Both Hutch and I moved to the window Tonks was barking at and peered out.
A shiny, black, dual cab Ram truck was pulling into the front of the house.
And in it, I saw my landlord and both her grandsons.
In all that was happening, I’d forgotten that Hutch told me he’d “deal” with Mrs.Matthews.
I had a feeling he’d “dealt” with Mrs.Matthews.
And now I was going to deal with her.
TEN
Mrs.Matthews
Mabel
“Let me guess,” I said to the window.“You called Mrs.Matthews.”
I looked up at him as he replied to the window, “Forgot to mention, David Ashbrook is coming tomorrow morning at eight to install your motion sensor lights.”
“That’s quite something to forget.”
When his brown eyes came down to mine, he didn’t have the grace even to look sheepish.
Tonks went wild when there was a knock at the door.
Then, get this, Hutch…Hutch… sauntered to the door and opened it like the man paid rent.
I followed him to see Mrs.Matthews staring up at him, blinking.
I also saw on her dome of short, gray, set curls, she was wearing a little black felt pillbox hat with a dent in it that was supposed to be there and a bunch of netting that didn’t look like it was.
My guess, vintage ’50s, maybe ’60s.
She was also wearing a big black wool overcoat with a wide glossy black fur lapel, which I would only forgive her for because that coat was no doubt made in the ’70s.It went to her ankles so she could show off her sensible black pumps.
She looked like the next errand on her schedule was to go back in time to attend JFK’s funeral.
It was chilly outside, though notthatcold.
To each their own.
“Quiet,” Hutch ordered a still-howling Tonks with so much authority in his tone, even I was thinking I wouldn’t utter a word for the next two days.
For sure Tonks shut up and sat down.
“You have a pet?”Mrs.Matthews asked imperiously.
Oh dang.
I should probably have called her.
“Yes,” I told her.“Actually two.I also adopted a cat.I checked my rental agreement.There isn’t any stipulation against them, or deposit required.”
She moved forward, nearly bowling over Hutch, as she walked in like what was true: she owned the place.
Hutch was looking out the door.
