On Ice by J. D. Faver Read Free Book Online

adamantly. “It’s too big a risk to take. You could get confused sleeping in a new place. I think we’ll all sleep down here tonight. You can bed down on the sofa”
    “Aw, Mom!”
    “Just for a while,” Rene said. “I’ll talk to Mr. LeCroix tomorrow and see if it can be made a little safer.”
    She found the refrigerator and pantry full of food. Apparently, Mrs. Jolly, Brett’s housekeeper, knew a lot about children. They were well stocked on a lot of nutritious foodstuffs. Rene gave the children a snack of fruit and milk as she inspected the larder. A fresh home-made apple pie covered with a layer of foil sat on the counter and some sort of casserole had been placed in the refrigerator. Rene put the casserole dish in the oven and tried to figure out how to light it. There was a box of wooden matches beside the stove. Rene turned the knob for the oven and heard the sound of the spewing gas. She struck the match and squatted hurriedly, peering into the open cavern. A nauseating sulfur smell assailed her nostrils followed by a loud whump sound. The pilot light was lit and a row of blue flames danced brightly in the open holes. Startled, Rene shook out the match she was holding as the flame reached her fingers. Closing the door, she felt to see if the front of her hair had been singed. Soon the delicious aroma from the oven permeated all areas of the cabin.
    Rene busied herself with unpacking and making lists of things they would need. She placed her clothing in the bureau by her bed and folded Sara’s things on top. Seth took his belongings up to the loft, stacking them on top of the blanket chest.
    Lastly, she made a stack of the papers Maddy packed for her. These must be closely inspected to learn what would be expected of her.
    Setting the table with stoneware dishes she found in the cupboards, Rene filled their plates from the stove. The casserole dish proved to be a combination of beef and vegetables in rich gravy. She found a fresh loaf of crusty home-made bread in an old-fashioned bread box and cut it into thick slices. Cold milk completed their repast. Rene thought of the many gourmet meals she had prepared with no word of thanks from Mark.
    “This tastes great, Mom.” Seth dug into his food with gusto, requesting more bread and milk.
    “Yes, Mommy,” Sara said. “This tastes good.”
    “Mr. LeCroix’s housekeeper made this meal for us,” Rene said. “We may meet her tomorrow. It would be nice to tell her how much you liked it.”
    “I will, Mommy.”
    “Did she make that pie, too?” Seth used his bread to sop up the last of the gravy.
    Rene smiled at his actions, which would have earned him a rebuke or worse in Houston. “Yes, she did.” Rene smiled. “Are you ready for a slice?” Seth nodded and she rose to cut the pie. She had just picked up the knife when a shaggy face at the window caused her to scream and drop it to the floor. It clattered noisily as she stared speechlessly at the smiling man. He swept off his battered hat and held it over his heart. His thinning black hair was arranged artfully over his head but it stuck out abundantly in the back, touching his shoulders in places. He had untamed black eyebrows over slightly protruding blue eyes, one of which wandered unsteadily to the outside, though its mate was staring in at Rene. The man showed large white teeth with spaces between them in what she supposed was a grin. He pointed to the door.
    “God, help us!” Rene said fervently as she opened the door.
    “Are you the teacher?” Rene nodded wordlessly and the man went on. “I’m Ben Franklin. Your neighbor. Over thatta way.” He gestured to the back of the house and Rene noticed that the path to the outbuilding disappeared into the woods beyond.
    “Ben Franklin?”
    “Yes Ma’am.” He nodded, still clutching his hat to his heart.
    Rene burst out laughing. She laughed and laughed, backing away from the door and motioning him inside. She laughed until her sides hurt and