Ethel gasped. “You’re going to leave me by myself and go off with your father? Typical.”
Darius frowned. “You came by yourself.”
“That doesn’t mean I want to stay by myself.”
“Then mingle, Mom. I’m going to watch what’s left of the game.” Darius headed back to the kitchen and his friends.
“Everything OK?” Megan asked Darius.
“Yes. What did I miss?” Darius reclaimed his brownie.
Despite Megan, Ean, Ms. Helen, and Alonzo’s obvious concern, they once again allowed Darius to change the subject.
“You didn’t miss much, although Doreen’s been gone a little longer than usual.” Alonzo frowned in the direction of the front door.
Darius finished his brownie and nudged Ean. “Let’s go see what’s taking your mother so long.”
Alonzo led Darius, Megan, and Ean out of the kitchen and across the living room toward the front door. The heavy, cool breeze rushing down the hallway toward them indicated the entrance was still open. Darius’s curiosity spiked. Muffled voices floated toward him.
“Nessa, you’re welcome to come in and enjoy some refreshments. But I won’t allow you to insult me in my own home.” This was Doreen’s voice.
Without speaking, the group picked up their pace.
“Is something wrong?” Alonzo stopped beside Doreen in the front doorway.
Nessa surveyed the sheriff. “Alonzo, are you hosting this get-together with Doreen?”
“Doreen doesn’t need much help.” Alonzo had his game face on, making his thoughts difficult to read.
“Just like a married couple.” Nessa pursed her lips. “But without the benefit of the blessing. Are there plans to make this little setup official?”
Darius felt the sting of the councilwoman’s words as though they were directed at him. “Why are you in such a rush to get them married, Nessa?”
“Who left the door open?” Ms. Helen’s querulous question preceded the older woman’s approach. She made a place for herself between Darius and Alonzo. “Nessa? What are you doing here?”
“I’d hoped to share some fellowship with my neighbors.” Nessa folded her hands over the brown purse hanging from her left shoulder.
“Fellowship?” Ms. Helen gave a soft chuckle. “I know what you’re doing, Nessa.”
“I beg your pardon?” Nessa gave the older woman a pious look.
Ms. Helen’s expression hardened. “This is a friendly gathering. You’re not welcome to bring your poison here.”
“I
don’t know what you’re talking about.” Nessa gaped.
“No?” Ms. Helen nudged Doreen’s hand from the doorknob. “Go home and pray on it. It’ll come to you.” Ms. Helen closed the door in Nessa’s face, then secured the lock.
Darius ended the stunned silence. “Ms. Helen, why did you do that?”
Ms. Helen shrugged. “Somebody had to make a decision. Doreen was letting all the heat out.”
Doreen gestured toward the closed door. “I was trying to handle Nessa diplomatically. I have to work with her when I take office in January.”
“Blame it on me, dear.” Ms. Helen patted Doreen’s back. “But someone had to save you from yourself.”
Darius offered Ms. Helen his left arm. “There’s never a dull moment with you. Let’s get you into the kitchen. It’s warmer in there.”