Cat Of The Century

Books by Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown

WISH YOU WERE HERE

REST IN PIECES

MURDER AT MONTICELLO

PAY DIRT

MURDER, SHE MEOWED

MURDER ON THE PROWL

CAT ON THE SCENT

SNEAKY PIES COOKBOOK FOR MYSTERY LOVERS

PAWING THROUGH THE PAST

CLAWS AND EFFECT

CATCH AS CAT CAN

THE TAIL OF THE TIP-OFF

WHISKER OF EVIL

CATS EYEWITNESS

SOUR PUSS

PUSS N CAHOOTS

THE PURRFECT MURDER

SANTA CLAWED

Books by Rita Mae Brown

THE HAND THAT CRADLES THE ROCK

SONGS TO A HANDSOME WOMAN

THE PLAIN BROWN RAPPER

RUBYFRUIT JUNGLE

IN HER DAY

SIX OF ONE

SOUTHERN DISCOMFORT

SUDDEN DEATH

HIGH HEARTS

STARTING FROM SCRATCH: A DIFFERENT KIND OF WRITERS MANUAL

BINGO

VENUS ENVY

DOLLEY: A NOVEL OF DOLLEY MADISON IN LOVE AND IN WAR

RIDING SHOTGUN

RITA WILL: A MEMOIR OF A LITERARY RABBLE-ROUSER

LOOSE LIPS

ALMA MATER

HOTSPUR

FULL CRY

OUTFOXED

THE HUNT BALL

THE HOUNDS AND THE FURY

THE TELL-TALE HORSE

THE SAND CASTLE

HOUNDED TO DEATH

ANIMAL MAGNETISM: MY LIFE WITH CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL

With gratitude and fond memory

to

Irwyn Applebaum and Barb Burg

Authors Note

I would like to thank Dr. Jahnae Barnett, Kenda Shindler, Gayle Lampe, D. Scott Miniea, and Brenda Foster, all of William Woods University, for being such good sports and allowing Sneaky Pie and me to set this mystery at the university. I especially thank Dr. Barnett, Mrs. Shindler, and Miss Lampe for letting me use their names in this novel. Obviously, this is a work of fiction so while I use their names, the events are made up. As with any such work, the events, characters, and incidents depicted are products of the feline imagination as well as my own. Any resemblance to actual events, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. There are XVIII Wheelers Truck Washes and they are owned by Eddie Barnett. Go on, pull in one.

Cast of Characters

Mary Minor Haristeen

Harry is hardworking, watchful, and usually good-natured. Having just tipped over into her early forties, shes lived long enough to know life rarely turns out as one expects it will turn out. However, thats not necessarily a bad thing.

Pharamond Haristeen, D.V.M.

Fair is a tall, powerfully built man. Hes more sensitive than his wife, often better able to read peoples emotions.

Aunt Tally Urquhart

She is about to turn one hundred and shes ready for her next hundred. The old girl knows the emperor wears no clothes. In fact, she takes delight in this wisdom.

Inez Carpenter, D.V.M.

Inez met Tally at William Woods University. She is now ninety-eight. She has shepherded Fairs career, taking pride in his success in equine veterninary medicine. She, herself, is one of the most respected vets in the country, a pioneer for womens progress in this field.

Marilyn Sanburne, Sr.

Big Mim is Tallys niece. Born to privilege, she can sometimes be a snob but is basically a good person. Now in her seventies she tries hard to see other peoples points of view.

Marilyn Sanburne, Jr.

Little Mim knows she will never be the force in the community her powerful mother is. Her response to this was to get elected vice mayor of Crozet. Shell be powerful in a different way as the years roll on.

Mariah DAngelo

She graduated from William Woods University in 1974. A successful businesswoman, she owns a high-end jewelry store in Kansas City where she is the head of their WWU Alumnae Association. She loathes Flo Langston.

Flo Langston

Flo returns the favor. She couldnt stand Mariah when they were freshmen together and she cant stand her now. Flo has made pots of money as a stockbroker and she is the head of St. Louiss WWU Alumnae Association. St. Louis and Kansas City are as different as chalk and cheese; perhaps the animosity of Flo and Mariah reflects that.

Liz Filmore

She is in her late thirties, and heads the WWU Alumnae Association chapter in Richmond, Virginia. She considers herself Flos protegee. Flo remains silent on that subject but the two are in constant contact. Liz manages Inez Carpenters portfolio.

Terri Kincaid

She is a few years younger than Liz and a close friend who is also a WWU graduate. She chairs the small alumnae chapter in Charlottesville, Virginia, while owning and running a store on the north side of Barracks Road Shopping Center. Terri specializes in expensive French and Italian ceramics, dishware, etc. Shes a bit of a nervous Nellie.

Garvey Watson

Garvey owns Thompson and Watson, an exclusive mens clothing store located next to Terri Kincaids store. In his early seventies, hes a kind man, a community favorite. Hes also African American. Garveys many white friends dont really see him as a black man, which can be both good and bad. Hes just Garvey Watson but he sees all the shades of gray in most issues whereas his white friends often do not.

Dr. Jahnae Barnett

President of the university, she spills over with energy, ideas, and a passion for education. Shes one of those people who can pull the best out of others.

Miss Gayle Lampe

weighted down with titles, awards, and ribbons from the show ring, is oblivious to all that. Her focus is always on those beautiful Saddlebred horses and the young humans who ride them at William Woods. Like the above mentioned president of this unique institution, an institution focusing on developing the total individual, she is warm and approachable.

Kenda Shindler

Dr. Barnetts assistant has the perfect personality for the job. Shes positive, good with detail, and not one to walk away from a problem.

Trudy Sweetwater

A fictional Fulton girl who graduated from William Woods in 1996, she heads the alumnae association in the town that is home to the university. She possesses common sense, which when you think of it, isnt common at all.

The Really Important Characters

Mrs. Murphy

Shes a tiger cat of high intelligence. Shes sleek, loves her humans as well as the dog with whom she shares this life. The other cat she also loves, but finds it more difficult than loving the dog.

Pewter

The other cat is rotund, gray, and appallingly self-centered. As my Southern mother would say about Pewter, Shes as fat as a tick and wrapped up in self-regard, bless her heart. Still, Pewter comes through in a pinch.

Tee Tucker

She is a Pembroke corgi, full of enthusiasm and bright spirit. She is devoted to Harry and Fair and adores Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, too, although there can be pronounced differences of opinion. Wonderful as she and all corgis are, its best not to invite her to your cocktail party. Shell try to herd the guests.

Simon

He is an oppossum who lives in the loft of the Haristeens barn. Hes a sweet fellow if a trifle simple.

Doodles

This young Gordon setter belongs to Aunt Tally. He knows his human is old, tough though she is, and he is vigilant.

Erno

He is a gorgeous vizsla owned by Inez Carpenter. Hes also young, versatile in his abilities, and learning about life from the others. He loves Inez.

A

lone figure walked along a shoveled-off bricklaid path. The dormant gardens glimmered with frost. The skies seemed low enough to touch.

Aunt Tally, two weeks away from her one-hundredth birthday, called her Gordon setter, Doodles.

As the young dog joyfully returned to his master, Aunt Tally leaned on her silver-headed cane, the head being in the graceful shape of a hound. Apart from having to use that canethanks to the usual involuntary dismounts all horsewomen takeshe betrayed few signs of her advanced years. Had you seen her peering at the ground as she walked along, you would have pegged her at eighty, perhaps.

More snow coming. She squinted at the sky this March 11, Wednesday.

Doodles, who had sharper senses, replied,

Before sundown.

Aunt Tally stroked the dogs head upon hearing the little yodel.

Tightening her cashmere scarf, she continued on.

A deep rumble alerted Doodles, who recognized the motors signature sound as well as the sound of the tires. Identifying a vehicle by its tire sound and motor is easy for dogs. Humans cant do it.

Doodles wagged her tail as she bounded up to the front of the house, where Marilyn Big Mim Sanburne, Tallys niece, had parked her brand-new Dodge half-ton.

The two walked to the back of the house to join Tally.

Big Mim, teasingly called The Queen of Crozet, was a formidable woman. However, even Big Mim could be backed off by the small, lean Tally.

What are you doing out here? Its 24degF.

Checking for my crocus. A shoot here and a shoot there and I get to thinking about the redbuds.

Big Mim put one gloved hand on her hip. Redbuds arent going to be in full flower until about April fifteenth. You know that.

Of course I do. That doesnt mean I cant check them. She tapped her cane on the old brick. Im longing for spring. By this time of the year Ive had enough.

You really will have enough if you dont come in out of the cold. Youll catch your death.

Its not a baseball, the old woman replied.

You know what I mean, Big Mim said, sounding tolerant. Are you ready to go, or do you need anything from the house?

Just need to put up the dog. Aunt Tally walked to the back door, opened it, and Doodles scooted in, happy for the warmth.

Purse? Big Mim raised an eyebrow.

My wallets in my coat pocket. Purses are a pain. Even if I find one that slings just right over my shoulder, sooner or later it drops down. Hard to carry a purse with a cane.

Guess it is. Big Mim walked to the passenger side of her blue truck and opened the door for Tally, who climbed in unassisted.

Once out on the road, the two chattered as only two people who have known each other all their lives can. Aunt Tally had been pushing thirty when Big Mim was born. It was a day of celebration. Aunt Tally, thanks to a disastrous love affair when young, shied away from marriage but not affairs. She treated Big Mim as her own daughter, which had occasioned some arguments with Tallys late, loved sister. A brother to Big Mim followed later, but he died on the hideous Bataan Death March. Apart from rage and grief, the result was that no Urquhart of any succeeding generation would buy a Japanese car or any product if they could help it. As with all old Virginia families, regardless of generations of marriages on both the male and female

sides, they generally referred to themselves by the surname of the first European to settle on Virginia soil. In this case, the Urquharts.

