Beads of Doubt by Smith Barbara Burnett

Author:Smith, Barbara Burnett [Smith, Barbara Burnett]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: PENGUIN group
Published: 2010-12-16T15:07:52.968000+00:00

Fourteen

I would like to say that I sat up all night worrying about why my dear friend Beth had the missing brass candlestick under her bed. Or that I stayed up reading the copies from Houston’s office. Or even that I went over the rules for Texas hold ’em, but the truth is that I have my own method for dealing with stress. I sleep. That night I slept long and hard.

Not only that, I didn’t wake up until almost nine in the morning, so apparently my mother, Beth, or maybe Lauren, opened the doors to let the volunteers in. The day was getting away from me, and there was a lot I needed to do.

“You want a shower?” I asked Sinatra, who was sleeping on the foot of my bed. He looked up but went immediately back to sleep, which wasn’t a surprise. He didn’t even help me make the bed.

I showered as quickly as possible, put on some makeup, which I can do in seven minutes flat, and brushed my hair. I was carefully avoiding thinking. My daughter and grandkids would arrive by nine thirty, probably a little earlier if Katie was true to form. This morning I would concentrate on poker and the Manse. Life and death could come later.

There was a tap on my door, and Beth’s voice said, “Kitzi? I’m going down to open up the booth. Are you awake?”

“Yes, I’m just getting ready.”

“I’ll meet you at the gatehouse.” Her steps grew fainter as she moved toward the stairs.

Life supports you when you vote to avoid things. The Beth problem neatly sidestepped, I looked through my closet and skipped over what I call my senator suits and went to the next level down: professional casual. I selected an emerald green knit top with three-quarter-length sleeves. That sleeve is always a good length—covers enough of my arms in case I get carried away and start waving to people. The top went nicely with charcoal slacks and black shoes.

I added some emerald-crystal drop earrings that I had made myself, and a matching bracelet. I might not have been ready for the red carpet, but I could sure knock them dead at the senior citizens center.

Last thing I did was take the two-page copy I’d made at Houston’s office, the one with all the voting shares and who owned them, and folded it neatly into my pocket. A lot of things had to happen today.

Below me I heard voices; I took a look out the window and discovered that the tent flap was open and the place was ready for business. Guests were already arriving.

I closed my door and put up the blue rope, then hurried down the back stairs. In the kitchen I did my best to stay out of everyone’s way while I grabbed a handful of strawberries and a scone. Beth might question my choice of the scone, but I could make up the calories by walking briskly to the gatehouse. I was on my way there when I spotted my mother.

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