“You could say that.Terry!Stop and listen to me.”
“I’m listening,” she returned with a distant look in her eye.
Only a year separated the two sisters, and when they dressed alike, it was difficult to tell them apart.Both had the rich chestnut-colored hair and sky-blue eyes that altered to a vibrant gray when they were excited or angry.High cheekbones and rosy complexion were a family trademark.
“I’m home.”Robert announced and the back screen door slammed, hailing his entry.
Terry kissed her husband and wrapped an arm around his waist.“Lesley’s new neighbor is a man.”
“Interesting.”Robert replied after he’d nuzzled Terry’s neck.
“No, it’s not,” Lesley insisted.“I wish the two of you would listen to me.He’s awful.Despicable.”
“Unreasonable?”Terry added.
“Yes.”Some of the apprehension drained out of her.Maybe Terry did understand.
“They’re the best kind,” Terry said knowingly.The baby let out a loud cry from the back bedroom.“Lisa’s awake.Will you get her for me?”
Although she dearly loved her niece, Lesley didn’t think Lisa could have picked a worse time to wake up from her nap.
“What’s for dinner?”
Lesley heard Robert’s question as she moved down the narrow hall to the bedroom portion of the house.What was the matter with everyone today?A strange man had moved in next to her, and Terry acted as if she’d been told Lesley had won the lottery.
Eighteen-month-old Lisa was standing, her tiny hands clenching the crib bars.When she saw Lesley, she gurgled happily.
“Hello, Lisa,” Lesley said in the singsong voice the child loved.“How’s Auntie Lesley’s little girl?”
Lisa held up both hands, wanting to be taken out of the crib.Lesley lifted the baby into her arms, changed her diaper and carried her back into the living room.
Robert was reading the newspaper, his stocking feet propped against the coffee table.Lisa gave a cry of delight, and Lesley placed the little girl on the floor and watched as the baby ran to her father’s arms.Robert scooted Lisa onto his lap.Together the two sat contentedly and read the paper.
Terry was in the kitchen frying hamburger.“Can’t you see I’m upset?”Lesley said in an accusing tone.
“About your new neighbor?”Terry opened the refrigerator and took out a block of cheddar cheese.“I don’t understand why.We prayed, didn’t we?”
“Then God made a mistake.”
Terry laughed.“Think about what you just said.”
“I have.God would never move someone as horrible as Cole Daniels next to me.Obviously, whoever is supposed to be there got held up for some reason and this fellow will be moving on.”
“Then there’s no reason to worry, is there?”
Leave it to Terry to remain calm and sensible.“Yes, there is.”
“Why?”
Lesley gestured defeatedly with her hand.“I’m not sure.But things aren’t what they should be with this guy.He’s so unfriendly, almost secretive.It’s hard to explain.”
“And you’ve got a creative imagination.”
“I knew you were going to say that,” Lesley cried.“I suppose you’re going to bring up the time I thought someone was kidnapping Mom.”
“The thought entered my mind.”Terry sliced off a piece of cheese and handed it to Lesley.“This is a new smoked flavor; what do you think?”
“It’s good,” Lesley murmured absently.“Terry,pleasewould you take me seriously.”
