Everett stared out over the fields and barn and goats, processing this update.Twoseparate locations had been vandalized? So far, they’d targeted one place. “I’m working with the sheriff’s office and the state troopers to get a city watch training set up.”
“Hmm. Might be too little too late for us, but I’m expecting Sheriff Myers soon, so I’ll see what he has to say about it. Didn’t know if you wanted to come see the damage for yourself?”
Wantwasn’t exactly the right word. He’d gone to Elginston and Alpine Springs—now he felt obligated to investigate in Rose Prairie. “I’ll head that way.” He blew out a slow breath. “Until I get there, you might want to have a look [email protected]. Whoever’s doing this likes having an audience. So far, they’ve been careful about what they post, but I’m hoping they’ll get sloppy, and we’ll find something to catch them.”
“Kids.” The man groaned. “I swear, if my daughter doesn’t post pictures wherever she goes, it’s like it didn’t happen. I don’t get it.”
“Neither do I, Joe. I’ll see you in twenty.” He disconnected and tucked his phone into his pocket.
While there was no concrete proof that it was kids at the root of what was happening, it was the only thing that made sense. Who else? As far as he knew, there wasn’t anyone with a major ax to grind with the county. The idea of a group of disgruntled Main Street business owners masking up, causing damage,andfiguring out all the bells and whistles of posting online was laughable. Right now, he could use a laugh—so he did. What else could he do?
He used the time it took to drive to Rose Prairie to come up with a plan. He’d follow up with the sheriff about the paintballs themselves. There weren’t a lot of retailers selling supplies, so that might give them some sort of lead. It was flimsy, but it was a place to start—which was more than they had at the moment.
DOTCROSSEDHERarms over her chest, giving Leland her tried and true mom-face. “You watch your tone, son.”
Leland ran a hand over his face. “Momma, Everett’s got a lot on his mind—he’s real busy.”
“Too busy to be happy?” She clicked her tongue in disapproval. “I’m surprised at you, Leland. Your boy is all work, no play. That’s not healthy. You know that, too.”
Violet stopped washing dishes to face them. “What are you two carrying on about?”
Dot waved her hands. “Just me sticking my nose in where it’s not wanted, is all.”
“Momma, I didn’t say that.” Leland pinched the bridge of his nose.
There it was.That look. The one that made her realize she was a burden to her son, his lovely wife, and the entire family. They didn’t want her here, but out of a sense of deep obligation, they wouldn’t send her away. She didn’t want to live someplace that smelled like institutional gravy, bleach, and mold, but she didn’t want to be a drain on her son and his family. “I think I’ll go lie down.”
“Are you okay, Momma Dot?” Violet wiped her hands on a kitchen towel, her gaze bouncing between her and Leland.
“Yes, yes.” She forced a smile. “Just old and tired, is all.”
Before she reached her room, she heard Violet say, “Leland, what happened? She was upset.”
Dot paused, straining to hear. It was past time to change the battery in her hearing aid.
“I came down too hard on her,” Leland mumbled. “I... I know she meant well by bringing up Rosemary to Everett. She and Dad always thought they were made for each other.”
“So did I. Would it be so bad?” Violet’s voice carried.
“Of course not, Violet.” Leland’s sigh was all impatience. “But what happens between them is none of our business. Our boy’s got more than enough pressure on his shoulders without pushing our wants on him. I get the sense he’s about reached his limit.”
But it isn’t just what I want.Frustration pressed in on her. It happened now and then. She didn’t like it—losing her temper. Half the time, she didn’t even know why she got so upset, she just did. The best she could do was go to her room and hope it’d pass without her taking it out on anyone else.
Poor Everett. The day of Camellia Hill’s wedding, he’d come to get her but she couldn’t find her pearl necklace. She always wore her pearl necklace on special occasions—it was a gift from Albie. But it was lost, and Everett’s efforts to help her had been halfhearted at best... Still, there’d been no cause to call him selfish or a disappointment. And there was no way to take those horrible words back.
No, it was best to be alone until she’d sorted herself. Then she could figure out what to do about Everett. After the way she’d treated him, she had to make it up to him somehow.And I will. Somehow, someway, I’ll help my boy be happy.
CHAPTER FIVE
WITHADABmore yellow and a tiny dollop of orange, Rosemary had the perfect color. She swirled her fine-tipped brush in the paint and leaned forward to touch up the honeybee “flying” along the hallway of the house.
She didn’t know who had originally painted the bee. Her great-grandmother Sybil Hill, perhaps? Apparently, she’d been quite the eccentric when she arrived on the farm. All Rosemary knew for certain was that this little bee had always been here—adding to the magic of her home. It was up to her—her sisters and aunts—to keep that magic alive for all the Hills to come.
With a few careful dabs and featherlight brushstrokes, the faded bee came to life. She sat back, making certain it was just right. Once the gold, yellow, and yellow-orange colored hairs met with her satisfaction, she turned to white, black, and a few hints of brown.
“Wow.”
She thought she was alone, so the voice almost had her dropping the paper plate she was using for her paint palette. “Leif.”
