It is Wednesday Story Time again. Last week we saw Lucas on his knees begging for another chance since it was clear the Widow Murphy was going to fire him for calling her old. I think most of us were a little surprised by his quick personality change. As my grandmother used to say, “A leopard does not change his spots unless there is wetness.” Let’s go and check up on Lucas and see how he is doing.
“Hey, Lucas.”
“Oh Hi sheriff.”
“Don’t let me bother you. Is the Widow ta home?”
“Yes, sir. She is right inside.”
“My goodness son you are pretty high on that ladder.”
“Aw, I’m used to it, sir. Heights don’t bother me.”
“Well, you mind that sun ya hear. With no shirt, you could get quite a burn.”
“Yes, sir. I have sunscreen on. I think I’m good.”
“You know best my boy. I’ll see you later.”
“Thanks, Sheriff. I’ll be here.”
“Ha ha ha. That’s pretty funny.”
“Mrs. Murphy you in the house?”
“Why yes, Seth come on in.”
“Thank you, ma’am. Sure is a hot one today.”
“it is sheriff.”
“That boy Lucas should have a shirt on. He’s going to get sunstroke.”
“I know, sheriff. I told him the same thing. What brings you by?”
“Nothin’ much ma’am. Just wanted to check on you. Seems you were gone for a while.”
“Oh pshaw, sheriff. Went to the store and beauty parlor is all.”
“I know ma’am, but I just got concerned since you’re usually at home what with that new boy working on your house and all.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well he’s from out-of-town, and you never know.”
‘“You run his ID?”
“Yup. Came back clean.”
“So there you are. There is nothing to worry about.”
“Well, except his parents were killed under some strange circumstances.”
“Strange circumstances?”
“Yes. Murdered in their sleep.”
“Oh, my.”

Well, it is Wednesday Story Day time again. Last week we had to witness the return of the Widow Murphy and find out she pretty much has some strong opinions about Alice. I think we got the opinion that the widow had designs of Lucas herself and was pretty much bad mouthing the competition. The widow offered Lucas some lunch and it looked like he was going to take her up on the offer. Oh and let’s not forget she asked Lucas to come in without his shirt. Oh, my. We need to go back to Antion Illinois to see what is up with all of that.
“Well, son I have Chicken salad for lunch. Go wash up and it will be ready when you get back.”
Yes, ma’am. Where is the bathroom?”
“Right down that hall to the right.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
“You can call me Harriet.”
“Yes, Miss Harriet.”
“That boy sure is well-mannered.”
“I’m back.”
“Goodness, you gave me a start. I was thinking what a well-mannered boy you are.”
“Thank you, ma— er Miss Harriet. My mom taught me respect.”
“I can see that. I can also see you have your shirt on.”
“Yes, Miss Harriet. My mom would never allow me to come to the table unless I was wearing a shirt.”
“Oh, she is some woman. Have a seat. Would you like some sweet ice tea?“
“Sounds good. This salad looks delicious.”
“I know young men would rather have beef, but I think you’ll find it tasty. There is plenty so if you want more just ask.”
“Thank you, Miss Harriet. It is very tasty. I may take you up on that offer.”
“Tell me, Lucas. You mentioned your mom. Is she from around here?”
“No. She lived in Wisconsin.”
“You say lived. She’s not there anymore?”
“N-no. She uh…”
“Oh dear. I think this old woman should mind her business. You don’t have to answer.”
“That’s okay. I just miss her, and it is hard to say that she has passed.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss. Has it been long?”
“She and dad were killed last year.’
“Killed? Oh, my. I am sorry.”
“They were murdered in their sleep.”
“How awful, my dear boy. Do they know who did it?”
“The police are really stupid. They think they know but haven’t done anything about it.”
“Oh my gosh. And now you live here in Antion. All by yourself?”
“Yes. I want to finish school, and it’s the only way. I couldn’t stay in Wisconsin. I work here in the summer and then go to the University in Champaign-Urbana. I’ve got an apartment there.”
“How do you manage?”
“My parents left me enough Miss Harriet.”
“I’ll stop asking questions now. I can see you are upset.”
“No. You are very kind. I’m not upset. I would like some more chicken salad if you don’t mind.”
Of c-course, Lucas. I’ll get it.”
“More tea too, please.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we had further revelations that The Sheriff (Seth) and Alice never got a divorce. We didn’t find out why, and according to Seth, it is just one of those things. So far the widow is still missing, and Lucas hasn’t made much headway on the house. I think we should get back there and see if there are any other things we can find out about this weird community.
“Hey you, boy.”
“Yes, ma’am. I see you are back from the beauty shop.”
“Yeah, a bunch of nonsense. Say, I thought you would have been half way done by now.”
“Well, ma’am I’ve had a lot of interruptions is all.”
“Okay but I’m paying you by the job and not by the hour so if you want to fritter away your time that’s your business. Come down here for a moment.”
“Yes, ma’am what is it?”
“I wanted to warn you about that Alice Weston woman.”
“What about her Mrs. Murphy?”
“She’s a she-wolf in lamb’s clothing. I might add that clothing comes off too quickly in my mind.”
“W-what?”
“I just saw the sheriff in town, and he said she was around here while I was gone. That true?”
“W-well, yes ma’am. She was here.”
“She didn’t bother you did she?”
“No, ma’am. She was very nice.”
“That’s what I’m worried about, boy. A nice young man like you better take care.”
“Take care?”
“Yes. Take care that women doesn’t sweet talk you into anything you’ll regret.”
“I think I can take care of myself, ma’am.”
“Mind my words, Lucas. That woman is trouble and if you’re not careful you’ll get burned.”
“Thank you, ma’am. I’ll be careful. Now I’d better get back to work.”
“I was just fixen’ to make some lunch. Why don’t you come inside and wash up.”
“You yourself said I was frittering”
“Aw pay me no mind. I’m an old curmudgeon and get a little on my high horse sometimes. I would love to have some company for lunch. You look like you could use a good meal.”
“Yes, ma’am. I would be pleased. I’ll go put on a shirt.”
“Oh, no need. You are fine the way you are. Just come in. You can wash up in the spare bathroom.”

