Witch's Grave by J Bennington - HTML preview

Witch’s Grave

Copyright © J. Bennington, 2018

Cover design by nishagandhi_99041

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Robin Kirby and Ariel Wright wove through the dense crowd in squashing humidity.

Being jostled by obese and sweaty patrons would usually annoy them to silent condemnation and early departure. However, the State Employees Free Admission Night at the Delaware State Fair was the one extravaganza that filtered out all the bad and stroked the pleasure sensors to enjoy, forgive, and ignore all negatives.

“What do you think, Robin? Is this a greater attendance than last year? I don’t ever recall so many people before.”

Robin shook her head and felt her straight raven hair settle back. The hair annoyed her because she had few options for a different style. She could cut it, put it in a ponytail, or add color highlights, and that was her limit. It defied all attempts at curling and wagged its hair tongue at professional perms.

“Neither do I, but I’d pay an extra $5 for admission if half the crowd was turned away at the gates. Like wow! Like yuck! I wish I were a porcupine for at least long enough to clear a path to the Cotton Candy Booth, like yum, folks. Excuse me. Pardon me. Did that hurt? My bad, now move out of my way.”

She batted her bright blue eyes for added emphasis.

Ariel laughed and patted her cheeks. “That sounds like you, and don’t worry, girl.

I’ve got your back on that one.”

They reached their goal, munched on the sweet cotton strands, and headed to their last stop for the night, the fortune teller booth, where Sister Stella was reported to give some excellent and accurate readings about the future from her crystal ball. Word of her skill spread fast when two positive incidents happened the day after the predictions.

Stella was new to the recent carnival. The former fortune teller, Sister Grace, the anchor medium for ten years, died after standing too close to the lion’s cage and being devoured after being ripped to shreds. The fatal error happened while the carnival was on a train, and the car holding Rexus the Killer Lion was locked, all three doors, yet Grace was mauled and eaten.

Authorities never determined why or how the incident happened. However, two days later, while setting up without a fortune teller booth, Sister Stella appeared seeking employment. The news of Grace’s death disturbed her, and she wanted to take her place to help the Golden Helmet Carnival. She told the management what happened and what clothes Grace wore when Fate settled its account with her. She was hired with no background investigation. Sometimes, fellow workers worried and wondered about her

ability to tell the truth and make accurate predictions. However, no one challenged her, and she became popular so quickly with her clients that her longevity was assured by management. After that, rumors and questions ceased, and praise commenced.

Even though it was near closing time, her tent was busy, and Stella had Ariel hold a sign alerting the crowd that she was the last to enter. That deterred a few, and people tried to cut into the line and take the sign from her.

“Go away! Leave me alone!" Ariel slapped the last man’s hand somewhat hard.

He blasted her with an insulting name and stomped away, threatening her, Sister Stella, and the carnival with punitive lawsuits for his lost fortunes.

Then they were inside the comfortable, inviting atmosphere and Sister Stella looked poised and ready to use her talents for their benefit.

“Welcome, you two beautiful ladies. Please approach my table and be seated.”

Robin did a hasty evaluation of her face and upper body that was visible, and the results pleased her, but she still had to ask.

“How do you work such long hours and remain calm and collected?”

“Because I live right, my dear, and I seem to be blessed with supernatural stamina.

Otherwise, I’d give in and curl up in a ball beside the one on the table, and people could not tell us apart.”

Ariel’s brow wrinkled. “Huh?”

“That’s a funny expression on your face. Almost had you there. At least I made you think. Thanks for entertaining me. Now then, which one of you wants to have your fortune told? One of you doesn’t strongly believe in me, so I need the guilty party to confess. Don’t make me break out the rubber hose and learn the painful way.”

“You’re strange, Stella, but you’re right. I’m your customer, and Ariel is my sidekick for tonight. I’m curious. She’s not. I’m brave. She’s not unless she’s standing behind me.” Ariel’s temper flared, and she flashed Robin a harsh stare as red-painted nails ran through her curly blonde hair. “You can stop now! I can be what I am without your announcement to the world!”

Sister Stella clasped her hands before her shiny bluish crystal ball and ignored Ariel’s huff.

She held Robin’s attention with piercing eyes. “Okay, young lady, what is your name?”

“Robin Kirby, I want you to tell me my future. I want to discover something about me or my family that has remained hidden. I don’t want it handed to me on a silver platter. Easy things are too comfortable for me and, therefore, meaningless. I learn with more satisfaction if I do it the hard way or at least in a semi-difficult way. Did I make sense with that explanation?”

“Yes. You mean you talk a lot to say a little. However, I enjoy people like you as my last customer of the day.”

She unclasped her hands and lay them palm up, one on each side of her ball on the green velvet mat.

“It’s up to you to expose your desire for knowledge, Miss Robin Kirby. Lay your hands on mine, and we’ll commence.”

Robin grinned and lay her young hands on top of Stella’s dark ones.

On contact, the room lights extinguished. Simultaneously, a light from the ceiling spotlighted it.

The coordination and effects pleased Robin. “Awesome.”

Stella squeezed her hands hard. “Silence! I see your life has been quiet until now.

But that’s about to change. First, you must go to Denton, Maryland, and stay until you cannot avoid the mystery and destiny waiting for you. You appear to be brash now, but what you will learn will shock and sober you. However, I dare to say before your learning adventure is complete, you’ll wish you had never entered my tent tonight or sought knowledge of things hidden. Some things should be accepted without knowing why, and others should never be sought for knowledge alone.”

Robin gasped, and a blue spark of electricity jumped upward from the ball and shattered the spotlight bulb. She jerked her hands free as glass shards dropped around the tabletop.

Stella squealed, shook her hands, and sat back in her chair hard enough to cause it to tip and fall. The wild attempt at recovery only served to dump her onto the floor in a heap.

Three tiny snakes emerged from the globe, faced Robin, and stopped when they were two feet long. They writhed and tried to reach her.

She tried to shut out their clear voices but could not succeed.

“I’m the vampire snake. I want your blood.”

“I’m the viper snake. You’ll not live long after my bite.”

“I’m the varicose snake. I’ll clot your body and spirit. They will twist and fuse together until you’re not recognizable, and salvation is impossible. That’s my specialty, and I LOVE doing that to any Kirby I encounter. You’re all worthless bitches and bastards to me!”

They each disappeared in a black, sour-smelling vapor, with an increasing gong sound for each one.

“Did you have to be so extravagant and theatrical?” she asked.

Stella stood, righted her chair, and glared tongues of fire at her.

“That wasn’t planned, Miss Kirby! That was Karma showing its glee in helping you along this path. Please give me $5 and go away! I was happy not having customers for the reminder of the evening. Pay and depart my presence! I’ve had quite enough of you!”

“You didn’t tell me what I’ll learn. That’s the deal I wanted and bargained for.”

“I can’t tell you that! That part of it is reserved for you and you alone. Pay up for my services and go with your unimpressive intelligence and babbling nonsense! You won’t be this way long! Denton, Maryland, will wipe the smart ass from your life!”

Ariel had remained immobile but not through desire. She knew what had happened between Stella and Robin and finally found her voice and let it go.

“Hey, Robin! Stop it! Pay her, and let’s get the hell out of here. You asked. She delivered. It’s not her fault you don’t understand or like the results.”

“That’s not the problem! Never mind, I don’t feel like fighting anymore tonight. It’s my fault, so I’ll pay!”

She opened her purse and laid a bill on the table. “Here you go. I won’t join the crowd who speaks ill of you, but you’ve disappointed me tonight. I thought better of you.

Come along, Ariel. We’re overdue leaving.”

“You don’t have to be rude. Sorry, Stella. She gets like this when she can’t have everything go her way.”

“That’s got nothing to do with it! She’s all bogus tonight! No one in my family has ever lived in or near Denton, Maryland! I don’t even know where it is other than people

mentioning it in passing, and I don’t want to know! I thought my fortune or future would be told, and it wasn’t. So, I paid you for nothing. I could have used the money for a coffee and a bagel in the morning. Thanks, Stella. Let’s go, Ariel.”

Stella picked up the bill with a smile and tucked it inside her dress pocket. “Thanks, Robin. I told you about your future as far as I can, and you won’t like it. You may end up with a fortune, but you’ll pay a dreadful price to acquire it. Goodnight, and have pleasant dreams while you can.”

*

Robin walked into Billy’s Donut Delight, where the ‘o’ was a photo of a blueberry cake donut, and waited her turn in line. When she reached the counter, she remembered she had spent her last bill with Sister Stella.

“Oh, bother and a half! No cash and no ATM here.” She looked helpless to maybe play on the cashier’s sympathy.

“Can I use my debit card? Please? I spent my last cash on my future in the State Fair last night, and I’ve not had the time to prepare for the day.”

“Sister Stella got you, huh? Did she say, ‘Give me a fiver and get out?’ Well, Billy’s got you covered, sweetie. New technology makes it possible for you to do that. You’ll just have to pay $.60 extra for the low transaction fee.”

“No problem. Thanks so much. Billy’s okay. Stella’s not okay.”

“So, I’ve heard.”

Robin paid for her coffee and Old-Fashioned Glazed Cake Donuts and chose to sit and enjoy them in the shop instead of driving. She sipped the coffee with a sigh and broke off a piece of donut with her fingers.

A strange man stopped beside her.

“Excuse me, miss. I couldn’t help hearing about Sister Stella. Do you believe in fortunes and futures so much that you spend money on her prattle?”

“In general, I do, but last night ruined my faith. It was very generic and sounded like a cold bologna sandwich waiting to be bitten. Why? Don’t you?”

“No, but I believe in my hurting goldfish. The cat bit him last night and wiped out his tail. As a result, he’s having great difficulty swimming until it grows back. Would you contribute some money to help pay his medical bills?”

Robin frowned and shook her head. “No. Save yourself some money, feed the rest of the goldfish to your cat as dessert, and get over it. You’re just as strange as Sister Stella.”

He snapped his fingers. “Except you paid her for nothing. Never mind. The scam didn’t work on you.” He raised an invisible glass in a toast. “To your oh, so lousy future as the clever Sister Stella predicted. Puffers and Toodles, worthless trash that you are.”

Robin watched him walk out the door, and the cashier stopped in his place.

“Was everything satisfactory today, miss?”

“Yes, do you know that man who stopped at my table? I mean, the one who just left?

The tall man in the brown pinstripe suit?”

She scratched her belly button. “No, miss. We haven’t had any customers like that this morning. Are you sure of it?”

Robin stood and tried to find him in the parking lot but failed to locate him.

“Never mind. I’m sorry to waste your time.”

“You didn’t. I’m still getting paid.”

“Well, have a nice day. I’ll dispose of the waste for you and catch you tomorrow if you’re still employed.”

She left the building and cursed at an advertisement stuck under the wiper blade on the driver’s side of her car. She snatched it free and cursed again when she scanned the ad. She threw it on the ground and stomped on it. She glanced around to see if other cars held the same thing, but none did.

“Why only my car? That’s not right. Thanks, whoever did it, you little prick. I hope your nuts shrivel up to the size of bbs!”

She unlocked her doors with the remote tag, picked up the advertisement, and sat behind the wheel.

“Now I know why I was so uneasy when he stood beside me. His actions made me recall an undertaker I dealt with in Harrington before. I wonder if he was, and was that why he chose only my car to advertise? Do they support each other?”

She read the entire brochure and could not find a person’s name. It advertised a sale on cemetery plots in the Denton Cemetery, Denton, Maryland, and a phone number.

Someone scribbled the message on the back in a blank white space, “Buy one, Robin.

You’ll need it sooner than you think.”

She folded it and tapped it against the steering wheel. “Stella, are you screwing with my mind from a long distance? Will you keep it up until I’m jittery enough to pay you off? Is that part of your fortune in my future? Did you hypnotize me and learn things I didn’t want to share with you?”

With a nervous sigh, she laid it on the seat beside her and drove to work.

*

She shook off the jittery feeling and processed Motor Fuels Tax Permits until almost noon before Josie approached her.

“Do you want to sign this card for Paula? Her hubby died last night.”

“Aw, man. That’s rough.” Robin took the card and read it inside and out. “How old was he?”

“Twenty-two. He was two years younger than her.”

“Bummer.” Robin picked up her pen.

Josie lay a hand on her shoulder. “Several girls said that same thing. I say the asshole deserved to die. He overdosed on Oxycodone. Popped twenty-two of them for his birthday party. Dumb ass! Left a wife, a kid, and one on the way, and no income for them other than this job. And no, the insurance won’t pay up for suicide. So, she’s alone and at the mercy of every money-grabber waiting to make a quick buck.”

“That sucks for Paula.” Robin returned her pen and closed the card. “Is there a collection going on, wanted or not?”

