Charade by C. K. Thomas

Author:C. K. Thomas
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: C. K. Thomas
Published: 2014-10-13T00:00:00+00:00

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Over the next couple weeks, the Horn house remained cordoned off while the fire marshal from Ellenville brought in investigators to determine the cause of the fire. Ultimately, it was decided the fire originated in a skillet left on a low flame with oil in it. Blanch told Star her mother always rubbed olive oil on her iron skillets and then heated them up a little to help the oil penetrate. Evidently she had forgotten what she was doing and left the stove on when she went to bed after doing the dishes.

Blanch and Star stood on the sidewalk looking at the charred remains of the side porch.

“Is it safe for us to go inside and get up to the attic?” Star asked Blanch.

“Yes, the fire marshal has declared it structurally sound except for the kitchen area. I’ve even had an offer on the house from a family with three little ones. They heard about the fire and wondered if I’d be willing to sell it as is. The husband does construction work, and he’s confident he can rebuild the kitchen and side porch and fix any other structural problems the fire may have caused. They’re anxious to start renovations and be in before school starts in the Fall. It’s a good offer for a damaged house, and I’ve all but agreed to sell it to them,” Blanch told Star.

“Where would your mom go when she gets out of the hospital?” Star asked.

“She needs constant care now. The doctor says her emphysema was exacerbated due to the smoke, and she’ll need oxygen most of the time now. She can’t be trusted not to smoke, so she’ll have to be monitored around the oxygen. With the proceeds from the sale of the house, I’ll be able to put her up at Windmere Gardens. They have full-time nursing care there.”

“What does your mother think about that?”

“She’s okay with it. I think the fire really scared her into being realistic about her living situation. I already have power of attorney, so I can handle the sale on my own and get things moving for her quickly.”

“Well, I guess we should go inside and get started sorting things,” Star said.

“Star, I can’t thank you enough for agreeing to help me clear out the house. It’s going to be a big job,” Blanch told her.

“Don’t think a thing about it, Blanch. I know you would do the same for me, and Vince Wade and Zack Kane have promised to come into town when we’re ready to move the heavy items. Walt wants to lend us one of his big trucks for that job, and he’ll also provide one of those big dumpsters he can bring in with his truck and leave in the driveway so we can get rid of things that aren’t worth saving,” Star said.

“How much will that cost?”

“No worries, Blanch. Walt will take care of the rental. After all, he’s in the trash hauling business, so he has contacts all over the place.

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