Bayou Judgment by Robin Caroll

Author:Robin Caroll
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2008-09-25T04:00:00+00:00

The cleanup process went much quicker than Felicia could’ve ever hoped. CoCo and Tara had come with her to the apartment, sleeves rolled up and ready to work. Four hours later, the living room and kitchen were put back to order. Well, as much as they could be. The trash had been bagged and salvageable furniture righted. They might not look as nice as they had before, but at least it looked like her home again. The list of items to be replaced had run over to a second page. Good thing she didn’t have to worry about money on top of everything else since her family was well-off.

“Mark’s on the phone.” Tara held out the cordless they’d found buried under the upturned garbage can.

Oh, no. She’d forgotten to call and cancel her physical therapy this morning. She lodged the phone against her shoulder and cheek. “Hey, Mark. I’m so sorry.”

“Standing me up, are ya?”

“I had a break-in at my place again last night.”

“Heard about that. I was really just calling to check on you.”

“That’s sweet.” She paused as his words sank in. “Wait a minute. How’d you hear about it?”

“Sheriff came by, questioning everyone you work with down here.”

Now, that was barking up the wrong tree.

“So, are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“I’ll take you at your word. We still on for tomorrow morning?”

“Nine o’clock sharp. I’ll be there. I’m really sorry about flaking out today.”

“You’re entitled. I’ll just work you double hard tomorrow.”

She groaned, then laughed. “Thanks, Mark.” She tossed the phone onto the couch missing two of the three cushions. Something else she’d have to order.

Couch cushions. The Queen Anne wasn’t salvageable and had to be thrown out. Ninety percent of her dishes. Mattress. Curtains. Pillows. All had to be replaced. The enormity of it all staggered her. She dropped to the single couch cushion.

“Hey, we’ll get it done. Stop looking defeated.” Tara propped her hands on her hips, glaring.

Just what she needed—a kick in the behind. Felicia giggled and mustered to her feet. “Right. I’m going to take another load to the Dumpster.”

Tara nodded. “Good. I’m going to tackle the bathroom.”

Smiling to herself, Felicia grabbed two trash bags and dragged them out the door. She lifted one and trekked down the sidewalk. Soon though, her legs protested with cramps and spasms. Felicia dropped the bag and leaned against a support pole.

A young woman, one Felicia had seen around the complex lately, wandered down the walkway. “Need some help?”

Her voice was familiar. Had she talked to Felicia before? Maybe in the laundry room? Felicia couldn’t remember. “No, thanks. I’m just a little sore.”

“Didn’t you used to be in a wheelchair?”

“Yes. I’m up to walking with a cane now.”

“Well, congratulations. See ya.” The young woman rushed down the walk and turned the corner to the parking lot.

Felicia stared after her for a long minute. Something wasn’t right. She couldn’t put her finger on what was amiss, but something about the woman definitely rang bells in Felicia’s head.

But why?

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