“Yes. Do you want to contribute?”

“I do, but I’ll have to catch you after lunch. I need to hit an ATM first. I didn’t have time this morning. The fair drained my wallet last night.”

“Been there, done that. It won’t go to her until tomorrow. You can catch me this afternoon. Thanks, Robin.”

“You’re welcome. Where’s he going to be buried?”

“In the Denton Cemetery. I didn’t know until this morning that she commutes from there daily. That’s quite a haul for her.”

Robin grimaced and nodded. “I agree, but you take what you can get in this economy. Maybe her luck will turn around, and she’ll get a job closer to home.”

Josie left her, and she sat gazing at the monitors on her desk without moving. “This is too weird for me. All this concentration about Denton? I don’t think so, Sister Stella and all the spirits who work with her. My ancestors settled in the Dover, Wilmington, and Newark areas. There were no Marylanders in the Kirby Family history. So there, Stella. Opting out of the burial is allowed, and I’ll do it.”

*

She donated some money for Paula and opted out of the funeral two days later, and no negative remark was made.

She longed for a break from her routine and watched the news on Friday night to check the weather forecast for the weekend. She needed to relax at the beach and hoped bikini weather would be the norm. Before the weather came on, though, she sat upon the sofa's edge and watched black smoke billowing into the sky from a gasoline truck that exploded on Route 404 near the Denton, Maryland exit. The driver was killed in the crash, and the investigation continued. However, nothing indicated why the truck crashed and when and where it did.

Robin felt chilled and rubbed her arms.

“It crashed there, so I would hear about it on the news. Listen to me, Stella, what part of I’m not going to Denton, Maryland, don’t you get? I don’t care if it’s my future or my fortune. I’m not going to Denton!”

*

Three weeks later, Ariel called her at home. “You won’t believe what just happened, Robin! Some wild entrepreneur company has opened a hotel and casino in Denton, Maryland! They sent me reservations for two and an $800 coupon for slot machines or Blackjack gambling for promotional purposes! Wahoo! And since I’m single and not dating, I immediately thought of you. Do you want me to go with you? I mean you go with me. Do you want to? Do I sound excited? I don’t win anything, ever! But I won this time without trying! Wahoo!”

“Denton, Maryland, huh? Now that’s damned convenient if you ask me. All’s been quiet on that front, and now you’re kicking it off again. Thanks, Ariel.”

“Oh, now I get it. So, you think this freebie for me and the invite is all going back to Sister Stella’s fortune from the State Fair, don’t you?”

“It was thrown in my face quite often after that night and then nothing for three weeks. Now you’re triple excited to go to Denton and take me with you.”

“So, does that mean you’ll go with me? You know I can’t stand driving alone for long distances. You can take some books and read and relax in the hotel room. On the other hand, I’ll give you some money to start you off on the slots, and you might win some jackpots and have some fun. Are you in? Pretty please, sweetie? Just say yes and make us both happy. You’ll be okay. I promise you and cross my heart.”

“I give up. I’m in. Are we going this weekend?”

“That’s the plan. I’ve put in for vacation on Friday and plan on a three-day weekend.

Do you want to try the same thing tomorrow? That way, we can hit it together. I can't wait.”

“I can wait, but right now, some adventure sounds great. Maybe some millionaire will notice me and want me to be his showpiece. If he does, I’m in, and you can meander back to Seaford alone. I’ve got faith in you, even if it takes you a week.”

“I’m glad you do.”

“I’ll talk with Brandy tomorrow morning and let you know.”

She laid the phone down, filled a glass with tea, and walked downstairs to sit on a patio designed for the apartment dwellers to share. She chose a table, sat in the quiet area, and relaxed until a neighbor approached her as quietly as a cat and touched her shoulder.

“Hello, Robin.”

She yelped, recovered, and patted her chest to calm her wildly beating heart.

“Hello, Rachel, you evil ghost. What’s going on? You scared the crap out of me!”

“The sight of you sitting alone and looking sad motivated me. May I join you in your solitude?”

“Sure thing. Pull up a chair and participate in my Quaker Church Meeting. Do you believe in fortune tellers?”

“Can I talk?”

“You can. The meeting is over. Do you?”

“No, I don’t. There’s something to them, but they’re not gods, demigods, or seers into the future. I think they fish for answers and then ask questions, quite certain how you’ll respond. They are swift at deciphering human behavior and psychology, but that’s about it, other than the capability to put on a display of good charm and professional bull shit. Why do you ask? Do you have one bugging you?”

“Well, I’ve not seen her since the fair left, but it seems I’m bugging me. She said I must go to Denton, Maryland, and that’s all I can see or hear about for a time. Had a small break, and now Ariel gets a free weekend at a hotel and a stake for slot machine play in Denton's new casino. I’m getting on my nerves and don’t know how to stop it.”

“So, she’s using your own mind to mess with you. She planted a seed and hit on something you love, and you can’t stop thinking about it. Try going to New York City instead. That’s north and a long way from Denton. There’s a bus trip through Dawson Tours this weekend with five open seats. Have you been to Manhattan before?”

“No, and no thanks. I’d be lost.”

“That won't happen with me around. I love that city. No matter what you want to do, you can do it at any hour during the day or night, even if it’s illegal.”

“I’m not sure about that.”

“Oh, come on, Robin! Live a little before you grow old. You’ll have fun, and I promise that you’ll never have time to recall that Denton is even a part of the world if you hang with me. I party like I’m on speed in that city. I love it!”

“Well, you’ve convinced me, but I’ve already committed to the Casino with Ariel.

Remind me if you go again and I’ll go with you then. Sorry.”

“That’s fine with me, but I think you’ll be sorry you didn’t go this time. Anyway, what’s on for the rest of the night?”

“I’ve started researching my ancestry, and I think I’ll work on that unless you have a better offer.”

“How about having dinner with me? I’m doing hamburgers, baked Mac and Cheese, and broccoli for the kids. Of course, you'll be filled with a desire to be bored by your ancestors between the food and the kids who will give you stimulating conversation and energy. Does that sound first-rate?”

“Sold.”

*

She relaxed after the dinner and missed the noise level of Rachel’s children and the stimulating, honest discussions. She turned her computer on, opened the tree program, and logged into the website. She groaned because it did not maintain her last search.

She typed in the information on her parents and grandparents, hit search, and cracked her knuckles as she waited. Her mouth hung open twenty minutes later, and she stared at the screen.

“What? Where did you come from? I don’t recall you being there the last time.” She jotted down the information on a notepad and switched to vital statistics for Maryland, and she found the woman she would swear was not on the tree before. However, she read it on the screen again and felt weak and sick.

{{MARK family name?}} “Cherie Pandora Waterman, born January 25, 1882, in Denton, Maryland. Mother, Shannon Evelyn Dudley-Waterman. Father, Harvey Joseph Waterman. Cherie was delivered at home, and the birth was reported to Vital Statistics by the father on January 28, 1882.”

“Son-of-a-gun! I don’t believe it! I know for certain that entry has never been there before! No way in hell! How can she be my great-grandmother, and I only find that out now? Wrong! If you’re messing with me, Stella, I’ll track you down and feed you to Rex after beating the crap out of you!”

She shivered as if she had left a window open in winter, erased all the names, and started over. Twenty minutes later, she was breathless and gave in to Cherie being on the screen again.

“I see it, but I don’t believe it, but I guess we must. And I know my mind did NOT

manufacture this to mess with me. It’s scary and downright frightening, but I didn’t cause it to happen. Wonder when and where she died and where she’s buried?”

She jotted some more notes and questions, shut the computer off, and stretched to relieve pressure on her back.

“Well, I guess that cinches where I go this weekend. I’d rather go to New York, but I’ll go to Denton with Ariel. Are you happy now, Karma and Stella? I want to smack you both with a big hard stick, but I’m the one who opened my mouth.”

*

Robin and Ariel set off for Denton, Maryland, at nine o'clock Friday morning. Robin drove; Ariel rode shotgun and babbled about how she would cast a spell on the slot machines, how many jackpots she would win, and what she would do with her winnings.

Finding a quality boyfriend remained the number one task after securing riches.

“What will you do with your winnings, Robin?”

“Oh, something useful. I’ll wait until you have your quality man, and then I’ll take him from you and marry him like you don’t want to. And we’ll send you Christmas cards with children's photos every year, so you can remember how you almost had it made.”

“You prick. Sometimes, I don’t know why I keep hanging out with you. I swear. You prick.”

Robin grinned and slapped the wheel. “But I’m a cute and faithful little prick, so you have to love me. Right?”

“Right, and I will until something better comes along. So there.”

*

They checked into the hotel, and Ariel was excited about starting her gambling spree.

“What are you going to do first, Robin?”

Robin jumped on one of the beds and flopped around. “First thing, I’ll nap like I can’t at the office. Afterward, I’ll take a stroll on the boardwalk. I can’t believe the casino built one along the river. Find a greasy dive for some decadent fries, then sit on a bench and display my attractive body for any available man to notice.”

“Sounds like a winner to me. Look me up in the casino, and I’ll join you for that outing.”

“Ten-four, good buddy.”

Robin saluted her, got comfortable without undressing, and slept before Ariel closed the door.

And she dreamed:

She drove the streets of Denton, looking for clues to her roots, and stopped by the cemetery. She never made it inside the entrance before she slammed on the brakes. A tall man dressed in black stood in the middle of the road, holding a huge chef’s knife that dripped blood and made a bone-chilling sound as it scraped across a sharpening stone in his other hand.

“Come on, Robin. I’ve been waiting for you.”

Scrape, scrape, scratch.

“Let me add your blood to the pool. There’s always room for more of that delightful red juice.”

She screamed, jerked the gear shift into reverse, and hit the gas.

The car did not move, and she scrambled out the door, panicking to flee from him at full speed.

“Come on, curious bitch. Do you want to open Pandora’s Box? It’s waiting for you here, and so am I. I’m inside, and when you succeed, I’ll cut you, and you’ll bleed out faster than you can breathe, but you’ll never scream as you wish.”

He laughed and swished the knife around before him. “Come on, curious bitch. Let our first date be the best and the last.”

She ran, her lungs ached for more air, and she heard him close behind her. She saw a family at a picnic table in the distance and screamed for help as best she could.

She stumbled and fell face down on the pavement when the sharpening stone cracked her skull. She remembered being picked up with one hand and laid on the tabletop with cups and plates scattering and breaking with her body’s impact. She

screamed and opened her eyes, and all around her sat a family of vampires, smiling with anticipated pleasure.

She screamed as the father moved his face toward her neck to take the first drink of her blood.

She awoke from a violent spasm when she fell from the bed in a flash of lightning and a clap of thunder that shook the whole building. She swore it demolished half of the building, crossed the floor with catlike steps to pull open the curtains with trembling hands, and felt a wave of relief at the sunshine and people strolling on the boardwalk by the river.

Then she dropped them and stepped back as she saw his face hovering over the water on a brown stem with dead leaves.

“Oh, and if you’re intrigued by me, once you join me, I can cut you as many times as I want, and you can’t stop me or die. Doesn’t that sound like fun? We all need a pet to torture. You’re mine, curious bitch.”

She turned with the intent of running to the bathroom and fell when she saw him standing in front of the door, still wielding the huge knife that was even bloodier.

“Going somewhere, girlie? You didn’t wait for Ozias to say you could go pee.

Naughty girl. You do nothing without my permission.”

Her wide eyes still stared at the dripping knife and the blood pooling on the floor at his feet.

“Yeah, tenderhearted me cut up a few boardwalkers on the way to the hotel. I had the urge to practice so I could cut you better.”

He lunged forward, and she fainted.

*

“Hey, sweetheart. Are you okay? Hey, girl. Wake up. What happened? Are you pregnant?”

Robin opened her eyes to see Ariel sitting beside her, and the pregnant question snapped her back to reality.

“What? Pregnant? No way, girlfriend. What happened?”

“You’ll have to tell me. Looks like you missed your fries, walk, and body advertisement. What happened?”

She sighed and struggled until she sat.

“It started with a nightmare and ended when the same figure stood before the bathroom door with a knife, and he tried to cut me. That’s when I hit the floor in a faint.”

“Is this coming from Stella’s prediction?”

“I think so. This isn’t my normal state, and it’s getting me exasperated. Of course, you know that without asking.”

“The friend side of me needs to say this: you need to talk with someone about it and what’s happening to you. I'd recommend a priest or maybe a psychologist. Otherwise, latch onto anyone in authority whom you trust and talk it out. I don’t want to see you dead or sitting immobile and drooling from drugs to keep you alive and little else.”

“I’m not trying to worry you, but it’s starting to worry me. I promise I’ll do that as soon as we return to Seaford. But, man, that scared me.”

