I apparently fell asleep in the chair, because when I opened my eyes, it was to see both the officer and Mrs. Penn at the open door, peering in.
“The boys couldn’t sleep?” Mrs. Penn whispered.
I shook my head, stood up, folded the blanket I’d used to cover me, and placed it back on the chair. I tiptoed over to the door where the two had been standing and slipped past them as they stepped away. Both of them were smiling at me, despite the fact that I must look a sight, my hair in a mess, my feet bare, and my robe in disarray. I hoped my face didn’t show the crinkles caused by impressions from the chair or sleep residue in the cracks of my eyes. I touched my mouth to check for slobber residue, but at least found that absent.
Neither said anything about my falling asleep in Carlo’s room, and their faces didn’t reflect disapproval of my present slovenliness. I took one more look at the boys, both still in a sound sleep, their bodies wrapped around each other with the bed bears firmly clutched between them. Then I closed the door quietly.
When I turned around, I saw that Officer Krugel’s face once more displayed its usual distrust. Perhaps he thought I’d crept into Carlo’s room for some dubious reason — like stealing the child’s teddy bear? But what would he imagine I’d get out of sleeping in a chair instead of my comfortable bed — other than a crook in my neck and a stiff body? I gave the man a look that was far from friendly and marched back to my room.
“I’m going to take a quick bath and get dressed,” I said, practically slamming my bedroom door in their faces. I’d apologize later, I said to myself, ashamed at my behavior, but it was Officer Krugle who had set me off again. He had no right to glare at me like I was an evil witch. Whoops, I was a witch — except a good one. White magic only. I’d never used anything but herbs and other natural ingredients. Besides, he didn’t know that about me. I’d kept that tiny detail a secret.
I bathed as quickly as when I’d slipped into frigid creek water the day before, pulled on my new dress, and descended the stairs. My first order of business was to give a formal apology to Mrs. Penn. Then I needed to refill Frey’s water and give him some hay. Only after that could I sip the coffee I smelled brewing. Oh, luscious brew! My mouth watered for the bitter perfection of a steaming mugful.