Page 25 of The Pretender (Mifflin County Mysteries #3)
He grimaced. “Either way, it’s a no-win situation, but we’ll get through it when the time is right.”
Susan headed down the hall to use the bathroom, but hearing voices from Rosa’s room, she paused outside the bedroom door and listened intently to Rosa and Anthony’s conversation.
Upon hearing everything they’d said, her upper arm muscles twitched and her lips pinched tightly shut.
Susan felt more certain than ever that what she’d heard before was true.
Anthony and Rosa really weren’t married, and their relationship was nothing but a scam.
Planting her feet in a wide stance, Susan leaned in closer to the door.
Now all I need to do is figure out the best way to share this news with Mom and Dad.
I’m sure they’ll ask Rosa to leave once they find out the truth.
Then I’ll be the favored daughter, and everything will finally be as it should.
New York City
“Who were you talking to on the phone?” Herb asked when Lavera left the kitchen and joined her husband in the living room.
“It was Anthony. I called to wish him a Merry Christmas and see how he’s feeling.”
“Well, he’s certainly not feeling homesick, or he’d be here with us right now,” Herb muttered.
Lavera frowned. “He has chicken pox, Herb. I told you that when I spoke with our son the last time. Do you not remember?”
“Yeah, yeah. Guess I do, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s just using it as an excuse not to come home and face the fact that he’s been replaced at the restaurant.”
Lavera moved closer and placed her hand on Herb’s shoulder.
“He doesn’t know you hired another cook.
I didn’t have the heart to tell him.” She shrugged.
“Besides, I figured you’d probably reinstate Anthony as the head cook when he comes back, and let Billy be his assistant, the way he’s doing for you now. ”
Herb folded his arms and huffed. “And where would that leave me if I let Anthony take the lead cook position? What do you want me to do, Lavera—retire and stay home all day with nothing to do?”
“No, of course not,” she was quick to respond. “I just thought maybe—”
“I told that son of ours that if he didn’t return home by the date he said he’d be back, his job would be gone, so he has no one to blame but himself.”
“But Herb, it’s not like Anthony planned to have car troubles, or sprain his ankle and then end up getting chicken pox.
Those are extenuating circumstances, and you should be more understanding.
” Lavera struggled to keep her voice down and prevent the tears filling her eyes from spilling over.
Herb was being unreasonable, and he needed to realize that and have some understanding for their son’s position right now.
Surely once Anthony returns home, my husband will give him his old job back at the restaurant.
She swallowed against the pressure in her throat.
If he doesn’t, we might lose Anthony altogether, and he could end up moving from New York City permanently.
Belleville
Elsie was about to clear away what was left of the desserts from the dining room table when she heard footsteps coming down the stairs.
Assuming it must be Rosa returning after taking food up to Anthony, she placed the apple pie she’d picked up back on the table.
Rosa had only cut herself a small piece of that pie before announcing that she was going to take a tray up to Anthony.
So Elsie figured when her daughter came back, she’d want to try some more of the delicious dessert.
Elsie waited near Rosa’s chair but was surprised when Susan entered the room, wearing a solemn expression.
“What’s wrong with you, Daughter?” Mahlon asked before Elsie could voice the question.
“Yeah,” Alvin put in. “You look like you’ve been suckin’ on a piece of lemon.”
Tena snickered, but Susan held her stoic expression. Apparently she didn’t think her younger brother’s comment was funny.
Susan moved close to the table, where Mahlon, Tena, and Alvin sat, playing one of their card games. “Umm … I have something very important to say, and I think you’re gonna be quite surprised by this news.”
Elsie tipped her head. “Can it wait until after these three finish their game?” She gestured to the card table. “Your daed’s getting ready to make his next move.”
“That’s right,” he said, staring at the cards he held. “And I believe I’m on the verge of winning, so whatever you have to say can wait.”
Susan gave her head a vigorous shake. “No, it can’t, Dad. It’s about Rosa, and I know once you find out the truth, you’ll be very upset.”
Elsie gestured to Tena and then Alvin. “Why don’t you two put on your jackets and go out to the barn to make sure the katze have all been fed? When you come back inside you can have another piece of pie and finish your game.”
“Okay!” Alvin jumped up right away and raced to the door, but Tena remained in her chair.
Before her daughter could say anything, Elsie looked at her and said, “You too, Tena. Alvin might need your help, and I don’t think it’s a good idea for him to go outside in the dark alone.”
Mahlon laid his cards down with a huff. “Do as your mamm said, Tena.”
Without a word, she got up and left the room.
Elsie waited until she heard the front door open and close before she turned to face Susan. “Now, what’s so important that you had to interrupt their game?”