When Sarah learned of her plan to go to the house and pick up some things, she insisted there was no reason to stay. In her words, "Go now so you can be back before dark." Mom always used to want everyone home before dark - as though anything was out there at night that wasn't there during the day.
All the same, she left early. Yancey wasn't back yet when she left, but she didn't need his approval. After all, he was the one who insisted that his mother was her boss.
At the house, she took her time going through some pictures. She didn't want the family picture, as that was the one they used in the newspaper. Instead, she collected a few small photos and arranged them all in one frame. Going through the bills on the counter where Connie had promised to leave them, she decided to take them with her. Soon she would need to come back home to get ready for college. Actually, she'd rather get a room than stay in the house. It wasn't what she would want for herself anyway, and the money would assist in taking care of her schooling.
The doorbell rang, interrupting her thoughts. No one knew she was there except . . . She glanced at her watch. Actually, Connie would know. It was getting late. She opened the door without looking, ready to welcome Connie. The smile melted from her lips and her body chilled. It was Allen. She started to shut the door, but he had the storm door open and his foot in the door before she could react. He stepped through the door, his expression less than friendly. At least he didn't appear to be drunk.
"Well, we finally have the chance to be alone."
"What do you want?"
He eyed her distastefully. "Don't worry. All I want is information."
"About what?" She inched away from him.
"About your boyfriend and his family. Where does he keep it stashed? I know you well enough to know you would have to find out - no matter what the risk. So what's down that trail?"
Her mouth felt dry and her knees weak. "What trail? I don't know what you're talking about. I don't have a boyfriend."
"You know," his eyes flashed. "The one you dumped me for. And don't tell me you aren't playing house with him. You're living under the same roof."
"Get out," she said with as much authority as she could muster.
He took a step toward her. "Not likely. Not until you talk."