“Oh?” She looked concerned. He wasn’t good at hiding his feelings and he felt like hell at the moment.
“I think we need to talk,” he said.
She nodded. “I’ll put on some tea.”
“Actually, do you have anything stronger?”
She grinned. “A cold beer? I’ve had a few kidney stones. I swear a few good beers a week keep ’em at bay. Always have a good cold beer in this house.”
“That was unexpected,” Randy said. “I’ll have one.”
“I’m going to have one with you.”
“The perfect hostess,” he said.
“A Southern requirement,” she teased as she left the room. A moment later, Orene was back in the living room. She handed him a cold one. “What’s going on?”
“You knew something was up.”
“Wasn’t born yesterday.”
“She knows.” He paused.
Orene froze. “She?”
“Natalie knows Grandstaff was Jeremy’s grandfather.”
“Holy…” She guzzled her beer. “How did you know?”
“I’m a detective.”
“Yes, you are.” She swept a hand across her mouth. “A good one, apparently.”
“I like to think so.”
“You know, our sheriff has been looking for a replacement. You could move right into that position. I just so happen to have a lot of pull in this town. And Grandstaff has the rest.”
“Somehow, I don’t doubt that. Right now, though, I’m just hoping I didn’t ruin my chance with Natalie. She was distraught when I dropped her off. She insisted that I leave.”
Orene patted his leg. “You’re going to be just fine. It all needed to be said. All is right when it’s the truth.” She stood. “Wait right here.”
She nearly ran, as fast as an old lady could, up the stairs. Her footsteps came back down so quickly that for a moment, he found himself craning to make sure she hadn’t tumbled, but just then she popped around the corner.
“Here,” she said. “Put out your hand.”
He did.
She pressed a fairy stone into his palm. “You carry that. Fairy stones can only be found near here. They will bring you good things. Not luck. The thing He wants you to have.” She nodded to heaven. “Trust me. It’s all going to be okay. I’ve seen it work a hundred times.”
“Thank you.” He squeezed the little rock in his hand.
“Don’t drag your feet, boy. You go win that lady’s heart.”
“You’re right.” He got to his feet. “Thank you for being such a good friend to her when she got here.”
“Honey, that was not my doing. God made that happen. She’s an absolute delight. I’m happy He chose me as a vehicle to the truth. And even happier He chose you to be a part of it too. Go.”
He got up, went back to his truck, and drove to the cabin.Disappointed that Natalie’s truck wasn’t there, he settled back to wait for her.