Speech?

Aunt Tally, staring straight ahead, raised her voice a bit. Oh, Mimsy, I make notes. I read them. I throw them out. I cant bear the thought of standing up there spouting bromides and sentimental mush. I havent found what I want to say.

Thats a first.

Aunt Tally ignored this, instead concentrating on an upcoming T-cross. Her farm, Rose Hill, reposed about four miles west of Harry Haristeens farm. Theyd passed Harrys place on the way to Crozet, reaching the intersection of a dirt road and the two-lane paved highway on which they traveled.

Can never drive over this without thinking about Ralston Peavey. Aunt Tally repositioned her cane to her left side. Never found his murderer.

Someone really wanted him out of this world. Big Mim remembered it, as well. Fall, wasnt it?

Aunt Tally nodded in affirmation. A light frost, patchy fog.

1964. The year sticks in my head because that was the first year Jim was elected mayor.

Jim Sanburne, her husband, remained mayor, and their daughter, Little Mim, was now vice mayor. The joke was, father and daughter came from two different political parties. Being a small town, Crozet never bothered with term limits. Jim, a good mayor, would most likely retain his office until such day as he died.

Jim picked up the call from Dinny Myers; wish we had him back. There was a sheriff with sense, Aunt Tally mumbled.

Oh, the one we have now has sense. You just think everything was better when you were younger.

Twas. Aunt Tally raised her voice. This country is going to hell in a handbasket. Well, Im not going off on that; itll ruin my day. But even you have to admit that Ralston Peavey was the best blacksmith you ever saw.

He was. He was.

Pleased with her little victory, Aunt Tally recalled the details as they

rolled over the spot. Found Ralston right here, spread-eagled in the middle of the road, facedown. Run over one way and then backed over. To make sure he was dead, I reckon.

Jim saw him before Dinny removed the corpse. Said the tire tracks were clear. They hoped to find the killer from the tire treads. Never happened, of course.

Dinny and the department really did check every set of tires in the area. He couldnt do all of Albemarle County, but he did check Crozet. Nothing. Not one thing. Some folks thought whoever did it was not from these parts. Not me. I think it was one of us.

Big Mim slowed for a curve. Well, Ralston could drink. He was pretty loaded.

He didnt lie down in the middle of the road because he was drunk.

His truck was by the side of the road. Big Mim, who enjoyed driving her new truck, picked up speed. I still think hed been fooling around, and the husband found out and killed him.

Maybe, but we all knew who was weak that way. Hed never done it before. Two kidswhat, eight and tenand he seemed to get along with them. I wonder if it wasnt something else. Couldnt be drugs. That hadnt taken off yet.

Cant imagine Ralston a dealer. Although, being a blacksmith, he had the perfect job for distributing.

No. Aunt Tally shook her head. Something else.

Big Mim paused. Lets just say not a stone was left unturned.

One was, or wed have the killer. Tally frowned.

After all this time, maybe hes dead himself.

Mimsy, Ive seen a lot. One of these days, might be 2050, the truth will wriggle out. Always does.

Talk to Inez? Big Mim mentioned Aunt Tallys best friend, who had graduated from William Woods Universitythen known as William Woods Collegetwo years behind Aunt Tally. The lovely school, located in Fulton, Missouri, had provided Aunt Tally with her first taste of life outside Virginia.

Shes flying in two days before, because of the alumnae board meeting.

Good. Harrys driving.

Mary Minor Harry Haristeen was not a William Woods graduate. She had graduated from Smith College. Age forty, best described as an attractive tomboy, she now put all her attentions to farming, her true love, as shed quit her job at the post office two years earlier. Harry would be going to the celebration at Aunt Tallys alma mater because she loved the old lady and knew the event was not to be missed, especially since the salty woman would give a speech. Be good for Harry to get away, Aunt Tally said.

At that moment, Harry had her hands full with a William Woods alumna, no less.

T

hat pot was made in Italy. Of course youll replace it. Terri Kincaid, barricaded behind the counter, leveled a harsh gaze at Harry.

Only three years apart in age, Terri being thirty-seven, the women had known each other for a long time. Harry, a country girl with natural good looks, couldnt be bothered with the accoutrements of femininity. Terri lived for them. These two were oil and water.

Observing Harrys predicament was Liz Filmore from Richmond, a friend of Terris and another William Woods alumna.

Also present, his arms crossed over his chest with lips pursed, was Garvey Watson. A tall, elegant African American, he owned the successful mens clothing store next door. Garvey had a gift for retail.

Harry thought his pursed lips might be because he was upset the pot was broken.

Tucker, Harrys corgi, sat mournfully at her feet. The dog, jostled by a customer leaving, had knocked over the pot, which was sitting on a low wrought-iron table. It wasnt Tuckers fault, but what could Harry say?

The shards of pottery, picked up by Harry, rested on the counter, the deep layers of green and yellow glaze quite pretty.

How much? Harry, tight with the buck, winced.

Two hundred forty-nine dollars, plus five percent sales tax, Terri announced.

Harry fetched her checkbook and a pen from the inside of her Carhartt Detroit jacket.

As Harry wrote the check, Terri nattered on, Im so excited. Weve already raised twenty thousand dollars from local alumnae, and I havent even started yet. Liz is going to video the entire speech to use for future fund-raisers. Liz and Terri were thick as thieves. I really wish I could be there, but well throw another birthday party as a fund-raiser back here. I cant afford to leave the store, especially if good weather comes in. People spend more if they have spring fever.

Lets hope so, Garvey said. Bad economy. People are pulling back.

Liz spoke up. Garvey, people always need clothes. Terris business might be down, but shell weather the storm. So will you, unless men want to go nakeda scary thought. Eljos is your only competition.

She cited a lovely mens clothing store on Elliewood Avenue by the University of Virginia.

I certainly hope youre right, Garvey murmured, not sounding at all convinced.

Terri smiled broadly as she took Harrys check. I wont ask for ID, she joked.

Good. Harry put a good face on it, but she always thought Terri was a pain in the neck, her screech over the broken pot further confirming that opinion.

Do you know that all the alumnae over eighty will attend? There are forty of them. Isnt that wonderful? Our alumnae fund is paying for those who cant afford the airfare, and the motels in and around Fulton are giving us a special rate.

Wonderful, Harry replied tensely.

Forking over two hundred fifty dollars plus tax was eating at her.

Terri, not one to keep her woes to herself, would fan the flames of any discontent if Harry had balked at payment. Harry loathed that in a man or woman. But she hadnt just fallen off the turnip truck. Shed learned to keep her opinion to herself unless speaking with her husband or best friends. Keep it level, keep it smooth. She tried.

Terri, young for such a task, headed Charlottesvilles William Woods Alumnae Association. Once men were admitted to William Woods in

1996, an argument arose over the word alumnae. Should they change it to alumni? The Old Girls fought that one. For most of their lives they had lived under male honorifics or terms. Let the men grapple with alumnae. Surely their parts wouldnt shrivel.

So alumnae it was, at least in the eyes of the female graduates.

Such battles never interested Harry, but she did understand one great fundamental of life: Men had to prove they were men. Women did not have to prove they were women. This anxiety could make weak men either silly or downright dangerous. Strong men sailed right through.

Harry focused on the basics: animal behavior, food, clothing, shelter. She zeroed right to the core of an issue, which made people who couldnt accept brute reality nervous. Harry knew the human animal had set the natural order on its head, that among humans the weak devoured the strong. As her mother used to put it, The squeakiest wheel gets the oil.

No reason to burden Terri with reality, for Terri was one of those benighted souls who believed laws were the answer. You have a problem? Pass another law.

Liz lightened the moment. Harry, your corgi has good taste. That was a beautiful vase.

Harry smiled. Tucker has better taste than I do.

Thank you,

the dog replied.

Garvey joked, Bring her in my store. If she tears up an item or chews shoes, Ill know to order more.

Garvey, you crack me up. Harry laughed at him.

Terri, a clotheshorse, asked Harry, Do you know what youre going to wear?

Uh, well, it will probably be cold. That long wraparound wool skirt, the one I wear with the big gold pin on the front. I thought that.

But what about the dinner, and, of course, there will be the choral groups. Aunt Tally will be serenaded. You need some variety in your wardrobe.

I dont know. Ill think of something.

No jeans and cowboy boots, Terri smugly decreed.

Tell her to shut up,

Tucker grumbled.

Well go in a minute. Harry smiled down at her constant companion. Terri, hope business is good. With that, she vacated the shop, Garvey on her heels.

Sorry your little dog broke the pot. He shivered, for the wind was cold; he wore only a sweater. This sweater would look great on Fair. He poked his own chest.

Would. Harry nodded. Hes a bit of a peacock.

Id go out of business without peacocks. See you soon, I hope.

He ducked into his store.

Jeez. She looked down at Tucker. Its picked up. Winds got teeth in it.

Within a minute they reached the truck. Harry unlocked the door. It was a 1978 Ford F-150. Ran like a top. She lifted the corgi up, then slid in herself, quickly closing the door.

So?

Pewter, the fat gray cat, looked at the dog.

Mrs. Murphy, the slender tabby, said nothing but was grateful when Harry started the engine. As the truck hadnt been parked long, the heat came on.

All four creatures sat for a moment, just enjoying the warmth.

Harry always left an old blanket on the seat for the animals to snuggle in and keep warm.

As Harry turned out of Barracks Road Shopping Center onto Barracks Road, Tucker filled in the two cats on the broken pot.

Harry rarely traveled without her friends. With few exceptions, their friendship meant the most to her in the world. For one thing, they never lied to her. For another thing, they didnt care if she wore jeans and cowboy boots, earrings and mascaratwo nods to girly things. Fussing over her face and attire was just too much work for Harry. She had more important things to do.