It is Wednesday Story Day time again, and last week we left Lucas and Seth discussing the relationship between Seth and his son who happens to be a child of Alice’s. (Whew) The Sheriff (Seth) mentioned to Lucas that their family was complicated. It is beginning to look like that could be an understatement. Let’s go back to the widow Murphy’s house and see if Seth and Lucas have any final shocker for us.

“So why did you and Alice get divorced?”
“Well, you see, son. We never did get divorced.”
“What? You are still married.”
“Only under the laws of the state. She and I have not had what you cal a marital relationship for years.”
“Why no divorce.”
“Hmm. Not sure, son. I think it may have something to do with never the right time or place.”
“You don’t live together?”
“Naw. I moved out a long time ago.You know, son when you ask these questions it makes me wonder why we never did get a divorce.”
“You religious?”
“Can’t say either of us took that excuse highway. Naw we are sinners like the rest of the world.”
“I’m studying the law, and I can tell you divorces are expensive.”
“That’s not it either. Alice told me she wants nothing. So far she’s taken nothing.”
“Well, I guess it’s none of my business but seems a little odd. How many years have you been separated?”
“I think you are right. It is none of your business. I’m going to mosey now. I think you’d better start on that house or the widow is going to get a little perturbed with you.”
“Yeah, you’re right sheriff. Hey, it was nice talking to you.”
“You know, son. As much as I hate to say so, it was nice talking to you as well. By the way, is the widow home?”
“Nope, she is off having her hair done.”
“Hair done? Now that’s a good one.”
“W-what do you mean?”
“Widow Murphy would no more let anyone do her hair than she would sit in a fire.”
“Well, maybe I misheard her then.”
“Yeah, I think so. Well, tell her hey,when she comes home.”
“I will sheriff. I will for sure.”
“Bye Lucas.”