Seeds of Yesterday (Dollanganger 4)

opened each one, filled in the blank places for "Yes,

we will be happy to attend," and then mailed those in

the provided envelopes back to Bart. You see, I found

them in Bart's office. I never saw such a strange

assortment of crooked handwriting, all in various

shades of blue, violet, green, black and brown ink.

Joel, you changed pens to make it seem those cards

were signed by different guests, when it was you who

signed them all!"

Slowly Joel stood. He gathered about him the

handwoven invisible brown habit of a saintly monk,

thrusting his gnarled hands up those imaginary

sleeves. "I think you have lost your mind, woman," he

said coldly. "If you wish, go to your son and tell him

your barbaric suspicions, and see if he believes you." Jumping up, I headed for the door. "I intend to

do just that!' I slammed the door hard behind me and

hurried off.

In his study Bart was seated behind his desk,

now wearing pajamas covered by a black woolen robe

piped in red. Drunkenly he was tossing the R.S.V.P.

cards one by one into the roaring fire. I saw to my

dismay the last of the pile go up in flames as I

watched Bart pour another drink.

"What do you want?" he asked in a slurred way,

narrowing his eyes and seeming surprised to see me. "Bart, I've got to say this, and you have to

listen. I don't think Joel mailed your invitations, and

that is why your guests didn't show up."

He tried to focus his eyes and his intellect,

which must have reeled under the influence of all he'd

drunk. "Of course he did. Joel always does as I order."