She checked the time on the clock radio and shook her head. “I missed a lot today.

I’ll do lunch and drive around all six blocks of historic Denton, and I think I’ll feel better.

I’ll do the boardwalk tomorrow morning or later this evening and watch the sunset.”

“That sounds wonderful, but you need to shower first. I’ll wait for you, and we’ll have lunch together.”

*

The lunch was fabulous, and afterward, Robin spent a half hour playing the slot machines with the $25 that Ariel gave her. She won four $100 jackpots and one for $1270, which excited her. Ariel joined her to cash in her winning tickets, and she put the money in her purse and left the casino to drive as she planned.

Denton proved to be larger than six blocks, but according to the map from a convenience store, she covered all the streets of importance and saw a sign for Oil City.

With visions of refineries, many oil storage tanks, and smoking towers, she followed the signs and found an upscale housing area instead of an industrial area. She admired the houses and the area for twenty minutes before returning to Denton and the hotel. Her route took her past the Denton Cemetery. She waved a timid hello to Paula’s husband, entered the deserted place, and stopped beside the only building she saw. It proved to be the office/administration building, and she tried both doors and gave it up for being closed. She read a small placard on the door above the lock and called a number for assistance.

“Hello, this is Roxana Perkins, secretary of the Denton Cemetery. How may I help you on this delightful Denton day? Do you wish to purchase a plot for the burial? Do you wish to prepay your burial expenses? How may we help you?”

“Uh, no to all that. I’m Robin from Seaford, Delaware, and I'm researching my ancestry. I hadn’t planned to stop here first, but I did. I wondered if you have a directory of plot owners or something that shows where people are buried? Is a list of names available to the public, like me?”

“I can help you with that. What’s the name, or who are you looking for? I can tell you if they’re buried there. I’ve worked there for so many years; it seems like I know everyone who died.”

“Cherie Pandora Waterman is the woman I’m seeking. She’s listed as my great-grandmother, but I don’t know where she’s buried.”

“Oh shit! Screw that! No way! Call us back when the office is open. We’re closed for a ten-year sabbatical starting yesterday!” The receiver slammed down with another curse.

Robin stood shivering and listening to the dial tone for a few minutes before the phone beeped, and she hit the end call button.

“Now, that was weird. Ariel thinks I’ve got problems. I should have recorded that call to play back for her.”

She pressed the green receiver key for the last numbers called and redialed the number.

“Hello, this is Roxana Perkins, secretary of the Denton Cemetery. How may I help you on this awesome Denton day? Do you wish to purchase a plot? Do you wish to prepay your burial expenses? How may we help you?”

“Hello, Roxana. Can we try this again, and you won’t hang up this time? If you don’t help people, don’t advertise your number. Do I make sense?”

“Yes, you do, but no, if you want the same information. I can’t help you. You need to call back later. I’m the lone person here, and I’m not getting involved in stupid, useless, underhanded, evil bull shit. I won’t!”

“Can you just tell me if she’s buried here? If she is, I’ll look for her grave on my own and leave my number for someone else to call me.”

It seemed like hours before Roxana spoke again.

“She’s there, and I wish she wasn’t. I wish it was in Oakland, California, instead.

Better yet, maybe the moon would be the prime spot for that…. Never mind! Dammit!

Take the right drive from the entrance. Drive until you must stop and park the car. Walk back toward the entrance and count when you do. On the east side, she’s on the 23rd plot, which will be on your left. And if anything bad happens to you, even if you stub your toe, I never talked with you, you never called! I don’t want to be dragged into something evil. Got that?”

“I got that. Thanks. Sorry to have bothered you for public information.”

All she heard was another receiver slam, beep, and dial tone. She shivered from the icy response, moved to the east side of the building, and looked back at the right driveway.

“That’s a long way back to the end. It seems to run forever, but I don’t see how that’s possible. Every cemetery has its boundaries and limitations. Since we’re here, let’s go and try to keep Roxana out of trouble while we do. Naughty, Self. Cause her to curse, and she doesn’t even know you. We don’t want her fired because of searching for a dead relative, do we?”

She checked the distance, and it was just over 3/4 of a mile to the end. So, she turned in the generous area and parked facing the front. She counted plots on her left side, with the gravel crunching and shifting as a solitary sound under her feet. She stopped when she reached 23 and stood looking at the plot that appeared different from its neighbors. It took a moment to figure that the grave site had grass that had not been mowed, but it was a uniform height and taller than the rest. An impression flashed across her mind of someone cutting it with scissors and doing it every day to keep it looking spiffy.

She looked at the plain tombstone with Cherie Pandora Waterman, born 01/25/1882 and died 01/26/1976. Under the last date, someone had scrawled with a black marker, BUT NOT SOON ENOUGH FOR THIS BITCH. A dried bouquet of flower stems lay on top of the stone, with another stone holding them in place.

Robin shook her head and looked sadly at dried weeds that appeared to have rested there forever. It boggled her mind how they could have lain for maybe forty years or more and still be that intact, just dry and without flowers, leaves, and green color.

She wondered what flowers they were when fresh and stepped forward to remove them. A thorough inspection of her area revealed a barrel marked TRASH near where she parked, and she held it in her hand for a moment and said a prayer for her just discovered relative.

“I never knew before today, but I’ll remember now. I’ll be back tomorrow with some fresh flowers, and I’ll return once or twice a year to keep your grave looking loved and cared for; I promise you that.”

She blew the grave a kiss from the gravel and walked towards her car, feeling noble and right about herself and her visit under extreme difficulty.

The cries of some birds reached her when she dropped the stems into the trash can, and she looked towards the entrance. Above it and somewhere inside the cemetery limits, a crow flew in circles and made sharp darting movements. It appeared to be flying in fear for its life, and it did not take Robin much time to locate the threat. A falcon flew about 100 feet above the prey and on the same course but not circling and zigzagging. It maintained a steady path until it squalled and dropped like an arrow.

Feathers flew, and screeches filled the air as the crow stopped and spiraled down to hit the ground.

“Damn, what a rough way to die. Sorry for your luck, buddy,” she said, moving toward the car.

The falcon squalled again, and Robin turned to see it flying toward her, and she knew she was the next intended target.

“Uh, bull shit! You’ll not get me like you demolished the crow. I’m not your prey!”

She hastened toward the car when the falcon squalled again like it killed the crow.

She felt relief when she had her hand on the door handle and jerked it open. She paused long enough to see it dropping toward her new location in an apparent attack maneuver, and she scrambled inside and locked the doors. She started the engine and looked through the windshield but could not see it.

“Just leave, dummy!” she shouted.

She did not have the car in motion before the falcon hit the driver’s glass and the ground, leaving a streak of blood and more feathers. She squealed and leaned to the left to see it better.

The falcon flopped a few times and then lay still, but for Robin, her last thought of him was the wickedness in the one eye that faced her.

It said to her, “You’re mine, Curious Bitch. I’ll get you somewhere and someday. You belong to me in this world and the next.”

“Get the hell out of here!” she yelled at herself and drove toward the front of the entrance as fast as prudent.

“What the hell happened there? Was that because of me? Or was it some spiritual alarm system that ghosts use for their protection? Whatever it was, it got my attention, and I’m sorry for lying, Cherie. I don’t think I’ll be back to see you and bring fresh flowers. You lack good graces and social skills in receiving guests and relatives. Wow!

What a demonstration to say get out and leave me alone.”

She stopped outside the entrance and called the last number. Instead of Roxana answering, it went to voice mail. She waited and left the message, “Roxana, this is Robin. I’m sorry. I should have listened, but I’m family, and in Seaford, everything, even cemeteries, is peace and love. Please call me. You have my number on Caller ID, I’m sure. I need to talk with you about this, or if you can’t, give my number to someone who can and will. After what happened to me, I can’t turn my back and walk away. If you were family, I’d not do that to you. Please call. Goodbye.”

*

She returned to the hotel, and Ariel waited on a sofa in the lobby, looking nervous and peeved, with her fingers drumming on her purse.

“It’s about time you showed up! Where have you been? I think I’ve died a few times, thinking of you stranded in horrible situations where you shouldn’t be. You wouldn’t answer the phone! Did I make a mistake in bringing you along?”

“I’m sorry. I’ve been out touring Denton and in a jam, and I was so busy surviving I neglected to call you. Sorry.”

“Surviving? Was someone trying to kill you? Why? What did you do?”

“Nothing! Let’s go to your car, and you can ask questions there.”

“Never mind. Let’s go.”

At Ariel’s car, shock took over at the sight of the driver’s window. “What the hell is that?”

“Falcon blood and maybe some poop. I don’t know how fast he was going when he hit me, but I’m grateful that the window didn’t shatter. If it had, he’d have taken my head off! No doubt about that.”

“And where did that happen?”

“In the cemetery where I found Cherie’s grave. I tidied it up a bit, and I guess I upset someone or something. The falcon killed a crow and then attacked me. And I chose to get out of there pronto.”

“And Cherie is who?”

“Oh, my great-grandmother, from Denton no less. Had that incorrect when I denied it for so long. I just took a chance she would be there, and the office confirmed it and told me where to look.”

“Did they warn you against falcon attacks?”

Robin grimaced and turned her face away. “Uh, no, but she warned me to go home and forget about her, even if she was a relative.”

“And, of course, you didn’t.” Ariel sighed and hugged her. “I’m sorry I got angry with you. I know you’re trying to do right, but sometimes, sweetheart, you need to let things go. You know where she’s buried, so let your quest stop there concerning her. Do you think you can do that?”

“Well, I’ll try. That scared me.”

“Excellent. Do you need to freshen up, relax, or lay down a spell? What’s your immediate need?”

“I need food. I’m hungry.”

“When are you not? Oh, when you’re sleeping. Okay, let’s find a car wash and a place to eat. From the looks of Denton, that will be the sushi bar here at the hotel.”

*

They finished their evening tasks and relaxed in their room when Robin received a call from Roxana.

“Do you have any plans tonight? If not, I’ll be at your door in about four minutes or less.”

“You’re in the hotel now?”

“Of course, you’re not hard to find since you’re from Seaford and have no clue about relatives here. Is it okay to come up?”

“You’re not here yet?”

Robin opened the door for her. “Uh, this is a surprise. I expected someone younger, not middle-aged.”

“You can send me away.”

“No, that was a compliment. Your voice sounds young and strong on the phone.

Come in. This is my partner, Ariel Wright. Ariel, Roxana Perkins. Have a seat. Do you want something to drink?”

“No thanks. Maybe later. You look a little ragged. Your voice sounded it on the phone. So, I take it you had an experience at Cherie’s grave?”

“Experience? While awake, I called it a nightmare, so I apologize for not listening to your advice. Have you seen it? I mean her grave.”

“I saw it once. Were you hurt or scared?”

“I was frightened. I can handle a lot of fear, but not that much in a short time.”

“What happened?”

“I took a bunch of dried flower stems from the tombstone, and a falcon killed a crow and then attacked me. I got inside the car and out of danger, but it killed itself on the window trying to get me.”

Roxana shook her head. “I told you to let it go, didn’t I? You’re lucky. Did it cure you about returning for more pain?”

“I’m not sure of that part yet. I’m still considering my options.”

“Oh, just wonderful news!” Ariel said. “What will it take to get the point across? Will an arm or leg ripped from the socket be a strong enough message?”

Ariel’s caring input touched Robin’s heart, but she ignored it to gather more information.

“What happened to you, Roxana? You did get hurt, didn’t you?”

“I got hurt, big time. My brother Robert, his friend Jeremy, and I went to the cemetery at night two weeks before Halloween. Before we went, we shared some marijuana and some rum and cola drinks. We were high, crazy, and stupid even to go, but we thought it a grand idea. We walked through the graves and played tag and hide and seek. We lay on a few graves, and then we reached Cherie’s plot, and our fun upgraded to a nightmare. We began to challenge each other to do different things on the grave.

“I challenged Robert to lie down and pretend he was having sex with her in the coffin. So, he did that and moaned and groaned, and we all laughed. But, hey, he got her dead cherry.

“Then Jeremy challenged me to pee on the grave. I didn’t want to, but with some coercion, I did. That was a big mistake, but I did. I was nearly naked, and Jeremy went crazy then. He wrestled the rest of my clothes off and slapped me until I stopped fighting and let him have me on the grave. I don’t know what Robert did during that time. He was quiet, and I know he never attempted to stop what happened to me.

“Jeremy finished what he had to do, and I just lay there and cried for a few minutes, looking for Robert but not finding him. Finally, I pushed myself up to a sitting position and chose to clear Jeremy's mess, and he sat a few feet away, just watching me with a dazed look in his eyes. I found my panties and wiped myself, and things went to hell swiftly.

