Page 48 of The Secrets We Treasure
“Ah, that’s a good man who spends time with his mama and daddy.”
“Yes.” Treasure’s stomach tightened, wondering if Francie would say anything to Greer about the money. Surely not. She wouldn’t want to implicate herself. Treasure needed to tell Greer everything sooner rather than later.
“I’m going to work at ten. I’ll be home around six. Are you good to keep an eye on Barbara while I’m gone?”
“Sure.”
“She says she don’t need no help, but it can’t hurt to watch after her.”
Treasure nodded in agreement. She had plenty of work to catch up on. She’d not heard a word from Ethan since she hung up on him. He was probably sulking because she shot down his documentary idea.
When the sausage was sliced, Treasure washed her hands with hot soapy water. Then, she pulled out the drawer beneath the oven, grabbed a frying pan, and placed the sausage into it. When the slices were all arranged in the pan, she turned on the burner.
“Pardon me.” Treasure moved out of Cherry’s way as she opened the oven door and placed the pan of biscuits in it. Next, she turned her attention to the gravy.
Meanwhile, Treasure placed the cutting board and knife into the sink. She wadded up the sausage wrapper and threw it into the garbage. She was just washing her hands when her phone buzzed. It was on the kitchen counter. Hurriedly, she dried her hands on the towel draped over the oven door handle before sliding her finger over the screen to answer the video call.
“Mom,” Tray exclaimed with a gigantic smile. He looked adorable wearing Mickey Mouse ears. “I just saw Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy. We just watched a parade and are going on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.”
The joyous trill of Tray’s voice tugged at her heartstrings, making her wish she was there with him. “I’m so glad you’re having a good time.”
“We’re getting ice cream too,” he said eagerly.
“That’s awesome.” They talked for a few minutes before Tray turned the phone over to Kevin.
“Hello,” he began in his characteristically deep and booming voice. “How’s it going over there? How’s your mom?”
“She’s doing really well. In fact, she’s planning on going back to work on Thursday.”
Cherry harrumphed at that, muttering under her breath. Treasure couldn’t help but grin at her reaction. Cherry reached for a spatula and flipped over the sausage.
“Sorry,” Treasure mouthed at Cherry. She hadn’t intended to flake out on her job of cooking the sausage.
Cherry waved a hand. “No worries. I’ve got it.”
Treasure turned her attention back to the video call. “Tray seems great. How are you and Helen doing?”
“Really well. If Tray’s happy, we’re happy.”
“Thanks for all that you and Helen do.”
“Of course,” Kevin replied nonchalantly. Treasure could tell that he was walking, presumably away from Tray and Helen. “I got some new information from Howard.”
Treasure’s pulse quickened. “What did he find out?”
“Unfortunately, he was unable to locate Leo in Florida. However, he talked to a waitress who works in a bar. Her name is Sheila.” His voice quickened. “Get this, Leo and Sheila have dated off and on for years.”
Treasure frowned. “Even when Leo was with his other girlfriend?”
“It sounds like it. Leo and Sheila have a five-year-old son. He has leukemia.”
“Oh, wow. That’s terrible.”
Kevin nodded. “It is. According to Sheila, Leo visited her several weeks ago. He said he was going off the grid for a while to do a job that would pay big. He promised to send her money to help pay for their son’s treatments as soon as he was able. Howard was unable to discover anything else. He’s heading back to Philly to continue his search there.
Treasure chewed on the inside of her cheek. “It’s sounding more and more like Leo Clark’s not the stalker.” She didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed.
“Those are my thoughts as well. Leo sounds more interested in taking care of his son than fixating on you. Also, he seems to have a strong connection with Sheila, which would make him less likely to be the stalker of a celebrity.