The old truck lacked cup holders, but Harry had installed one. She plopped her cell phone into it. The phone rang. She wouldnt use her phone when driving, because she didnt trust herself not to lose concentration.

Already shed put in a full day. At 5:30 A.M. shed fed her husband, Fair, and herself. Hed then left for his practiceequine veterinary medicine. She fed the horses, mucked their stalls, turned them out

with their blankets on. Shed called Southern States, a regional agricultural supply chain, and put in her seed and fertilizer order. This way she reaped a small discount for ordering early. Boy, it cost, too.

Thanks to some traffic, she turned down the mile-long dirt driveway to her farm thirty-five minutes after leaving the shopping center. She parked the truck by the barn, making use of the overhang. It felt like snow. If the weather turned nasty, the overhang would keep some of the snow off the windshield.

She flipped open the cell phone to see the missed call. Big Mim.

She hurried into the old farmhouse to use the landline.

Upon hearing the familiar voice, Big Mim ordered without formalities, Harry, you need to call Inez Carpenter in Richmond.

Of course.

Harry did as she was told.

Although Tallys best friend was ninety-eight, her voice was strong.

They chatted for a few moments, then Inez got to the point. Harry, as you know, Im head of the William Woods Alumnae Association chapter here in Richmondwell, Im emeritus. The board wants to present Tally with something from ourselves. I know better than to ask Mim. Shell wave me off. Any ideas?

Shed like a purple-martin house.

Harry mentioned a beautiful insect-eating bird with specific housing tastes. Purple martins returned to Virginia in the spring and liked to live in colonies. Multiple gourds hanging on cross rails or large birdhouses with many apartments appealed to them. One had to carefully clean out their quarters when they left for the fall and winter. A scout, flying ahead of the flock, would arrive in February to inspect the furnishings. If dirty, the purple martin wouldnt return to nest there.

Oh. Inezs voice raised a notch. What a good suggestion. A pause followed. You have a mind for puzzles. If we have a little time when were in Fulton, I have one for you. Lets keep it between us.

Sounds interesting.

A very long pause followed this, and the nonagenarian lowered her voice. Perhaps too interesting.

W

onder what its about. Harry had just finished telling Fair about her conversation with Inez.

Inez isnt given to overstatement. He speared the last piece of rib eye on his plate, having carefully pared off the fat.

Tucker, Mrs. Murphy, and Pewter, alert, sat at his feet. Theyd already worked over Harry.

Guess Ill find out. She didnt want to tell me over the phone.

Then it involves someones reputation or something dicey. Fair felt the glow that attends a full stomach.

Youre probably right. Inez wouldnt want to besmirch someone. She may have doubts, but shell hold her fire until she has everything locked up tight. Ive learned a lot from her.

Me, too. He smiled.

Inez had wanted to be a librarian while at William Woods but, upon graduation, decided she really wanted to be an equine vet. She went back to the college, took organic chemistry and other science courses, then applied to Cornell. She was accepted as the only woman in her class, and when she moved back to Virginia, she was the only woman equine vet in the state. The gods gave her a great gift. She could see what other vets who lacked a feeling for horses couldnt. There were those who thought Inez could read a horses mind. Within ten years,

she was envied by some while others felt only pure jealousy. Many, however, admired her. She was considered one of the best equine vets in Virginia. By the time she was fifty, she was thought to be one of the best in the nation.

When Fair did his residency, he was accepted by Inez. Her practice included the counties just west of Richmond. She specialized in equine reproduction. Fair was her understudy. She always bragged about him, saying he wasnt only her handsomest understudy but her best. He, too, had a feeling for horses, learning to trust his instincts as much as if not more than technology.

When his term of residency ended, Fair established a clinic in Crozet, Virginia, his hometown, thereby diving into vats of debt. Inez threw him as much business as she could from Louisa County, her westernmost territory. She began dragging him along to conferences. Her luster rubbed off on him. He was damned good, too.

Surely you have a scrap of fat on that plate?

Pewter stood on her hind legs to pat Fairs thigh with her front paw.

Fair cast his blue eyes down at the rotund kitty. Id be ashamed to be that fat.

Nonetheless, he tossed her a fat scrap, along with one each to Mrs. Murphy and Tucker.

Pewter let the insult pass. The tidbit was too good.

Im glad you could make it home for supper.

Feels like its been weeks. He sighed, leaning back in his chair.

It has.

Foaling season started in January, especially for the Thoroughbreds, but it continued for other breeds into April. Occasionally, a late foal would even be born in June. Like humans, foals arrived on their own timetable, which always seemed to be in the middle of the night. Fair had learned to snatch sleep when he could. He could even sleep standing up.

Ninety-nine percent of the time, the baby entered this world healthy. Occasionally, there would be birth defects. Some could be corrected with surgery, but others were hopeless and the animal had to be humanely destroyed. Sometimes the problem was with the mother.

Fortunately, this foaling season had been very good, with few miseries, and tonight Fair had made it home early. With luck, he might even sleep for seven hours.

Thought Id take the dually to Fulton. Sucks gas, but I think that long a trip might be asking too much of the 78.

How long is it? He smiled as Pewter, happy, flopped at Harrys side.

Sixteen hours. I can do it in less if Im vigilant. But I think Ill take two days and stop in Kentucky to see Joan and Larry. She mentioned two dear friends. Joan Hamilton owned Kalarama Farm, where she bred Saddlebreds; Larry Hodge, her husband, trained them and other peoples horses for showing. He owned a separate place, Simmstown, which he rented out. He was also an auctioneer, having a real flair for it. They were one of those great teams like Abbott and Costello or Fred and Ginger.

Bring pictures of Shortro.

Harry nodded. Shortro had been given to her by a client of Joans. He was a gray Saddlebred and was just turning four. He was smart, kind, and eager to learn, and Harry had fallen in love with the fellow.

Fair reached for his beer, glancing out the kitchen window. Winter wont give up.

Dont I know it. But the snowdrops are showing their little heads. Soon my crocus shoots will pop up. Sooner or later, winter will release his grip.

I love a good snow, but by March Im ready for the change, as is everyone. He paused. The dually. No, honey, dont take it. Its a great truck, mind you, but you dont want to drive sixteen hours with those double wheels. I mean, the turning radius alone will get you when you snake through St. Louis. What a goddamned bottleneck that is.

Tis. I adore St. Louis. Just wish theyd build more bridges over the Mississippi and a new bypass.

Given that our bridges are falling down, they might have to. The Mississippi is treacherous. That reminds me to reread

Life on the Mississippi.

Well, what can I drive? Im not flying. For one thing, I wouldnt be able to take the kids. For another, its crowded, planes are late or canceled, you dont even get a sandwich, you pay for your bag to be

checked, and an airplane pollutes eight times as much as a train. As far as Im concerned, air travel needs to be a thing of the past if were really going green.

Dont count on it. Those special-interest lobbies couldnt give a damn about whats good for the environment, much less the country. He drained his glass. And the public deluded itself into thinking that long-life electric bulbs and electric cars will solve the problem. Until we phase out polluting industries like air travel, were sunk. He paused. Its complicated. I know that. If we end those industries without creating new ones and retraining people to work in the new ones, were creating tremendous hardship for sectors of our population. Theres no easy answer, but there

are

answers. Fair cared passionately about environmental issues.

Youre right. The public doesnt care about the greed, corruption, or rape of the environment as long as they get what they need. At least thats what I think.

Not need but want, Fair remarked shrewdly, while patting Pewters head.

She stood on her hind legs again. Fair had cleaned his plate, but he did drop a little piece of piecrust.

Pig.

Mrs. Murphy swept her whiskers forward. She wasnt one for sweets or piecrusts.

Pewter liked dough, any kind of bread.

Youre no cripple. If you want more, ask for it.

Dont.

The tiger turned, sauntering out of the kitchen.

Youre right. Back to my problem.

Let me think on it. I could rent a car. We dont have one, and for a trip like this, you really need a car.

I dont need one here. The old 78 does the job.

Its not long on comfort.

I sit on a cushion. She smiled, then looked out the window. She rose, walking over for a better look. Flurries.

Damn.

Good thing I kept the fire going.

What about the bedroom? Their bedroom was cold.

Stoked that, too. But I can keep you warm.

He laughed. Im a lucky man. Then he said with feeling, I am. Im married to the woman I love. I love my work. I have wonderful friendshuman and animal. And I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. If I ever forget to be grateful, smack me.

Will do. Harry finished her hot tea. I hope this do for Aunt Tally doesnt do her in.

Tally? Christ, shell probably outlive us all.

Probably, but I have a funny feeling about this.

Fair had learned not to discount Harrys feelings, just as hed learned through experience not to discount when Inez said a horse was unhappy, even with no apparent physical cause. You mean shell get sick or something?

No. Harry placed the cup on the saucer. I cant put my finger on it. This is going to be a huge fund-raiser. Times are tough, so its especially important. Then that smarmy little social climber Terri Kincaidwho plucks my last nerve, by the waywants to have another fund-raiser here. Theyre working Tally too hard, I think. I know Inez put her foot down with the Richmond chapter about having a special fund-raiser tied to Tally turning one hundred.

They can wait until Inez turns a hundred. Two more years. You know she was in her early eighties when I did my residency? Apart from a bad backand what vet or horseman doesnt have oneshe looked about fifty.

Some people just have it. Others die of lung cancer at thirty without ever smoking. Harry had accepted in her teens that there was no rhyme or reason to these things.

But being a fearful species, humans want reasons, so they invent them. Thats what the cats had decided. Theyd also concluded other things about the human animal, few of their conclusions complimentary. But Mrs. Murphy staunchly defended Harry and Fair by saying they possessed catlike qualities.

