Page 83 of Midnight

When they came back into the kitchen and began checking water pressure, and the condition of the cabinets andbuilt-ins, she had no concerns about any of it. The appliances were installed new, less than a month before her mother’s death, and the countertops had been replaced at the same time. Nora loved them and hoped the new owners would, too.

The Realtors were back in the living room and smiling as they sat down with her.

“Nora, this house is delightful. It has such a warmth and welcoming vibe,” Patty said. “I have a couple of questions. Are you taking the furniture with you, or do you plan to sell it?” Patty asked.

“I won’t be taking it. Before I leave, I will have given away every piece of furniture in this house to any of the residents of Crossroads who want it.”

Patty blinked. “You don’t want to hold an auction?”

Nora shrugged. “It’s like putting my parents on the auction block and waiting to see what people think of them. How high will they bid? How low does it go? I’d rather know someone has it who wants or needs it.”

Patty stared long and hard at Nora for a good five seconds, and then leaned forward. “What do you do for a living?”

“I’m in IT,” Nora said. “Will I need to hire an assessor to put a monetary value on the property?”

“That’s part of Lee’s side of Thomas Realty. He’s licensed and everything,” Patty said.

Nora shifted focus to him. “I’ll base my decision on an asking price relevant to the assessment value, so let me know as soon as possible as to your decision. Nobody will be fighting for this property. There will be no bidding wars. There is no reason to buy a house in the middle of nowhere, unless you already know what’s here. Few amenities. No law. A small school system, basic businesses, and an ER that operates with two nurses on duty and a doctor who showsup once a week. Fully capable, of course,” she said, and held up her hand with the visible stitches for proof.

Patty sighed. “Yes, I know all too well, which is why I left.”

“I’ll do some figuring today and get back to you,” Lee said.

“And I’ll get some comps for the area to help you decide…if you still want us to represent you,” Patty said.

“That will be fine,” Nora said. “And yes, I do, and the contract is agreeable. Shall we adjourn to the dining table to finish this up?” and then got up and led the way.

A short while later, they were gone, and there was a big red-and-white Thomas Realty sign in the front yard, announcing the finality of her decision.FORSALE.

It wasn’t a death notice, but it felt a little like it to Nora as she paused in the hall beside the grandfather clock.

“I’m sorry. But I’ll find someone who’ll love you as much as Mama and Dad and I did. You won’t be empty anymore. I promise.”

* * *

Everett Brandt’s fever finally broke during the night, and by daylight, he was up, his bed stripped of sheets and in the laundry along with what he slept in. When Freddie woke up to the sound of laundry and the scent of coffee, he knew Everett was up; he thought he’d test himself and see if being upright still made the room spin.

To his relief, it did not, and he went in search of a cup of coffee, too.

“Everett! We’re better, aren’t we?” Freddie said as he entered the kitchen.

“Feels like it. Not taking any chances though. Toast and coffee first just to see if it sets okay on our stomachs,” he said.

Freddie poured himself a cup and sat down before reaching for a piece of dry toast. Without butter, it didn’t look very appetizing, so he dunked a corner of it in his coffee and took a bite.

“Why are we doing laundry so early?” Freddie asked as he was chewing.

“Washing the sheets I’ve been sleeping on to get rid of all the germs. Soon as you finish eating, strip your bed and I’ll wash yours, too. And your pajamas.”

Freddie nodded, swallowed the last of his toast, and reached for another.

The television was on in the other room. Freddie wasn’t listening, but Everett was, and all of a sudden, he bolted from the table and ran for the remote to turn up the volume.

Freddie followed. “What’s happening?” he asked.

“They just announced the Briscoe County Sheriff is holding a press conference this morning, about the shooting at the Tumbleweed Bar. It starts after the commercial. Sit down and listen. We need to know what they know. Understand?”

“Everett, are we going to jail?” Freddie whispered.