Bayou Paradox by Robin Caroll Read Free Book Online Page B

“You accidentally picked up a phone, dialed Jackson’s number and informed him that my grandmother’s in the hospital? Sure, I can see how that just happens.”
    â€œI needed information. You said you were going to notify them. I assumed you’d do that sooner than later.”
    â€œWell, you were wrong. Just like you’re wrong in thinking what’s happening with Grandmere and Tanty is coincidental and random.” She ran a hand over her hair, smoothing down the wayward strands. “Was there a particular reason you came by, other than just to annoy me?”
    â€œI was concerned when you missed the last visitation with your grandmother.”
    Guilt slammed her like a sledgehammer. She cut her gaze to the wall clock. Could that be right? Had she really dozed off for a couple of hours? “Uh, I fell asleep. Has there been a change with Grandmere? I mean, the nurses are supposed to call if there’s any—”
    â€œNo, no. There’s no change. I just got worried about you when you didn’t show.”
    Shame transformed her words into cutting remarks. “I don’t need a keeper, thank you very much. I’m a big girl, able to take care of myself.”
    â€œI didn’t mean to imply otherwise. I on—”
    â€œAnd I don’t need you jumping into my family business.” She turned away from the door.
    â€œLook, I said I was sorry about that.” He followed her into the kitchen. “Besides, I need to follow up on a couple of things with you.”
    Standing at the sink, she reached for the sponge. “Such as?” She rested her hand on the hot-water knob.
    â€œYou said your grandmother had a visitor before she fell ill.”
    She glared at him over her shoulder. “And?”
    â€œYou said there were dishes left in the sink?” He joined her and jutted his chin toward the plates and cups she’d been about to wash. “Those them?”
    She nodded.
    He pulled several paper bags from his pocket. “Can I run some tests on them?”
    â€œPlease.”
    He donned latex gloves, then carefully slipped the plates and cups into the bags before shoving the two forks into envelopes. He tossed the gloves in the trash and grabbed his pen. In a neat hand, he labeled the bags, then glanced around the kitchen. “Do you have any idea who might’ve come to visit your grandmother?”
    â€œI told you, I wasn’t here. I haven’t a clue.”
    â€œWell, these tests will probably net us nothing, but we’ll try.” He lifted the bags and hesitated. His eyes softened as he stared at her. “I really am sorry. For everything.”
    The spark flared again. She nodded, sure no words could force their way past the emerging lump in her throat. The door shut softly behind him.
    Tara stared out the window, noticing the sun dipping below the trees as the bayou prepared for night. Alyssa and Jackson would be here soon. How could she avoid the confrontation that would certainly take place?
    By not being at home when they arrived.
    They’d probably stop by the hospital before heading to the house. She could leave them a note, go into work and get the club’s books current, take a leave of absence, then go to the hospital for the night visit and slip more of the healing potion into Grandmere. If she played her cards right, she could avoid her sister until the wee hours of the morning. By then, surely Alyssa would be either asleep or too tired to fight.
    Yeah, good plan.
    Ten minutes and a shower later, Tara dressed and scrawled a note for Alyssa and Jackson. She headed to her car just as an SUV whipped into the driveway. Great. Now what?
    An older woman sporting hair an interesting shade of blue jumped from the running board, gripping a casserole dish covered in foil. “Hi, there, honey.”
    Like she knew this woman? Maybe a friend of Grandmere’s? “Hello. Can I help