Suddenly Psychic (Glimmer Lake #1)(45)

One of the women with red cheeks turned back to the house. “We can go back and—”

“No.” Robin held out her hand. “Just because Grandma Helen is old doesn’t mean you’re allowed to take advantage of her. Give me the kitchen key and leave. I’ll call your boss this afternoon and tell her we won’t be needing your cleaning service anymore.”

The one with the attitude lifted her chin and held out the key. “Bitch, you don’t know what it’s like to work for a living.”

Monica gasped and Val put a hand on Robin’s shoulder before she swiped the key from the cleaner.

“Bite me.” Robin wasn’t going to fight with these lazy girls. She had too much respect for how hard housecleaning work was to pay people who slacked off. “Leave and don’t come back.”

“Fine,” the girl said. “We’re done with your creepy-ass house anyway. And your crazy grandma.” The trio of women walked off without another word.

Robin grabbed the key from Val and shoved it in her pocket. “I guess my mom isn’t going to have to fire the cleaners after all.”

“I have a customer who cleans houses,” Val said. “She’s awesome. I’m pretty sure she’s fully booked, but do you want me to ask her for a recommendation?”

“Yeah, that would be great.” Robin rubbed her temple. It was another thing she’d have to take care of, but she was relieved Grandma Helen wouldn’t have to put up with those rude cleaners anymore. Her grandmother paid generously, and she didn’t deserve being treated that way.

Monica said, “I wonder why they thought the house was creepy? This place is so beautiful.”

“It is, but parts of the house can feel a little empty,” Robin said. “That’s probably all it is.”

“What are we looking for here?” Val walked toward the kitchen door on the side of the house. “Are we confronting your ninety-five-year-old grandmother about her secret past?”

“No,” Robin hissed. “We’re just going to ask about Billy Grimmer. Maybe they were related. Maybe she just forgot his name because her memory is spotty. Plus we should look for more pictures of Uncle Raymond if they’re here.”

“I can go upstairs,” Monica said. “Look on the walls for stuff. I love old houses.”

“Perfect.” Robin unlocked the kitchen door and walked inside. “Grandma Helen?”

Helen poked her head out of the bedroom. “I thought the cleaning girls were back.”

“No. I fired them, Grandma.”

“Oh.” Her face fell. “One of them was very nice. She always made me coffee when she was here.”

Probably because she felt guilty for not doing her job.

“I know, Grandma, but they weren’t doing a good job.”

Val was poking in the corners and shaking her head. “Surface only,” she muttered.

“Hi, Grandma Helen.” Monica walked over and gave Helen a hug. “Your house is so beautiful. I love your view from here.”

“Thank you.” Helen squinted. “You changed your hair and it looks very pretty.”

“Thanks. I like yours. Did you just get it done?”

“My Gracie took me into town yesterday.” Helen patted Monica’s cheek. “How are you, sweet girl? I was thinking about Gilbert last Sunday. I remember him singing in the Christmas choir.”

Monica swallowed hard. “Didn’t he have a beautiful voice?”

“He surely did.” Helen sat at the table. “And is that Valerie?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Val put the cookies on the table. “I brought some chocolate-fudge cookies from my café.”

“Oh, I do like chocolate.” Helen turned slightly. “But I need some coffee.”

“I’ll make that.” Val hopped up.

“And I’m going to call Jake about something.” Monica walked toward the dining room door. “I’ll be right back.”

Helen sat at the table and looked out over the lake. “I’m missing the sun today.”

“It’s supposed to be clear tomorrow.”

“That’s good.” She reached for Robin’s hand. “You have a question for me.”

“Do I?” Robin tried and failed to ask about Billy Grimmer. “I was thinking about Uncle Raymond the other day,” she started. “Mom and he don’t talk much.”

A shadow of sorrow passed over Helen’s face. “They were never close, which made me sad. No one ever understands you like your brothers and sisters. Even if you don’t get along, they know you better than anyone.”

“Is it because of Grandfather? Raymond and his dad didn’t get along well, did they?”

Helen’s chin tilted up. “Raymond was headstrong. Gordon and he often disagreed when he got older. But Gordon was very kind to him when he was a boy.”

Robin frowned. What an odd thing to say. “Kind?”

“Yes, Gordon was very kind,” Helen said. “When Ray was older, they had a harder relationship. I think Grace tried to play peacemaker sometimes, but she wasn’t very successful.”

Val sat down with two cups of coffee. “Where’s Raymond now?” she asked. “I can’t remember Robin ever mentioning him visiting.”