Wet Rain

By Savannah Black

Two sisters-in-law find themselves working together to solve an international plot which they are clueless about in the beginning.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9781646284474

Savannah Black

Savannah Black has retired and is somewhere in the Caribbean on her sailboat, with her husband and dog. I am Wil Collins her co-author and have taken over her website http://www.savannahblack.com and other sites. We have worked together for many years and she is missed. Our live have paralleled each others, with having a lot of the same experiences.I hope to fill her shoes and excel in my writing. I live in Florida on my sail boat and hope to join her in more adventures. The profile photo was taken by my dear friend Janet Riley and was taken on the beach in Half Moon Bay California.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Cocooned in an eerie void of hush, black smoke bellowed at the intersection of Telfair Boulevard and Canyon Trail Avenue. Responding to an emergency call, a fire-rescue vehicle collided with a minivan in the middle of the intersection. At the height of the morning rush, sundered from atop an overturned fire-rescue vehicle, the emergency bar, uncannily, continued flashing. It was a gloomy, stilly scene.

Inside the rescue vehicle were two firemen. The good news, they probably died instantly, thus avoiding the fiery inferno. The minivan, on the other hand, not so lucky.

Mangled on its side, the minivan rested inches from the rescue vehicle. Semiconscious and pinned behind the wheel was a young mother. In the back were her seven-year-old twin boys, whose roughhousing distracted her.

Pinned between the steering wheel and the seat, she called out to them hysterically. Indistinct moaning and groaning were all that faith offered. Legs broken, her body was twisted and contorted in such a way she couldn’t see them. Her nose, however, suffered no injuries as she detected an ominous odor.

The fetor of gasoline was in the air. The highly flammable fluid streamed menacingly from their vehicle’s ruptured gas tank on a downward slope toward the inflamed fire-rescue vehicle. She breathed a sigh of relief to the sound of blaring sirens approaching the intersection. She then suddenly shocked, as they continued as if the tragic scene was invisible.

Time stood still as a procession of emergency vehicles passed through the intersection. One so close, if she were able, she could reach out and touch it. In her moment of despair, she tried desperately to get them to stop. Her chest fiercely compressed between the steering wheel and seat, she could barely utter a whisper. In her moment of gloom, it occurred something else was amid.

She collided with a fire-rescue vehicle in the central business district at rush hour in the middle of the busiest intersection of a city of a half million souls. Yet not one Good Samaritan, bystander, or rubbernecker were anywhere to be found. Not only was the street deserted, outside of the occasional blaring of sirens, but it was also so quiet she could hear the sunshine.

Hope fading, the young atheist closed her eyes and made an awkward appeal to the Almighty. Then suddenly her eyes sprung open to the sound of brakes screeching. A black Audi R8 came to a stop alongside. Outjumped a tall bald man. He assessed the situation and then rushed to her nightmare.

June 15, 7:08 a.m.

At an upscale, mid-town apartment complex, Savannah Black sat unnoticed and alone on one of the three tennis courts. Her brother Stew Johnson and his wife, Celine, engaged in their ritual Saturday morning match on the adjacent court, unaware of her presence. She read to the sound of balls and rackets clashing.

Despite taking refuge under a large umbrella, perspiration beaded on her forehead like water sprinkled in a pan of hot oil. Prompted by an urgent request from her sister-in-law for a hush-hush confab the previous night, she rushed over in haste. Sad to say, she disremembered their weekly game. Feeling they would forego the game if she made her presence known, she kept in the shadows. The monotonous book was dragging time. Bought to bear was her smartphone to pick up the pace. Séven Sellers toward was the chosen friend to help speed up the pace of time.

Whew, she sighed. Thank God, I’m surprised your up this early.

Surprised you called this early, she replied with a grinch-like tone. What’s the deal? Your ma gone haywire again? she snickered.

Ha-ha, I told you about talking about my mother, Savannah warned with a light chuckle.

"What cha doing girl?

In a perfect sleep before you rung my phone. So, what’s up? asked Séven.

I’m at my brother’s apartment waiting for him and Celine to finish their tennis match. I’m staying out of sight, so they don’t stop because of me.

What cha doing to past the time?

Besides talking to you, roasting under this so-called umbrella that’s supposed to keep people cool. Savannah whined. I needed to burn some time, that’s why I called."

That’s what friends for, she responded with a pinch of sarcasm. Especially as you knew I was out late, thanks.

