Emerald Eyes (31 page)

“So I’ve been told,” he politely replied, offering his arm. “Come. We thought you might be hungry after your long trip. I’ve prepared an early supper. Early for us anyway, but you being on Texas time, it should be just about right.”

“She glanced at her watch. Yes! It would be dinner time just about now. It’s a little after six there. Very thoughtful of you.”

He led her to the kitchen where she stopped in her tracks. She couldn’t believe the banquet set before her. There was sliced picnic ham, a rump roast, potato salad, vegetable tray, mashed potatoes, two kinds of gravy, a fruit plate, and pecan pie. Her mouth dropped open. “There’s enough food here to feed an army!” she exclaimed. “You shouldn’t have.”

“Devin loves to cook, Mother,” Madison said, smiling amusedly at her lover.

Devin pulled out a chair for Lois and she was even surprised by that. “I see you have the manners of your grandfather as well.”

“I try,” he replied, and then pulled out Madison’s seat for her before sitting down at Lois’ right, but across from Madison.

“I have to tell you,” she stated, “though I am very grateful, I assure you, I know I’m not going to be able to even make a dent in all this food.”

“No problem, Lois,” Devin replied and then tilted his head questioningly. “Is it all right that I call you Lois?”

“Yes! Of course.”

“We can eat leftovers a time or two.”

“Oh…Okay. Leftovers are good.”

“There won’t be as much as you think, though,” Madison informed her mother. “Devin and I both have voracious appetites.

“Oh really?” Lois replied. “You never ate that much at home.”

“I’m afraid I’ve rubbed off on her,” Devin commented, smiling secretively to Madison.

Lois couldn’t help notice that Madison had not been kidding. Both she and Devin ate like it was their last meal. When she was stuffed to the max, she sat back and watched with amazement at the two still putting the food away.

All she could think was, if she ate like that, she’d weigh three hundred pounds in no time. Only, Madison didn’t appear any heavier than she was when she left home.

Devin suddenly stopped eating and glanced over at her. “You’re full already?”

“Yes!” She said quite honestly. “I ate two plates full. More than I normally would at home. And I want you to know that it was out of this world! Still, I can’t help sitting here amazed at the amount of food you both have been putting away.”

Devin smiled pleasantly and pushed his plate aside. “Actually, I am full now…I’m glad you liked it.”

Madison finished too, jumped up and took their plates and put them in the sink. “I’ll do the dishes later, Mother. You came to visit, so that’s what we will do.”

“You’re sure? I can help with the dishes.”

“No…” Devin said. “You two go get caught up. I’m no stranger to dishes. Did my own for a long time, before Madison so graciously decided to allow me to be her boyfriend.”

Madison raised an eyebrow where her mother couldn’t see and mouthed: “Allow?” Then speaking clearly, she said, “I can do them later, Devin.”

“No. Absolutely not. I’ll handle it. Go visit with your mother.”

“You heard the man,” she said to her mother. “Let’s go to the living room and talk.”

Devin had the dishes done in no time, but he retired to their basement den to allow Madison alone-time with her mother. Though she had previously expressed that she didn’t really want to be alone with her, he knew that that was exactly what she needed. He could hear every word they said anyway, and Madison knew it. Only her mother wouldn’t know that he could hear.

“So,” Lois said, starting to feel more at ease in Devin Knight’s home. “Tell me more about you and Devin. I take it you two are in love? Or you wouldn’t have moved in with him.”

“
Very
, Mother. He’s my world.”

She held out a placating hand, “Now don’t get me wrong. I’m very happy for the both of you. But isn’t he a little old for you?”

Madison grinned obscurely.

“Did I say something funny?”

“Not really, Mother. About ten years my senior. I know of a lot of couples with similar age differences.”

“I know he looks to be in his early thirties, but there is something…can’t put my finger on it. Whatever it is, it makes me feel as though I’m speaking to someone much more mature.”

Madison sat up forward, brow creased. “Mother! Devin spent a lot of his childhood growing up in Europe. He’s kind of an old-world aristocrat.”

“Oh! I didn’t realize he’d lived in Europe.” She considered it. “I guess he would have some differences from your average American-born gentlemen.”