Tucker loved her humans. She didnt care if they were turned around backward.

Back to your premonition.

Did I say premonition? Fair shook his head no, so Harry continued. Well, I guess it is. Maybe its because of the financial pressure.

Im making too much of it. But, she searched for the right words, I feel this may backfire.

I hope not.

I hope not, too, because the collegewell, its a university nowis doing everything right about the big blowout. According to Inez and Tally, its one of the best-run higher-education institutions in the country.

You know Inez and I can still argue about our alma maters. She thinks Cornell is the best, and I think its Auburn. He rose and cleared the table. Lets hope all goes well. If it doesnt, youre far away from me. I dont much like that.

Its not about me. Its a feeling.

Harry, if anything does run amiss, youll soon be in the middle of it. You cant help yourself.

True,

Tucker piped up.

Thats enough, Tucker, Harry reprimanded the corgi.

She understood,

Tucker announced.

No, she didnt. She wanted you to stop barking,

Mrs. Murphy replied.

I only barked once.

The cat brushed against the mighty little dog, for she did love her. Pewter, who had moved to her cozy fleece bed, opened one eye. She closed her eye again.

Harry did not say anything about her husbands assessment of her landing in the middle of a mess, because it was true.

Fair filled the sink. They didnt use a microwave or dishwasher. They turned on the electric lights only in the room where they were eating, reading, or watching TV. Fair was setting aside money to build a good old farmers windmill. That would help with energy costs. Honey, give me a couple of days on the car thing. I really dont want you driving all that way in anything but a safe vehicle.

Renting will be really expensive.

Let me worry about that. He scrubbed a dish, then turned to smile at her. Actually, I dont want to deny you the pleasure of worrying about money.

Go on. She rose, grabbed a dish towel to wipe off the plates and glasses. Boy, its coming down now.

Ill say. And thats another reason I want you in a safe car. There are no barriers between Missouri and Canada. The weather sweeps down. Here, we have the Alleghenies first and then the Blue Ridge. Its one of the reasons our weather is so glorious. He paused. Most of the time.

She tossed the towel over her shoulder. Still is. Its pretty. Were just ready for spring.

A

dditional revenue. Liz Filmore, the head of the William Woods Alumnae Association of Richmond, concluded her push.

Listening on the other end of the phone was Flo Langston, head of the St. Louis chapter.

Flo had a seat on the stock exchange and was the head of her own successful firm, while Liz, with her husband, Tim, owned a small investment firm.

Liz had been a rising star at an old Richmond brokerage house. Shed learned a great deal. She met Tim, who worked at a rival firm. They hit it off, married, and started their own company, more or less boutique investing. They focused on emerging technologies, small start-up companies. Liz considered Flo a mentor. Flo considered Liz a pest.

It might. Flo responded to the idea that special T-shirts might bring more money into William Woods. Perhaps with one of Tallys famousor infamousquips. However, I sense T-shirt fatigue out there. Perhaps we could come up with something a little more useful.

What about those pink cases with tools that have pink handles? I saw them on display at maybe it was the Cincinnati airport. I cant remember. Im on the road so much.

Yes, Ive seen those. For Aunt Tally we should have blood red.

Flo laughed. But theyre expensive, depending on how many tools one purchases. Lets keep that idea in reserve. Perhaps we could negotiate with the firm to actually make a set in William Woods colors and sell them in the Logo store. The Logo store makes a valuable contribution to the budget.

Yes, it does. Liz had pored over the alumnae fund accounting returns to double-check them. The Fulton accounting firm did a good job. Shed never found anything to send up a red flag.

All members of alumnae and alumni associations in universities took their fiduciary responsibilities seriously, which began with understanding the income, cash flow, and running costs of the university. They all faced the age-old problem of when debt was useful and when it was not. In one sense, debt was a multiplier of wealth. In another it could break you in two. Debt, if acquired wisely, could allow a college or business to purchase equipment, which would save man-hours and build new, energy-efficient buildings. The truth was in figuring out debt-to-asset ratios and when the debt could successfully be repaid. The alumnae boards recommendations to the administration were held in high regard. One reason was that Flo had proved prescient about the economy over the decades.

I want to encourage you. Flos melodic voice was soothing. I just dont think T-shirts are the answer. Many of the alums being brought in will be eighty or older, some of them on a fixed income. Fortunately, thats a small number. Most are solvent. Still, I dont think we should tempt them. The money can come from younger alumnae who will also be attendingthe strong economic base. They, too, want more than a T-shirt.

Aunt Tally loves horses.

And horses are a big part of William Woods, but not every graduate avails herself or himself of the program. Course, the over-eighties are all women. Some actually majored in history. Flo laughed.

She likes to garden.

Hmm. Even a lady of advanced years can pot a plant. I think youve got it. Gloves in one of our colors, with perhaps Tallys birthdate imprinted: March twenty-fifth, 1909. Ill pay for the over-eighty crowd. Each of those women should have a gift.

Thats wonderful. Ill get right on it. Liz paused. Would you like me to clear it with Mariah?

Certainly not. Ill call her.

Flo and Mariah DAngelo had graduated in 1974 and both majored in economics. They cordially loathed each other; always had. Mariah headed the Kansas City chapter, St. Louiss great Missouri urban rival. Both women displayed brilliance and a certain cunning allied with good looks. Both married well in money terms, but in emotional terms it was anybodys guess. But as their husbands were fifty-eight and sixty, respectively, whatever straying they may have done in the past would have been curtailed by the usual lessening of ability in that crucial area of male anatomy.

In their junior years, both Flo and Mariah fell in love with a student, Dick Langston, at Westminster College, the then all-male school across town. Flo married him. Mariah eventually retaliated by marrying the head of a huge construction firm, a man much richer than Dick Langston. He was on the road a great deal, visiting sites. That suited Mariah just fine.

Flo, in one of her typical farsighted moves, bought a ton of stock in the company that would eventually manufacture Viagra. Despite the New Depression, sales kept growing. Plus, her husband benefited from it, so she did, too. She kept this to herself.

She is our treasurer. Liz dug the hole deeper, reminding Flo of why she considered Liz a pest, albeit a brilliant one.

Shes very competent at that. Flo gave credit where credit was due.

I keep meaning to tell you, you were right all along about complex derivatives. I should have listened.

Liz, if I couldnt fully understand complex derivatives, then no one could. I know that sounds arrogant, but there isnt a financial instrument I dont understand. It was all smoke and mirrors. You have got to realizeand I dont know when you willthat the market is not driven by intelligence. In a sense it isnt even driven by greed. Its driven by the male ego. And theyre sheep. Being a woman is a tremendous advantage, because we know when the emperor has no clothes.

A long, mournful pause followed. I know it now.

Are you and Tim in danger? She mentioned Lizs husband.

Things are bad all over, but were hanging in there.

All over, Flo said flatly. Indeed they are.

When do you think it will end? You know, when will the market come back up?

Flo sucked air in through her teeth. I dont know, but it wont be back up when the government predicts it will. I think two more years.

Gawd, Liz moaned. Two years.

Give or take. Flo didnt feel like hearing Liz weep and wail, if she was headed that way. Youve come up with some good products. Youll be fine.

Liz replied, Im learning a lot. Guess we all are. Ive learned a lot from you. Tim, too. We see things for the first time. Youve seen it all before. Helps me put things in perspective.

What Liz never mentioned to Flo or anyone was that one reason their company grew so rapidly was Tims selling skills. Hed learned by selling lemonade as a little kid, then graduated to a newspaper route. In college he sold marijuana and cocaine, investing the proceeds. Like Liz, he worked for a large brokerage firm and soaked up everything. The investments from his college business funded the start of their own brokerage company. Tims selling skills were complemented by Lizs keen judgment on rising and falling companies. Her management abilities completed the picture.

Flo, after thanking Liz for the compliment, then changed the subject. You know, I think of this often. Our alma mater is better managed than most government agencies. And we should thank our lucky stars that Kenneth Lay was not a graduate.

At this they both laughed, for Kenneth Lay, the now deceased head of Enron, had graduated from the University of Missouri, a wonderful state university. Unfortunately for Mizzou, he promised them millions. They based their budget on it and then he bellied up. Mizzou would pull through. But the crisis caused pain that would continue for some years.

When are you arriving? Liz asked.

In time for our first meeting. Its not that far a drivetwo hours

from where we livebut I think Ill come the night before. I hate worrying about time. Gayle Lampe lives on campus, and Ill bunk with her.

Gayle Lampe had been head of Equestrian Studies and had written a book that was the successor to Helen Crabtrees text about Saddle Seat. As Miss Crabtree was the leading light of this type of riding, this was no mean feat.

Youll have a good time. Im coming in a day early, too. Tim wants to be there. Well stay at the bed-and-breakfast.

Be good to see him.

Tim wants to celebrate Tallys big day, and we arent far from her orbit.

Honey, none of us is.

With that, Flo signed off, then dialed Mariah. Flo operated on the theory that if you kiss a toad first thing in the morning, nothing after that kiss will be as offensive. Although it was midday, she considered any contact with Mariah contact with a toad. She laughed to herself that comparing Mariah to a toad was an insult to the toad.

Mariah, Flo here.

The sandpaper voice, deepened with years of assistance from Lucky Strikes and good bourbon, responded, Yes, Flo, what can I do for you?

Liz Filmore has come up with the idea of getting garden gloves imprinted with Tally Urquharts birthday.

A little snort followed. For Gods sake, why?

Listen, Mariah, its better than a T-shirt, and Liz is determined to do it. Shell use her own funds. Flo had not discussed this, but she would call Liz immediately and tell her this was the deal.

In that case, we have nothing to lose.

Indeed.

Im looking forward to the celebration. Ill see you there.

Yes, you will. Icy bitch, Flo thought to herself, then hung up and dialed Liz.