What are friends for? Really? Anyway, I got a distress call from Celine last night. She said she needed to talk urgently. She was serious.

Séven went to the kitchen and poured a bowl of cereal. She says what’s it about?

She didn’t. Stew was nearby.

Hmm, that’s strange. Speaking of strange, how’s your mom?

A month ago, she complained we weren’t spending enough time together. Now its like me and Macon are contagious. Treating us like we got the plague or something.

I know you don’t want to hear this, but I told you—

I hear what you trying to sell. But aint you tired of breaking that same old record? Please don’t go there. The three of us lived under the same roof in harmony before we moved to the Land of Sun and sand."

That was different, insisted Séven while slicing a banana to spice up her cereal. Your husband had just died, and you moved back home. She’s living in your house, with your son, in a different state on the other side of the country. That takes some adjusting.

Savannah exhaled irritatingly. She and Dad adopted me. I adjusted.

Please, not like you had a choice. Hell, you’d adjust to two squirrel monkeys adopting you.

Savannah busted a gut. Laughing so hard, tears rolled down from her head and eyes. Good, good, she chuckled.

Hear me out. She left her home of fifty years in Savannah, Georgia, to move here. Let’s be real. She’s white, you and Macon are black, she emphasized. You’re asking an elderly ‘white’ lady to make helluva of an adjustment in a strange new environment, said Séven with conviction. The transition might be easier if she’d moved with her brother and Celine. You feel me?

Why? ’Cause he’s white?

Uh-huh. She munched down a spoonful of cereal.

Really think you got figured out?

Not really. I’m—

Hold on. Answer me this. Why now? What’s changed? She was all gung ho since we moved here.

You’re the detective, responded Séven sarcastically. Maybe she got tired of faking it. Or maybe, just maybe, she’s just homesick.

I don’t know.

Lonely.

Lonely?

Lonely. Like a woman with urges.

That’s disgusting. You’re full of it this morning.

Hehe, Séven chuckled. She’s still a woman.

Whatever you say. I’m done.

I was kidding.

Savannah folded the umbrella. No, no, no, I checked my temperature. I’m 160 degrees. I have to get off the court before I overcook. Thanks for listening.

Séven chomped down on a mouth full of cereal. Your, eh, mother…

What?

Sorry, I’m eating. Your mother is an enigma. Bye. Ooh, wait, wait. Let me know how it goes with Celine, okay, bye.

* * *

Okay, that’s enough, guys, emerged Savannah from the adjacent court.

Distracted, Stew served the ball into the net. Dammit! Where’d you come from? Stew growled.

Over there, listening to you get your butt kicked for forty-five minutes. Battle of the sexes my behind. She collected stray tennis balls.

Forty-five minutes? Should’ve said something, insisted Celine while gathering balls.

She’s right, sis. You should’ve said something. I’ll gather our stuff. You two go on ahead. He urged while stuffing equipment into the tennis bags.

Such a sweet brother, flattered Savannah. Take your time. Need a few minutes of girl time.

No problem, he replied. You and mom plans for later?

Catch. Savannah tossed several balls in rapid succession. Taking Macon to the movies. We invited Mom, but she declined again.

You’re getting worked up over nothing. She’ll come around.

What y’all got going on tonight?

Celine has a date with the most charming man in Phoenix.

Your nephew? My son? The most charming man in Phoenix? Savannah and Celine high-fived as they moseyed up the long walkway. So what’s going on, girl? Please don’t tell me your herbal shampoo is on back order again.

Celine stopped abruptly. I’ve made a decision.

About starting our own investigation firm?

What? No.

Good, good. Gonna just leave me hanging?

My supervisor offered me a field assignment, divulged Celine dispiritedly. I accepted.

Congratulations!

Shh. Celine motioned feverishly. I haven’t told Stew.

You wanted out of the lab?

I know.

Keeping this from my brother ’cause?

I’m leaving for Georgia Monday morning.

So what? So you’re flying to Georgia Monday, I get it. What? It’s too far from home. Afraid of flying? Dog ate your homework? Scared of—

No, no, no, asserted Celine. I’m pregnant, sis, muttered Celine reluctantly in a low, timorous voice.

Oh god, responded Savannah jaw-droppingly. Damn, you hit the daily double, whispered Savannah. I got a list of girl and boy names in my safe deposit box. Séven will handle the catering for the shower, she rolled out excitedly. At my house, of course. And we’ll—

I’m not sure I’m keeping it, Celine interjected. Not yet.

