Twisted Creek

Chapter 23

The wind kicked up, rustling the dried leaves still clinging to the trees along the lake. Each time I opened the door to welcome a Nester, sticks and twigs marched in uninvited.

The mood of our diners had shifted. Tonight, everyone wanted to talk. Most had been interviewed, or interrogated as Timothy called it, by Sheriff Fletcher. As near as I could tell, no one except Mary Lynn had a nice thing to say about him. She commented that he always had his shirt starched stiff.

When I brought the first of the coffee, Paul Madison was saying, “I don’t know what happened, but it wasn’t lightning.” He’d taken the seat across from Mary Lynn, but they still looked as mismatched as ever.

Willie agreed. “There wasn’t a cloud in the sky last night.”

When Nana and I brought in the potpies they were talking about how the lake wasn’t as safe as it used to be. Mrs.

Deals had lived here the longest. She told of a time when the folks had big cookouts and parties for every holiday.

“Time was,” Willie said, “the only thing stolen around here was off o’ trotlines.”

“Maybe we should think about locking our doors.” Mrs. Deals didn’t look like she liked her own suggestion.

“Or putting the gate back up,” Mary Lynn suggested. “I always liked it when I was a kid and came here. We’d have to stop and open that big, gold gate like we were stepping into heaven.”

The Landry brothers nodded, but didn’t stop eating.

About the time the conversation came around to organizing a way to communicate if there was trouble, Nana brought in dessert. She served each diner a slice of the pie of their choice and disappeared back into the kitchen.

Paul picked up where we’d all paused. “We need to get the phone company out here to run more line. I’m thinking of doing business from my place.” He didn’t have to say that he had nowhere in the city to live-we all knew. “If so, I’ll need a dependable phone and Internet up twenty-four hours a day.”

“Maybe we could find a dependable cell service,” Timothy added. “Half the time I think the sheriff stops by my place because my dad tells him to check up on me. If my folks could call that might end the visits.” He shrugged. “The whole family can’t understand why I don’t want to join the company. They all think I’m hiding out and will eventually come to my senses and become an accountant.” He laughed. “I’d rather die.”

Willie jumped in, as usual a few bars behind the chorus. “If trouble came again around here, I could circle the lake and flash a spotlight in everyone’s window. Jefferson always kept one out in the shed. I’m sure if we added new batteries it would work.”

Everyone talked about the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of warning system. We all agreed none was perfect. Mary Lynn even suggested we buy a bell. She said she’d always liked the sound of a bell ringing.

In the midst of the discussion, Nana brought in a tray of pies. “It’s time for dessert,” she sang with excitement.

The room fell silent.

“Doesn’t anyone want dessert?” Nana asked, the knife in her hand ready to cut.

I opened my mouth to tell her we’d already had pie. She must have forgotten. She’d had a busy day. She…How could I say anything without hurting her feelings?

“I’d love a piece,” Willie said as he moved his empty saucer aside. “I was hoping you made buttermilk tonight.”

I relaxed, seeing him look as excited about this piece as he had been about the last one.

Nana smiled. “I did, I did.” She cut him a big slice and handed it over. “Now if that ain’t enough, you just let me know.”

Willie took a bite and made the same sounds he’d made ten minutes before when she’d served him his first piece.

“I’ll take a chocolate, ma’am.” Paul stood and stepped to the counter to wait for his piece. “And I think Miss Mary Lynn would like one of those buttermilk slices.”

“A small one,” she said. “I’m full from the potpie.”

One by one everyone ordered and said almost the same words they’d said before. I stared, meeting their eyes and hating what no one said. I’d been ignoring Nana’s lapses in memory for months. They didn’t have to tell me anything, I knew that I could turn a blind eye no longer. Nana’s mind was slipping.

A half hour later, when they all filed out, I hugged Nana so tightly, she asked me what was wrong.

“Nothing,” I lied. “I just think you are the best.”

“Ditto.” She giggled as if she were still a girl.

“How about we turn in and do the dishes tomorrow?”

Nana shook her head. “Luke’s in the kitchen eating. I thought I’d have a cup of tea and talk to him awhile, then call it a night. You go on up.”

I nodded, not wanting to face anyone else tonight. No one had said a word about Nana serving double dessert, but I knew it was only a matter of time before they did.

And once they did, I’d have to deal with it.

For the first time in a long time, my mother crossed my mind. I wondered if Carla Daniels would come home if she knew her mother needed her. Would she drive in, throw her arms around us, and say she’d help?

I knew the answer and was mad at myself for letting an old dream creep into my mind. The Landry brothers were more likely to help.

The memory of the two of them squeezed into the corner, their hats still on their heads, their forks always moving, made me smile. There was nothing I could do tonight to help Nana remember better, but I could draw. I grabbed my ledger and climbed the stairs. I’d sit by the window and feel the night cool while I tried to catch their likeness on paper.

The Landry brothers…who ordered seconds twice and ate every bite.