Flo figured if she had one dollar for every call shed made for her alma mater over the years, shed have enough to own five thousand shares of Coca-Cola.

Liz, Flo.

Yes. Did Mariah pitch a fit and fall in it? It wasnt her idea.

Flo let out a whoop. No. But she does insist you pay for the gloves yourself. Of course, youll retrieve your money from the sales, so well have to keystone the price. And as I said, Ill pay for the over-eighties and special mementos.

Keystoning meant doubling the wholesale cost of an item. So if the gloves cost eleven dollars, they would be sold for twenty-two. It was standard retail practice. Therefore, even if items were discounted thirty percent, there would still be a profit.

I intended to pay for the gloves. Should have said so up front. Thanks again for your generosity. About keystoning, let me find out about the cost. I might have to drop it back a bit, but there will be profit.

Net profitthe two most beautiful words in the English language, Flo purred.

Was she herself?

She was, but in check. Shes sharp, sharp, sharp when it comes to money, and she watches our treasury like a hawk. She paused, A hawk who wears far too much gaudy jewelry from her expensive store.

Flo thought retail was quite difficult and admired anyone who succeeded, whether it be a huge corporation or a small neighborhood nursery.

Again, the two women signed off.

Flo truly did look forward to March 25, but she knew the meeting of the alumnae board would be tense. Money was tight everywhere. If people were going to fight, they were going to fight over sex or money. As far as she knew, there was no sex among the board members. Then the thought of Mariah in bed with Andrea, a rotund board member from Omaha, sent her into a fit of laughter.

H

alfway across the country, the administration of William Woods University prepared for the centennial.

President Jahnae H. Barnett, Ph.D., possessed that marvelous ability of finding the right person for the right job. While someone in the administration needed to oversee the gala, it would best serve the university if the actual centennial chair happened to be an alumna, someone not on the payroll. Given the economic crash and the subsequent hiring freeze, President Barnetts people labored with overload. Dedicated and efficient, everyone in the administration pulled their weight and then some. So, too, did the department chairs. Putting another responsibility on them wasnt fair when an alumna volunteer might be available.

Academics, notoriously nadve where money was concerned, tried the patience of most university presidents. Issues became moral arguments. Tedious, unnecessary, counterproductive, the venom one academic reserved for another was exceeded only by the venom poured on people who were successful outside the ivory tower. Again, President Barnett had sidestepped this emotional snake pit during her long tenure as leader. She worked closely with personnel, pinpointing people who excelled in their field, keeping a positive outlook, and rarely giving in to intellectual snobbery. One of the reasons William Woods was such a happy place could be traced to fastidious hiring at

all levels. Mistakes had been madeimpossible not to make a fewbut those individuals were let go without fanfare and in such a way as not to obliterate their fragile egos.

Ego. Sometimes President Barnett wondered what life would be like without it. She had weekly conversations with Flo Langston as well as Mariah DAngelo. Neither Flo nor Mariah, so shrewd in all other respects, could recognize that their own hostility toward each other stemmed from ego. President Barnett managed to harness them to pull together for William Woods University. It wasnt easy.

Trudy Sweetwater, the local alumna in charge of Tallys blowout, sat in the comfortable chair in President Barnetts office. She worked for a small irrigation-equipment company in Fulton. She was far from rich, but she loved her alma mater and was a good organizersomething her employer had long ago recognized, too.

Named Gertrude for her paternal grandmother, thirty-one-year-old Trudy hated the name. Trudy wasnt so bad.

Ive arranged a caravan to Callaway Hills. Theyve graciously offered to serve a light lunch.

The vivacious and quite pretty president beamed and said, Wonderful.

Callaway Hills Stables, one of the great Saddlebred establishments in America, was guided for years by Mrs. Weldon, breeder of the great Will Shriver. She passed away in 2007 and her daughter, Tony, had taken over. Those incredible Callaway horses continued to be born, trained, and shown.

You know Tony; shell have every horse in the stables gleaming. Trudy smiled.

She does anyway. Jahnae Barnett had ridden in the Concert of Champions at the American Royal in Kansas City, one of the big-five old shows in the Saddlebred world: the Junior League, Mercer County Fair, Shelbyville, the Kentucky State Fair, and the Kansas City Royal. She had a keen appreciation of what it took to excel, and was thrilled when Marjorie Townsend, a fifteen-year-old who was like a daughter to her, also rode at the Royal.

These days she was lucky to ride a bicycle. Time. Just no time.

Inez will be paired with Tally, of course.

Shes one of our most successful graduates. President Barnett checked her notes. The Jameson Singers?

Ready.

Gin? Said with a slow smile.

Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray. Inez said that Tally likes to switch off from time to time. She starts when the sun goes down, but Inez says she has rarely seen Tally drunk. The woman has an amazing capacity for alcohol.

So I hear. You know if you need anything, Kenda Shindlershe referred to her assistantor Gayle Lampe will help. I dont remember when Ive seen Gayle so excited. Shes dying to spend time with Inez.

She gets that excited over a box of Rogers Chocolates. Trudy laughed, naming the candy company in Canada.

President Barnett laughed, too. Point taken. Anything else?

Mariah called. Her computer crashed. Shes afraid she wont have the alumnae treasury figures in time for the meeting. But she says shell have a techie on it, pronto.

President Barnett raised her eyebrows. Okay.

Trudy added some crucial information. It appears she didnt keep a backup.

The eyebrows shot straight upward. Oh, no.

She says not to worry.

I dont suppose she kept a regular accounting record just in case?

Trudy shook her head. People are forgetting how to keep written records on their own.

All we need is one huge electrical disaster or other form of disaster and there goes everything. I still keep my logbook, and I carry it with me.

I do, too. My mother pounded that into me. Trudy nodded her head.

Remind me to tell your mother shes right. President Barnett leaned back in her chair. Well, everything seems to be on track, except for the computer crash.

Money arouses passions. If President Barnett had only known how high, she might have canceled the whole damned thing.

On that same day Harry finished the end-of-day chores, her cats and dog helping.

Tucker barked,

Fair and intruders!

The vet truck rolled down the drive, still a little muddy after the light snow last week plus the freezing and thawing. In Fairs wake was Fred Willard, driving a new Volvo XC70, and someone behind him in a Volvo SUV.

Harry wondered why the caravan.

Fair hopped out of his truck and put his arm around his wifes waist, getting straw on himself and propelling her toward the XC70, a lovely silver station wagon. Fred emerged and handed Harry the key.

Six cylinders. Fred, a Volvo salesman, smiled.

You rented a Volvo? Harry was incredulous.

I bought a Volvo.

Fair, were in a depression!

Recession, Fair replied.

Bullpucky, Harry shot back.

I have enough, recession or depression, and youre driving to Fulton, Missouri, in something safe.

He was one hundred percent correct. Besides, they really needed a vehicle that wasnt a truck.

Harry, stunned, finally spoke. Its beautiful. And I will be safe.

She couldnt have been more wrong.

I

resent that. Mariah DAngelos cheeks burned with indignation.

You can resent it all you like, Mariah. You fell down on the job. Flo stated this calmlytoo calmly.

The techie is working on the problem. In the meantime, Ive made notes from memory. Mariah slapped the table.

How do we know you didnt make up the figures to cover yourself? Flo went for the throat.

Inez lightly tapped the table with her gavel. Ladies, this solves nothing. If we compare last years income and expenditures to what we have so far, based on Mariahs memory, well get some idea of where we stand. Why you all trust computers is beyond me. You should keep the books by hand as well as on your computer. Im not saying, Mariah, that you didnt need to file everything on your computer. I know it makes it easy to print copies, but its always a good idea to keep vital information in a form not dependent upon electricity.

Mariah stammered. Nothing coherent came out.

Flo leaned back in her chair with her hands folded.

Liz Filmore, ever eager to put the Richmond chapter in a good light, said, We do that.

How wonderful for you. Mariahs voice could cut ice.

Lets take a break. A fifteen-minute break. When we return, I expect

to see an attitude adjustment. Inez rapped the gavel on the table again, her disgust apparent.

She rose, steadying herself for a moment on the tables edge. Her knees throbbed. Bad weather was coming. She stepped into the hallway. Although the alumnae chair emeritus, Inez had to take over the actual chairs duties because Mariah and Flo had made it impossible for Liz. Too young, cowed by the rich St. Louis and Kansas City alumnae, Liz couldnt keep order. Neither Mariah nor Flo paid the least bit of attention to her, but they respected Inez, even feared her a little. She was the only person on the twelve-woman alumnae board who could keep order. As St. Louis and Kansas City were vitally important to the economic health of Missouri, so they were to William Woods. Having a representative from each city was important. Seattle, large as it was, had not fielded as many alumnae over the years as had the two great and completely different Missouri cities.

Small knots of women chatted in the halls, lobbying for pet projects or gossiping about Mariahs computer crash. Some found it suspicious. Others felt that those things just happened.

Flo fanned the suspicious people. Until we have an accurate accounting, I must assume all is not well with our funds.

Are you suggesting Mariah misused them? DeeDee Halstead, head of the L.A. chapter, leveled her gaze at Flo.

Flo hesitated just enough to intimate perhaps that was the case, but she said, Mariah has enough money; she doesnt have to steal ours.

Flo left this group, satisfied shed stirred the pot. She passed a few other members on her way to the ladies room. As she opened the door to enter, Mariah pushed it to exit. They knocked each other off balance. Regaining that balance, they stared at each other for a moment.

I should have known it was you. Mariah brushed back a straying lock of expensively colored hair.

All you had to do was get your fat butt out of the way, Flo sniffed.

Diva that you are, Flo, your buttwhich surely harbors more cellulite than you care to admitis no smaller than mine. But, you know, Ive always respected your success. Thats why I know youre trying to ruin me.