Abortion? Really had to ruin it for me. One minute. I’ve been planning this shower since you told me you two were engaged. A minute after giving me the news, pop. You bust my bubble.

Stew can’t know any of this. At least not until I figure out what to do. I appreciate the position I’m putting you in.

Doubt that, muttered Savannah.

Sorry, she uttered teary-eyed. You’re the only person I can turn to for support. The only person I trust.

Then trust me now. Pull it together. She wiped her tears away. He’s right behind us.

Thank you. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. She chuckled. I’ve been so emotional lately.

You ain’t seen nothing yet. Plan, asserted Savannah. I’ll meet you at the Confidant at four. In the meantime, try not to worry. I’m here for you.

The Confidant? Yeah, yeah, the Confidant. Sounds good, but—

No if, ands, or buts, sis. Four o’clock. See ya there.

Celine dashed inside the apartment, undressing on her way to the shower. Then came Stew resting his back against the front door to soak in the comfortably cool air. Inside the coat closet, he tossed the bags before seeking a thirst quencher from the fridge. Ten seconds was all it took to guzzle a sixteen-ounce bottled water as driblets of perspiration puddled at his feet.

Celine sweetheart, where did Savannah go? vociferated Stew from outside the bathroom door.

Uh, run some errands, shouted Celine over the rushing shower. And she needed to get to the bank…before they close. We’re meeting later.

Everything’s okay? Odd she comes over this early and leaves so soon.

Far as I know. That the phone?

Hold on. He picked up the phone.

Inundated by the shower, she was unaware of the rivulet of tears spilling from her eyes. With each deception, she fell victim to hormonal paranoia. Her stomach cringed as if the white lie was a full-blown conspiracy. The uncertainty of whether her nausea was a symptom of pregnancy or nerves perplexed and frustrated. What she was certain of, it was a feeling she dreaded having to deal with for nine months.

* * *

I hate ruining your weekend, but I have no choice, said the man apologetically. The cops need our assistance on this.

Seriously, I just got off the tennis court. Yeah, I’m your best agent when you need something.

What can I say, you’re my best agent.

Yeah, when you need something.

Sorry. Call me when you get to the office, and I’ll bring you up to speed. How soon can get there?

Hmm, shower, grab a bite to eat? A couple of hours, I suppose, replied Stew unenthusiastically. I’ll shoot for one o’clock.

Sounds good. I’ll be waiting. And uh, might wanna plan for an all-nighter.

Yeah, okay. Shit! He slammed the receiver.

He sat on the bed flushed with disbelief. What could possibly warrant a Saturday call in. I’m an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agent, not a doctor on call.

To the closet and stared at all five of his suits that ranged from light gray to charcoal in color. Hmm, what shade best match the start of my day?

Before deciding, Celine emerged from the bathroom with a voracious glint. She sashayed toward him, provocatively twirling her thick flowing hair. Despite the nausea, she was determined to use all five feet seven of her fat-free feminine wiles to secure her meeting with Savannah. She wore a coquettish expression and a bath towel before she seductively peeled away the towel and exposed the goodies.

Who called? She stood behind, massaging his body with her tongue.

The…ooh…office.

I won the match. I want my trophy, and I want it hard, she whispered with lips pressed against his ear as she pulled the drawstring on his gym shorts and inserted her hand.

Please tell me what I did to deserve this so I know to do it again.

I’ll start the fire. Think you can put it out in the shower?

His eyeballs rolled to the back of his head. Wrap your hands around this hose, and you tell me. I thought it was to the victor belongs the spoils.

I’m the victor, and you’re the spoils I choose.

You look so beautiful again. But I gotta go to work.

If that’s supposed to be funny, it ain’t, said Celine with her nude body pressed against his damp six-foot-three chiseled frame.

I’m serious. He removed a suit from the closet and placed it on the bed.

On a Saturday? What the hell’s going on? She retrieved the bath towel.

I don’t know. Helping out the cops is what I was told. Gotta hit the shower, he said disgruntledly. Just so you’ll know, I didn’t have a problem with you meeting Savannah later.

Saying I was giving up the goodies for nothing?

Not for nothing. He smiled.

Celine breathed a sigh of relief. Her libido, although still potent, was not as accessibly on demand of late. The nausea only intensified during her efforts to coerce the body to do what the mind spurned. It seemed with every passing day, a new symptom emerged. Most daunting was the notion, having a bun in the oven when the city itself was baking.

