Free Forbidden Entry by Sylvia Nobel Page B

accident?” If I combined Marshall’s refusal to provide his confidential information with the vague reference to two other deaths in the same area, the missing cell phones and then added in Fritzy’s involvement, her allegation gained merit. Or not. Intriguing as it all sounded, I cautioned myself not to jump to conclusions. We both stood silent for several seconds before I ventured, “Ginger, what did Marcelene mean when she said Jenessa of all people would know better? Know better than what?”
    The faint lines on her forehead deepened as her gaze turned blank. “I think she might’ve been referring to some kind of accident that happened to her way back before I moved out here…but I can’t say as I remember the details clearly.” Her shoulders slumped and her eyes welled up with tears again. “I’m sorry, sometimes things just go in one ear and out the other. Or maybe I’m just not thinkin’ straight right now.”
    â€œDon’t worry about it now. If you think it’s significant, call me later.”
    â€œThanks for listening to me ramble on.”
    I laid a comforting hand on her arm. “Hey, you’re my best friend. You can ramble anytime. And, considering the circumstances, it’s perfectly understandable.”
    â€œIt’s just so doggone hard to accept. Them being so young and, like Nona always says, full of piss and vinegar.”
    I nodded, concurring with the archaic phrase borrowed from her wise but colorful grandmother. “Listen. Don’t worry about coming into work tomorrow. I’ll text Tugg and see if Louise can sub for you and maybe a few days next week, if necessary. Marcelene is going to need your help. Please don’t feel obligated to come to the barbeque tomorrow night either. Everyone will understand.”
    â€œOh no, I want to! I was really lookin’ forward to that! Doug is going to be bartending so maybe I’ll just drop by for a short spell.”
    â€œWhatever works.” I embraced her again, and when I finally climbed into my Jeep and started the engine, only then did I realize how profoundly exhausted I felt. I rummaged around in my purse and pulled out my phone. My quick text to Tugg contained minimal details and suggested that his daughter man the reception desk for a few days. I hit the send button, lamenting that since my very first day at the Castle Valley Sun we had been perpetually understaffed. I glanced at the digital clock and was surprised to see it was after eleven. No wonder I was so fried.
    I wished I could inform Tally of today’s turn of events, but it was far too late to call or even leave a message. I always teased him that he went to bed with the chickens but woke early enough to personally wake the rooster. Instead, I sent him a text briefly explaining the day’s events and that I’d call him in the morning with additional details.
    It was kind of eerie driving alone along the deserted streets, now dark except for a smattering of Christmas lights. I was anxious to get home to the cozy ranch house I’d been renting and would continue to rent until after the wedding. I’d made it clear that I could not live in the same house with his chain-smoking, screwball mother. Happily, the plans for the new house Tally was having built for us were being finalized next week. It would be great fun showing everyone the building site and plans.
    Once on the main highway, I headed into the open desert, as always marveling at the striking beauty of the radiant starlit sky. Fifteen minutes later, I swung onto Lost Canyon Road and stared ahead at the moonlit silhouette of Castle Rock sporting a ragged crown of silver-rimmed clouds. Spellbinding! The solitude of the desert provided a soothing balm to the conflagration of emotions engulfing me as the disturbing events of the day looped endlessly in my mind. What irony. This perfect day I had built up in my mind for so long had