What? Flo was puzzled and irritated.

Whenever weve been forced to talk to each other about school projects, youve mentioned a company or two. I researched them and sometimes even invested in them. Much as I hate your guts, I know you are a financial wizard.

Whats your point?

You set me up for a fall. I made moneyuntil now.

Youre not my client. I have nothing to do with whatever it is youre talking about.

Mariah spat, Liz is your protegee. Im her client and Ive lost a lot. Youre behind it, and I know it!

I did no such thing. Youre out of your mind. Flo raised her voice.

Im going to take you down, and you wont get up again. Mariah shook her finger in Flos carefully made-up face.

Youll go down with me. Flo brushed by her furious enemy.

While Flo and Mariah displayed their mutual antipathy, Inez, alone, walked to a window that faced north. Tree branches denuded of leaves waved in the wind. A front was on the way. She hadnt watched the weather today, but her body proved more reliable than newscasters. Whatever was behind the front made her bones ache.

Kenda Shindler, a cheerful soulwhich was helpful in her role as assistant to the presidentwas walking down the hall and stopped to chat with Inez. Have you heard the weather report?

No, Inez replied.

Unfortunately, a big snowstorm is heading our way. The weatherman predicts it will last at least two days. She paused. Hows it going?

Id like to take Flo and Mariah and knock their heads together. Its only ten oclock. By lunch I may be ready to kill them.

Ah. Kenda knew well their conflicts.

Inez shrugged. Ever notice how some people are energized by an enemy? Kenda nodded, so Inez continued, Thats what weve got here. Tons of energy but to no good purpose.

Well, if anyone can straighten them out, its you.

Thank you. Inez had her doubts. Tally in yet?

Yes, thats why I came by the meeting. They arrived an hour ago. Big Mim, Little Mim, and Tally. Good thing they flew in a day early. Oh, yesHarry is here, too. With two cats and a dog. Kenda lowered her voice. Is the dog properly housebroken?

Tucker? Oh, my, yes. And knowing Harry, she probably brought kitty litter and a box. Shes good that way. Ill be glad to see all of them. It will be like old times, Tally and I rooming together.

I wish Id known William Woods when you were a student here. Kenda smiled.

Smaller then. William Woods fosters lifelong friendships. Thats certainly consistent. One becomes educated and grounded in our culture and uplifted by friendships.

Down the hallway, Mariah had raised her voice, and both women turned to look in her direction.

I dont think they got the message about friendship. Kenda half-giggled.

Oil and water, chalk and cheese.

Board meeting tomorrow? Kenda asked.

Yes. Everything is taking twice as long as it should. Inez grimaced. Yet another meeting.

Maybe Aunt Tally would like to sit in.

Inez laughed. Kenda, I love Tally like a sister, but she has no patience with people. Never has. Shed take her cane and lambaste both Mariah and Flo.

Kenda said conspiratorially, That might be just what they need.

Youve got a point there. Inez glanced at her watch, which sported a big round dial, making it easy to read, then called out, Ladies, lets get back to it.

Kenda whispered, Good luck.

The thing is, they both want whats best for William Woods. I try to bear that in mind. And you know, Kenda, you work with the tools youre given. Does no good to complain.

Right. Kenda admired Inezs outlook.

Two hours later, an exhausted Inez approached Fairchild Alumni House. She noticed the new Volvo station wagon parked by the curb.

Tally flung open the front door of the house as Inez neared. Shed been watching from the front window.

Chickpea! Tally threw open her arms, cane in one hand.

Blossom! Inez embraced her old friend. We are going to have the best time ever.

Always do. Step in. Nasty cold.

Yes, it is. Inez closed the front door behind her as Tucker raced to meet her, sliding halfway down the short hall.

Inez!

The corgi rejoiced at the older womans presence.

Tucker. Inez, with difficulty, knelt down to pet the dog.

We can all get down. The trick is getting up. Tally grinned.

Give me your cane and Ill make it look easy.

Tally handed over the cane with the silver hounds head for a grip. Need another one?

I do not. Inez put both hands on the hounds head, steadied on the cane, and then rose without a wobble.

Tally slipped her arm through Inezs. Were still upright.

Harry emerged from the kitchen. Inez. Im fixing tea. Like a cup?

Indeed. I took a chill walking back from the administration building.

Mrs. Murphy and Pewter shot out of the kitchen.

Inez!

Mrs. Murphy rubbed against Inezs leg.

Arent you the pretty kitty. Inez liked Mrs. Murphy. She then spoke to Pewter. Off your diet, I see.

Im not fat. I have large bones.

Oh la,

Mrs. Murphy sassed.

Pewter reached over to box her ears, but Mrs. Murphy easily eluded that paw.

Tally steered Inez toward the living room. No sooner had they settled down than Harry reappeared with a tray full of sandwiches. She placed it on the coffee table, then returned with the teapot and two cups. She called upstairs to Big Mim and her daughter, Little Mim, but they called back that they were unpacking.

Trudy Sweetwater had filled the fridge with all the necessities.

Arent you joining us? Inez asked.

Thank you, no, Harry politely declined. You two need to catch up.

By their second cup theyd done just that.

Tally leaned back in the comfortable wing chair. What do you think? She meant about the hostility between Mariah and Flo.

I dont think Mariah is stealing, but, Tally, my fear is those two will again divide the board into two camps. Happened five years ago, and we finally solved that problem when some of the more partisan people rotated off the board, while others, more open, came on to serve. Nothing will get done as each side jockeys for power.

I fear that, too, Inez.

Inez nodded. You see where gridlock brought Congress and the country. I dont want it to happen to us. Theres got to be a way to stop it.

What was it Professor Chuck Jones used to say?

They both said in unison, Trust your instincts and dont expect life to be logical.

F

armer that she was, Harry checked the Weather Channel. She could read the radar accurately for a layperson. A mighty clump of green with a yellow center and red spot bore down on Fulton, Missouri. From the speed with which it moved across middle America, Harry surmised it would arrive in central Missouris lovely Callaway County by late tomorrow afternoon or early evening. If she wanted to explore the campus and visit the barns, this would be the time.

Big Mim and Little Mim were meeting with tomorrows event organizers. Inez and Tally chattered gaily in the living room, having emptied their pot of tea. Tally was also emptying her flask of gin. Happiness followed.

Harry wrapped a cashmere scarf around her neck; lined gloves and a non-bulky down jacket provided warmth. Cold though it was, the wind was what cut to the bone. She stepped outside, her three companions with her.

Pewter stopped, then wailed,

Its too cold.

Harry looked down at the rotund kitty, fluffed up, hunched down. Pewter.

Wimp.

Mrs. Murphy delivered her judgment.

I dont care what you think.

Pewter narrowed her eyes.

All right. Harry scooped up Pewter, opened the front door, and

placed her inside. Aunt Tally, she called out, Ive got Mrs. Murphy and Tucker with me. Pewters in the house.

Okay. Aunt Tally called back as Pewter hastened toward the sound of her voice.

Pewter remembered that Harry had put crackers on the tea tray. Perhaps she could snag a few.

Closing the door once more, Harry headed off to her left toward the Rowland Applied Riding Arena, which was behind Tucker Dining Hall and other buildings. A pleasant walk on a pleasant day, it wasnt a bad walk on an unpleasant day.

The first stable at the Bancroft Equestrian Center came into view after seven minutes of leisurely walking. Once inside, both Harry and her friends were happy to be out of the wind. A few students performed chores in the clean, tidy building. The large UPHA arena was under the roof behind the main entrance area. Harry walked back to it, leaning over the side of arena boards. Three students worked Saddlebreds.

Hello. A bright voice caused her to turn from the horses.

A petite, lean woman with an enormous smile held out her hand. Gayle Lampe.

That smile was infectious. Harry smiled back. Mrs. Fair Haristeen. Everyone calls me Harry.

And? Gayle indicated the four-footed contingent.

Tucker.

At the sound of her name Tucker sat and raised her paw, which Gayle solemnly shook.

Mrs. Murphy.

The tiger cat looked up as Gayle petted their heads.

Used to horses, I can see.

I have Thoroughbreds and one Saddlebred, Shortro, given to me by Renata DeCarlo.

At the mention of the movie stars name, Gayle replied, Joan Hamilton of Kalarama. You must know her, because Renata is a client.

I do.

Kalarama, Callawayboth help us with horses. We dont buy any horses, and you know we teach all four disciplines. Horses are donated,

some of them very good. Were indebted to people for their help. Weve never sold a horse for meat price, and we dont put them down if they have injuries that render them nonserviceable. We find them homes and, more to the point, we check up on them when we can.

Thats an enviable record.

Thats William Woods. Gayle couldnt refrain from boasting, but as the university was her life and shed won many awards for both teaching and competing, she had good cause.

What a glorious legacy.

Gayle noticed one of the students losing energy. Keep your leg on, Tori. Shes going to break gait.

Yes, Professor Lampe. Tori pressed more firmly. Sure enough, the chestnut stepped up her pace.

You must be here for Tally Urquhart.

Yes, Miss Lampe, Harry answered with a slow smile.

Call me Gayle. You may call me worse when you know me. Come on into my office.

Her office, a rectangular space with a window so she could look into the arena, was a perfect location for the premier Saddle Seat instructor in America.

I read your book, Harry spilled.

You did? Gayle seemed astonished as she offered Harry a chair.

Mrs. Murphy jumped into Harrys lap. Joan Hamilton suggested it. I learned a lot. Saddlebreds are all in front of you. You need really good hands. Thank you for your work.

Are you showing?

No, I foxhunt and trail ride.

I wish we had foxhunting here. We have to go to St. Louis or Kansas City. It teaches balance over terrain, something we dont really get here. And, of course, the other professors and I have to tell the kids the fox isnt harmed.

