Page 43 of Twin Jeopardy

“Do you mean, trading stocks and bonds?” Tammy asked. “Or real estate?”

“Something like that.” Elisabeth turned to Mitch. “Mitch had an exciting week. He thinks he’s found a buyer for a big ranch near Delta.”

Mitch looked pleased. “The deal isn’t final yet,” he said. “But it’s looking promising.”

“It would be the largest commission you’re earned yet, wouldn’t it?” Elisabeth said.

“Yes, it would.”

“I could steer you toward some sound investments, if you’re interested,” Elisabeth said.

Was she legit, or was this some kind of scam? Tammy wondered, then immediately hated herself for thinking it. Her brother was smart enough to see through a scam, even through the rosy lenses of infatuation. And Elisabeth was allowed to be beautiful, charming and good with money.

“What about you, Tammy?” Elisabeth asked. “Did you report on anything particularly interesting this week?”

“The county commissioners agreed to buy a new grader for the road crew,” Tammy said. “And the Elks Club has sold almost all of the tickets for the Fourth of July Jeep raffle.”

Even Elisabeth’s laugh sounded delicate and feminine. “You have to love what passes for news in a small town, don’t you?”

“It’s reassuring to know there’s very little serious crime around here,” Mitch said.

“I suppose so,” Elisabeth demurred. “Though personally, I never minded a little more excitement.”

“Then we’ll have to make our own excitement,” Mitch said.

Elisabeth smiled at him. “That’s an excellent idea.”

When the meal ended, Tammy offered to do the dishes. Better to work off her bad attitude scraping plates than risk taking her annoyance out on her brother’s girlfriend.

She was loading the dishwasher when Elisabeth came into the kitchen, a stack of dessert plates in hand. “These were overlooked on the side board,” she said, and set them in the sink.

“Thanks,” Tammy said.

“Let me help,” Elisabeth said.

“No. Go back in with Mitch and Mom. I wouldn’t want you to risk getting that beautiful dress dirty.”

But Elisabeth made no move to leave. “How’s it going with your friend—Vince?” she asked.

Tammy cursed her inability to hold back a blush. “It’s going well.”

“Did you do what I suggested? Turn up the heat a little?”

Tammy nodded.

“Didn’t I tell you?” Elisabeth grinned, and Tammy couldn’t help but grin back.

“What are you two plotting in here?” Mitch came in. He stood between them, one arm around each of them. “It’s good to see my two favorite women getting along.”

“Don’t let Mom hear that,” Tammy said. “She might feel snubbed.”

“My two favorite young women, then.” He released his hold on Tammy but took Elisabeth’s hand. “Did Elisabeth tell you she’s decided to stay in Eagle Mountain?”

“No. That’s good news?”

“Of course it’s good news,” Mitch said. He turned to Elisabeth. “You were asking about my childhood. Mom pulled out her photo albums. You’re going to get a laugh out of some of these shots.”

They left, still holding hands, and Tammy returned her attention to the dishes. Whatever it was about Elisabeth that set her teeth on edge, she needed to let it go. She was a pleasant woman who had gone out of her way just now to be friendly. Tammy would return the favor. She wanted Mitch to be happy, and if Elisabeth was the one who made him happy, Tammy needed to find a way to tolerate her, even if she doubted she could truly love her.

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