“It was like one hand; an enormous hand grabbed my chest and knocked me back onto the grave. A second hand jammed inside of my vagina, and I screamed something fierce. Jeremy turned and gagged, and from somewhere, Robert called for God to stop it!

Nothing stopped it. It felt like my insides were ripped asunder, and I blacked out from the intense pain.

“When I became aware again, police and ambulance lights flashed, and three helicopters landed. Jeremy was bent over her tombstone without his pants. Maybe a four-inch tree or bigger shoved inside him, limbs and all. Blood and intestines were splayed all around him, and both arms lay crossed on the ground near his feet.

“For me, my uterus was gone and laying on the ground ten feet from me. Robert was never found. However, a visible trail of blood led to the entrance where we parked, and then it disappeared. The car was smashed. It looked like a car crusher got hold of it and destroyed it.

“I was air evacuated to Baltimore to their shock trauma center. I was in ICU for twelve days, but I recovered. It took fourteen months to rehab myself and let the ripped muscles heal, and the damaged nerves learned to work and allow me to walk again.

“Poor Jeremy hung there for six days until the authorities contracted out of state because none of the local morgues or morticians would touch him before maggots set in.

It was a huge disaster for what was supposed to be a fun and adventuresome night.”

Ariel was on her feet and waving at Robin. “Do you think you can do something against that? Just stop and give it up!”

Again, she ignored Ariel’s frightened plea. “What’s your personal opinion on what happened to Robert?”

“I think he was inside the car, but the police chose to call their big-rig haulers and deliver it to We-Chip Auto Destroyers in Pennsylvania. It sat there for two months, untouched, and afterward, it was ground up and sold for salvage. And no one checked to see if he was there. They just hauled it and let it be destroyed.”

Robin closed her eyes and could still sense Ariel begging her to stop and walk away.

“That’s a probable theory. Of course, it’s hard to dispose of a body without a trace, but that would work fine.

“Now for another query, Roxana. This might make you think a bit, but who lives in the house at the back of the cemetery? I noticed a house when I turned around there today. I thought it was empty, but smoke rose from the round chimney. Do you have a clue on that?”

“That’s an easy one, honey. The man is Clarence Hunter Lowbottom. It’s a strange name and goes with a strange man, but he’s a godsend for the cemetery board of trustees. He performs maintenance on the graves, for which a cleaning fee is applied toward the funeral cost. If not, he cuts the grass once every month and removes bad flowers and vases at least every two weeks to keep the place looking nice.”

“Except for Cherie’s grave. The flowers there looked to be a hundred years old.”

“Well, he might avoid that one for a reason.”

“Do you think he would talk to me?”

Ariel interrupted with a shout. “Oh, give it a break already! Why should you risk any more fear or damage to yourself? Please let it go, Robin!”

Robin still looked for an answer from Roxana. "Do you think he would talk with me?"

“Yes, I believe he would. I would say he’s lonesome because people believe he’s strange, but he’s not. He’s different and doesn’t fit in well, but he’s kind and hardworking. Park in the turnaround again and walk to the hedge. Look close to the line, and you’ll find a small zig-zag maze inside. That will open into his front yard.”

Ariel screamed in frustration.

“Will you please stop helping her? Can’t you tell she’ll not back down on this? If something happens to her, can I sue you for helping her? The whole situation is so stupid it’s unbelievable! Gah! Both of you, stop!”

She stood and grabbed her door card from the nightstand under the silent gaze of the women.

“I’m out of here for a bit. I need some fresh air. Call me when your new friend is gone!”

Roxana pointed to her with a thumb. “Are the two of you lovers?” she asked lowly.

“No, we’re just very close.”

“Go ahead! Trivialize everything I say. I’m not important! We’re not important. Call me when she’s gone!"

With that, she slammed the door.

Robin shrugged. “Sorry about that, Roxana. She’s been hypersensitive for a day or so. I’ve asked if she’s pregnant, and she gets snippy. It could be a long-term PMS. I don’t know.”

“Don’t worry about it. She’ll live through it. If I can live through a non-surgical hysterectomy, she’ll live through your investigations.”

“I believe. Why do you think Clarence will be helpful to me in what I want?”

“He’s Cherie’s former spouse, now a widower. Let him tell you, and you can figure it out.”

“Is Lowbottom his real name?”

“Yes, and it’s not because his ass is low to the ground or his legs are short. He comes from a long line of them, but they all live and die within ten miles of this area. They don’t like traveling at all. And if they can find a way to get you to shop for them, they get excited and do backflips. They’re homeboys in a real sense of the word.”

*

Roxana left by giving up her personal cell phone number, and Robin called Ariel back to the room.

“Aww, man. You’ve been crying over that?”

“Yes, I guess I have. Maybe I love you too much. Maybe I want to be your lover. You always end up with losers and miserable slobs. I’m not any of that. Maybe I care too much. Maybe I should ice my heart a little and never care what happens to you, but I can’t do it.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You’re a fine person and deserve a lot of peace in your life. I guess the real culprit is you take too many risks. It appears you don’t care what happens to you or how your death would affect people who care about you. You need to start loving yourself. That might make a difference in your behavior.”

“You’re right, of course. I do take risks when other sane people stop and walk away.

It’s just that I’ve discovered Cherie, and if she’s put a blight on the family name, I want to clean it up if I can. But, unfortunately, not all actions, words, and thoughts are chiseled in stone for future generations to discover and then accept as okay.”

“You’re right also.”

“Get ready for bed, and I’ll give you a Robin Red Breast massage that will knock you out in the end.”

*

The following day, Robin called Ariel when she felt safe and parked in the turnaround in the cemetery.

“Good morning, sexy sleepy voice. Are you still in bed? It's time to wake up and tackle the day. Time to cause slot machine bandits to cower in fear because you will lighten their load.”

“Mmm, yeah. Wonder if you can have one delivered by Room Service to play in bed?

Man, I enjoyed that. And I’m talking about the massage and the sleep afterward. Thanks for your love and kindness.”

“You’re welcome. It’s been a few years since I saw you almost naked. Am I blind, or are you more curvaceous than before?”

“How about you have been blind while my body and mind have matured over the last two to three years. You just failed to notice it. Your mind is so often locked on some mission that will lead to your or our greatness.”

“Well, all I can say is, Wow! You’re beautiful.”

“Thanks. You’re not here; are you in the cemetery? Are you using my car again?

Don’t return it with any blood this time. Have you found the zigzag entrance yet? Have you been attacked by anything yet?”

“I’m here, but all is calm and peaceful. I just found the entrance, so I’m going to stop now.”

“That’s what you said last night, and I told you not to, but like always, you didn’t listen. Come home safe, okay?”

*

Robin returned the phone to her belt holder, glanced at the grave sites one last time, and stepped into the entrance of the thick hedge and a peaceful world. She could hear no birds, insects, or dry twigs crunching beneath her feet but smelled the leaves being disturbed and nothing else. It struck her as an alien world and unwelcomed like the day before.

“Get over it already. I need to find this Clarence Lowbottom and learn his part in this mystery.”

She made four right turns, five left turns, and a half-circle to the right side, and then the path straightened to take her to an opening she could see in the distance. She thought it a long distance, but soon she found herself in a considerable round area with a small house needing repairs, a shed, a small barn, and untamed wheat and soybean crops or forests for miles in all directions west, north, and south. Behind her, to the east, was the hedge as far as could be seen in either direction. She ignored everything and devoted her attention to the man who sat in a rocking chair on the house porch. She knew he stopped rocking when she stepped from the hedge and scrutinized her even if he did not move. So, she stopped a few feet from the porch and assumed a similar stance.

He wore a white, long-sleeved shirt and denim bibbed overalls. He had no cap or hat, and the top of his head was bald, surrounded by a circle of white and black hair.

Below his pant legs, ankle work boots in dire need of polish completed his wardrobe.

He moved and stood akimbo without warning as his eyes pierced her scornfully.

“Can’t you read no trespassing signs? How about the ones that say stay out?”

She was shocked at his sudden move but maintained her quiet position.

“Well, since you have demonstrated that you can’t read, do you understand common English, like leave before I shoot you? How about that verbal sign?”

She shook her head but did not move. “I’m looking for Clarence Lowbottom. Is that you?”

“That’s obvious since I’m the man who lives here, and no one comes here unless they’re looking for me. And furthermore, you don’t have to introduce yourself. Your stupid face reeks of Kirby. Without your mouth saying it, your face says, ‘I’m a Kirby.

I’m a Kirby. I’m a Kirby.’ Look around you. Take a vote. See how many plants, animals, birds, and humans care if you’re a Kirby who has arrived from the Hades side of the world to bug me! Who is your mother? Or are you too stupid to know?”

The dissertation shocked her. “Uh, she’s Anita Smallwood, who married Daniel Kirby.”

“Anita, huh? Then you must be Robin Jacqui Kirby. I hope you turn out smarter than her. I guess she learned how to have sex and deliver a child. What are you doing here in Denton? Did Delaware get tired of you and spit you out like sour milk?”

“Uh, wow! Are you always this rude?”

“I am when people encroach on my territory and think it’s just peachy keen and nothing bad will happen to them. When did I last come to your house and want to visit you?”

“Uh, never.”

“Then why can’t you return the favor? And can’t you start one sentence without ‘uh’?

You sound like a scratchy record. Uh, uh, uh, uh!”

“Yes, I can talk plainly, but I’m just shocked. People have told me you are pleasant, but I don’t see this greeting as anything close to their description.”

“I’m as friendly as I can be. Friends don’t kill without cause, so you’re still alive, and I’m welcoming. What do you want? Tell me and then get lost, Kirby Girl.”

“I want some conversation. I’m doing some research on my ancestors and Cherie Pandora Waterman. I found her on the internet site, and yesterday, I found her grave.”

“So, that was you who killed the falcon.”

“I didn’t kill him. I minded my own business, and he went into an attack against me.”

“Falcons don’t attack humans without just cause. You did something to make him angry and want to kill you. What was it? What did you do? Confess instead of looking stupid and guilty.”

“All I did was take the dried flower stems from Cherie’s tombstone and put them in the trash. They looked too tacky laying there under a rock. I keep my mom’s and dad’s graves clean and respectful, and I wanted to do the same for her.”

“Then that’s why he wanted to kill you. It might have been better if you had let him do that yesterday. It wouldn’t have hurt for long and maybe a lot less than it will later.”

“That’s crazy!”

“Not as crazy as touching something that you don’t understand. The plants were put there for a reason. They were meant to stay there until they disintegrated and turned to powder. And silly ass, you just had to touch it and screw it up beyond all imagination! Be gone before I shoot your dumb ass!”

“Tell me who I can talk with about her and what happened, and I’ll go. Just make sure it’s someone who’s not angry for no reason.”

“You are a mindless, stupid Kirby bitch! The plants placed there were hemp, milk thistle, and sage. They were held there by a sandstone to prevent wind from removing them. They interfered, preventing her spirit from returning and causing havoc in this community! She was a witch of the highest order possible! She offered to pay people in Denton $2.5 million in advance of her death to remove them if they were put on her tombstone! No one took her up on that offer because they knew what she was and didn’t want her to return. Now you’ve done it without understanding and opened the door to hell that should have been left closed!”

“Well, maybe it would help to not keep that a secret! Did you ever think of that?”

“Yes! And there are too many busybody people in the world for that to work. So, you did it by accident! Others would have done it just to see if it was true! And guess what, Kirby Girl, the result is the same!”

“Well, I’m sorry! I just wanted to help her!”

“She’s dead! How is a spiffy grave going to help? What will it help, her reputation?

Will it fill her heart with joy? No! It will make her happy because now she can screw with people again. That was one of her favorite pastimes!”

“How? If she’s dead, how?”

“She’ll be back before sunrise tomorrow. It will start with five tornados followed by a hurricane.”

“The forecast calls for nice weather, not even rain.”

“Then, after the first tornado hits, make sure you come and tell me it never happened. Lie your way out of it if you have the nerve to try! Goodbye, Robin Kirby!”

“What can I do? If I did it, can I correct it?”

He paused, and his evil, penetrating gaze made her feel sick.

“You’re named after a bird. Birds fear cats. Lose your fear of pussy and come back in the morning.”

“Hey! That’s not fair! And it’s not right!”

“You wish to tell me what you accomplished in the cemetery is fair to the whole community of Denton? When the death toll goes up, remember this: Kirby Girl, you asked what could be done to stop it. That’s the first. Do it or suffer their wrath because I’ll tell the villagers who did it and why! I refuse to take the blame for it!”

She turned her back to him and screamed. “Fuck!”