“He likes the old ways, anyhow. Loves classical music, old movies – has a collection of silent films – old books, and all the masters at literature. Moby Dick is one of his favorites. He’s been reading it to me in bed.”

Lois flushed slightly. “Of course…” she said, mostly to herself.

“I live with him, Mother. I do sleep with him.”

“Yes! And you’re old enough to choose your lifestyle.”

Madison was a little surprised. “Thank you for that, Mother! I didn’t expect it from you.”

“I’ve had a lot of time to think since you left. I have been too controlling and too harsh. Can you forgive me?” Her eyes misted. “I’ve missed you so!”

That got to Madison. She jumped up and ran over to her mother and they shared a big hug.

Downstairs, Devin smiled, very pleased, and headed back upstairs. When he walked in, Madison had returned to her seat. “Have you offered your mother a drink, my sweet?”

“No…” she eyed her mother. “I’m sorry. Would you like something?”

“As long as it’s with gin,” Lois replied. “You know, I’m not much of a drinker. One will do.”

“Coming up.” He addressed Madison, “The usual? Vodka?”

“Yes! That would be great!”

In no time, he had their drinks made and handed Lois’ to her first, and then he sat down beside Madison, resting one arm around her, and in the other hand he held his drink.

Lois smiled amiably and took a minute to look around the room. “Very old-world! Madison was right.”

“Yes. Even more so than my grandfather.”

“Yes. I did meet him a couple of times. I still think it uncanny that you two look so much alike. You even have very similar mannerisms.”

“So I’ve been told. Would you like to see the rest of the house?” He asked, standing.

“Yes! I’d love to.”

He took each woman by an arm and led them downstairs to his and Madison’s living quarters, where their bedroom also served as a den, living room, bar, and library all together in one huge space.

“I love it!” Lois said, after taking a moment to survey her surroundings. “I especially
love
the mural. The room makes me feel like I’m in that old
Moulin Rouge
movie. Not the one with Nicole Kidman, but the older one.”

“I think I said something similar when I first saw it,” Madison said. “Remember, I watched it with you several years ago one night? It was on late.”

“The crimson drapes and spread against the black walls. It’s all so eye-catching. Stunning might be a better word. Anyway, I absolutely love it.”

Devin smiled, pleased. He indicated with a nod then to his book collection. “If you find you’d like something to read, I have not only all the classics, but many works by contemporary authors. You’ll even find some Stephen King novels.”

“Awesome. I do sometimes read myself to sleep.”

“One more thing. I believe Madison told you that you are more than welcome to stay upstairs in the guest room here. Or, if you’d rather, you can sleep at Madison’s cabin. Whichever you decide is perfectly fine with us.”

“Thank you! Actually, not sure I want to stay in the cottage alone.”

“Then you are most welcome to stay here during your visit. If you’d like, I can fetch your luggage. I’m sure you packed a few things for your trip.”

“In the trunk of my rental. You sure you don’t mind?” She took her keys out of her purse and tossed them to him.

“Not at all. In fact, I can bring the car around here, if you wish?”

“Yes. I think I’d like that. That way I won’t have to walk the block or two it is to the cottage to get it.”

“I’ll be back in a jiffy,” he said, and dashed up the stairs.

Lois turned to her daughter. “I confess. He is growing on me. I can see why you would be attracted to him. Not only is he
very
good-looking, he is the most gentlemanly gentleman I ever met.” Her expression changed as though she wanted to ask a question.

“What, Mother?”

“You think you two will get married?”

“Probably. But we’re in no hurry.”

“Okay, dear. I know at one time I might have hounded you about it.” She shook her head ever so slightly with a vague, pleasant smile. “Not anymore. We’ve been separated long enough for me to realize many things. You’re a grown woman now and perfectly capable of making your own decisions.”

Obviously surprised by her mother’s statement, Madison said, “Who are you and what have you done with my mother?”

Both laughed.

They sat talking for a few more minutes, and then Devin came in and handed the keys over to Lois. “I set your two suitcases in the guest bedroom. There were only two, right?”

“Correct. Thank you!”

He turned to Madison then. “I think I’ll take a quick trip,” he said, winking where Lois couldn’t see. “I need to pick up some…refreshments (meaning blood), so neither one of us has to go out later.”

