Page 120 of Red King

The dogs jump around me like crazies, somehow managing to stand still long enough for me to clip on their leads.

I walk into the hallway and pick up the mail that’s lying on the floor under the slot in the front door.

There’s a fancy-looking envelope among the pile. It’s a beautiful daffodil yellow. I recognize the address on the back instantly. Then I put the mail down on the kitchen island, with the yellow envelope on top, before heading out.

The beagles pull on the leads, dragging me along as we make our way down the driveway and into the cool evening air. The neighborhood is quiet, with only the occasional car passing by. We follow our usual route, strolling down the sidewalk and winding our way through the streets. I wave at an elderly lady sitting on her porch, and she waves back, the same as every day.

Once we reach the park, I let Fortune and Cookie run free as I sit on a nearby bench, watching them dart back and forth, chasing squirrels and barking at each other.

A guy arrives with two big German Shepherds.

“Come on, boys.” I whistle at Fortune and Cookie, and they run over to me. Once I have them secured, the guy lets his two go.

“Hi,” I say. I’ve seen him before.

“Nice evening,” he says back.

I nod and start the walk home.

Rebecca is peeling potatoes when I walk in. “Hi, Paisley. Did you have a good day?”

“Wonderful.” I sigh. “I still haven’t sent out my resume. I don’t know why I’m stalling.” I take the leads off the dogs, and they run for the water bowl, their nails clicking on the wooden floors.

“You’ll get there.” She smiles. “I’m sure you’ll get a job as soon as you put something out there, so maybe it’s better if you wait. Otherwise, you’ll be gone by next week, and we can’t have that.”

“I need to get out of your hair.”

“Rubbish.” She finishes peeling the last potato.

“You should sit. I’ll do that. You just got home from a long day at the office while I’ve done nothing. Less than nothing.”

“I’m fine.” She puts down the peeler and wipes her hands on a dishcloth. “And you didn’t do nothing. You vacuumed and did all the laundry.” She opens the refrigerator, taking out a package with a couple of bloody steaks inside. Her face goes green in an instant. She puts the meat back and slams the door, sucking in a few deep breaths as she backs away…slowly. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

“Sit…now!”

“It’s like my body has been taken over by a space invader.” She walks over to the chairs next to the center island. “Give me a minute. I’ll be okay.” She keeps sucking in air. “I swear I have a heightened sense of smell, especially when it comes to disgusting things.”

“That is a perfectly normal pregnancy symptom. Can I make you some ginger tea? You should probably have a cookie or a cracker with that.”

“You’re a lifesaver, Paisley.” She’s gone completely pale. “Maybe we should have something else for supper. I’m not sure I can…” She stops talking, going back to a shade of green.

“I’ll figure something out. Leave it to me,” I say as I put the kettle on, grabbing a mug and throwing a teabag into it.

She picks up the now open envelope, which is with the rest of the opened mail on the island.

“We got an invitation to Jim and Lexi’s baby boy’s christening,” she half-mumbles.

“I figured. When was he born? And what did they call him?” This is the first time we’ve spoken of it since I got back.

“A few weeks ago. His name is Solomon James Harper. You can take a look at the invitation if you want.” She puts it on the granite surface.

“Solomon after Jim’s grandfather.” I nod. “It’s a good name.”

She gives me this sheepish look. “I kind of might’ve accidentally said that we would go.”

“Accidentally?” I laugh.

“It was! I ran into Lexi the other day, and she’s so ridiculously nice. I couldn’t turn her down. I wanted to because I hate Jim, but—”

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