Good for environmental studies. You see things and get to places many people dont get to even with ATVs. Harry noticed the framed photos on the wall. Quite a gallery. Saddlebreds are so beautiful, no wonder movie stars like William Shatner and Renata DeCarlo show them.

Beautiful they are. I wish more people realized how versatile they are.

Yes, Harry replied simply. Will you be giving a speech tomorrow night?

Me? No. Gayle smiled with relief. Jahnae Barnett, our president, will. Have you met her?

No, I just got in about three hours ago.

Ill make a point of introducing you. Shes extraordinary: a good administrator, someone who loves the classroom, a wonderful fund-raiser, but most of all, a true visionary. When people do what they love, everyone benefits.

I believe that. Your career testifies to that. Im sorry I wont hear you speak.

Come back. Actually do come back. We keep riding in the ring in winter, but when the show season starts, we do take the students outside. Do you know most of our equestrian science graduates are working in the horse world?

I didnt know that.

Gayle glanced down at Tucker, who had come around to sit by her. What an expressive face. Corgis are tough dogs. She paused. We are very grateful to Aunt Tally and to her family for allowing us to celebrate her centennial and raise funds. I dont need to tell you how tight things are.

Doesnt seem to be an end in sight.

Her niece, Mrs. Sanburne, whom Im sure you know, has pledged $250,000. Callaway Hills Stables has also pledged a nice sum, because the late Mrs. Weldon, Gayle paused, adored Tally. Tally stood up to her, but she was funny about it. Mrs. Weldon respected her because Tally never told her anything that wasnt so.

Thats Aunt Tally. Harry nodded.

We are hoping to raise half a million. I dont know where we are now, but perhaps after Tallys speech, which should be memorable, more will be forthcoming.

A half a million. Harry pursed her lips. Thats an ambitious sum.

Gayle pushed back a stray lock of hair. Yes, it is. Then I think about those mega-universities with portfolios worth billions. Its overwhelming.

She smiled broadly. We arent a mega-university for which I am grateful. What we have, though, is our Ivy League Society. Did Tally mention it to you?

No.

Many of our alumnae and alumni and friends, as well as people who did not attend here but who are attracted to our ethic and our commitment to the student, make William Woods University a beneficiary of a will, insurance policy, or trust. Tally is a member of the Ivy League Society, but she warns us that she intends to live forever.

Harry laughed. Shes making a run for it.

I so look forward to seeing her tomorrow and to hearing her speech on the very day she hits the century mark.

At that moment, feeling a Tanqueray glow, Tally was discussing her speech.

And ? She had given Inez the gist of it.

Blossom, reality is always in order. From what youve told me, thats what youre doing: telling the truth. Odd, isnt it? We try to tell the truth throughout our lives, but for some reason people dont begin to listen until were old.

Idiots! Aunt Tally waved a dismissive hand.

More by the minute, too. Inez settled back in the comfortable chair. People believe what they see on TV. Astonishes me. Or what beeps up from their handheld BlackBerries and whatever.

All of that controlled by large corporations. Well, not blogging and messages, but I am always suspicious where large profits are in order. I mean, Chickpea, theres not big money to be made from a tablet and a pen. Electrify it and well.

Profits, yes, but I dont think the power companies are perverting messages. However, all these devices draw power and give off heat. And think about it: You cant just throw out a computer. There are chips and things in there that apparently become dangerous when disintegrating, so they must be properly disposed of. If that is the caseand according to our refuse rules in Virginia, it isthen why arent they

dangerous to use? Isnt heat coming off the screen? Arent those little semiconductors and wires emitting fumes or something unhealthy? Inez, trained in the scientific method, was highly suspicious.

Of course. Call attention to it with proof, and everyone and everything tied to computers will deny it. Remember when the tobacco industry fought the truth? How blindly stupid of them. Am I against smoking? No. But it damages the lungs. End of story. Am I against computers? No. But they damage the eyes and God knows what else.

Truth is ever and always in short supply. Inez smiled ruefully.

Aunt Tally raised her voice. You know what, I dont give a damn. I care about my people. If other people want to be sheep, let them march off to be sheared or, worse, to the slaughterhouse. You cant save people who wont save themselves.

I suppose the truth is, you dont want them to take you down with them. Inez drew a deep breath. To change the subject, this alumnae committee is making an old woman older.

Slyly, Aunt Tally purred, Is that possible?

Inez laughed. Youre older than I.

Aunt Tally laughed, too. Touche. Whats troubling you?

Inez scrunched down deeper in the chair. Pewter had artfully placed herself on the padded area so Inez stroked her, which pleased the little egotist.

Aunt Tally raised her eyebrows.

Before I answer your question, let me ask you one. Do you feel old?

Oh, a pause followed, when I get out of bed it takes me fifteen minutes to straighten up. And I never feel old when I take my medicine. She held up her martini glass. Truthfully, no. I look in the mirror. I know Im old, but inside I dont feel it.

I didnt. I do now.

Why, you look the same to me. You have boundless energy. And you take no prisoners. You havent changed.

I realize I dont relish solving problems like I once did. I thank Mariah DAngelo and Flo Langston for that.

Really? Aunt Tallys eyebrows shot upward quickly.

Yes. There was a time when I would have felt such accomplishment in harnessing those two to pull together. Now I think I can do it but Im

tired, tired of peoples petty damned egos. If I didnt love our alma mater so much, Id have chucked the whole bag of beans.

Aunt Tally rubbed her tennis elbow, which ached from the increasing low pressure. Cant Liz resume being chairwoman?

Hell, no. Thats why Jahnae asked me to again chair the committee. Liz bounced between Mariah and Flo like a shuttlecock.

I thought our broker was Flos creature. Then Aunt Tally corrected herself. Im talking about only a small portion of my discretionary funds when I call Liz my broker; you know that Scott and Stringfellow manages the bulk of my family funds. She cited a prestigious Virginia firm whose performance record and care of clients spanned most of the twentieth century.

Yes and no. The board itself elected Liz their chair last year. Shes still youngwell, young to us; shes barely forty, if that.

Darling, these days they get face-lifts, boob jobs, fanny-lifts, tummy tucks at thirty.

Inez wrinkled her nose. All that violence done to young bodies. Well, back to your question, more or less. Liz pays great attention to Flo; after all, they are in the same business. But Mariah has pots of money. Liz tried to walk a middle course as chair, but they both overwhelmed her.

Hmm. I never perceived her as weak.

She isnt. But those two are stronger, and she cant please both.

Shes done a good job with your portfolio since Victor died, hasnt she? Aunt Tally mentioned Inezs late financial adviser.

She has, but shes not really chairman or chairwoman material. Im an interim, but we need to elect a new chair. Of course, first I have to convince Liz to resign.

Easy. Tell her well both pull our accounts.

Blossom!

Inez, thats the way the world works.

Im not doing that. You know me better than that.

Meow.

Pewter wanted Inez to continue petting her, as shed stopped.

Yes, I do, but that doesnt prevent me from telling you the fastest way to achieve the desired result.

Me. Me. Me!

Pewter raised her voice.

Inez looked at the cat, smiled, and resumed petting her. The trick is to make Liz think this is her own idea.

Well, if anyone can do it, you can.

Yes, I think I can, but it gets back to my feeling old. Once I would have seen this as a game. Id make up little goals and tick them off until I reached the final goal. Oh, you know, stuff like, first ten yards, introduce the concept in an offhand way. Second ten yards, mention the time this wrangling takes away from her true calling. You get the idea.

Clever.

Clever it may be, but I resent it. I

am

getting old.

Chickpea, people can feel management fatigue at forty-two. You just need a break.

Perhaps. Inez felt better after listening to her dear friend. There is one other little item, and this gets to the benefits of old age: One has many contacts, friends. When Mariah said at the meeting today that her computer crashed

Aunt Tally interrupted, Wait a minute, I dont know about this.

No one does, although I did have to tell Jahnae, who, being herself, remained calm and suggested a few paths to clarity. And youd better be quiet. This is board business.

Oh, balls! Im your best friend, your second skin and, furthermore, I will be one hundred years old tomorrow. Im entitled to secrets! She grinned, and in that grin, Inez saw her friend again as she was at twenty.

I know it, but I had to say it. Okay, heres the rub. Mariah is our treasurer. We open every meeting with the secretarys report, followed by the treasurers report. Mariah said her computer crashed. She didnt keep a written record.

Idiot. Young people really are stupid to trust machines.

Well, Blossom, we were idiots in our own way. We believed the War to End All Wars had done so.

All right. Aunt Tally grimaced but held up her martini glass in a silent toast to Inezs insight.

I called Billy Bonito, who is president of the Big River Bank, where our account smolders. She smiled.

Billy Bonito who drove fine harness horses?

Still does, although he hasnt the time to compete as he once did. You werent there in 77. Sugarcane collapsed in a workout at the Kentucky State Fair. I was there as the guest of Paul Hamilton.

I miss him. Aunt Tally recalled Joans late father, who had purchased Kalarama Farm after World War II. Frances, too. She mentioned his wife, Frances Paralee who passed in 2005 at age eighty-five.

We were standing at the workout chute that led into the grand arena when she just dropped in the traces. I ran over, as there wasnt time to find Billys regular vet. To make a long story a little shorter, I managed to save her. She retired to become a foundation broodmare for Billy.

Wonder if hes still so handsome?

Spect he is. Anyway, I flatly told him our problem and knew I was asking him to do something improper. He understood. For one thing, if something is amiss in that account, weve got to catch it right away.

And? Aunt Tally was keen on this now.

The account is in good order. However, Mariah did withdraw twenty-five thousand dollars, in cash, which she replaced today at 2:12 P.M. She transferred money from a joint accountpersonalat Big River.

