Once Upon A Half-Time 2(118)

Unruly teenagers and angry geese were Saint Christie’s pressing concerns. Not arson. Not threats.

Both Nolan and Maddox swore to kill the other. I knew Nolan could do it, but Maddox? He was dangerous, but he wasn’t a murderer. Was he?

Would he really risk everything for his revenge?

God, and he wanted me back. Promised me a life and a family and wanted a baby. What kind of family could I have with a murderer?

None.

I had to stop him before something terrible happened.

Delta hopped up the stairs to the gazebo, Coke in hand. I took the drink with a smile, but she saw through it.

“What happened?” Delta stretched her legs on the seat opposite me, twirling a finger through her blonde, pixy cut hair. She pulled a sandwich from her paper bag. “Give me the details.”

“Nolan.”

Delta frowned at the soda. “I should’ve brought some rum.”

“No kidding.”

“What’d he do?”

I sighed. “Tried to buy my property.”

“Rumor is he has plans for the lot.”

“He has plans for me.” I made a face. “He…declared his intentions again. Wants me to sleep with him. He said he loved me.”

Delta lowered her sandwich. “Tell me he understood the word no.”

“Not really, but a kick between the legs taught him a lesson.”

“What a slime ball. Think he’ll try anything else? Do you want to stay at my place tonight?”

I flicked a fallen leaf from the banister. “Nah. I’ll be okay.”

“Uh-oh. Now what aren’t you telling me?”

She’d find out sooner or later. “Promise not to freak out?”

“Oh, no—”

“Maddox might be staying with me.”

Delta screeched. She stood, pacing the creaking floorboards of the gazebo. She still avoided the one weak spot where Donny Kennen cracked the plank to hide a pack of cigarettes when we were ten. “Are you serious?”

“It’s okay.”

“Holy shit, it’s not okay.” She groaned. “I wondered why two people came to the office today to ask if their fire insurance was up-to-date. He’s staying in town?”

“We haven’t really talked about it.”

“Then get rid of him. He’s a criminal.”

“He’s not the arsonist!”

Delta didn’t want to hear it. I slurped my soda, but Delta fell silent on the subject. She wasn’t done, just courteous to our neighbors. Mrs. Greentree rounded the gazebo, out on her afternoon walk with Saint Christie’s second most famous dog, Millie the shih tzu. Rumor had it she was the only dog in the state who could challenge the reigning champion, poodle John-Baptiste. Of course, it was Mrs. Greentree spreading that particular rumor.

“Good afternoon, girls.” Mrs. Greentree smiled at us. We knew to look away. Not everyone in town could pull off yoga pants. Mrs. Greentree couldn’t if she tried, even twenty years ago. “Lovely weather?”

Delta agreed. I simply nodded. Millie prattled around Mrs. Greentree’s legs, growling at her own shadow. We tucked our feet under us. No sense losing another shoe or toe to Millie.

“And just how are you doing, Josie?” Mrs. Greentree wrapped the leash around her hand and nestled in for the gossip. “I just heard terrible news. That dreadful boy is back.”

I didn’t answer. Delta did.

“Maddox is out of jail.”

“Heavens. And he brought his older sister too, the trashy thing.”

My stomach churned. I leaned forward. “Chelsea’s home?”

“From what I hear, time has not been kind to her. But that’s neither here nor there. Two Maddoxs in town. Both of them are just…trouble.”

I frowned. Maddox hadn’t said a word about his sister. He hardly ever did. He was the declared bad boy of Saint Christie, but Chelsea wasn’t even brought up in polite conversation.

Not even by her brother.

That was strange. Chelsea didn’t wander into town without reason. She might have been visiting her brother now that he was out, but the thought didn’t settle well.

Something was up. Something bad.

“How is Matthias these days, Josie?” Mrs. Greentree’s smile was genuine. “My Johnny’s missed him at the track. They used to have such fun together.”

There was a gut punch. Delta avoided my gaze.

“He’s fine,” I said. “Some days are better than others.”

“Do tell him we said hello.”

Sure. I’d just tell Granddad his bookie’s mother passed on Johnny’s regards. And probably another threat to repay what was yet owed.

She excused herself to harass Postmaster Alan as he began his route. The dog immediately launched at Alan’s leg. The mail scattered everywhere, and Millie stole the packet of registered letters.