THE BLUE STALKER by JEAN AVERY BROWN Read Free Book Online Page A

cupboard next to the stove.”  Ella said taking a big breath.
                  “Sure Ms. Ella.”  Maria said as she looked into the cupboard for the pan.  Maria looked in the refrigerator for the butter. 
                  “Ms. Ella, I can’t seem to find the butter.”
                  “Lord knows I can’t keep up with this house.  I’m probably out of it.  We can enjoy the popcorn without butter.  I need to start a grocery list.”  Ella grabbed a tablet and started jotting down items needed.
                  Juan filled the ‘official’ popcorn bowl. They sat around the fire chatting about things they had been through the past few days.  Ella didn’t mention her offer.  She wanted to give them plenty time to think about it.  The lights were low and the flicker of the fire streaked across the room.  Juan and Maria snuggled on the sofa with an afghan Mrs. Ferguson made when Ella was young.  The house was quiet except for the crackling of the fire.  As the fire lost its sparks the three decided it was time to get some sleep.  Juan and Maria made their way upstairs.  Ella chose a good book from the library and took it to bed with her.
                  Ella woke to the smell of fresh brewed coffee and bacon frying on the stove.  The morning sun shined through the gaping drapes covering the large window.  She slid her size ten feet into her slippers, scurried over to the window.  Pulling the drapes to the side allowing the bright sun to shine through the room. 
                  Ella pulled her hair back in a ponytail, quickly washed her face, and downed a warm robe joining Juan and Maria in the kitchen.  Maria was hurriedly putting the last touches on breakfast while Juan set the table. 
                  “Good morning.  What a nice surprise.  Everything smells so good.  I’m starved, can I help with anything?”  Ella asked as she poured herself a cup of coffee.
                  “No, Ms. Ella this will be my job.”  Maria said as she set the last plate on the table.
                  “Are you saying you are accepting my offer?”  Ella happily asked.
    “That will be Juan’s decision.  I guess I spoke up too soon.”  Maria said looking over at Juan.
                  “Yes, Ms. Ella we talked about your generous offer into the wee hours of the morning.  We feel you are being very generous to share you home with us.  We have come to admire you.  We know you are a good woman.  Yes, we would like to accept your offer.”  Juan pulled Maria close to his side.
                  “This calls for a celebration,” Ella smiled wrapping her arms around two people she met only a few days ago.  “Shall we have breakfast?  We have so much to discuss.”   
    Ella was so excited she could hardly eat for talking. 
                  “We have so much to do, first things first.  After breakfast I will call my dad’s old law firm and get the papers started.”  Ella said holding her napkin in front of her full mouth.
                  Ella made the phone call to San Francisco.  “Yes, you heard me right.”  She told the attorney on the other end of the line.  “I’m sponsoring a nice Mexican family.  Let me
    Know when you have everything in order.  We will fly up to take care of all the paperwork.”  She told the attorney.  Ella put the phone in its cradle and smiled.
                  The following days were filled putting things in order.  Ella’s home was now Juan, Maria and Jose’s home.  It had to be made comfortable for them too.
                  “Tomorrow let’s make a trip to Baker to pick up some much needed things.”  Ella told them.
                  Ella made a list of items needed.  After Mrs. Ferguson passed on Ella being an only child acquired all her mother’s belongings.