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Nana had once told me that some of what was in the attic had been here for a century or more untouched. Some documents had been donated to the preservation society through the years, likely before Nana’s time even. But the amount of preserved history in Cypress Bayou, because of the age of the city, was overwhelming. People here sometimes took all the old things for granted because they were so plentiful, which made them less precious in some ways.
Of course, I assumed some of it was Nana’s stuff from her past as well as some older items. She said everything was fair game when I’d asked her about digging around up here, so I wouldn’t worry about snooping where I shouldn’t.
As I scanned the shelves and stacks, a small trunk caught my eye. It appeared to be something one would’ve used as a suitcase for travel decades ago. I pulled it from the top of one of the bookcases. It wasn’t too heavy, but it was covered in dust, and I searched around for something to wipe it off. But everything was dusty.
I sat down on one of the old settees, which I rolled back the dust cover on, revealing the faded brocade fabric. I laid the trunk beside me to inspect it. The latches weren’t locked, but they were a little stubborn after being frozen in place for such a long stretch of time.
Anticipation buzzed through me as I lifted the top.
*
Tanner
Tanner planned toget as much information about Justine Chaffin as possible without causing a stir. After a scan of the yearbook photo Lisa had provided, he learned that she’d been in the same graduating class at Cypress Central High as Carly’s mom, Karen Bertrand. So, right there, he had someone loosely within his circle he could mine for information.
Karen Bertrand might not be the most reliable narrator, but hopefully she could give him some insight about her former classmate. Tanner had gotten hold of one of their early yearbooks at the library and noticed several candid photos of Karen and Justine together. So, it appeared they’d been friends.
It was something, but he would discuss with Carly how best to approach her mom about this. It might be best for her to do it alone, depending on what she knew. Could be that Nana had some information as well.
In this instance, Carly could be closer to getting what they needed than him. At least it was a starting point. A quiet one.
The bolt of lightning was so close, Tanner ducked, just before the crunch and boom rattled his trailer. He’d managed to ride out this especially nasty thunderstorm tucked away in his mobile home, but that was too close. Maybe it was time to rethink this idea of living temporarily on the bayou and saving up to build his forever home. Today was a test of his nerves.
Are you okay, man?It was a text from Jake.
Tanner:That one was close
Jake:Head over to the loft
Tanner:I can go to my office if it gets worse
Jake:Dude, take cover. Storm’s bad
Tanner decided after having a quick look at the local weather radar and seeing the warnings for tornadoes approaching this area, he would head to the office.
Tanner:Will do
Tanner grabbed his rain slicker off the hook beside the door, shoved his laptop inside the backpack next to it and took the power cord just in case. The rain was coming down so hard, he was soaked by the time he’d made it to his truck.Damn!
Tanner pulled his phone from the pocket of his rain jacket and a text came through at the same time from Carly.Are you okay? Come on over to Nana’s house. She’s making chili
That sounded way better than smelling paint fumes at the office where there wasn’t any chili.Made it to my truck to avoid being taken out by a tornado… That sounds good. Thanks
Carly:See you soon
CHAPTER SEVEN
Carly
Just as I’dgotten lost in the past, I heard Nana call my name from below. I’d texted her some time ago to make sure she was okay. She was, of course, but still I worried. I’d found a treasure trove of old photos in the trunk I’d opened, but the dim lighting upstairs didn’t do them justice, so I brought the photos, trunk, and all, downstairs and into the kitchen—after I’d swapped out the buckets once Nana had gotten back from her soggy outing.
As I sat at the kitchen table, sorting through the pictures while Nana started the chili, I mentioned my invitation to Tanner. “Tanner’s coming over here. I was concerned about him in that metal trailer by the water. I hope you don’t mind.”
It had been a while since I’d texted. I wondered what was keeping him.
“Of course I don’t mind. I hope you invited him to eat with us.” Nana was currently browning a blend of ground pork sausage and beef. I knew this because I’d learned how to make her chili recipe a couple years ago. It, like everything she cooked, was special and delicious.
I nodded. “I did. We’ve got some work things to go over anyway, and since the weather’s so terrible today, I figured here was as good a place as any.” I never worried if people were welcome at Nana’s house, because they always were. I couldn’t imagine her ever turning anyone away. Even someone she didn’t particularly like. Plus, she always made enough food for a small army.
