Page 74 of Unforgiven

“See you.”

Seth took another look at the finished cabinets and shelves, then picked up his tool belt and flannel shirt and headed out as well.

The early evening air had a bite to it. The sky was overcast too. Looked like they were going to get some rain and maybe even sleet. A trip to the grocery store was in order. Slipping on his flannel, he headed to his truck.

He was about to turn toward Marion when his cell phone rang.

He pulled it out of a pocket. “Yeah?”

“Seth, I canna believe that’s how you answer the phone,” his sister said by way of greeting.

“Melonie, I’ve just finished a job and am heading to the grocery store. That’s as good as it’s going to get right now.”

“Gotcha. You’re tired and you’re hungry.”

“That about sums it up. What do you need?”

“Well, um, I was just wondering how Tabitha’s doing.”

This conversation was going to take more than a few moments, so he pulled off to the side of the driveway. “I think she’s all right, why?”

“You don’t know for sure?”

“I just got off work, remember?” Practically hearing the worry in the silence, he gentled his voice. “Melonie, I called Tabitha last night. She sounded all right then.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“Honey, what’s on your mind? Has something happened that I don’t know about?”

“Nee. I mean, I don’t think so. It’s just that things were so scary when she received those flowers. I felt so bad for her. And then we all left.”

Seth was tempted to remind Melonie that just a few mornings ago, she’d been shocked that he’d offered to sleep on Tabitha’s couch. “I worry about her too, Mel.”

“I’m thinking about stopping by her house again tomorrow but don’t want to be a pest.”

He made a sudden decision. “Where are you now?”

“Standing in the phone shanty by our house.” She sounded disgruntled.

“How about I pick you up and we go pay Tabitha a visit?”

“You don’t mind? I mean, aren’t you tired and hungry?”

“I am, but I’ll be okay.”

“I could make you a sandwich,” she blurted. “Do you still like roast beef?”

His stomach growled. “If you could do that, I’d be really grateful.”

“I’ll put in chips too. And a pickle!”

“That sounds even better. Thanks, Mel. I’ll be there in ten.”

“I’ll hurry. Bye!”

Melonie trotted right out when he pulled up at the house.

After waving to their mother, he helped Melonie get settled—and laughed at the small Igloo cooler she was carrying. “What is all that?”

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