Girl in the Shadows Read online

  I had to get my things together. Brenda had called to let me know everything was set up at the new house and to give me clear directions. I didn't have all that much. Trevor put same of the cartons with Uncle Palaver's things in them in the trunk and back-seat beside Destiny.

  "You're going to get same looks driving around with that doll in your car," he said. On the other hand, you've got to get real close to see it's just a doll."

  "It's when you get real close that you realize it isn't just a doll," I told him, and he looked at me and smiled.

  "I'm not going there." he said. "My greatgrandma had a magic doll, something akin to voodoo. I never mention it to Mrs. Westington. She makes fun of my superstitions and such as it is. I'm putting a case of the wine in your car. too. Maybe your sister and her friends will like it,"

  "I bet they will, Thank you. Trevor."

  I looked back at the house. Saving good-bye to Mrs. Westington was going to be difficult, even with the promise to return soon. She was keeping herself busy in the kitchen, pretending that nothing different had occurred or would.

  "I made some sandwiches for you." she said when I appeared in the kitchen doorway. "No need to stop and eat that ratty road food they serve in some of those run-down places truckers go to."

  "Thank you," I said, taking the bag.

  "You sure you got everything?"

  "Whatever I forgot, I'll get when I come back."

  "Right," she said.

  "You know I have to come back."

  "Of course you do,"

  "You're not going to get sick on me while I'm away or anything, are you?"

  "Now who you asking that?" she said indignantly. "I have plenty to keep me busy and healthy here. Who has time to get sick? I can't depend on that man or that maid to keep this place up to snuff."

  "Good," I said. "I want to thank you--"

  "Stop before you start," she said sharply. "Strangers go through all that thank you for this and thank you for that business. We're beyond it. Just go do what you have to do and make yourself successful. That's the way to thank me. girl."

  "Okay. Can I kiss you good-bye?"

  "No. Just kiss me and get yourself on the road and you drive extra carefully, too."

  "Yes. ma'am," I said. I hugged her. She felt so fragile and small and yet, she felt like a world of love. I didn't want to let go of her anymore than Echo wanted to let go of me. But I did. And I smiled and didn't cry.

  "That maid of mine is late again." she muttered, turning away quickly. "Don't know why I keep her."

  "Yes." I said, as if I had heard it a million times and would hear it a million more.

  I walked out slowly. I didn't expect her to follow and wave to me from the porch. Trevor was at my car, washing off the windows.

  "All right then," he said. "You take care, hear?"

  "I will. And I'll be back for your harvest to help."

  "Long as you remember to handle those grapes like liquid gold."

  "I will. I promise. Take care of her," I said. I hugged him and he held on to me. too.

  "Take care of her?" he said after I got in. "Fat chance. She'll be taking care of me until one or the other goes trotting off into the shadows."

  "You keep those shadows back," I said. "Yes, Ma'am."

  He stepped away. I started the engine, glanced back at Destiny, who looked very thoughtful to me suddenly. And then I drove out, pausing at the end of the driveway to gaze back at the house.

  She was in the front window, watching. Despite herself.

  She was there and always would be.