“That’s what most people call it. Do you hate it? So did Cherie. She put curses on more than one and screwed up their lives. Overcome your fear. It will serve to add a bit of armor to your war chest. You started the war; you must finish it. Try to look stupid and innocent and walk away if you don't want to. Just understand that you’ll never leave Denton until you win or you’re buried beside her. You don’t want to hear or believe that?

Stop by the Court House and check her will. You’re in there, Kirby Girl. I’m a Kirby. I’m a Kirby. I’m a dumb-ass Kirby training to change my own diaper. Oops! It wasn’t quite fast enough that time. See you tomorrow or in the Obituary later this week.”

She found the path in record time, and the return trip went smoothly but was depressing. She sat in the car momentarily, enjoying the cool air from the vents and pondering the moves that would take her deeper into danger rather than get her out.

“What’s that expression? ‘You can’t win for losing.’ That’s me. I’m a Kirby Girl, and I lose everywhere I turn. So, stop turning, dummy. Stand firm, but don’t look pretty. Look mean as tarantula piss and determined to win something in your gutless life.”

She paused before Cherie’s grave. “I was going to talk with you, but why? I’ll pay the price to get where I want to be. However, if you can find a way to get the $2.5 million to me that you promised anyone else, I’d appreciate that. I have a suspicion I’m going to earn it anyway. Toodles from lots of poodles, great-grandmother.”

*

Robin sat on the edge of the bed in the morning and inventoried her clothes around the floor. Finally, she covered her face with both hands and flopped back on the bed.

“Is there any further down that you can slide, Kirby Girl? Will you stop that label?

He didn’t use it or mean it as a positive. So, could you not take it upon yourself to continue? You’ll need all the positives you can find, muster, buy, stumble over, and win in a psychology lottery you can acquire. And never touch anything you don’t understand for the rest of your life.”

She looked toward the ajar bathroom door and heard the water running in the shower. She shook her head and groaned.

“Why didn’t she at least resist or fight a little? That was too easy. What are you going to do now, Kirby Girl? What is your next trick? How about doing it on the Boardwalk and holding up a sign that reads, ‘Please whip my ass?’”

She sighed, picked up her wallet from her purse, and regained her seat. She opened it to a picture of her mother and father. “I’m sorry, guys. I’ve let you down in a huge way.

You both gave me sage advice. You said, ‘Don’t worry and cling to the past, ours or the families. Instead, build your own life based on the honesty and goodness that you are and will be. The Kirby bloodlines are not pure, but they can be corrected. Don’t dwell upon the past; don’t open doors that should remain closed; don’t take unnecessary risks; don’t involve yourself in lesbian relationships. You can cleanse the bad, the evil, the wrongness out of this family by living righteously.’ Now, look at where I am and what I’ve done.”

The water stopped, and she closed her eyes and willed herself to put on a happy face when she wanted to cry and scream. She smiled but could not prevent some tears from leaking. She wiped them, but not before hot hands rested on her shoulders.

“Hey, what’s wrong? Why the tears? Are you hurt over what happened?”

“No, it’s not that, but there are many things I don’t need in my life right now. I’ve not been perfect, and I’m about to get chastised. Sometimes, when I make mistakes, I can’t get away from the pitchfork in front of me or the rabid pit bull behind me. There’s a cliff on my left and a whirlpool on my right. And as if that’s not enough, there’s a huge storm cloud over me, only me, and two more steps, and I’ll be inside the crevice left by the earthquake. That’s what it’s like when my number’s up, and right now, mine is.”

“Hey, that’s too negative for you. Just stop your suicidal course. I’m here, and I’ve got your back now. Just don’t hide from me and hide information from me. I like to know who holds the pitchfork, where my gun is for the pit bull, where my lifesaver ring

is for the whirlpool, and where my lasso and horse are for the earth crevice. I love you as a friend, a lover, and an adventuresome leader. You don’t have to face any fight alone, ever. I’m Calypso, and I’ll shield you until all the Hounds of Hell are exhausted and chained again, and your sword is dripping blood from every enemy who’s foolish enough to test your mettle. Got that?”

Robin made a soft fist and tapped her left jaw. “I got it, honey, and wow!”

“Yeah. Did that sound like a spunky statement?”

“Just a tad, and I love it. Thanks.”

Ariel moved her face in for a kiss, and the sky turned pitch black, and green lightning flashed in the room. She moved her mouth away, and screams could be heard around the hotel as power failed and several windows shattered on the river side.

‘WOW! Did I do that?”

“I wish it was you instead of our enemy, accepting your spunky challenge.”

The power flicked back on, and all the clocks flashed at 12:00 noon.

Robin moved her aside and stood.

“Let’s go and get some breakfast in the restaurant, and we’ll dine in the boardwalk seating area. The enemy isn’t going to wait, so neither should we.”

They risked the elevator to the ground floor, and they were 50 feet underway when a man hailed them.

“Yo! Wait up there! Are you Robin Jacqui Kirby? Hold up, please!”

She turned to see a man in his 40s hurrying to catch up with them, accompanied by a much younger man wearing thin-framed glasses and carrying a briefcase.

“I’m Robin. What can I do for you? Hurry, please. I’m hungry and late for breakfast.”

“So are we. I’m Walter Arrington, and this is my new partner, Shayne Wolf. We’re both employees of the Denton City Government. Let’s order from the restaurant and dine on the boardwalk tables. We need to talk, and due to the circumstances surrounding our problems, we should not wait too long.”

“Our problems? Are they mutual, as in Cherie Waterman?”

“The same, Miss Kirby.”

“Then let’s do it. This is my partner, Ariel Wright.”

They ordered and sat at a table for six on the boardwalk, and Walter started.

“No need to wait, Robin. I’m from the Recorder of Wills section, and Cherie’s will mentions you twice. Once very precisely and once again conditionally. The specific portion is that you’re to receive the deed to a parcel of land adjacent to the Denton Cemetery during the final processing of her will. That parcel is occupied by Clarence Lowbottom, and its current valuation is $1.3 million.

“The second part is her bank accounts and stocks and IRAs. Their total is around $2.75 million. Then comes the conditional part. Part one is that you must find her grave without provocation. Part two is you need to perform reprehensible acts with a feline.

Part three is strange. It says that you must restore what you destroyed with the silent help of Lupine. Finally, part four is the strangest. It says that you must restore what Roxana Perkins lost through foolishness. And that’s all you have to do.”

Robin cast a quick glance at Ariel. “And when I do those impossible parts, what happens to me or for me?”

“When you do them and can be verified, you’ll have $3.7 million for your use, plus accruing interest. In addition, you will have lease income and 50% of any business

enterprise that happens to be constructed at the intersection of William Street and Danube Avenue. If the property is empty, it goes to you to do with as you wish.”

She puffed out a significant volume of air.

“Coolness. Is there anything built there at this moment in time?”

“Yes, Miss Kirby. This luxury hotel and casino was constructed on that parcel of land.”

She dropped her cup of tea.

“Are you kidding me? Does the owner know that clause exists in her will? Does he or they know about me?”

“I’m not kidding you, and yes, Miss Kirby. The corporation had to get several building permits from the city. That knowledge had to be revealed as a part of the lease agreement when it got to our department. The property is still yours, and the lease was $200 thousand a year for a contract of ten years with renewal options at that time. Plus, you still have 50% of their stock and profits.”

“And where are the monies as of now?”

“In the same institution as the $3.7 million, just in a different account for tax purposes.”

“Of course,” Robin said, smiling at Ariel’s stunning face.

“And if you’re interested, that account holds $200 thousand for the lease and $200

thousand for a security deposit.”

“Well, dear Ariel, it looks like I’m going to be busy for a short time. However, at the end of my job, I think we can retire and enjoy life. Say what?”

“Say, I love it, but some of that’s impossible and unachievable.”

“We can take care of parts one and two right now with plenty of witnesses, including our waitress refilling coffee cups.”

“Sex with a cat? Come on, Robin?”

“Yes. Happy I’m not allergic to fur. I’ve been there and done some of that. I found Cherie Pandora Waterman’s grave yesterday of my own volition. And last night, I had sex with a feline. Ariel’s name means Lioness of God. I’m sure God disapproved of our actions, but she was a lioness when we made love last night.”

“I know about the grave from talking with Clarence Lowbottom,” said Walter. “What about part three, Ariel? Is that true?”

Ariel gave a weak thumbs up. “Yes. We’ve come close before, but last night we did it.” The waitress tapped on Robin’s shoulder. “Hey, Miss Kirby? You did her last night?”

“Yes, I did. Why? Do you have a problem with that?”

“Yeah, I do. I was about to make her an offer. Damn my luck. That would have been a forever tip. Never mind now.”

“Well, that covers parts one and two. What about the rest?” Walter asked.

“That will require some thought.”

“What was lost that you must restore?”

“I do believe that was the dried stems on her tombstone. Unfortunately, I was attacked by a falcon when I removed them.”

“And number four? What did Roxana Perkins lose?”

“Her uterus. Some demon, or witch, pulled it out as punishment for being naughty on a grave.”

Walter stared deadpan at her. “And you think you can restore her with a new one?

I’ve never heard of a transplant for that organ. Are you sure? You seem certain, but that’s very farfetched.”

“I feel confident it can be done. Don’t ask me for the details yet, but I’ll do it. It will rise from where it is, and Thunk will reappear all snug in her abdomen. I love being creative, and the money will motivate me to succeed. Thanks, gentlemen. You’ve given me a huge task. Thanks.”

Walter shook his head and stood. “Shayne, get your eyes and dick back in your body and let’s go. We have some work to do instead of you drooling over Robin.”

“I wasn’t doing that.”

“Spare me. If you two were alone, you’d both be committed, she’d be pregnant, and you’d be passing out cigars in advance. Move it, boy. Get her pregnant on your own time.”

Ariel snickered, and Robin winked at him. “Have a wonderful day, Shayne. Keep dreaming. Much greatness has come my way by never stopping my dreams. See you later.”

He nodded somewhat and blew her a kiss. “I’m certain we will, Miss Kirby.”

*

Robin modeled poses in the mirror in the bedroom. “What do you think, Ariel? I think I need to find a bookstore and see if they have a self-help book on how to be a rich bitch and love yourself while the rest of the world hates you.”

“Oh, gag me already. How about one on how to be almost a rich bitch and live a gracious life without suicide?”

“What? You have no faith in me?”

“I have faith in you. I just don’t see you winning this one.”

“Then I’ll add a book for you about having faith in your partner and friends until they win with exuberance.”

Ariel laughed and surrendered. “Okay. I’ll watch you and see what happens. Either way, I enjoy watching you.”

“So does Shayne. Do you think there’s a way to collect money for that? If you want to look at me, give up some cash. What do you think?”

“I think you need a kick in the ass or a hug and kiss. Which would you prefer?”

“Wow! It took a lot of talking around it to get what I wanted. Shayne won’t. I feel sorry for him. Working all day with an erection has to be difficult to painful.”

Ariel laughed again and threw a pillow at her.

“Hush! But let’s get serious, sweetie; I’m having fun seeing this side of you that never comes out in Seaford. I love it.”

Robin sat beside the bouncing woman and clutched the blankets with both hands.

“So, how are we going to handle this? I can’t do all this in one day, meaning today.

This is Sunday, and the weekend is over.

“Do you want to stay? You don’t have to go back to Seaford until the will is settled.

Then you can buy it and close it down. Does that sound like a plan?”

“It sounds like the best. So, I think I’ll call Brandy tomorrow morning, take a sick day, and negotiate for some extended leave time, which I have. I’ll do what I said, but it will take some time to initiate, and then I can take a day here and there and commute

here to get things done. I don’t like abandoning you, but I don’t see any other way right now.”

“What do we do to get me to Seaford?”

“I’ll drive you tonight or ride with you and pick up my car. I need wheels, and I won’t ask Shayne, even if he jumped at the opportunity.”

“Very well. I’ll pack while you extend the room for a few days. You may as well keep this one, my queen, on the rise.”

She took the elevator to the lobby and strolled to the Registration Desk as several men in suits came and went.

“Hi, I’m in suite 501, and I’d like to extend my stay if that’s alright with you and if it’s possible. My partner will be leaving, but I’ll return in the morning, and I like the place. Is that move okay?”

“Yes, Miss Kirby. How many days will you require it?”

A man stood beside her and interrupted the transaction.

“Top of the morning, Miss Kirby. I’m pleased to hear you like the rooms and wish to stay longer. Charles, extend it as she desires and simultaneously void all the charges against her card. She has it free gratis, compliments of Denton Casino, and she can have it anytime in the future with a phone call at no charge.”

He turned to her again. “Does that suit your fancy, Miss Kirby?”

She did a double-take and then sighed. “Uh, yes, but why?”