Sitting bolt upright, Aunt Tally whispered, Thats not right.

I know it. I suspect that is why the computer crashed, and I put crash in quotation marks.

Does she have the right to issue checks?

She does, but the twenty-five thousand was cash.

A silence followed. Get rid of her. We cant make a big deal out of it, but this must never happen again. No officer can write a check to herself. Another pause. Mariah doesnt strike me as dumb enough to pull a stunt like this.

Me, neither. Thats what really worries me. The incongruity of it.

Any withdrawal, check or cash, is on a computer file.

Right. Inez paused. She then contributed twenty-five thousand to your fund with a personal check.

Oh, dear.

Inez sighed. This just doesnt compute, forgive the pun.

Still, she has to go.

I know. I know. While I was at it, I did a little snooping around through friends. Her businessFletcher, Maitland, and DAngelois losing money. People arent buying much jewelry these days. Her husbands construction business is down. Hes laid off thirty percent of his workers, but he does have large projects rolling, one of which is the new hospital near Independence, Missouri.

A very long silence followed this. Can you remove her without fanfare? But Im not sure we should right at this moment. It would be easier to get the board to pass an amendment saying all checks need to be countersigned by the secretary. In fact, we should have done that years ago. Aunt Tally nodded. Andrea from Omaha is the secretary, and that one is sharp as a tack.

She is. I need to speak to her first, then build a consensus in a nonthreatening way. Even if I dont specifically mention the twenty-five thousand dollars, if I float this issue it means Flo will take the warpath. Shell sense Mariah has dropped the ball, and shell be relentless until she finds out. Even if she doesnt, shell create more problems. I doubt Mariah will take this calmly, even though shell know I know.

Why?

Ill tell her.

What a pickle.

Exactly.

L

ooking out the window of the classroom, Liz saw Gayle giving Harry, Mrs. Murphy, and Tucker the garden tour of the Bancroft Center, the new Rowland Applied Riding Arena, and fenced areas.

She returned her blue-eyed gaze to the two women standing before her, neither one in good humor this afternoon. It was as though shed overheard Inez and Aunt Tally discussing her lack of leadership. Had she known being chair of the alumnae board would prove so onerous, shed never have accepted. Seeing Inez forcefully maintain order and keep the group on track only underscored her failings. She wanted to get herself back on course, not least because some of the women were her clients. Mostly it was due to ego. Shed resign soon enough, because this was a real pain in the rear end, but she wanted to do it on her own terms and after some small success.

She didnt hustle the board for business any more than any of the other women did. Flo was a broker, as was she. Mariah owned and operated a high-end jewelry store in Kansas City. Andrea, along with her husband, owned a large trucking operation based just west of Omaha. DeeDee, from L.A., was one of the most successful real estate brokers in the vast easy-money citywell, easy one day, hard the next. Another member ran a large paving-stone company; one was a boutique grocer. The range of activities was impressive. A physician and a lawyer

were also on the board. Trudy Sweetwater worked for an irrigation company and Mo Avola bred Red Angus cattle.

Interestingly, no academics served. Liz once asked Inez why, and the thin old lady quipped, They dont know how to make real money.

Liz wondered if John Maynard Keynes qualified as an academic and decided it was best not to counter Inez.

Will you get to the point? Mariah plopped behind a school desk.

Flo also decided to sit.

The classroom, which would be empty for another two hours, proved pleasantly warm. Liz sat between the two, moving her light desk so theyd be in a semicircle.

Well, Id like to iron out some difficulties. I feel guilty that Inez has had to step in for me and its because I cant get you two to cooperate.

Flo, eyes narrowed, said through compressed lips, I will do anything for William Woods. Just what the hell is it you wish me to cooperate about?

Measuring her words, Liz replied, It seems to me that whatever Mariah suggests, you counter, andshe looked at Mariahwhatever Flo says or suggests, you take issue with.

Is it my fault Flos ego is in an ever-expanding stategaseous, you might say. Mariah smiled wickedly through her violet-tinged lipstick.

Ego! Mariah, you still havent forgiven me for stealing, as you put it, Dick Langston.

I confess. When he chose you, I was upset, but as time has passed, Im ever so glad. She waited a beat. Hes aged terribly since losing the Democratic nomination for governor eight years ago. She looked at her nails, looked up again. And, really, darling, couldnt you two find a better plastic surgeon? He looks well, Asian.

You leave my husband out of this, Flo spat.

Look, you two, this is exactly what Im talking about. I dont know all that has transpired in the past. Cant you table it for the good of the school?

Ill be convinced its for the good of the school when she doesnt put forward PeteFlo named Mariahs husbandto construct any new buildings on campus.

I have never, never put forward my husband. He makes a bid like any other contractor in this state.

And youre an important member of the alumnae board. I say that gives Pete the inside track.

It does not. Hes above reproach.

Better than I can say for you. Flo fluffed her streaked hair with her right hand.

Mariah, face flushed, half-rose out of the wooden seat. Just what does that mean? She caught herself, sat down, then calmly switched subjects. Were we to have a dishonesty contest, I do think Id trail you, darling.

Thats enough. Liz slammed her hand on the table.

Flo, coolly assessing the attractive younger woman, spoke in a dark alto, Just who do you think youre talking to?

You, Flo. You you should be above this.

Mariah, arms crossed over her hunter-green sweater and a gold pashmina draped over her shoulders, laughed. You two could win Oscars. What a performance. Im actually impressed.

Flo snapped her head in Mariahs direction. What in the hell are you talking about?

This is just too orchestrated, you knowpupil chides mentor, mentor retaliates. Youre in collusion. And you both want to destroy me.

Why would I want to destroy you? Liz was incredulous. I do business with you.

Yes, you do. And youve been good up until now. I think Flo used you to get back at me. Make her a lot of money, she probably said, Then pull the plug.

Youre out of your mind. Flo was slack jawed.

Clever. Ill give it to you. Of course, I knew Liz would follow your lead, but the profits were impressive, and Istupidly, I freely admitthought perhaps she could put business before your personal relationship. Too late, I realized your relationship was more complicated than that. You had to have been feeding Liz information.

I did not! For one thing, Mariah, you know nothing about my

business except that Im a broker. I stick to the basics: food, shelter, energy, and agriculture. I dont even suggest investing in clothing. Ever present in my mind is the flameout of Halston. Im extremely cautious about emerging technologies. Yes, I could have made my clients much more money in the dot-com explosion, but that was more than a decade ago. I was just beginning to hit my stride. I deliver slow, sustained growth. Liz goes after the high-risk stuff, and if youve been part of that, so be it. I, too, have bought into some packages shes put togethernon-technology, if you care. But its not my area of expertise.

Brava, Mariah said drily.

It was Lizs turn to speak. Mariah, the market is down thirty-five percent. Chrysler and GM have collapsed. The government spent our money bailing them, plus theyve thrown billions at failing banks. Lehman Brothers died a painful death, and AIG has been a holy horror. I didnt create those conditions, but Tim and I are doing better than average. Our customer portfolios have lostof course they havebut less than the market average. Furthermore, I dont think I should discuss the particulars of your portfolio with Flo in the room.

You dont have to; she already knows them.

I do not. Flo took a breath, composed herself. Once again her hand fluttered to her hair. I have, however, considered your business. On Dicks 57th birthday, I bought him a gold Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. At that time, it cost $16,700. Its an understated, fabulous watch, wouldnt you agree?

Fabulous. Mariah nodded.

Along the way, I did price the gold Rolex Oyster, which ran for about thirty thousand. The platinum was out of sight. I was just curious. Curious about pearls, too, as Ive always wanted another strand. I so love pearls. She paused, a large smile animating her face. Yet Fletcher, Maitland, and DAngelo routinely sell these brands for about thirty percent less. Only Tourneau does that, she named a firm specializing in watches, and at those prices they sell rebuilt ones, although they do sell new ones for a bit less than other companies. But no one delivers the deals you do.

Were quite proud of that. Were efficiently run. Always have been. Cut the fat.

You liar. Youre selling fakes.

How dare you! How dare you accuse me of such a thing!

I dare because its true, and I will prove it.

Mariah stood up, threw her shawl more tightly around her throat, and picked up her alpaca coat. She headed for the door, then turned. Liz, Flo, I will expose you two if its the last thing I do. She slammed the door behind her.

Flo rose and picked up her jacketa lined waxed Filson, since shed planned for the weather. Liz, Id say your attempt to get us working together was a spectacular failure. Or, to use your word, a flameout.

Liz, shaky, rose to her feet, also. Flo, is it true about Mariah?

I will prove it. In my own good time. She turned a steely gaze on her understudy. I always get to the bottom of things, Liz. Never forget that.

P

ewter flopped on her side on the parlor rug and opened one eye when Harry, Mrs. Murphy, and Tucker gratefully came in from the cold.

Tucker hurried over.

You missed seeing all the horses.

We have horses at home.

Pewter rolled onto her other side.

Lazy. Fat, lazy cat.

Am not.

Tucker, a twinkle in her eye, said,

Biggest manure pile Ive ever seen.

Irritated, Pewter lifted her head.

Why would I care about a manure pile?

Oh, you know, in case you had to throw up a hairball.

Mrs. Murphys laughter further enraged Pewter, who shot up and swatted at the corgi, who ducked.

Death to tailless dogs!

Sourpuss.

The corgi bounded to the kitchen.

Harry, already in the kitchen, heard the fuss. Whats going on out there?

Oh, nothing.

All three animals were now in the kitchen and responded in unison.

Given that it was late March, the sun set later. However, the low, billowing gray clouds, emitting a soft glow, moved quickly overhead and blotted out the sun.

Someones coming,

Tucker barked.

Many someones. The Jameson Singers gathered outside the front door. Their first song, Charleston, brought back Tallys youth.