The Valley of the Sun was in a biblical drought. Rain was as extinct as the dinosaurs. Most preschoolers had not yet felt the cool shower of raindrops splashing atop their small noggins. Scientists warned that without significant rainfall within the next three months, the Phoenix would be reclaimed by the desert.

Chapter 2

June 15, 4:15 p.m.

Finally, after a lengthy catnap and a hearty fill of salty crackers to pacify her stomach, Celine stepped over the Confidant’s doorsill late. In her haste, she left both her keys and purse in the car. Its realization that occurred prior to her rendezvous.

In addition to the absentmindedness, which had become annoyingly commonplace of late, she’d become increasingly inattentive, not to mention her sudden inability to focus or concentrate. Character, appearance, even her sleep habits were at sixes and sevens and out of sync. What she found most daunting is when the sum of her symptoms affected her appearance.

Unaware of her uncharacteristically disheveled hair, she found Savannah at the usual spot with an unusually long face. Situated along the wall under a huge tinted picture window adorned with ferns and an array of exotic potted plants, the table was an equal distance from the kitchen, bathrooms, and the bar.

I know it’s not true. But please tell me you were stuck in traffic, growled Savannah, inserting a straw in the center of her frown.

Don’t give me that look. Celine slid the aromatic candle over to make room for her purse. I overslept.

I guess your hair is in a coma. What’s up with that hair?

Oh no, scoffed Celine patting her hair frantically. I forgot to do my hair. This baby is doing something to my memory, Celine grumbled.

Baby got nothing to do with your memory.

Look at this. She grabbed a lock of hair. Why else would this happen?

Savannah nodded disapprovingly. Goodness graces, girl. Your mirror needs a tune-up, said Savannah kiddingly as she perused the all-green menu catered to a clientele with the combined body fat of an anorexic ant.

I’m not cut out for this. The nausea, emotional outbursts, the—

Tardiness is not a symptom, Celine. It’s an excuse, inserted Savannah. Believe it or not, despite how beautiful one is, one must not neglect to put a brush to one’s hair before one venture outside one’s home.

Who made you the fashion police? You of all people should show a little compassion. Stew would’ve wake me had he not got called in to work.

Ouch, squirmed Savannah. On a Saturday? Poor baby and after burning all that fuel on the tennis court this morning.

I’m telling him tonight. Can’t put it off any longer. I’m leaving Monday.

Help me out. Wasn’t it you who wanted to get pregnant?

Circumstances were different. It was my hope then. And it will be again. Just not now, noted Celine while looking over the menu.

This is not good. If I was a fortune teller, I’ll—

But you’re not, injected Celine curtly. I didn’t see this coming. I swear. If I pass up this opportunity, I may never get another. Sounds selfish, I know. But—

You need to chill, Savannah interrupted. Whether you have or not, that’s your decision. Nothing selfish about it. Shouldn’t feel guilty. Don’t guilt yourself into nine months of hell.

I know. I just hate disappointing Stew, especially if it turns out to be a boy. He wants to be a dad so bad. These symptoms, though, I don’t know.

Trust me, you sweatin’ the small stuff. It takes some getting used to.

It’s not a matter of getting used to it, asserted Celine. I don’t like it. Today or nine months from now, I don’t like it. Hate what it’s doing to my mind, my body. Maybe it’ll be best I didn’t tell him. You know, spare him the letdown and me the inevitable shit storm.

You can’t be serious.

Why not?

He has a right to know. I’m surprise you would even consider—

Surprised? Have you been listening? Know what, let’s change the subject. I don’t want to talk about babies no more.

Suit yourself. Ready to order?

Oh, so you give up? Just like that?

Yep. I’m hungry. I’m ordering.

This one of your mind games?

Just hungry. She planted her head into the menu.

So self-righteous. Stop pretending to read the menu. You ain’t fooling nobody. You memorized the whole thing.

Savannah buzzing phone distracted her. Let see who this is. After a brief conversation, she ended the call. Unbelievable.

What’s up?

Work.

No way.

Way. Meeting my partner at the station. Guess who’s helping the cops?

Uh?

Wrong answer. Your husband?

Hell going on?

Don’t know the particulars. Dammit. Bad timing all around. Me and my baby had plans. Ooh, iced tea? That’s a break from your norm.

I didn’t think a piña colada was appropriate. You know, with the baby and all.

Then virgin piña colada? No alcohol, sis.

