Page 40 of Writing On The Wall

I slink out of the car, crouch-walking to join the mischief sisters behind the hedge. They’re not related, but it’s the nickname they’ve acquired around the neighborhood.

“What are you two doing?” my voice comes out in a harsh whisper.

“Shaquile O’Neal!” Opal hisses, except she pronounces itsha-qweel.“Ivy June! I nearly peed myself!”

“You peed yourself when you squatted down, don’t blame it on her. Hey, Ivy, dear.” Gail leans forward, smiling at me like we’re sitting down for tea instead of skulking behind the bushes.

“Semantics.” Opal waves and re-aims her hose at Gran, who’s trotting dangerously close to some begonias.

“Whatever you’re about to do—as much as I know you’re entitled to this—pleasedon’t do it. I’ll explain in a minute.”

“But—”

“Please?”

“Oh,fine,” Opal grumbles, her eyes rolling skyward. “Just when the fun was about to start.”

I pop out from behind the hedges, hustling to intercept Gran’s pilfering little fingers.

“Gran!” I speed walk closer, pasting on a smile. “Hi! What—uh, what are you doing over here?” I’m praying she gives a perfectly innocent explanation for basically trespassing. But knowing Gran, that’s not very likely.

“Oh, I’m on a walk, deciding which flower to pick today. What areyoudoing here?” Her eyes crinkle when the corners of her mouth pull up.

Opal shimmies out from behind her blind. “Hah! We have witnesses now, Agnes! You admitted to it in broad daylight!”

Ember moves to stand beside them, grimacing in silent apology.

I turn my eyes to Gran, wordlessly begging her to plead her innocence. But the woman loves a bit of drama, and I’m now fully convinced she’s known what she’s been doing all along.

“Did you sayGran?” Gail interjects.

I’m amazed I could keep this secret as long as I have. “Surprise!” I reply with a laugh that goes on a bit too long.

“Nah-uh. There’s no way Ivy is related to that hussy.”

“Opal!” Ember chides.

Gran’s hands raise to her hips in a challenge as she spears Opal with her gaze. “It’s true, and I’m only taking back what I’m owed—with interest.”

“What in Shaq’s shoe are you talking about, Agnes?” Opal huffs.

Gran arches a brow, her smug smile faltering ever so slightly. “I know you floozies still have it.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake!” Opal folds her arms across her chest. “I told you this fifteen years ago, Agnes, and I’ll tell you again. We don’t have the damned thing! We bought it fair and square, and a month later, it was gone. Makes me think it wasyouwho stole it fromus.”

Gran is still except for a slight narrowing of her eyes. “You really don’t have it?”

“Okay, hold up!” I wave my hands at everyone. “How was I not aware you’ve known each other this long?”

Gran’s posture is rigid as she sniffs. “Cause it’s something I’d like to forget,”

“What’s this all about?” Ember scratches her forehead.

“It’s a misunderstanding after a bit of tipsy carelessness, really.” Gail grimaces, her eyes squinting as her gaze touches each of us.

“I’m gonna need more than that, Gail,” I prompt.

“Right. Well, years ago, Oliver, your Pop, had this genius idea to get rid of stuff and pretty up the place while Agnes was away for a week. There was also a community-wide rummage sale at the church that weekend. Oliver set out a bunch of knickknacks, Opal and I saw the music box in the pile, and we bought it.”

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