Not understanding, Lois said, “Oh! Please don’t go out of your way on my account.”

“He’s not,” Madison replied, eyeing him askance. “We like a lot of juices and other drinks on hand.”

“Oh…I see. Okay.”

Giving Madison a quick kiss he left.

“Well,” Lois sighed, “want to show me the guest room. I think I’d like a shower.”

“Sure, Mother. Follow me.”

Once they were upstairs, Madison informed her mother that she and Devin often slept in past noon, but not to be concerned, to feel at home as much as possible.

Lois said she would, and if she thought it a little strange, she didn’t verbalize it.

Madison went back downstairs to wait on Devin. She was beginning to thirst for blood, and didn’t want to be around her mother anymore until after she fed. She was glad when he came in a half hour later with a briefcase full of units and two sacks of juices and soft drinks. They locked their door, quickly drinking their fill, and then he took the other units and hid them in a small refrigerator that was built into the wall behind the sliding bookshelf. The empty units, he quickly burned in the fireplace with a fresh log. Done, he took the human refreshments upstairs and loaded the refrigerator there with them.

After Mattie showered and slipped into her long baby blue cotton gown with a robe to match, she went downstairs, stopping at the door, hesitating only briefly, as it wasn’t quite bedtime for her, although in Texas it would be after nine. She took in a deep breath, exhaled and knocked.

Devin answered the door right away. “Ah, Lois! We hoped you’d come down after you freshened up.”

“I’m dressed for bed, but I thought it a little early to retire. And I was hoping to visit a little more before I do.”

“We were just considering asking you to play Scrabble with us,” Madison stated, stepping up.

“Oh! Scrabble’s my favorite board game.”

Devin moved aside to let her in. “Madison informed me that it was. In fact, I confess, we already have the game set up.”

It was apparent that Lois was appreciative. “You know,” she commented, as Devin pulled a chair out for her, “I was a bit apprehensive about this trip, but I am feeling much better about it now.”

“Good!” Devin scooted her into the table and then did likewise for Madison.

“We want you to feel at home, Mother,” Madison added.

“Oh! I do! And Devin has been so gracious! You too, of course.”

“Please tell me if you think otherwise.” Devin took his seat. “Now! Shall we begin?”

The women said yes, and Devin said for Lois to go first, since she was their guest.

Thirteen

The green powder, whatever it was, that the medicine man had made for Chuck did seem to prove its worth. When Chuck awoke the next morning, only one goat was dead, and he wasn’t very far from the tent. He figured he had succumbed to the drug or drugs in the concoction. He almost felt joy when he realized he hadn’t killed anyone or anything other than the one goat, which appeared to be only half eaten.

Shortly after he cleaned himself off and dressed, Indian Joe appeared, and when he saw Chuck’s face, he reflected his smile. “Good news, I take it?”

“Yes! It worked! At least, I didn’t get very far. Must have slept most of the night…Or been so drugged I had no awareness.”

“Good! Our man is at the village. But he doesn’t want to meet you until tomorrow. He is performing some special rituals before seeing you. Says he has to prepare himself, too.”

“Okay.” Chuck was just happy that someone was finally trying to do something about it. “Whatever it takes. Hey…That green cornstarch stuff worked. I’ll do whatever he wants.”

Joe was clearly very pleased and looked more hopeful than he had in a long time. “We are going to lick this werewolf curse, Chuck. Maybe not cure it, but make it so where you won’t be a danger to anyone or anything.”

“Nothing could make me happier.”

“That makes three of us,” Joe replied, grinning.

“That’s the second time you’ve said that.”

“Like I said before. It’s the three of us. And counting our guest, four.”

“You’re right, Joe. Gosh! I can’t wait to get past tonight so I can come home to Ticking Feather, and meet this medicine man. What is his name, anyway? You haven’t said.”

“Running Red Sky.”

“Okay…Running Red Sky. Interesting. Kind of long, but catchy.”

“You will meet him soon enough, my friend. Now, I must get back. Tickling Feather is minding the store for me. I know she’s young and strong, but she is pregnant. I intend to make things as easy for her as possible.”

“Me too,” Chuck agreed.

“You have a good rest of the day!”

“Same to you…And I’ll see you as soon as possible in the morning.”