He handed her a business card from the counter. “I’m Daniel Everett, manager of the Denton Hotel and Casino. I also represent Fantasy Fulfillment Incorporated, which arranged the birth of this excellent facility. We are aware of you and wish to make you feel at home whenever you desire to grace us with your presence. We feel it’s fair to you and to us.”

“Wow! You knew about me, but I didn’t know about you. Amazing. And you want to be kind to me? You don’t have to, but thanks so much.”

“Your credit card, Miss Kirby,” said Charles.

She handed it to him. “You have a pleasant facility here, and I’ve slept better than I have in a long time. So, I might take you up on that offer sometimes. However, for now, it’s only until next Friday. Then it will be haphazard as I need to be here.”

“I understand, Miss Kirby. I’m happy to have met you. We considered sending you an invitation, but it seems to have worked better this way. Do take care and enjoy the remainder of the day.”

Charles handed her the card, and Daniel watched as she walked away with a light stride.

The gesture surprised Charles because he found her too haughty. “She’s not too readable to me, Sir. Do you think she’s going to cause trouble?”

“I don’t think so. However, if she does, there are plenty of plots left in the cemetery, and if not, we can make one a double-decker or give a plastic bag and a donation to the ASPCA. I hope she stays ignorant and wrapped around Shayne’s dick. That will keep her occupied forever.”

*

The news dazed Ariel. “Are you for real? Will you stop or slow down between transitions and breaking news flashes?”

“That’s what he said, and he sounded sincere. Anyway, Walter told us the builders and owners knew me and Cherie’s will. So, I won’t look at it as a bad thing. I’ll look at it as a partial owner-perk.”

She stuck out her tongue at Ariel. “So there.”

Ariel shoved her down on the bed and jumped on top of her.

“You’re a mess right now, but you’re a rich mess, and I’m happy that it’s me with you versus some other stranger from Delaware.”

“Me too. Thanks for the wild weekend. The pleasure has been enjoyable.”

She returned the kisses until she struggled and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Are you ready? Let’s go and get this done so I can come back and relax a bit.”

“Oh, so that’s how it is, huh? You’re rich. The weekend’s over. Your libido is gone.

Now it’s pushing me away, and let’s go? Three words come to mind: fickle, disloyal, and too picky now.”

“You got it. If you want more, open your purse and start counting bills until I say stop.”

“I’ll let Shayne do that in my place.”

“Yuck. Don’t go there.”

“I won’t, but he will.”

“He’s not hot, but I don’t like him.”

“Liar. He’ll make a pass, so play with it once.”

“Play with what?”

“Come on, now. I mean his erection. It won’t hurt you. You’ll both like it. I have no claim to your body, sweetie.”

Robin considered her and nodded. “I’ll buy that for now, but we’ll come back to that later. Pack, girl. I want to take you home and get back.”

*

Robin drove back to Denton alone and accomplished the first item on her list: taking a bubble bath to soak away the stress of the last few days. She sat on the bed drying her hair when her phone rang. She checked the number, recognized it was from Maryland, and chose to answer.

“Hey, Robin. Shayne here. Are you back in Denton yet?”

“I am. How did you get my cell phone number? I thought I had some privacy in that.”

“When you work in a law office, you can get a ton of things that other folks can’t.

However, in this case, I got it from your partner, Ariel. Assistants do network and help each other at times.”

“I’ll have to thank her for that, along with a kick in the butt.”

“Are you angry? I won’t abuse it or sell it on the Internet. Promise.”

“I believe you. What’s up?”

“You. I can’t believe the casino built a boardwalk beside the poor excuse for a river and swamp, but it’s well-used and a rather enjoyable stroll in the evening when it’s cooling down. Would you like to walk with me tonight? You sound fascinating, and I’d

like to know you better. But unfortunately, there aren’t too many interesting people in Denton.”

“Does that combo come with Boardwalk Fries? I promised myself that delicacy all weekend and failed.”

“We can do that.”

“Then it’s a date, and you’ll find out how boring Seaford people are compared to Denton’s worst. I’ll meet you in the lobby at seven when the sky darkens, and the lover lights come on.”

She hung up the phone and recalled Ariel’s predictions and encouragement.

“Yeah, right. I don’t think so, but we’ll see after some seductive fries. Wonder if I’d get that invite without him knowing about the will? We’ll see about that also. Right now, get dressed. Eating fries on the boardwalk with only a towel is not proper etiquette.

Undoubtedly, you’d be popular, but we can live without that fame.”

She met him at seven, wearing denim shorts and a button-style pink blouse. She paused to view him, and they laughed because his clothes were the same color, but he wore a pink polo shirt.

“I see we were thinking ahead. Cool.”

They stopped at the first restaurant shack, and he bought the fries. He winced as she dribbled vinegar on her fries and added some seafood seasoning.

“You never tried anything risky?” She held her cup before him. “You’re risking a walk with me. Risk eating just one. Promise you won’t hurl in public. Come on, chicken.”

His frown and resistance faded to a grin as he took one, twisted it in all directions, and then put it in his mouth with closed eyes.

“Should I stand upwind while you get rid of it?”

“Smart butt. I never thought that combo of flavors would taste delicious, and no, you don’t have to stand upwind. I’ll be okay.” He turned and picked up the vinegar bottle.

She shouted and did a dance maneuver. “Hah! “Got another convert! Yahoo!

Welcome to the 21st century, newbie.”

“You’re as loud as you are bad.” He sprinkled on some seasoning to match hers.

“You wanted the date, man. You must deal with the whole package to get what you want. Let’s find an unoccupied bench and deal with this flavor heaven first.”

They sat and talked while eating since she approved that discretion.

“What will you do with all the windfall money you have coming?”

“I haven’t given that much thought yet. I’m still trying to accept that, BAM, there it is, and it won’t go away. I’ll wait until I settle down from my challenges to worry about that.”

She devoured a fry. “What would you do with just a million of it?”

“The first thing I’d do is buy or build a shelter for the abused women and children in the Denton area. And I’d hire a staff of the meanest sons of bitches guards I could recruit. The kind that would just as soon rip your head off than explain why you can’t talk to your spouse until you’re in prison on death row and behind a shatterproof shield.”

Robin paused with a French fry headed for destruction and felt chilled at his response. “Wow! I guess you’ve considered that a lot, huh?”

“Yes! And it’s personal to me. My father beat my mother a lot until I picked up my ball bat and broke his right arm and left leg one day. He threatened to kill me, but when the police were finished with him and the courts were finished, he was so lucky to be alive that he forgot all about it. But unfortunately, my mother wasn’t lucky. She died from complications on the last punch in the head, and I was left alone in the world. So, yeah, I’ve thought a lot about that. So, the second thing I would build is a food kitchen and shelter for the growing homeless.”

“Sorry to hear that bad news, but those are first-class plans.”

“Thanks. I’ll ask you again in a few months. You’d better have some plans ready by then.”

“I will. Promise.”

“Why are you here in Denton doing all this about Cherie Pandora Waterman? Did you know about the money and decide you needed it?”

“I knew nothing about any relative here, her, her will, or the money. I thought my whole family came from the boats to Newark, Dover, and Wilmington, Delaware. Not until a fortune-teller told me I needed to go to Denton and my ancestry program told me that at least one deceased relative was born in Denton did I ever want to find this place.

Since Sister Stella, everything is a surprise, shock, huh, and hey.”

“What about me? Am I a good surprise?”

She grinned and fed him a fry. “I knew nothing about you until now, but I like what I see so far. How about your adoptive parents? Do they like you so far?”

“Huh? What? You got me, joker. I reckon they do. They told me four years ago that I didn’t need to move out, but I found an apartment and moved out so they and I could have some privacy.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“What about you?”

“I’m sure they would approve if they could. My mother worked at Nanticoke Hospital, and she died one day when she fell five floors in an empty elevator shaft. The doors opened when they shouldn’t, and she landed on the top of the car with all the cables and pulleys. She lived two weeks in pain and misery before she passed on. My father got killed by a runaway truck when the driver died of a heart attack. Dad was dead, five other people in a crosswalk, and nine more were seriously injured.

“I don’t think.” She stopped and turned to look around at the boardwalk and the people walking together. “I don’t think they’d approve of my friendship with Ariel. I don’t think they’d approve of my being here and digging into my past. They wanted me to leave it alone and build my own history. In the cemetery on Friday, I wish I’d listened.

I’m not sure if they’d approve of you or not. On the surface, you’re okay, but what about beneath the public front? I guess I’ll find out how strong your mettle is under pressure later. If you want to get to know me, I don’t think you’ll be able to avoid that testing.”

“Wow! I date a string of losers, and then this big-eyed, beautiful waif from Seaford, Delaware, with a negative complex drops into my life and gives me hope for her and humanity. Cool, Miss Robin Kirby. You said you’ll do it whether I like it or not, so proceed with pride. Test me. I can take it.”

Her eyes danced gleefully. “What? Do you want me to test you on purpose? I never thought you’d figure it out, but the first test is now, buddy. So feed me your last fry with a sincere smile.”

He looked at his cup and the fry on the bottom. He picked it up with his fingers and held it before her lips.

“If this is the fry that tips the scale even one-half pound, I don’t want to hear it.”

She snickered and regained control. “Promise.” She took it from his fingers with her mouth and caught the hand to hold it against her cheek. “Delicious. Let’s walk now.”

She kissed him goodnight in the lobby but did not let him go until they were on the elevator headed up.

Charles placed a call to Daniel Everett. “Hey, boss man. Miss Kirby and Shayne just disappeared on the elevator to the fifth floor. Is that the news you wanted?”

“You got it. I love it when love decides to help you, even if it’s lust tonight. Love it when women are predictable. Thanks, Charles.”

*

Shayne left the bathroom in the morning, looking for his shorts as Robin talked to her supervisor.

“Hey, Brandy. Yes, this is Robin, and I have a problem. I need to take a sick day today. Well, I’m sick of Delaware. Yes, I’m kidding. I need it, though. Here is a quick rundown for you. I came to Denton with Ariel for a weekend at a new casino and stumbled upon a forgotten dead family member. She left a staggering will, but I need some time to straighten out the bulk of it and then handle the rest a day or two at a time.

Yes, lots of money. No, I’m rich, and it’s beyond a few thousand. I’ll explain it in private when I get back. Yes. I need today and tomorrow, and then I’ll swing by to fill out a leave slip to keep us both out of trouble. Yes. Thanks so much, Brandy. You’re the best supervisor I’ve ever had. Roger that. I’ll call you tomorrow and see you on Wednesday morning. Okay. Goodbye.”

She disconnected the call and laid the phone on the nightstand.

“Good morning. You’re not dressed yet?”

“Have you seen my shorts?”

“No. Do you need them? Can’t you live without them one day? Men want me to do that for convenience, can’t you?”

He blinked and then shook his head. “I guess I could, but if I can avoid it, why not?

And I don’t think I’d ask you to do that. I’d rather not follow my father’s tricks and antics. For example, he trashed all mom’s underwear one garbage day. She had a hard time until she bought something new, and she ended up with an infection that nearly killed her. So, have you seen them?”

“Well, since you put it that way and can’t go naked one day to please me, try the love seat or that area. That’s where we started and got carried away last night. They’re there somewhere.”

He scratched the back of his neck. “I guess that came out a little tacky and bitchy, huh?”

“A wee little, but hey, we’re not half bad for a short time of knowing each other. I’m not complaining about this learning curve of a date. Last night, I added another shock to myself, but I’m cool with the results.”

When she left the bathroom, he had collected all her clothes and stacked them beside him on the bed.

“What’s up with that, sir?”

“I’ve waited for you to come out. I’ve never done this before, but I want to dress you instead of undressing you.”

She shrugged. “Well, since no one is watching, I guess it’s okay. Wow! What first?”

“Panties go on first. You don’t have to be so nervous.”

“I’m not. Well, maybe a little. You’re different than most men I’ve met. I’m nervous because I can’t predict what you’re doing, and I don’t know how to behave.”

He laughed and adjusted her panties. “You’re behaving properly. Did you mean you don’t know how to act?”

“Yes, that’s it.”

“You shouldn’t act on dates like this. You should be yourself, always. Save your acting for the theater or playing games with your children later in life.”

“Now, there’s a grand philosophy I can relate to.”

When he had her dressed, she rested her hands on his shoulders. “Thank you, Shayne Wolf. You’re quite a different breed. Do you know you’re lupine?”

“I know that.”

“So, will you help me restore Cherie’s grave?”

He snapped his fingers. “Darn. Now comes the unpleasant part where I kiss you goodbye and walk away as the music plays, and you cry and look like your heart has been ripped out.”

Her face went blank. “What?”

He laughed, kissed her forehead, and turned her toward the door.

