Free Hidden Vices by C.J. Carpenter

here. I guess the roads are getting a little icy. So she’s taking her time.” Lady Sadie started to get a little amped up, likely smelling another dog on Megan’s pants and shoes. “Sadie, in your bed.”
    Megan’s jaw dropped.
    â€œI’m guessing Dog doesn’t listen quite as well?”
    They laughed. “Not in the last twenty-four hours,” Megan said.
    â€œSo, how are you enjoying our small lake town so far? I know you haven’t been here long, but is it what you were hoping for?”
    Megan felt a ping of warning in her stomach and hoped the conversation wouldn’t turn to her life beyond the last few days. “I’m settling in. It’s quiet.” She smiled.
    â€œWait until we get our first real snowstorm; it will get even more quiet. Whatever happened in Great Cove will probably be the most interesting moment until spring.”
    Megan wanted to say, I don’t think so , then decided against it.
    Moments later the sound of the garage door opening provided a welcome distraction.
    â€œThat would be Jo. You get to meet my other half.” Leigh placed her hand up to her cheek like a school girl sharing a secret. “Whom I occasionally refer to as General Nightingale.”
    â€œLovey, I’m home,” a British voice boomed down the hall.
    The sound of keys hitting the kitchen counter echoed before Leigh answered, “In here, hon.”
    Jo was in her late forties, with typical English translucent skin making her look much younger. She had a confident demeanor, yet Megan could sense a definite kindness, probably due to working with patients. Her mane of tight blond curls was pulled back in a clip. Marching across the room, she gave Leigh a kiss and a hug. She held Leigh’s face, looking directly into her eyes.
    â€œHow are you feeling, sweetheart?”
    â€œI’m good,” Leigh responded.
    She raised an eyebrow, giving Leigh a skeptical look. “You’re quite sure?” She inspected Leigh’s face, muttered something about her color, and gripped her hands. “Are you cold?”
    Leigh turned to Megan. “As I was saying, this is General Nightingale.”
    Jo knocked Leigh’s shoulder. “That’s a fine way to introduce me to our new neighbor.” Jo shook Megan’s hand. “Such a pleasure to meet you. Welcome to McGregor Avenue.” Jo then excused herself. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to go change into something less stuffy.”
    â€œEverything is nearly ready,” Leigh said before Jo was out of earshot.
    â€œGrand. I’ll be down in a bit.”
    â€œShe cuts into people; I cut into beef, chicken, or fish. Oh, and the ‘feeling well’ comment was based on a nasty flu I experienced last week. I teach philosophy, and when one of my students comes down with something, it moves through the classrooms like fire.”

    Jo returned, made herself a martini, and proceeded to fill Megan in on some of the characters of McGregor Avenue, which surprised her because she’d yet to see that many people. Jo mentioned the psychiatrist who was just released from the state mental facility; a wife down the street (allegedly) running a call girl ring out of their house while hubby went to work in Manhattan; and then (least interestingly) the kind, small-town people who were really good friends. Leigh mentioned that they had a holiday party every year, which Megan was welcome to join.
    Megan was far from ready for heavy socialization, but she thought it was a nice gesture on their part.
    Throughout dinner Megan enjoyed watching Leigh and Jo’s give and take, finishing one another’s stories, easily knowing the other’s line of thought. Then the gears switched.
    â€œIs anyone going to bring up what happened in Great Cove today?” Jo blurted. “There were a zillion cars and a big hole in the ice.”
    Megan began, “I watched the news, but