Texas Storm by Caroline Clemmons

Author:Caroline Clemmons [Clemmons, Caroline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-05-25T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

Caleb whistled under his breath as he walked home. He’d enjoyed dining with Jeannie. Thank heavens he didn’t have to worry about Bonnie Slater any longer.

This had been a pleasant evening and that surprised him. He had to laugh at Jeannie’s silly imagination. Heart’s desire and heart of my heart, what nonsense.

She was the bossiest woman he’d ever met. He had to give her credit, his headache was gone and so was much of his fatigue. Maybe he should eat with her more often.

Was he going crazy? No, no, no. He was not giving in now.

He reached home as raindrops the size of nickels fell. Thunder rumbled while he locked the door behind him. His home’s shining surfaces greeted him and the check he’d left on the foyer table was gone. Those facts let him know his cleaning lady, Mona Chapman, had been there in his absence.

He climbed to his room and looked out the window. He spotted Jeannie’s apartment with the backlit shadow of a figure. Knowing she’d watched him get home was nice.

Learning her father was an alcoholic on whom she couldn’t depend saddened him. Every kid deserved a parent to offer protection and guidance. So, neither of them had the kind of parent they’d needed. At least he’d had Uncle Howard then Sally.

Damn, what was wrong with him that made him as sentimental as a school girl? Next thing he knew he’d be keeping an autograph book and pasting mementos in an album. Get a grip, Knight.

***

The sound of rain against the front windows lulled Jeannie to sleep. A bolt of lightning followed by rolling thunder awakened her with a start. For some reason, the storm’s noises sounded louder here.

She rose and padded through the apartment, turning on lights as she went. No leaks showed, so she turned out the lights and returned to bed. Ellie had explained that if the electricity went off, the burglar alarm had a back up battery. She had no reason for concern.

***

Caleb strode purposefully to the bank the next morning. No sentimental nonsense today, he was all business and in complete control of his destiny. He greeted the staff with a smile and called them by name as he always did.

He sat at his desk and addressed the papers his secretary, Mandy Sue Wilson, had placed there. He was working through messages when she buzzed him.

Mandy said, “The sheriff is here to see you.”

Caleb wondered what his cousin had to say. “Send him in.”

Bart entered with a smile as wide as a Cheshire cat. “How are you, Cuz?” He sat down and rested his Stetson on his knee.

“Great.” He couldn’t prevent sounding puzzled, “Did I forget we were supposed to have a meeting this morning?”

“Can’t a guy visit his favorite cousin without a mission?”

Ha, his only cousin. “He can but I know that look, Bart. What are you up to now?”

With an innocent expression, Bart toyed with the brim of his hat. “Have a nice supper last night?”

Caleb laid both palms on the desk.

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