I wasn’t thinking. Can’t think straight no more, insisted Celine while blowing a forelock of hair from her eye. Much as I love you, you can be such an insensitive bitch at times. Don’t worry about Macon. I’ll hang out with him. It’s been a while since we hung out. Who knows, might give me some perspective.

Sure you’re up to it? Not gonna forget and leave him somewhere…are you? smirked Savannah.

It’ll do me good to be in the company of someone mature for a change, smart-ass.

I’m playing, she laughed. Seriously, what you got plan?

I don’t know. Rent some videos, order pizza? We’ll figure it out. I’ll be fun. I just hope Ms. Tessie don’t read me.

Read you? Come again?

Read me. You know, my maternal glow.

The server took their orders. Really, said Savannah with astonishment. You believe in that stuff. You, a woman of science would lend credence to some old wives’ tale?

I know it’s an old wives’ tale. Still, there’s some truth to it. Anyway, the last thing I need is Ms. Tessie blabbing to Stew.

She won’t blab.

So you do believe me?

No.

Savannah chowed down her salad and took off. Celine remained to mull over the spiritual aspects of her predicament. Gazing into the void, she toyed with the plate of greens.

Fifteen and then thirty minutes, she sat in a pensive dimension. Abruptly, the sensation ended when the queasiness returned. She discarded the salad and fed the queasiness with saltines kept on her person.

The episode was the most intense to date. So much so, she considered canceling with Macon—the thought alone brought her to tears. However, disappointing the closest thing to a nephew was not an option. She gained mastery over the illness and then alerted him that she was en route. His excitement and enthusiasm summoned another round of tears.

In the driveway, still in the car, she soaked in the high from Macon eagerly anticipating her visit. All of a sudden, the queasiness felt tolerable. She was prompted to visualize her own gleamy-eyed son or daughter’s friskiness when she walks through the door after work. Images of Christmas mornings, birthdays, and Disney vacations were also entertained. Hmm, maybe this could work? No, no, no, not now, later. And then she cried some more.

Chapter 3

June 15, 6:10 p.m.

Over one hundred degrees in the shaded area where Savannah parked her car. It seemed, as of late, no matter destination, she would be enervated and dusty upon arrival. Her clothes, skin, and hair blanketed in layers of sand and dust. If not for the absence of matching shoes, she’d be soldiering in the Tyvek suit craze.

Despite mild heat exhaustion, she forewent the elevator and took the short jaunt up the staircase to the fourth-floor squad room. It was becoming increasingly difficult for the usually buoyant detective to be upbeat at work, especially on an off day. Still, she carried on as the most stoic, straightforward, and matter-of-fact person on the force with a blue ribbon smile.

Heat travels up, but when she opened the door, it felt as if it stalled on the fourth floor. Whew! Damn fourth floor of hell. This a test anybody’s ’tude.

Testiness filled the air, leaving her with little room to breathe or error. The wind farm of box and oscillating fans of various sizes on desks, floors, and windowsills contributed to the circulation of hot air and short tempers.

Precinct commander, Captain Bleach sat in her chair. He was flanked by Stew and her partner, Detective Todd Benson.

Didn’t I see you this morning, asked Savannah of Stew.

Ha ha, he responded.

Gentleman, I am sorry for keeping you waiting, especially in the middle of our daily brownout. Do you mind? The captain rose to his feet.

Thank you. She placed her purse in her desk. So what’s up?

We’ll talk in my office. Too damn hot in here. Captain Bleach led the way.

Stew gave Savannah a playful sibling shove in the hall. Scallywag, whispered Savannah while firing back.

Stew bumped her with his shoulder. Scamp, he muttered as they filed into the spacious office.

This ain’t over, said Savannah with a sharp elbow into his side.

At the round conference table in the middle of the air-conditioned cooled office is where they sat.

I thought window air-conditioners were forbidden? uttered Savannah.

So is frolicking with your brother while on duty. Either way, I don’t give a rat’s ass, he countered. None of us want to be here today, so let’s get on with it. The situation is unique. A house on Twelfth Street exploded or something. Honestly, no one seems to know what the hell happened.

Detective Benson chimed in, Am I the only one—

No, interjected Captain Bleach assertively. We all know that’s another precinct. Like I said, the situation is unique. Six victims, two adults, four minor children, found dead. The adults are Latino, all four children Middle Eastern. Yeah, that’s what I said. Agent Johnson is on loan from ICE. (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) His expertise, hopefully, help us sought this thing out as far as identification and locating families. Fireman at the scene will hook you up with hazmat gear.

