Part 154 (1/2)

”So, how's our Leah doing?” asked Audrey with raised

brows as she rinsed a mixing bowl in the sink.

”Just fine, thank you very much!” retorted Maggie. Then

she turned to her mother. ”Leah, it seems, has become some

sort of survivalist mountain woman. Believe me, that girl can

take care of herself.” Then Maggie pulled out a piece of

paper and started making a list of supplies.

”What's that for?” asked Audrey, looking curiously over

Maggie's shoulder as she furiously wrote down things like

batteries, candles, kerosene lamps...

”Leah's not the only one who can be a mountain woman.”

Audrey laughed. ”Better put a manual can opener on that

list too, just in case you should ever lose your electricity. I

haven't seen one around anywhere.”

The next morning, Maggie received a surprise visit from

Kate and Buckie at work. ”What brings you two in here?”

she asked cheerfully after getting them both a cup of coffee

and settling them into her office.

Looking for YouAllMy Life241

”Actually, we've come to represent some of the businesses

in town that are a little concerned over all the controversy

surrounding the Pine Mountain Estates development,” said

Buckie, suddenly sounding very businesslike.

Maggie sighed with dismay. ”I see. What exactly do you

want?”

”We want you to lighten up, Maggie,” said Kate. ”I