I’d managed to finish the dishes, scrub the pans, and get the kitchen back into spit spot condition before I heard Dr. Stevens call out that he’d returned. It had been nice of him to walk Sheila to the house where she’d lived before. Not that it was dangerous in Tinkle Town. No one would have bothered the woman. Many would probably recognize her from her younger days and be happy to see her.
I doubted Dr. Stevens had wanted to accompany her, though. Perhaps he’d felt guilty for having written to Sheila about what Martha was planning to do. That letter had caused a bunch of stress and drama and was the entire reason for Sheila’s arrival. But, I suppose it needed to be done. Although it was Martha’s right to do as she wanted, I’m sure her daughter felt that she should have a say in it. Frankly, I saw both sides. I really, really wished I weren’t in the middle of it.
I set out the doctor’s piece of cake, poured him some coffee, and sat down a minute to keep him company while he ate. It seemed he wanted to apologize for Sheila’s behavior. I listened as he said his piece, but I changed the subject the moment I politely could.
Inside the living room, the book reading was over. Frank ordered the boys to go up to their beds. Of course, they came running into where I sat to bid me a good night. I hugged and kissed them each, then watched as Frank with a fond smile sent them packing.
“You want to tuck them in, or should I?” he asked.
My heart wanted me to do it, but there was a look in Frank’s eyes that told me he was hoping to get to have the pleasure of it, so I told Frank that I was keeping Dr. Stevens company while he ate his cake. Glancing over, I saw that the doctor’s plate was empty, so I changed it to, “I mean, while he finishes his coffee.” Besides, mentioning the cake might make both men beg for a second slice.
That thought was in vane, however. When Frank came back downstairs, Dr. Stevens was drinking a second cup of coffee . . . and eating another slice of cake. I’d placed one out for Frank, too, with a fresh mug of coffee.
“If you two will excuse me,” I said, once Frank had sat down and finished thanking me for seconds. “I want to check in on Martha.”
We said our good nights, and I carried a tray with tea and cake, in case Martha wanted them, up the staircase. As I’d guessed, Martha was still awake. She smiled at me, waved for me to set the tray down on the table by her bed and asked me to sit with her awhile.
Willow was curled up at Martha’s side, purring full force. I patted the kitten’s head, then set myself down in the spare chair. I wasn’t eager to discuss the dinner or to give an opinion about Sheila. Luckily, Martha didn’t ask me anything. She started in talking right off about witchcraft.