Once I had Janelle safely tucked away at Polly’s home, I headed back toward Royce’s house. It had been a hugely stressful day, and I wanted nothing more than to take a shower and maybe have dinner with Royce later.
Mrs. Numi had the ball rolling already with the escrow company, and now I just needed to make a clean break from River. I’d called him several times, trying to set up an appointment to discuss my lease buyout. So far, I hadn’t heard back. I’d left him a very polite message the last time I’d called. Far politer than he deserved, if you asked me.
When I pulled into the driveway, I found Girdy and Todd unloading boxes into Royce’s garage. They’d been kind enough to pack up all my stuff from River’s clinic. I approached them, feeling grateful that Girdy and Todd were so willing to help me. I wasn’t sure why they were so fiercely loyal to me, but I couldn’t help being touched.
Girdy spotted me as I neared. “Hey, Maxwell, this is the last of it.” She had a smudge on one cheek, and her auburn hair was pulled up in a ponytail. “You’re officially moved out of River Runs Deep Homeopathy.”
“Thank the Lord,” I murmured.
Todd joined her, wiping his face with a handkerchief. “Believe it or not, River helped us carry some boxes out. He was actually very nice about it.”
Girdy scowled. “He was just trying to look good in front of the patients.”
Smiling, Todd nodded. “Probably. But I appreciated the help.”
“Not me,” grumbled Girdy.
I laughed. “Simmer down, Girdy.”
She gave a sheepish smile. “I’ll try.” She sighed. “Did you get Janelle situated at Polly’s house?”
“Yep. Kobe showed up as requested, as well.” I leaned against Todd’s truck. “He was sober, believe it or not.”
“I do believe it,” Girdy said. “Rumor has it he hasn’t had a drink since the wedding. I think he’s trying to clean up his act for real this time.”
“I hope so.” I frowned.
Todd shrugged. “Maybe Janelle and him can rekindle their romance.”
Girdy scowled. “I think it’s too soon for that. For goodness’ sake, her husband was just murdered.”
Todd winced. “Sorry. I just like happy endings.”
“It would be disrespectful to jump into Kobe’s arms so soon.” Girdy sighed. “At least, that’s how I see it.”
I frowned. “Well, not if Archie was scamming her. Then she’d have every right to turn to someone who truly loves her.”
“True.” Girdy nodded. “But we don’t know yet what Archie was up to.”
“Something that got him killed, I’ll wager.” Todd raised his brows.
I sniffed. “There are too many rumors going around. I’ll wait to hear the actual truth from Royce.”
Grinning, Girdy said, “Yes. Then be sure and tell me.”
“Of course.” I smirked.
Todd grabbed a box out of the back of the truck. “I guess we should finish what we started.”
I also moved to grab a box, noticing there weren’t many left. “I appreciate you two doing this for me. It would have been awkward to face River. It will be bad enough signing the paperwork for the lease buyout.”
Girdy grimaced. “Maybe you should take Royce with you. River makes me nervous lately.”
“Oh, I don’t think he’d actually do anything to me.” I frowned, setting the box I held on a stack against the wall of the garage. “He just loves needling me.”
“You never know.” Todd set the last box on top of mine. “I read a story once about a little old lady who everyone loved, but it turned out she’d murdered her whole family and buried them in her rose garden.”
“Todd,” Girdy screeched. “What kind of story is that?”
