The Crossroads

Sharon went down to the carriage house and kissed her baby.

“Is this your night off, girl?” her mother asked.

“No. But I had to see Aidan and make sure he was safe.”

“He’s fine. Look, Sharon—it’s a shame about the police shooting Billy, but you need to get back to the big house. Don’t give Miss Spratling any excuse to fire us!”

Miss Spratling was waiting in the darkened foyer when Sharon returned.

“Did your mother offer her sympathies on the loss of your ex-husband?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“How considerate. Of course, they all mourn at first. But then life goes on, doesn’t it? After the cards and flowers and condolence calls, they all forget and you’re the only one left to mourn his death!”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Come along,” Miss Spratling commanded. “We must prepare the chapel. Father Murphy is on his way.”

Sharon had never been allowed to enter the Spratling family chapel before. It was also the one room her mother had never cleaned. In fact, no one was ever permitted inside the chapel except Miss Spratling herself. But tonight was the fiftieth anniversary.

Tonight was special.