Thistle and Twigg by Mary Saums

Author:Mary Saums
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Tags: Humorous Fiction, Alabama, Widows, Women Sleuths, Mystery & Detective
ISBN: 9780312360634
Publisher: Thorndike Press
Published: 2006-12-31T05:00:00+00:00

twenty

Jane Goes to

Cal’s House

After I dropped Phoebe off at her house, I stopped at the bank. I had a very pleasant chat with Mr. Roman, the local manager there. We’d met on two previous occasions when I opened new accounts and settled my house purchase before my move to town.

My first thought in regard to buying Cal’s land had been to simply transfer the money from a credit union savings account I’d used for years when depositing my part-time freelance money I’d never touched it, and many times the amount Cal asked for had been growing in interest there for some time.

The night before my trip to the bank, I had a better thought. I decided instead to take out a loan, as a way to support the local bank. I could easily transfer payments electronically from my credit union account when they were due. Mr. Roman seemed quite pleased and assured me the necessary paperwork and the cash Cal requested would be ready for me within a few days.

I worked in the house the rest of the morning, unpacking boxes and putting things away. I wanted to give Cal plenty of time to rest before going over to see about him. Around noon, I had a nice lunch made for him and a few extras for later.

The inside of Cal’s house was a bit messy but not so bad as I expected. The kitchen was outdated and in need of paint. We passed an old wood stove in the middle of the house and stepped into a small sitting room. No paintings or photographs hung here. There simply was no room. Floor to ceiling bookcases filled the walls and their shelves were stuffed with books.

I made Cal sit and eat while I looked over the spines of his collection. Homer received a treat as well then lay on the floor beside Cal.

“Miz Jane, I sure do appreciate you being so nice,” Cal said, as he tucked into his meal.

“My pleasure. Now, let’s talk about something serious. I want to call a nurse for you. You need someone reliable who will come see after you regularly.”

His mouth was full but his eyes had the look of “No.” He shook his head.

“Please, Cal. How long has it been since you’ve seen a doctor?”

“A few weeks ago. Doctors can’t do me no good anymore.”

I didn’t want to pry. If he’d seen a doctor as recently as that, I had to assume that doctor would have advised him to get a nurse if he needed one. Whether or not he had, and Cal was being uncooperative, was another question. “And are you following his instructions?” I stared at the cigarette butts in the ashtray next to his chair.

He smiled, following my gaze. “Not too good. He only gives me six months, so I figure why quit smoking now?”

“I’m sorry,” I said.

“Don’t be. The main thing is, we’ve got to get our sale settled.”

He was very happy when I told him that it should be done within a few days.

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