Page 22 of The Bitter Heir and the Beauty

We both chuckle.

Jesse adds, “It’s a wonder we made it to the other side. Sawyer just barely. How about your cousin?”

“Last I heard she went north, scamming wealthy golfers by posing as an innocent drink cart girl and working her way into affluent social circles.”

“Sounds just like the Queen of Hearts,” Jesse says.

“Sounds like a high-maintenance princess like my ex. However, she was clingy, and not independent-minded enough to con golfers out of their gold. I vowed to be a casual connections-only type of guy from now on. Never again will I enter into a serious relationship,” Maddock says as if trying to convince himself.

“It’s a wonder she and Sawyer didn’t end up together,” I echo.

“Nah, he’s got his sights set more locally.”

Maddock says, “I take it you weren’t exactly exemplary citizens.”

Wishing I could shed that part of my history, I snap, “Past tense.”

“These days Mrs. Halfpenny keeps us honest.” Jesse points the flashlight’s beam around the space, inspecting it. “If our mayor wasn’t a rooster, I’d petition to raise funds to repair the clock among other things.”

“How exactly does that fly?” Maddock asks.

“It’s Hogwash,” Jesse and I echo.

“Hugwash,” he counters.

Not privy to our previous conversation, Jesse paces a short circle through the room and says, “I always had a feeling Honey would end up living over on Marais Way.”

I let out a peel of delirious laughter. “Me over there?”

Jesse juts his chin westerly. “It’s where the other pageant queens live.”

“We both know I don’t belong in the bougie part of town.”

“Like you said, times change.” Jesse hangs his thumbs in his belt loops.

At this point, I can’t take any more change. I’d like time to slow down. For things to stay still and let me catch my breath. I turn toward the door. “I was just leaving.”

Maddock mounts the stairs. “I’m not done checking out the house.”

With big brother caution in his voice, Jesse says, “You can’t walk back. There have been crocogator sightings.”

“Shouldn’t the mayor do something about that?”

Jesse winces. “I’m afraid Chick Jagger was its lunch.”

“In that case, it looks like we need a new mayor. I nominate my cat,” I mutter the last part because of the absurdity of the concept, no less Hogwash residents electing a chicken in the first place.

“Maddock, it was nice to meet you. Congratulations. If there’s anything I can do to be of help, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Jesse extends his hand to shake.

Maddock replies, “I appreciate your service, especially you checking up on things. That’s always a good sign.”

“That’s what I’m here for. Do you plan to fix up the place?” Jesse gestures to the chateau.

“The original plan was to bulldoze it, but?—”

I gasp. “You can’t do that.”

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