Mountain Ice (David Dean Mysteries)

Martha, who was explained to be a niece, was age ten. She was a quiet girl who had taken a shine to the Deans. She wore eyeglasses, taped together on the bridge, and Dean had never seen her in more than two or three different outfits: Alice in Wonderland with a far inferior tailor. During the week before Christmas, Martha had spent an overnight at Bird Song when Janet was forced to report to court in Grand Junction, on some charges she, thankfully, did not detail to the Deans. Staying at the bed and breakfast was a dramatic change of scene for Martha from Aunt Janet's cigarette stained trailer.

"No school today?" Dean asked the young girl.

"No. I'm home schooled now. Janet got p.o.'ed at the teachers." Dean questioned Janet's scholastic ability to himself and cynically wondered if today's class was Vacuuming For Beginners or Dusting 101.

"Who's the kid?" Martha asked, gesturing toward the living room.

Dean told her Donnie was a guest at Bird Song and explained the lad, only slightly older than Martha, did not speak. She just shrugged her shoulders as if she could care less about his lack of vocalization and moseyed over to near where Fred and the boy were sitting, the notebook between them. Dean too was curious about Annie Quincy's writings but decided not to join the pair. The County Library would open soon and after Fred left, Dean would have his chance to snoop undisturbed at the hundred-year-old booklet. Besides, if any dramatic discoveries were made, with Fred O'Connor on the job, Dean would learn the results soon enough.

Instead, he sauntered into the dining room and sat next to Edith as she halved a muffin and in tiny motions spread it with butter and marmalade.

"I've decided to stay after all," she offered before Dean could ask. "You were so nice to us last night and Bird Song feels so warm." She lowered her eyes and added, "And safe." She surprised Dean by placing a hand on his arm, and letting it remain there.

"I'm pleased you're both staying," Dean said. He wasn't sure it was an entirely truthful answer. He pulled his arm back as he reached for the coffee.

"Donnie seems comfortable here," she added, as if she felt compelled to move the conversation to less personal ground.

"His absence of speech doesn't slow him down. He's a very intelligent boy. Has he always had that condition?" Dean asked."

"Only for a few years. There was an accident. His stepbrother drowned. It was very traumatic for Donnie and he hasn't spoken since." She reached out her hand again but when Dean turned away, she continued with her breakfast, a nibble at a time. Finally, after a dab at her lips, she continued. "Jerome took him to a number of doctors but nothing seemed to help. The doctors say he may grow out of it in time." She turned away, concentrating on her meal, as if signifying that was all she had to say on the subject.