Pumpkin Ridge (Rose Hill Mystery Series Book 10)
Page 26
Delia turned on the windshield wipers to remove the melting snow and turned on the defroster to clear the condensation that had accumulated on the inside of the glass.
“I guess when you’re beautiful and evil you can get away with anything,” Melissa said.
“When you combine that with money and proximity to power,” Terese said. “Will has both.”
Melissa sighed.
“I’ll always wonder if she’ll come back,” she said. “I don’t think I’ll ever rest easy.”
“I don’t think she’d dare,” Delia said.
“I’m sorry,” Terese said. “I wanted it, too.”
“Do you think your boss will let her go now?” Delia asked.
Terese shook her head.
“He won’t, but I’m done,” she said. “I’m going to request a transfer as soon as I get back.”
“Are you here to check on Patrick?” Melissa asked.
“Tying up loose ends,” Terese asked.
“He won’t ever get over her,” Melissa said.
“I’m sorry,” Delia said. “I think you’re right.”
“What are you going to do now?” Terese asked.
“I’m going to take my own advice,” Melissa said. “It’s time for me to make my life the way I want it, and let those old dreams die.”
Terese held out her hand, and Melissa shook it.
“Don’t worry,” Melissa said. “I won’t tell anybody what you said.”
“I know you won’t,” Terese said. “I admire you, by the way, for what you did for your son and what you’ve accomplished.”
“Thanks,” Melissa said. “I guess you know us better than we can imagine.”
“You’re better off without Patrick,” Terese said. “Although it took me a long time to come to that same conclusion about my boss for myself. I understand what it’s like.”
“I guess it’s always good to have a professional opinion,” Melissa said.
Terese got out of the car, leaned back in, and handed Melissa a business card.
“If you ever need anything, please call me.”
Melissa smiled and put the card in the breast pocket of her coat. She watched Terese cross the road to the hospital and go inside. She got out of the car and then back in to sit in the front passenger seat.
“It’s not as easy as you think to let somebody go,” Melissa said. “It’s like living with two people inside of you, and one of them’s an idiot who doesn’t want to listen.”
“Let’s get you home,” Delia said and put the car in reverse.
Melissa’s phone rang; she didn’t recognize the number.
“Johnny Johnson here,” a deep voice said when she answered. “I am calling you on a device that I suspect may utilize alien technology recovered from area 51. My neighbor and good friend Dee Goldman has graciously assisted me in the procurement of said device, and our mutual acquaintance Sam Campbell has facilitated the addition of a technological contraption to my windmill that amplifies the connection needed to operate it.”
“You don’t have to talk so loud,” Melissa said with a laugh. “I can hear you fine.”
“You’ll have to pardon me,” Johnny said. “I’m still a bit dizzy from my trip here from the last century.”
“I can’t believe you got a phone,” Melissa said. “What made you do it?”
“I enjoyed our recent discussion,” he said. “So much so that I wish to replicate and improve upon the practice over time. With your permission, of course.”
“You have my permission.”
“I am much obliged,” he said. “Now let’s move on to a contemporary topic with which I am much concerned. I understand you tangled with the devil herself and lived to tell about it. Are you all right?”
“Not yet,” Melissa said. “But I will be.”
Acknowledgments
In the middle of this tumultuous year, little Josie was born, and she’s made a dark time seem hopeful and bright. I am so thankful for her parents Ella and Adam, her big brother Jackson, and her grandparents Linda, Bruce, Kate, Richard, and their families. Also brightening up the dark was an October wedding where my nephew, Michael, added Brittany to our family, joining Terry, Greg, Colin, and Emily. I’m also grateful for my own little family, my mother Betsy and dogs George and Gracie.
I want to thank my devoted readers, who send me such great emails and continue to buy my books.
Thanks also to Tamarack, the Best of West Virginia, for including my books in their beautiful store.
If you liked this book, please leave a review on Amazon.com by clicking here (Thank you!)
Other books by Pamela Grandstaff
Rose Hill Mystery Series:
Rose Hill
Morning Glory Circle
Iris Avenue
Peony Street
Daisy Lane
Lilac Avenue
Hollyhock Ridge
Sunflower Street
Viola Avenue
Pumpkin Ridge
For Children:
June Bug Days and Firefly Nights
Ella’s New Hat and Her Terrible Cat
Terry Lee’s Home for Bluebirds (Photographs by Terry Hutchison)
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