Page 138 of What He Keeps

Mrs. Bennett places toast in front of Maggie and watches until she takes a bite. Maggie notices and gives her a look.

“Agatha.”

“You’re eating for two,” Mrs. Bennett says.

Maggie’s cheeks color. “I'm eatin’ for one and a very tiny passenger with strong opinions about chicken.”

Mrs. Bennett doesn’t appear moved. “Then toast should be acceptable.”

I wisely keep my opinion to myself. Maggie notices anyway and points her fork at me.

“Don’t look smug.”

“I said nothing,” I point out.

“You said it with your face,” she accuses.

Ivy giggles, and the sound loosens some of the tension in my shoulders. Since Clara's death, there are days when Ivy's laughter feels hard won. Yet she’s laughing now. Maggie gave her that this morning. She gives it to her more often than she realizes.

Maggie glances at the clock above the pantry door. “I need to stop by the shelter before rehearsal. Jules said the construction crews are comin’ early, and I promised I’d check the temporary intake room before we leave.”

“No physical work,” I tell her.

Her head turns slowly. “Good mornin’ to you too.”

Ivy looks between us with interest.

I lower my voice. “The doctor gave instructions.”

“The doctor told me to avoid stress and heavy lifting. She didn’t tell me I can’t point at things and tell Jules he’s wrong.”

Mrs. Bennett hides a smile by turning back toward the stove.

I consider arguing, then decide against it because Maggie has already chosen her position, and Ivy is enjoying the match too much.

“Sam goes with you,” I say.

“That was never in doubt.”