Page 49 of Unforgotten

Holding a hand over her cell phone, Aunt Dora said, “Bethanne, I just told your mamm I’d bring you home later.” She frowned. “Probably close to suppertime. Okay with you?”

“That’s gut. Danke.”

Flashing a smile her way, Aunt Dora finished the call. “I’ll see you later. Yes, we’ll catch up soon. I’ll bring you some jam!” Hanging up, she giggled. “Your mother sounded alarmed about my undertaking.”

Bethanne reckoned she had good reason to be. “I’m surprised Mamm didn’t offer to come over to help.”

“Oh, she did. But I told her you and I would do just fine.”

That made her happy. It was nice to be treated like she was capable. “I reckon we will.”

Aunt Dora looked around the kitchen. “What do you think we should do first?”

That was easy. “Finish hulling the strawberries.”

Looking like she was about to go into battle, she picked up a knife. “Are you sure you don’t want a sandwich?”

Her stomach chose that moment to growl. “Actually, that sounds good.”

Aunt Dora grinned, looking like she’d just escaped the most horrible of chores, then went to the refrigerator. “I’ll make us lunch. Would you mind working on the berries?”

“Not at all.” Bethanne grinned as she took her aunt’s place and began quickly hulling berries.

“I know. I’m hopeless.”

“It is a big task.” Considering her aunt seemed to plan on making enough jam for the entire town.

“Things like this have always been my problem, I’m afraid,” she said as she pulled a variety of lunch meats, as well as lettuce, cheese, and brown mustard from the refrigerator. “I start a project, lose interest or get overwhelmed, and then have no idea what to do about the mess.” After fetching the bread from her bread box, she asked, “Do you like your bread toasted, Bethy?”

“It doesn’t matter.” When her aunt continued to wait for a real answer, she shrugged. “Toasted, please.”

“All right.” She placed four pieces of bread in the toaster, then pushed the lever and got two plates out of a cabinet. “Now, you, dear, have the right idea.”

Bethanne picked up the next container of strawberries. “About what?”

“Oh. I was talking about your lovely job reviewing books. Your mamm is mighty proud of you, dear. She’s told me all about the boxes of manuscripts that arrive on your doorstep like clockwork.”

“I’m glad she’s proud.”

“And it sounds like you love it. That’s what matters the most, I think.”

“I do.”

Aunt Dora nodded. “I hope Candy gets a job she likes as much as you like yours.”

“Me too. She’s got time yet, though. Now that’s she’s our family’s beauty queen.”

As she finished making the sandwiches, Aunt Dora smiled at her, though it then dimmed a bit. “Come sit down and let’s eat. What do you want to drink? I have water, milk, or Diet Coke.”

“Diet Coke.”

“I’m going to have that too,” she said with a pleased smile.

After they both said their prayers in silence, Bethanne asked, “Is Candace enjoying all the appearances?”

“I think so, though she doesn’t share too much about them. Other than that Officer Mulaney is accompanying her.”

“Why is that?”

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