Weekend Warriors (Sisterhood #1)(23)
“Kathryn, you may not be able to go back to trucking if you stay in the Sisterhood. Your time will be required on the cases we have to deal with. Perhaps not every one, but on most of them. Charles and I have taken the liberty of fattening up your bank account as well as the other sisters’. If we want this project to be successful, we can’t have you worrying about food and bills, now can we?”
“Just how rich are you, Myra?” Kathryn asked bluntly. “If I had a hundred bucks in my bank account, I’d feel rich. Dog food and diesel fuel are expensive.”
“I’m sure they are, but you don’t have to worry about that anymore. As to how rich I am, I’m not sure. My accountants tell me I’m a billionaire. And all that money comes from making candy. The first batch was made right here in this kitchen on this very table. The old wood-burning stove is gone, but I’m sure they poured the candy into trays on this table. Is your dog hungry?”
“He’s always hungry. The day I got him I forgot to feed him. He didn’t whine or cry or anything. He just waited. I have so many regrets, Myra. I need to know something. I don’t know if you have the answer or not but I have to ask. When my case is over, what if I don’t feel vindicated? What if…I’m not doing this for me. I’m doing it for Alan.”
Myra whirled around. “Stop right there. You are not doing this for Alan. You are doing it for yourself. You have to admit that to yourself. You cannot hide behind your husband. Make no mistake about that. I think there are many things you need to come to terms with, Kathryn. In your off time, dear, I’ll make arrangements for you to talk to a psychiatrist and a grief counselor. I should have done that but I didn’t. You’re much too young to let all of what went on before destroy your life. Don’t even think about saying no. Mothers always know best.”
“Then I won’t say no. Do you have any scraps or leftovers I can feed Murphy?”
“I thought you said he ate what you ate. We have turkey, ham and I think there’s some roast beef. Fix him a plate and then you can set the table while I make sandwiches and coffee.”
“Myra, do you mind if I ask you something?”
“No, dear, ask me anything you like.”
“Do you think we’ll get caught? Do you think there’s anyone out there smart enough to figure out what we’re doing?”
Myra looked down at the ham platter she was holding. “I look at it this way, Kathryn. No one’s luck holds forever. I’m sure at least one of us will make a mistake along the way. Will it be a serious mistake we can correct or will it be so serious we get caught? I don’t know the answer to that. I’m sure there are many smart people out there who, if they had all the facts, would put two and two together. If we’re careful, if we stick to our plan, I think we can have a good run. Charles and I have had two years to put all this together. There are many safeguards in place. I don’t want you to worry about a thing. Charles and I will do the worrying. Besides, that’s what you’re supposed to do when you get old. Please don’t deprive us of this pleasure.”
“Okay, Myra.”
“What’s wrong with your dog, Kathryn?” Myra asked as the fur on the huge dog’s head and back stood on end. He growled, a low menacing sound.
Kathryn whirled around. “Someone’s coming. What should I do?”
Myra ran to the kitchen window. “It’s Jack Emery. He’s Nikki’s beau. Boyfriend, significant other, or whatever you call them these days. Quick, Kathryn, take Murphy and go up the kitchen stairs. Don’t let him bark. I’ll get rid of Jack. Hurry.” She put her hands to her head as though that would help her to think as she grappled with the knowledge that Jack Emery was going to be knocking on her door any second.
She looked down at the plate on the floor and quickly set it in the sink. She jerked at the refrigerator door handle and jammed the ham platter onto the shelf just as the kitchen doorbell rang.
He was so good-looking, Myra wished she was thirty years younger. “My goodness, Jack, what are you doing out here at this time of day? Nikki isn’t here. Her car wouldn’t start so Charles drove her into town. They’re coming to tow it any minute now. Please, please, don’t let Nikki or Charles come out here. Please.
“I called her apartment but there was no answer. She’s not in the office, either.” His tone was so cold, Myra frowned.
“Maybe she went shopping. I am not her keeper, Jack.” Now he’s going to ask about the gate, the cars and Kathryn’s truck. “Is something wrong?”
Of course there was something wrong. She steeled herself for the words she knew were coming.
“You caught me just as I was leaving. I’m playing bridge this afternoon. If I hear from Nikki, I’ll tell her you drove all the way out here to see her. You should have called and I could have saved you the trip, Jack.”
“Marie Lewellen split. She’s gone and she took her family with her. That means you lose the bail money you posted.”
Myra allowed a shocked look to spread across her face as she asked in a horrified voice, “All of it? The whole million dollars! I refuse to believe that. Are you saying she…moved? She wouldn’t do that. Where could she possibly go? Maybe the family went on an outing. Disney World is a possibility. Distraction, one last family vacation before the trial, that kind of thing.” That sounded real good, Myra. Keep your wits about you.