Girl in the Shadows (Shadows 2)

"Oh, that's for sure. Matter of fact since you failed in your mission and I don't need you anymore, you should leave tomorrow."

"I'll leave when Mrs. Westington comes home," I said. "And don't try to threaten me with all those nasty things you intend to spread about me. I promised her and I would rather keep my promise than anything,"

"Oh, how sweet. Hear that. Skeeter? She promised my mother she would stay."

"That is sweet," Skeeter said. "So, tell me. April. Speaking of being sweet, you never answered me before. Why do you like girls more than boys?" He rose from the sofa. "Maybe. I can help change your mind about that." he said, taking a step toward me. "If you just give me the chance. I--"

"Get away from me!" I cried, and ran out of the room and back to the front door. I charged out of the house, his lustful smile and laughter chasing me.

Trevor was standing in the driveway near his truck. I stopped and quickly got hold of myself. If he found out what was happening, he'd rush into that house and have it out with Skeeter for sure. I thought,

"What happened?" he asked.

"Nothing. Of course. Mrs. Westington wouldn't sign their papers and I told them. They're upset, but it doesn't matter. They'll leave soon."

"How was she doing?"

"Complaining as usual." I told him. I didn't tell him how tired she looked and was,

"That's good. How's Echo?"

"She's okay. She's asleep. Who knows? Now that they see they can't get anywhere with Mrs. Westington, maybe they'll leave tomorrow."

"I hope so. Okay," he said. "You know where I am if you need me."

"Thank you. Trevor."

He headed for his apartment. I walked on to the motor home, debating as to whether or not I should simply move in there with Echo until Mrs.

Westington returned. I was tempted to sleep there tonight. Right at the moment, it seemed far more comfortable and secure.

I went in and sat across from Destiny.

"We'll be leaving here soon." I told her. When I looked about the motor home, it seemed suddenly very depressing to me, not only because Uncle Palaver was gone, but because of what had occurred here between Tyler and me. Places, like people, can upset you, I thought. Memories cling to them like flies on fly paper.

I was surprised by a sudden knock on the motor home door.

"Who is it?" I asked after I got up and went to the short stairway.

"It's me," Trevor said.

I opened the door quickly. Now it was my turn to read unhappiness quickly in his face. His eyes were gazing down, his shoulders slumped.

"I just had a phone call. My mother's passed on," he said. "I got to go down to Phoenix and make arrangements."

"Oh. I'm sorry, Trevor."

"She's had one foot in the grave for some time now. I feel bad leaving you with this mess."

"I'll be fine. Mrs. Westington will be home soon anyway and it will all be over. Don't you worry about us. Go do what you have to do."

"I'll be staying with a cousin of mine. Here," he said, handing me a slip of paper. "This is the telephone number. Don't hesitate to call me if you need to. We got some relatives coming over from Houston, my mother's younger sister and her son. so I'll be away two, three days maybe."

"Just go and do what you have to do. Trevor. Is there anything you need done at the winery?"

"No, that'll keep," he said. "I'll be leaving in a few minutes. I've got to drive to San Francisco and catch a plane. There's a flight I can make early in the morning. You'll explain it all to Mrs. Westington for me. okay?"

"Of course, Trevor. Don't worry about us," I emphasized. He nodded and walked way.