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.”