“Kristie Turner,” she says.
“And your relationship to—to the family?”
“She’s the love child,” says Claire, swiping at her face.
“I’m sorry?” Mark says.
“You see,” continues Claire. “When two people love each other—”
The World’s Best Grandma says, “Oh, my,” and puts her hand to her throat.
“Claire,” says Louisa, half sharp, half laughing. “Not now.” To Mark she says, “It’s complicated.”
“It’s not that complicated,” says Claire.
“I can explain, if you need it for your records,” adds Louisa. “But maybe in private?”
“I’m Frances, by the way,” Best Grandma says, nodding at the detective’s pencil. “In case you need to note that down. I can give you my phone number too. Do you think you’ll have further questions? I’m very happy to participate in any investigation that may occur.”
Mark hesitates, then, maybe seeing how badly Frances wants there to be an investigation, he says, “Certainly. Why don’t you step over here with me. I’ll gather the relevant details.” Frances beams. Claire asks if she can look at the candy, and Louisa says yes, but they aren’t buying any, and this leaves Louisa and Kristie alone, face-to-face. Louisa readies herself to speak but Kristie beats her to it.
“I know you think I’m trying to infiltrate your family, Louisa, but she came to me.”
“I know that. And I’m sorry. I really am. I’m sorry if Claire disturbed your workday, or got you in trouble—”
“She didn’t,” says Kristie. “It’s fine. I mean honestly, she’s a great kid. You’re lucky.”
“She is,” says Louisa, sighing. “And I am. This is all my fault. I was stressed-out this morning, and I yelled at everybody, likereallyyelled—I don’t blame her for running away. The real surprise is that there’s anyone left who didn’t run away.” Kristie half smiles, and this gives Louisa the encouragement she needs to continue. “Really what I’m lucky about is the fact that she picked you to run away to. And not some, I don’t know, some logger from Lincolnville in a murder van.”
Kristie crosses her arms over her Renys vest. Her expression is inscrutable. A long moment passes, and finally Kristie says, “What’d your mom say? About the money?”
Louisa clears her throat. “So, listen—” she says. “I wasn’t able to ask her about the money. I’m sorry.” The half smile disappears. Kristie raises one eyebrow. (Louisa has never been able to raise one eyebrow without the other going along for the ride. She has heard this ability is passed on genetically; she supposes Kristie must have inherited it from her mother.)
“I guess I’m not surprised,” says Kristie.
“No, it’s not like that.”
“What’s it like, then?”
“I—she—my dad. I mean.” If this conversation is a minefield, Louisa is aware that she’s very close to triggering an explosion. “There are some other things going on, with money. She doesn’t have the money right now, to help you out. Not in cash. I can’t ask her, Kristie. I can’t do that to her right now.”
“With all due respect,” says Kristie, “your mom is not my concern here, just like I wasn’t her concern when I was born. My concern is getting myself on my feet, and paying off the money I owe from my mom’s medical bills, and taking care of my baby.”
“Your baby? You’repregnant?” says Louisa.
Kristie nods. “I guess you knew what you were talking about in the bathroom in Archer’s that day.”
Louisa has so many questions. How far along is Kristie? Is Danny the father? (She assumes Danny is the father.) What does he think about this? Does Kristie know what kind of baby she’s having? Is she planning to have the baby here in Maine, to put down roots? Before she has a chance to pose or even really think through these questions Mark Harding, World’s Best Grandma, and Claire all come trooping back from their various corners of the store.
“I think we’ve finished up,” says Mark. “Frances here has been kind enough to give me some very valuable details.” Frances nods importantly.
“Can we go home?” says Claire. “Mommy? I’m tired. Can we go home now?” She appears to be hiding something behind herback. Louisa gently draws her arm out into sight; it’s a large bag of gummy lobsters.
“Uh-uh. No candy,” says Louisa. “Honestly, Claire, after what you’ve put everyone through, don’t even think about it. Go put it back, please.”
“Got it,” says Clare resignedly. “I just figured it was worth a try.”
“It’s always worth a try.” Frances winks at Claire. “I admire your pluck.”
