Part 30 (1/2)

Jeanette's fine brows arched with what seemed like suspi-

cion.

”Well, yes,” stammered Maggie. ”I had tried to inform

your grandfather about the circ.u.mstances of-”

”Rick Tanner says that story was what killed Grandpa.”

Maggie's cheeks flushed and she swallowed hard. ”But

did you read about what-”

”I have no desire to read your small-town trash.” The

middle-aged woman turned abruptly and walked away,

joining Rick Tanner and his family, her back like a stone wall.

Maggie studied the small group of mourners comforting

one another. Part of her wanted to rush at Rick and publicly

accuse him of being responsible for all this. But another part

of her felt guilty, and like a whipped dog she only wished to

slip quietly out the backdoor. Just then she felt a nudge at her

elbow and turned to see Clyde wearing a clean plaid s.h.i.+rt

and bob tie.

”Hanging in there, old girl?” he asked, a kind warmth

lighting his faded blue eyes.

She sighed. ”I was just soundly told off by Mr. Westerly's

favorite granddaughter.”

Clyde scowled. ”Hmph. And then off she goes to consort

with the enemy. Doesn't she have any idea what Tanner's up

to?”

She shrugged. ”I guess not. Or maybe she doesn't care.

But I thought she was the one who really loved the farm.”