Songs for a Mockingbird by Hanson Bonnie Compton;

Author:Hanson, Bonnie Compton;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction & Literature
ISBN: 9781934684023
Publisher: eBookIt.com
Published: 2011-05-06T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

“Jump in before you melt!” SueAnn urged as Melinda ran out to the van. Then they headed out into the country toward Cottontree and the Van Der Kamps. Another glorious day. Gloriously hot, that is. The ears of corn seemed to be boiling right on the stalks.

“Well, guess who went into false labor this morning?” SueAnn asked. “At least Char insists it’s false. She says she’s never failed to complete her parade duties in all these years and sees no reason why a mere childbirth should stop her. Oh, she’s something else—as much a workaholic as her husband.”

The children were excited. “Guess what!” Shannon cried. “We got all signed up for library cards, and I found the best books! Even some math and spelling books, ‘cause it’s been so long since I’ve been in school.”

“And, Mommy,” Amber added, “they have a lady who tells stories. I like stories. Libraries is fun. So is seeing Miracle.”

Melinda chuckled. “Libraries, dear. Now remember, when we get to Mrs. Van Der Kamp’s, try to call their kitten Yum-Yum instead of Miracle.”

“But, Mommy, that’s hard. ‘Cause Miracle’s his name.”

When they arrived, though, they were in for a surprise! “Hey, kids!” Teresa called. “Guess what? Me and Jackie voted and decided to give our kitten a new name. So now he’s Miracle Yum-Yum. Whadya think of that?”

The children happily devoured hot dogs and ice cream, while the double-named kitten happily devoured all their attention.

“Oh, MumMums!” Jackie cried. “This is the mostest fun!”

Shannon looked at her wistfully. “I used to call my mother MumMums, too, Jackie. Back when I had a mother.” Her voice faltered. “But God’s still good to me. He gave me all these friends. And He helped me get free. And Sister Abi—uh, Angelita—is almost as good to me as a mother.”

Gretchen raised an eyebrow. “’Free’? Now that’s an odd thing to say, my child. Exactly what do you mean?”

The other women traded glances. Oops! Gretchen didn’t know the real facts yet. And Gretchen’s home was in Sheriff Shelton’s county. Better be careful.

Pete’s wife replied for Shannon. “She was in a foster home situation, Gretchen, but not a good one. We’re so glad she’s happy now.” Well, sort of the truth.

Teresa threw her arms around the older girl. “We love you, Shannon Hope. You helped bring our Yum-Yum home to us. I’m pretending you’re my big sister. Come back and play with us again next week, okay? I’ll even let you ride my bike!”

Back at the Mission, Melinda had another long session with Roger. Several times he consulted with one of his law partners on his cell phone. Finally he put his tape recorders, pads, and pen away. “Thank you, Mrs. Currie. This is a difficult case, with a lot that doesn’t add up—including the deed to the commune property. Whose name is it in and how did that happen, etc.? Why are all those American citizens, who’ve done nothing wrong, incarcerated like criminals? And as I said, many lives may be at stake here.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.