Suture Self by Mary Daheim

Author:Mary Daheim [Mary Daheim]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780061755019
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2007-03-24T16:00:00+00:00

ELEVEN

BOB JR. HAD scarcely been gone more than a few seconds when Renie returned. “In the nick of time,” she said. “I just met Bob Jr. going into Addison Kirby’s room as I was leaving.” Renie stopped at the end of Judith’s bed and peered at her cousin. “What’s wrong? You look miffed.”

“I am miffed,” Judith declared. “My replacements are running amok.”

Renie tipped her head and gazed at Judith’s left hip. “I thought you only had one.”

“I don’t mean that,” Judith said with a wave of her arm. “I mean, my replacements at the B&B. It’s that damned snake they let in.”

“Enough with the snakes!” Renie cried, yanking the blanket from Judith’s bed and putting it over her head. “You know I hate snakes. I don’t want to hear another word about that creepy thing.”

Judith, however, prevailed, her attitude conveying just how sorry she felt for herself and how little sympathy she had for Renie. As for Hillside Manor’s reputation, Judith was certain that it was hopelessly tarnished.

When Judith had finished her tale of woe, Renie peeked out from under the blanket. “Phyliss,” she declared, “is not having a heart attack or whatever she claims. She’s merely trying to get attention.”

“That’s the least of my worries. Marooned guests, reptiles on the loose, whoopee cushions, emergency vehicles in the cul-de-sac—why can’t I be allowed an unencumbered recovery?” Judith reached for her water glass, took a big swallow, and choked.

Renie replaced the blanket, doing her best to tuck in the corners. “Are you okay?”

Between splutters, Judith nodded. “Yes,” she gasped. “I’m just frustrated. For about a hundred reasons. Tell me about Addison Kirby and I’ll tell you about the younger Randall twins.”

“Twins?” Renie looked intrigued.

“Yes, but not identical,” Judith deadpanned.

“No, I guess not.” Renie shifted around on the bed, trying to make herself more comfortable while not disturbing Judith’s leg and hip. “Addison’s in pretty good shape this morning. Or, as he put it, he’s still alive, which I gather sort of surprised him.”

“I can imagine,” Judith said. “He may have thought he’d end up like his wife, Joan.”

“Right. Anyway, he was reluctant to talk at first, not that I blame him. He doesn’t know me, I could be a maniacal killer.” Renie stopped as her phone rang. “Drat. Let’s hope it’s not my mother.” She managed to grab the receiver on the fourth ring. “Hi!” she said with a big smile, propping the phone between her chin and shoulder. “Yes, I’m feeling better…Don’t feel bad about not being able to come see me, Tom…No, I realize you can’t go to work. Oh?…Then ask your dad…He’s what?” Renie’s jaw had dropped and she was staring at Judith.

“To what purpose?” Renie said into the phone as her good hand clawed at her hair. “Why? Where? Don’t you dare let them near Clarence!…What? How much smaller? What are they, rats or dogs? Oh, good night!”

There was a long pause as her son apparently offered some sort of explanation. At last Renie spoke again. “If you find out, let me know.

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