Hazmat? thrust Savannah disconcertedly.

Why the hell we need hazmat suits, Detective Benson echoed. We’re not firemen.

Hate to pile on, but I haven’t had to training. Stew made it unanimous."

You’ll get brief instructions on-site, Captain Bleach responded. So far, I haven’t heard anything from the lab or fire department to impede you from going inside and investigation. You’ll be fine. Just follow the instructions, you’re given. He turned the air-conditioner down with a remote. By the way, drink a lot of water. It’s gonna get really hot in those suits, he snickered.

Savannah gave him a disgusting look. Fucking jackass.

Is that an ostentatiously, unnecessarily huge desk or what? Stew whispered. Somewhere, somebody missing a small forest.

June 15, 6:25 p.m.

Tears out, Celine emerged from her car. Approaching the door, she initiated a mental list of things to avoid during pregnancy, expeditiously. At the top, avoid making plans or promises.

Ms. Tessie greeted Celine at the door. I’m doing fine. How are you feeling today? asked Celine.

Ms. Tessie closed the door. Congratulations! Ms. Tessie dropped a bomb.

Huh? responded Celine unsettlingly.

The baby, I heard the news. Look at you. You’re trembling. Come, let’s visit.

How? How did—

Stew, Ms. Tessie interjected. He called on his way in to work earlier. Was so excited he couldn’t wait to tell me in person, bless his heart. So what are you hoping for?

Celine was led to the sofa slowly as if she’d been mystically charmed by Ms. Tessie’s words. He knew?

Ms. Tessie was five cups of coffee a minute, adrenalized. Where’re my manners. How ’bout a glass of iced tea?

Huh?

Iced tea. Care for some?

The gabby in-law neglected to notice the mind-your-damn-business tint in Celine’s complexion. Every muscle in her countenance was strained to the breaking point to conceal her anger. Her lips were so tightly zipped they fluttered like that of a stuttering ventriloquist.

I was in the garden picking tomatoes when he called again. She placed the tray with the tea on the coffee table. On his way to the police station to meet with Savannah, he said. Maybe my eyes, but you don’t look so worn down to me.

Say what?

After y’all match this morning. No big deal. You ain’t got the energy and stamina you had. You have to slow down, sweetie. You’ll get used to it. Ms. Tessie smiled.

Have anything for a headache? Acetaminophen? Celine massaged her temples intently.

Mmm, I believe Savannah keeps it in her medicine cabinet. Don’t you move, sweetie, I’ll just be a minute. She darted up the stairs.

Before the opportunity to absorb what transpired, Ms. Tessie returned. Here you go, sweetie. She handed her a bathroom cup containing two caplets. I stuck my head in Macon’s room. He’ll be down soon. He’s finishing a game on that video contraption.

Thanks. She contrived an anemic smile. Only place you stick anything is in my business. No one’s that fast. Noisy bat.

Now tell me. Boy or girl? I hoping for a girl.

Uh—she gestured Ms. Tessie to give her a moment to swallow the pills—I’m not sure. I know it sounds funny, but I haven’t given it any thought.

That’s what your husband said, uttered Ms. Tessie in a deflated tone. It’s okay to be excited, you know.

You grow them as a diversion?

I beg your pardon. Grow what, sweetie?

Tomatoes. I ask because I’ve never known anyone to grow them year-round.

In remembrance of my sister, Karen. She led Celine to the kitchen. She loved tomatoes sandwiches. And she craved them year-round. Far as she was concern, it wasn’t a sandwich unless tomatoes were included. Ms. Tessie reflected proudly. Have to understand she was more than just my sister. She was my best friend.

That’s sweet, said Celine mistily. All this time, I didn’t even know you had a sister. Where is she?

She passed when we were very young, said Ms. Tessie in a somber note.

I’m so sorry. I don’t understand why Savannah never mentioned her.

Ms. Tessie expression turned cold and forbidding. I didn’t tell her. Why would I? She’s the reason—

I don’t understand.

Ms. Tessie rubbed her hands together nervously. I read where if someone is taken from you, someone innocent, their spirit can be reborn in another body. She peered out the window at the garden. What don’t you understand?

You don’t really believe—

"Karen spirit could’ve resurrected in another? After Stew came along, I wanted to try again. Stew was a blessing, but I