“Of course, I’ll help you. I’ve learned that if you don’t help women, they get headaches, migraines, ingrown toenails, and any of those shut down their libido system, and it isn’t enjoyable. So, let’s go to breakfast, and you can tell me what you want, and we’ll do as much as we can so you can make it back to Seaford and take care of matters there tomorrow morning.”

He gave her a nudge. “And don’t forget your room key. I like dependable women who don’t have to ask and beg for help when it can be avoided by being responsible.”

“Sir! Yes Sir! Understood, Sir! Will comply, Sir!” She ran to the door and jerked it open. “Already have it in my pocket. I’ll wait at the elevators if you don’t take too long to figure it out.”

“So, what do we do first?”

“We need to restore the bouquet stems that I removed in error. I learned it was placed there and held by a sandstone to keep her spirit from returning and creating chaos in the community.”

“Preventing chaos is always a tactful thing when dealing with witches.”

“Did you know she was a witch?”

“Of course, along with the rest of Denton. Hopefully, she’s the last. She was the last accused, tried illegally, and executed as a witch in Maryland.”

“Did that happen here in Denton?”

“Yes. You didn’t know that?”

“There was nothing on the Family Tree about that. Clarence mentioned she was a witch, but not the rest.”

“Then you might want to ask him about her. It’s rumored he lived with her for quite a few years.”

“I’ll do that this morning. Where did that happen? I mean her execution. Was it in jail or in the public square? Do you have any clue?”

“Try the back part of the cemetery where Clarence lives. It was supposed to be private, like out of the public display. I’ve heard that it didn’t happen that way, and there was a huge audience. Put that on the list of things to ask Clarence.”

“Hey, why does he want to live in the house if that happened there? When she died, was the house there?”

She looked at his face and whispered, “I know. Ask Clarence. Did they burn her?

Never mind. I know what to do.”

“Well, what was the bouquet made from?”

“Hemp, milk thistle, and sage. I guess it was fresh when whoever put it there. It was almost powder when I moved it.”

“Does it have to be hemp? Marijuana is in that family.”

“Make it original. Hemp, milk thistle, and sage, okay? Don’t try to change centuries of trusted anti-witch recipes.”

“Yes, dear. The hemp will be difficult, I think. I know where to get the other two.

What about quantity?”

“I don’t know. Just trust your own judgment on that. Whatever seems to restrain a witch’s ghost should be satisfactory.”

“It will be easy then. Store my phone number, and I’ll contact you later today.”

They separated after a kiss, he requested, and she went to her room to get her purse and car keys.

“That promise to Ariel sure lasted a long time, huh? She told you what he’d do with you, and he did. So just shut up and go to work. Clarence Lowbottom, prepare for another visit from a Kirby, a Kirby, a Kirby.”

She parked her car at the end of the right drive, and it did not take as long through the zigzag path as the first time.

“That means I’m getting familiar with it, and I’m not sure if that’s positive or negative. Just work fast, work hard, and get back to boring Seaford.”

He sat on the porch in the rocking chair again, and she wondered if he ever sat anywhere else. He stood when she got near.

“I’m back,” she said.

“Thanks for telling me. I thought I smelled you when you left the cemetery, but sometimes I’m wrong. What brings you here today?”

“I want more conversation about Cherie, and you seem to be the only one who knows the truth.”

“Well, I guess that’s my curse, huh? I wish the busybody had been promiscuous so you could spread the batter around. What is it today?”

She was on the porch, looking for a chair and finding none.

“Sit on the floor. I don’t anticipate guests, so I have one chair for me. I can’t sit in two.”

She shrugged and sat, leaning her back against a railing.

“Shayne Wolf is working with me to hopefully correct my mistakes. Do you know him?”

“I reckon I do. He’s the son of Victoria Rose and Noah Brewster Wolf. He’s quite a good man. His father is the asshole of all assholes in prison for life. His mother is deceased. What’s he doing for you?”

“Right now, he’s looking for the plants to go back on the tombstone. I thought that was the best place to start corrections.”

“You thought right this time.”

“He told me she was tried and executed as a witch? Where was she executed? Do you know?”

“Damned sure do! Bloody cowardly jerks! Rotten bastards and bitches!”

He stood and stepped from the porch. “Well, come along, youngling. I’m not going to carry you.”

She followed him around the back of the house, and approximately a hundred feet from the rear porch stood a post about a foot in diameter and around ten feet high. The upper portions had many black soot spots burned into the exterior. She stopped a few feet away and imagined the pain and terror she must have felt before she fainted from the shock. She covered her mouth, turned her back to the post, and wiped some tears.

His hand on her shoulder caused her to jerk.

“They were frightened of her. They thought her inhuman, but they were the inhuman beings who tried and killed her. And yes, it was horrible. She screamed for around fifteen minutes before she couldn’t and then collapsed. The winds whipped the smell of smoke and burning flesh that day, and buzzards and vultures were thick as flies on a cow patty. They couldn’t wait, and some got burned to try to feast before it was over. Then it was over, and the honorable citizens drifted away without nary a word of regret or sorrow.”

“Where were you?”

“Handcuffed and tied to a chair on the back porch where I could watch and see what would happen if I picked up where she left off. Fools! All of them. Cowards! Imbeciles! If you feared her, you could have left the area. That was another option!”

“And that’s why you don’t have a chair on the back porch. I don’t blame you for that.

I wouldn’t want to see this reminder. Why do you leave it?”

“Because I can’t touch it, and I can’t pay anyone else to handle it. We used to enjoy the view back here. There was a garden where the post is now. We grew our own vegetables, surrounded by an incredible flower garden. Everything Cherie touched was beautiful, including the town, until the school bus accident. She saved twelve children’s lives and two of them with CPR, which was a crime for the hicks of Denton. They’d have preferred to bury their young instead of keeping them around.

“She got hurt in the process, but that didn’t matter to the citizens. They mounted a crusade against her and wouldn’t stop until they killed her. Idiots! Uneducated buffoons!”

He said nothing more but left her and walked around the house and out of sight. She took one last look at the black burned spots and followed him.

He sat in his rocker with a glass of something like lemonade. Beside him sat another smaller chair and a glass beside it.

“This was her chair. Sit down. I have no anger for you but a lot against the idiots in their fine city. I don’t want to be found treating you with ill intent.”

She sat and picked up the glass. The lemonade smelled and tasted fantastic.

“So, when the will is processed, am I going to be evicted?”

“Do I look that cruel? Of course, you can live here until you die, but I hope that’s a long time, and I hope it’s in a friendlier environment than it is now. Is that fair?”

“Most fair, Kirby Girl. Thanks.”

The smile wrinkled his face, and he did not look mean or bitter for a moment.

He sighed and sounded tired of people, life, living, and losing.

“Shayne will help you with what you want to do. However, watch your back. You’ve been marked as Cherie’s relative, and some believe that blood and DNA never cease until the whole family is destroyed. Your intentions may be pure, but it will mean nothing to their small minds.”

“Who told them? Never mind. I’m known because of the will and that lawyer, Walter Arrington.”

“Also, Roxana Perkins, the town crier whose mouth has been often big enough for nine people. You told her who you were and what you were seeking. Just be careful about what you do and, most of all, how you do it.”

*

Shayne met Robin in her hotel room and found her soberer than the night before.

“Well, I had a pretty productive day. I located and picked some wild milk thistle. I also found some sage plants that were tall and annoying to the gardener. I helped him pull them all and have both in the trunk of my car.”

“That’s wonderful news. What about the hemp plants?”

“Difficult as I expected. Most people think it’s marijuana and avoid it like it’s evil and will ruin their lives. So, I made some phone calls and located some in a privately-run nursery in Wye Mill. I’ve arranged to go and get some tomorrow. He told me they were tall and gangly, and I said fine. So, our bouquet will be complete tomorrow. How about you?”

“I found where she was burned to death for being a witch. She brought two children back to life with CPR, which was enough for punishment to rain down on her. It happened in Clarence’s backyard while he was handcuffed and tied to a chair.”

“Wow! No wonder the guy’s a recluse. I’d be that and pick them off one at a time to eliminate the wasted flesh. I was always curious, but I was told he was weird and different. Now, it makes sense. Poor man.”

“Roger that, and he warned me to watch my back and tell you the same while working and hanging out with me. So be warned of pending danger.”

“So long as pending sexual romps are part of the combo, I’ll buy a dozen.”

She giggled and mock-slapped him. “Some things are better left implicit instead of voice. You got me for a spell, my man. Just live right, and the spell can continue for as long as we live.”

“Got that.”

*

When morning arrived, the couple split up again. Shayne left for Wye Mill and Happy Gardens Nursery , and Robin visited Clarence with a request he did not like.

“I’m against it, Robin. Things like that can get you into more trouble than you can get out of alive. You don’t need to burden yourself with that!”

“I’m not burdening myself, Clarence. Look, I understand that some of your concerns are related, like you’re my great-grandfather, and something is holding you captive here on this beautiful spot of ground. I don't like that, be it hell, Cherie, or some other

demon. But right is right, and wrong is wrong, and for this Kirby Girl, there will be no shades of gray in family matters. I’m the only one left outside this place, and you and I won’t live with the burden of a stubborn Cherie Pandora Waterman’s spirit hanging around to annoy people.

“I need to deal with her, whether I like it or not, and I don’t. However, I need a common ground for negotiations; her book of spells will do that for me. Afterward, I’ll burn it at the stake to stop this nonsense. Is that clear enough?”

He nodded with a deep frown and rubbed his chin. “Roger that, Robin. So, against my better judgment, come inside, and I’ll let you into them. I’ve not touched them since she did last.”

He took the large book from a chest in the living room and laid it on the kitchen table. He opened three windows to let plenty of light in, and Robin sat by herself and began to read and understand Cherie’s Book of Tomes.

A phone call from Shayne broke the spell of the spells, and she rubbed her eyes as she looked around the dim kitchen.

“Huh? Hey, Shayne. What’s up?”

“Us. I’m back at the hotel, and you’re not here. Are you still in the enchanted forest?”

“That’s a snazzy name for it, and I am. It’s been a long and exhausting day.”

“Are you coming back to the hotel?”

She located Clarence in the living room. “Clarence, do you think it would be okay for me to crash here tonight on your sofa? I didn’t realize it was so late. Would that trouble or inconvenience you?”

“It won’t bother me at all. You look too tired to drive anyway. You need a safe place for tonight anyway, and here is the best place. Stay.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean, the first tornado will hit tonight. Tell Shayne to stay in the hotel and sit it out.”

She relayed it to Shayne. “Oh, there will be five tornados and one hurricane because I disturbed her grave. I guess so. She must show off her anger, and that will do it.

Anyway, ride it out, and I’ll see you in the morning.”

“You’ll see me after you deal with a visit to your workplace to arrange the vacation time you need. So, you better snap up and pay attention, girlfriend.”

“Dang. You’re right. I’ve had so much fun I lost track of time. Thanks for the reminder. I’ll call you on the way back. Is there anything you’d like from Seaford?”

“Just a woman named Robin Kirby. If you find her, bring her butt back with you. I like it.”

“Ten-four. I’ll see if I can hook you up. Bye. And do something constructive while I’m gone.”

*

At 1:34 a.m., a clap of thunder shook the ground, rattled windows, and jolted Robin awake. She heard the wind howling, and she huddled on the sofa and clutched a cushion tightly. At length, she exchanged the couch for a chair in the dining room. She sat and

watched the tornado and its effects on the forest. Trees shivered as she did in flashes of lightning. It wore on for forty minutes and ended as abruptly as it started.

Lightning continued without thunder for several minutes, and she enjoyed the strobe effects on the dark clouds that slowly disappeared.

She was still in the chair when Clarence woke her in the morning.

“Awesome storm, huh?”

“I enjoyed it after the first thunder that happened inside this house. It was exciting but such a waste of time and energy.”

“Agreed. Do you want some coffee?”

“That sounds delightful right now.” She performed some stretching exercises to relieve cramped muscles.

“Did she do that often?”

“Often enough for me to understand what was going to happen. I also learned that this house was a safe house for me. No matter what chaos happened outside, nothing bad happened here.”

“Well, I’m glad of that. I hope Shayne survived it.

*

When she reached her car, she was damp from water dripping from vines and trees in the maze. That did not deter her. She turned on the A/C with heat and knew she would be dry when she reached Seaford. She slowed at Cherie’s grave and saluted it.

“That was an awesome tornado, grandmother. Is that all you can do? Just beware that I’ve sent a letter to Hades to see if I can enroll you in Anger Management Classes.

You can lay there, all dead, angry, and think you’re untouchable, but I don’t think that’s the truth after yesterday. You can run over uneducated and plain ignorant people, but not everybody. I’ll be back to see you later, and so you know, I’ve got workers coming to add a tag line on your tombstone in advance. It will read, ‘She’s still a sore loser.’

