Darned if You Do by Monica Ferris Read Free Book Online Page A

meant by that—” Valentina pressed her lips together in an effort to stop herself from talking some more. Surely Mr. Penberthy did not need to know all this about her family history!
    He continued to look at her with interest, but she nevertheless stayed silent to see what he would say.
    â€œWhat you’re telling me is very helpful, I think it gives me some insight into Mr. Riordan’s personality.”
    Valentina shot him a hard look.
Was that some kind of slam?
she wondered.
    But Penberthy continued, oblivious to her concerns. “Mr. Riordan is an interesting man, intelligent about some things and clever with his hands. He tells funny stories. I’ve enjoyed our conversations.”
    â€œWhat does he do to keep himself busy?” Valentina asked. “Has he got some kind of job?”
    â€œNot a regular job. He often volunteers for town projects, such as our annual fall festival, Apple Days, and our summer festival, Art in the Park. He works hard, though once he feels he’s done enough, he will vanish from the scene, usually without notice. There is some . . . lack of follow-through in him, an inability to make long-term plans. I believe the current jargon would have it that he is ‘behaviorally challenged.’” He looked inquiringly at Valentina again.
    She nodded. “He was an odd kid, and he grew into what my mother called a queer duck. But without a mean bone in his body.”
    Penberthy nodded back. “Yes, that sums him up in my estimation, too.”
    â€œSo what are we going to do about him?” Valentina asked.
    â€œI’m afraid the responsibility to solve this problem will fall primarily on you.”
    â€œTommy isn’t going to appreciate my help, you know.”
    Penberthy hesitated, then said with an apologetic smile, “I’m afraid we’re counting on that. Those of us permanently responsible for him need to stay on his good side. By pushing off this difficult, but temporary, task onto you, we can stay in his good graces, and you can go home and get away from his wrath.”
    â€œSo it’s okay with you that Tommy will hate me for the rest of his life?” There was a bitter tone in her voice.
    â€œI don’t think that will happen. He’ll be angry with you for a while, but when he gets his house back, cleaned up and in good order, a house the city cannot condemn, it will occur to him that you did him a great big favor.”
    Exasperated, Valentina threw her arms wide. “Have you seen that house?”
    â€œNo, he didn’t allow me into the place. In fact, as far as I know, he didn’t allow
anyone
into the place.”
    â€œI’m not talking about the inside, which is a filthy and unsanitary pigsty,” Valentina said. “I’m talking about the outside. It’s not just the mashed roof, either. The walls are crooked, bulging near the ground. That’s probably caused by a serious problem with the foundation. Go over and have a look at it, Mr. Penberthy!”
    He stared at her, his eyes at first startled, then sad. “I am ashamed to tell you that I have never gone to Mr. Riordan’s house—have not so much as looked at it while passing by—or I might have noticed that it was getting into a very bad state. I’m glad that you came to see me and made me aware that things have gotten badly out of control.
    â€œBut we’re moving at last in the right direction. With your help, we can get an honest assessment of the state of his house. Maybe it will even be possible to get it back in good order by making repairs.”
    Reluctantly, Valentina reined in her temper. “Kassie Christianson—do you know her?”
    â€œNot well, but I have long known she’s Mr. Riordan’s social worker. Last time I talked with her, she mentioned your name.”
    â€œShe says I should get an emergency conservatorship. She says then I would have the . . .