on downtown and parked in front of Greene Space. There might be one or two spots open closer to the coffee shop, but this morning, Polly didn't want to waste time driving around the block. The building next to Greene Space was still empty. What would be interesting in there? She loved musing about the possibilities, but the last thing they needed to do was invest in another business right now. Whenever she mused out loud, Henry got a panicked look on his face.
The familiar scents and sounds of the coffee shop greeted Polly as she opened the door and held it for Harvey West and Denson Bird, brothers-in-law who operated a seed company at their farm.
"Good morning, Ms. Giller," Denson Bird said as he took the door from her.
"Good morning."
"Gearing up for your annual Halloween spookhouse yet?"
She nodded and stepped inside, reveling in the warmth. "Spending today with the ladies who make it happen."
"That Mrs. Merritt is a force. Good thing she's married to the sheriff. No one else could keep a rein on her."
Harvey West laughed. "From what I hear, even he has trouble with that one. We're letting the warm air out, Denny. Leave the poor girl to get her coffee."
Polly found her friends in a booth along the wall. There were several people at the counter, so she slid in beside Lydia. "How'zit?"
Beryl lifted an eyebrow. "Did you run out of proper vocabulary already this morning?"
"I thought I'd try something new, but I don't like it."
"Neither do we."
"How is your guest?" Andy asked. "I've been thinking about her."
"She'll be okay, I think." Polly leaned forward. "I told you how she cleaned my kitchen on Sunday. When I got home yesterday, she'd cleaned the mudroom. It takes hours for her to get the work done because at least she's smart enough to rest and nap, but those two rooms are nearly spotless. Even when Cat and I worked together, it was never this clean. Today, she asked my permission to make dinner."
Lydia chuckled. "Maybe I should invite her to move in with me."
"Nope," Polly said, her lips pursed. "I'm keeping her. The thing is, this girl is much too bright and talented to be cleaning my house. I found out this morning that she took piano lessons through high school and she loves to sing. Not only is she some kind of brilliant student, but she's a musician. I just keep waiting to find out what else she hasn't told us about herself."
"And her parents don't care about her?"
Polly lowered her voice. "Lexi hasn't said much, but the little bits I've gotten don't sound encouraging. Once Lexi left for college, she didn't go back."
"I hate that my kids are spread out so far," Lydia said. "I'd give anything to be able to see them more often. They all have busy lives, but I miss them. They are all so interesting and I enjoy our conversations."
"That was one thing that was hard after Dad died," Polly said. "I could count on him asking deeper questions than how my day was or where I ate dinner. We talked about books and music; we talked about big issues and funny anecdotes. He was always interested in higher-level thinking. We could get lost in a conversation for hours, then both of us would realize that it was late and he'd send me off to bed. I should have more of those conversations with my family."
"You're so busy right now, you hardly have time for that," Lydia said, patting her arm. "I'd lay odds you didn't have those same types of conversations with him when you were in high school."
"Every once in a while," Polly replied, "but, you're right. It wasn't a common occurrence. I'm grateful for those years after he sold the farm. He had time to spend talking with me in the evening. I tried to make time for him, too."
"Do you and Henry have deep conversations?" Lydia asked.
"It's been a long time. What about you and Aaron?"
"Not as often as either one of us would like. He hates saddling me with the stress of his job, but sometimes I know he needs to tell me what's going on. He also hates that he has to tell me I can't discuss those things with you all. I assure him that because it's you, none of you press me for details."
Andy gasped. "We would never do that to you
."
"We'd like to," Beryl quipped. "I'll admit to having curiosity about some of the things that happen in this county, but it's not fair. Friends don't do that to each other. If you can tell us, you offer the information and that's all we need to know." She cackled. "It isn't all we want to know, but age and wisdom have crept into my being. Besides, I'd rather have you as my friend than my informant."
Lydia pushed at Polly's arm. "You don't have any coffee yet."
"I forgot," Polly said. "Be right back."
She went up to the counter and Camille smiled at her. "I was wondering how long it would take you to seek me out."
"Feed me, Seymour." Polly handed over her mug. "Just black this morning. Those girls are going to keep me busy all day and I need a jolt."
"Any baked goods? Marta made amazing pecan rolls this morning."
Polly's mouth watered, but she'd already had breakfast. "Would you put together a dozen goodies for me to take to work? Better make it a dozen and a half." She glanced at the case. "Okay, fine. Two dozen. We'll have extra help at Sycamore House putting sets up for Halloween. I don't know if Rachel made goodies, but I'll take them anyway."
"I'll bring it out to you."
"Make sure there's a pecan roll or two in there for me," Polly said with a grin. "How are you?"
"I'm fine. I didn't get a chance to say anything on Sunday, but the bed and breakfast is gorgeous. It's hard to believe we have something that beautiful in town." She frowned. "That didn't sound right. The architecture is unique. You won't find another home like that in this region. I love that you take big risks when you build and restore."
"Thank you, Camille." Sometimes it was hard for Polly to take compliments; they were embarrassing. "If you wave when the goodies are packed, I'll come and get them. I need to head to work soon anyway." She gave her a smile and headed back to the table.
"What did you just do?" Beryl asked.
"I ordered fun things to take to Sycamore House. Don't you dare yell at me. Camille offered me a pecan roll and I couldn't resist. Not long term anyway."
"Long term," Beryl said. "Do you mean coffee break time at ten o'clock?"
Lydia put her empty mug back down. "If we're taking a break at ten, we should start working now." She slid her hip against Polly's. "I'm glad you have a travel mug. Let's travel."
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