Toodles and poodles, grandmother.”

She drove through Denton, resisted the urge to check on Shayne or give him a call, and chose to let him rest and have faith that he was okay. Instead, she listened to news programs about the sudden and unforeseen tornados, the failure of the Early Warning System in Denton, and fourteen reported deaths, 102 missing, and more than 10,000

still without power. The last tidbit that had her whooping was that the Denton Hotel and Casino had opened two floors and converted three ballrooms to emergency shelters for the homeless, anyone the storm displaced, and anyone without power.

“Step out. That’s wonderful Public Relations as well as a humanitarian move. Keep it up, and keep my income stream flowing! I love it.”

*

When Robin pulled into her apartment parking lot, her phone rang. She let the Bluetooth answer as she opened the door to step from her car.

“Hey, Miss Kirby. How are you? I missed your presence when I awoke this morning.

You’re quite addictive.”

“Yes, I am. Did you like the impromptu tornado?”

“I did enjoy it. I like storms anyway, but that one was a humdinger. I counted 132

lightning flashes after I woke up. You said more are coming? Will they be the same?”

“Don’t get too excited over storms. Save that for me. Yes, they’ll be the same. Not sure of the hurricane, but most pass us by. This one will not, and I feel it will be a ballbuster.”

“Ouch! Can you give me a few minutes' warning since the weather station can’t?”

“If I can, I will.”

“You in Seaford yet?”

“Just got to the parking lot. I’ll call you later tonight. I have to pee right now.”

She disconnected with a kiss and locked the door when she heard a shout from above.

Rachel waved at her wildly. “Robin! Stay where you are and call me!”

She frowned but made the call while leaning on the car hood. “Hey, Rachel. What’s up? Make it quick. I have to pee.”

“Then come to my apartment. Stay away from yours. We need to talk first.”

Rachel had the door opened for her and closed it behind her. She waited, and when Robin exited, she beckoned with her right hand. “Balcony. Silence until we get there.”

Robin frowned at the strange greeting, followed the woman, and enjoyed her hips swaying inside tight red denim shorts and exposing attractive suntanned legs. She compared them to Ariel’s pale skin and longed to stroke Rachel’s skin but set her control in place.

Rachel motioned to the chaise and sat in a chair. “It’s not safe to go to your apartment yet. I probably shouldn’t involve myself, but I can’t see you involved in an evil mess. The police were in your apartment for seven hours yesterday. They responded to an anonymous tip, and I don’t know all the particulars, but they dismantled a large meth lab, and they’re looking for you big time.”

Robin felt as if she would collapse to the floor. “What? How the hell did they do that? I don’t use, buy, sell, or otherwise traffic drugs. What the hell?”

“That’s my belief, but they stayed longer and hit every apartment in this building for a cursory inspection for drugs or paraphernalia. They arrested three people with unregistered handguns and one with a collection of machetes and some pipe bombs.

And they have a warrant out for you, and they asked us not to tell or warn you, but you’re an okay woman, and I don’t want you to walk into it blind.”

“Screw me to tears!” Robin said, and her Bluetooth chimed. She held up a hand and answered.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Kirby Girl, be careful. Start treading water so you don’t drown in the Cherie bowl. And do be careful when you start working out messes. She’s not the pushover she might seem.”

“Thanks, Clarence. I appreciate your advice and warning.”

The earpiece went silent, and she sat immobile and silent until Rachel touched her.

“Are you okay? Please don’t tell them I told you. Are you going to run?”

“I won’t tell them. I’m not going to run. I’m going to fight because there was no meth lab in my apartment. I’ll just have to teach the police that they were wrong, and I’m a good girl and innocent of all they think I did.”

“How are you going to do that? Did something happen in Denton?”

Robin sighed and rubbed her face. “Yes. I touched something evil out of love and kindness. I wanted to make my great-grandmother’s grave look nice and loved. I didn’t know she was evil and loved it dark, eerie, and dreary.”

Rachel gasped. “Oh, no! She was a witch, wasn’t she?”

“You win the prize, and I hope your prize is peace and protection. Anyway, now I have a choice: run, give up, or fight. I choose to fight, and I will overcome. I want peace, respect, and love attached to my name and memory. And if it calls for divorce from my family, then so be it.”

“Grandition! How did the meth lab get there if you didn’t do it?”

“Through a witch’s helper. My great-grandfather allowed me into her books, and I inhaled them yesterday. Now, I’ll use them to fight against the evil that wants me disabled, disfigured, or dead. Give me ten to fifteen minutes here on your balcony alone.

Close the doors and pull the curtains. When I’m done, I’ll leave. Lock the door behind me and let as many people as you can do the same, stay in their rooms, and get some fresh diapers ready.”

Rachel jumped up from her chair and fearfully stared at her.

“You’re serious, aren’t you? Never mind. I can see and feel it. You’re acting strange, but it’s a wonderful, loving strange, and it makes me want to obey you instead of calling 911.”

She winked and patted her shoulder. “Thanks, Rachel. You’ll be okay in the mix.”

“Rock on. In a way, this is exciting for me, and now I have the crazy desire to kiss you, like a real kiss. Is that okay?”

“Lay it on me and go. You’re okay. We’re both okay.”

Robin sat by herself on the chaise. She turned to face the front of the building and the fancy Draper King Apartments entrance sign. She savored the kiss and the feel of Rachel’s desirous mouth.

“Wonder where all this woman magnet stuff is coming from? Is it part of her highness’ assault? Oh well. I won’t let it bug me either way. So there, evil. That’s one more blank shell in your six-shooter’s cylinder. Give it a spin, and let’s play.”

She relaxed, closed her eyes, and called up a page in Cherie’s Tome in her mind and reread it.

“Okay, spirits and forces that work where the commoner cannot see or know listen to me and bend your will to respond to mine. I ask not with force but with the desperation of desire. Bend the veils around me and bring the evil for me to see and command, be it desired or not desired.”

She moved her hands back and forth across her face and then let her fingertips touch. She opened her eyes to see several layers of color shifting and rolling toward her and away from her like ocean waves. She remained immobile with fingers together; the rolling motion stopped, and the everyday environment of the apartment building returned. She gazed at the hedge along the chain link fence to her left of the entrance, and soon, a massive dog with mottled hair, fuming red eyes, and drooling pale green slime from its mouth stepped from the hedge and raised its wicked eyes to meet hers.

“Greetings, Jaded Willow. Aren’t you just the brave and commanding one? You can work such destruction in people’s lives when they are absent, but you’re impotent to do it when they’re present.

“You have no right!”

“Spare me your boring supplications! You will speak the truth in my presence and be mostly silent because the truth hurts you too much. Remove the evidence from my apartment and leave correction waves. I’m asking now, so I’d suggest doing it before I make a demand because you will not like it. We both know you don’t like to receive pain; you only want to give it. Hear me?”

He growled and shook his head as slobbers flew in all directions, hissing and sending green puffs of steam skyward when they hit the ground.

“I hear you! I’ll obey and wait for your screw-up! Then I’ll enjoy my reward.”

“You do that.” She picked up her phone and called 911.

“Yes, this is Robin Kirby from Draper King Apartments. A few moments ago, I came home, and my apartment was taped off by the police as a crime scene. Will you send them to remove it? I must use the bathroom soon. I need a police car to pee in since I can’t use my bathroom.”

She dropped the phone in her pocket and stood facing the slobbering dog.

“I know I’m not the one who usually calls you out, but you will obey me in this case.

Then and only then will you tell Cherie what transpired. Hear me?”

“I hear you, foolish woman. You’ll never be close to her!”

“That’s a given. I don’t wish to be like her. I’d rather be like me.”

She walked downstairs, borrowed a chair from a ground apartment porch, and placed it at the inside end of the entrance sign. She got comfortable while waiting, and soon she counted seven police cars screaming past her, surrounding her car, and racing across the lawn with weapons out and shouting orders.

She laughed and walked to the main door when they were all inside. Then, she walked up the stairs, turned left toward her apartment, and cleared her throat.

“May I help you, gentlemen? Is there a terrorist hiding here or what? Are you selling tickets to the Seaford Police Carnival next month? This is a strange marketing plan if you ask me.”

“Who are you?” demanded the closest officer. “Why are you here? Clear the hallway, now!”

“I’m Robin Kirby, the one-woman-army who called for you to show up and correct your mistakes. You made a boatload of them, and I want to send them on a long cruise and never return to bother me again.”

“Get your hands up!” he shouted and waved his weapon at her.

“Spare me! Open my door and show me the meth lab and all the evidence of my criminal activity. Do it now, or get out!”

He signaled another, and the door was opened. They all went inside, and police officers scratched their heads and mumbled.

“Well, where are the lab and the other evidence?”

“These dolls were not here yesterday.”

“Yes, they were. They’ve been here for many years. I collect porcelain dolls. It’s a hobby I’ve had since I was thirteen. They all have names. Would you like an introduction?”

“This is impossible and crazy! I know it was here! And these frigging dolls weren’t!”

“Hey, watch your language, sir. Some of these dolls are under thirteen, and I don’t want them picking up bad habits from supposed responsible adults!”

He raised his voice to rage level. “There was a meth lab, a big meth lab, right HERE!”

She winced and covered her ears. “No way! The meth lab was next door. It’s in 3-c, not in 3-e. And if you removed it, I am grateful for your work. I don’t like my girls being around low lives like that. I want them to be as pure as possible until they mature and get married. Then it’s okay. Do you know what I mean? Do you have young girls at home?”

“Shut up! Randy, check that out. I don’t believe this kooky bitch. Anyone so deep into dolls like this can’t be trusted.”

Robin rolled her eyes. “You’re deep into the police force, and I trust you. I trust you will not make mistakes as you did here. But I also trust you to be a real man and admit the mistake when you find it. Then you need to correct it so it won’t damage innocent people like my girls and me. And stop looking at them like that. This is not a house of sin!”

There was a commotion from next door, and soon Randy returned looking sheepish.

“She’s right, Captain. That’s where we were yesterday. I recall the ocean painting on the living room wall, pizza boxes in the kitchen, and the evidence of the lab anchors on the floor and the wall. And there’s also….”

“Never mind. That’s enough.” He turned to Robin. He shook his head and glanced at the dolls and back to her. “I’m sorry, Miss Kirby. Unfortunately, it appears that we made a terrible mistake. I promise I’ll correct it so you won’t be separated from your girls.

They’re too innocent to throw into the foster care program.”

“Thank you, sir. You’re so kind. May I use the bathroom now?”

“Of course. We’ll be gone when you get back, and I’ll close the door behind me.”

Robin stepped inside the bathroom, turned on the light and fan, and covered her mouth to suppress the laugh.

“Self, that was so cool to experience so much power, and I’m sure it was very low-level. Be careful, and don’t get addicted to using it for the wrong purposes. Remember, you are allergic to stakes and fire; even an EPI pen won’t save you from that. Don’t go there. Still, that was damned cool. Yes!”

She went back downstairs to the front of the building and looked to the right of the entrance.

“Jaded Willow, I now release you back to the Netherworld. And even though I know it hurts you, thanks for your brilliant work today. And give Cherie my best regards.”

She returned to her apartment, cleared the remainder of the police tape, and called Rachel.

“All clear, my friend. The cops are gone, my apartment is restored to me, and I’m no longer on America’s Most Wanted Criminal List.”

“Wow! I’m sure happy about that. But may I ask, would it be inappropriate to ask for another real kiss?”

Robin locked her door behind the longing woman. “Can you wait until I get done with my workplace? I’ve got several things I must do before going back to Denton. I’ll call you when I get back, promise.”

“You’re not joking? You’ll let me?”

“Yes, I’ll let you kiss me. However, I need to settle some other matters first. Then I’ll make time for us.”

*

Robin felt better as she approached the State building where she worked, but her entrance card did not register. So, she turned to the receptionists and asked them to open the door for her.

Shelly studied her and shook her head. “You’re Robin Kirby, right?”

“Yes. I work in Motor Fuels Tax. Brandy Welch is my supervisor.”

“And she asked for us to call her so she can escort you. So, sign in and have a seat, and I’ll call her.”

“Sign in? I have a card. There must be some mistake.”

“The only mistakes are the ones you made. Have a seat or leave the building. It’s your choice.”

Brandy arrived and sat beside her with a cold and quiet air.

“Hi, Robin. I heard about the tornados in Denton. I’m glad you made it back safe.”

“So was I until now. What’s going on? Is there a problem with me?”

“Yes. I called the police, and they told me they were through with you and that you were cleared. Are you?”

“If they told you that, yes. I can’t believe all this crap is happening to me. It’s getting on my nerves and making me angry!”