Charon's Crossing

"I couldn't agree more. I'm getting tired of trying to shower in a thimbleful of lukewarm water."

"No, it's more serious than that. My guess is that heater is fixin' on quittin' any day now. It works on propane, you know." Hiram jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "Tank's right out back, in case you hadn't noticed."

"Is the tank empty?"

"No. And that's not the problem. Have you ever noticed a funny smell comin' from that cellar? Down where the heater is?"

"Nothing but the damp and the mold."

"Propane gas has no smell of its own. Gas company adds hydrogen sulfide to make it stink like rotten eggs as a warnin'."

"A warning of what?" Kathryn sighed. "Hiram, I'm trying to follow you but I'm not getting anywhere."

"What I'm sayin' is that that heater looks to be on its last legs. Get yourself a gas leak, get enough gas built up, add the teensiest spark or flame and boom, this place goes up like a bomb."

Kathryn shuddered. "Can you fix it?"

"Sure. But I'll need to order some parts, arrange for a new heater..." He scratched his head. "Probably can do it next week sometime. If you can't stay around that long, just give me an okay now and—"

"I'll be here."

Amos's brows lifted. "There's no need to stay on, Kathryn. I can take care of this for you."

"Thanks, but I'll deal with it."

"Won't be comfortable here," Hiram said pointedly. "For safety's sake, I'm goin' to have to shut off the electricity to the heater right now." He looked straight at Kathryn. "You won't have any hot water except what you boil on the stove. Might be better if you moved into town."

"I'll manage."

"Kathryn." Amos gave her a pleasant smile. "Have you thought of the ramifications? You'll have to heat water to bathe, to wash dishes..."

"Will it be safe?" Kathryn asked. She cleared her throat. "Until you can fix it, I mean. I, ah, I wouldn't want anything to happen to this house."

"Oh, it'll be safe enough. I'll shut off the gas to the heater. Just so long as you don't smell nothin' and nobody opens that valve and strikes a match, you'll be fine."

"Still," Amos said officiously, "as your attorney, I would advise you to vacate Charon's Crossing at once."

Kathryn's smile was cool. "It's a little late to start offering me advice, isn't it? Go ahead, Hiram. Do whatever you have to do."

* * *

Amos steered his car slowly down the driveway. He was silent, as was Hiram.

They were almost at the gate before Amos stirred.

"Well, what do you think?"

Hiram snorted. "Since when do you care what me or anybody else thinks, Mr. Attorney?"

Amos stopped the car and looked at the handyman.

"I am asking your opinion. Do you wish to give it?"

Hiram Bonnyeman sighed and leaned back in the seat.

"I think Elvira and Ada were right. That girl's actin' strange."

Amos sighed, too, and flexed his hands on the steering wheel.