Free Micanopy in Shadow by Ann Cook Page B

agree. But when he died, she went ahead with her plan. I was still a teenager.”
    He pointed to his drawing of the downstairs floor plan. “We could restore the original sweep of the downstairs hall by removing the closet. Sounds as if your father would have liked that.”
    Irons nodded again. “Sounds good.” He directed his next comment to Brandy. “So you’re snooping around Micanopy these days? A pretty girl like you?”
    His patronizing tone irritated her again, but he probably didn’t realize she wouldn’t take his remark as a compliment.
    “As a matter of fact, I am curious about something,” she said, glad for the opening. “You might be able to help. I understand your family has a long history here.”
    Upstairs, sharp heels clicked on bare wood and halted at the top of the stairs. “It’s going to be perfectly precious, Monty.” Lily Lou came down the steps. Brandy marveled that such a tall, angular woman’s bird-like movements and childish chirp made her seem fragile. Brandy admired such artful illusion. The piping voice continued. “I want a dressing room next to my bedroom. Promise?” From the enraptured look on her husband’s upturned face, Brandy gathered his wife’s strategy worked—unless, of course, she really was still a willful child at heart.
    “That’ll be just fine, my dear. I’m sure our architect can manage it.”
    Lily Lou Irons took a dainty final step down into the hall. Her gaze swept over Brandy. “This is Mr. Able’s wife.” Irons gestured with a plump hand,
    Brandy flashed him a brilliant smile. “The house will be beautiful when it’s finished, Mr. Irons.”
    He smiled again.
    “You asked about my investigative work in town. I’m sure you both know the story of Ada Losterman. The mystery woman who came to Micanopy and drowned the same day in 1921?”
    Lily Lou turned enormous eyes toward Brandy, expectant and curious.
    “You’ll remember that she left a little girl almost three. I’m looking into that case again. John may already have told you. The daughter is my grandmother, and she’s waited all her life for answers.”
    Lily Lou gave a little squeal. “Do you mean Hope O’Bannon? I’ve heard she’s that child. How exciting! A real mystery right here in little old Micanopy!”
    Brandy turned to Montgomery, her tone confidential. “Your own grandmother took up a collection to see that Ada was properly buried. A very gracious gesture.”
    Lily Lou entered into the spirit of the quest. “I heard the story! The Micanopy’s Women’s Club raised the money.” She pointed a finger with a gigantic diamond ring at her chest. “I’ve become a member myself now.”
    Irons studied Brandy thoughtfully. “I believe I’ve talked to your grandmother at her antique store.” He cut his eyes upward and dropped his voice. “She ought to look in now and then, see how the store’s being managed—or, as a matter of fact, not being managed—while’s she’s away.” He gave her an apologetic half smile.
    Brandy had heard other criticisms of her cousin. “Thanks for the tip,” she said honestly. “Grandmother had knee surgery recently. She shouldn’t have to go in. I’ll help her check on things. But about Ada, we think someone here still knows who she was. Everyone in town seems to know the story, but I’ve very little to go on.” She cocked her head and looked up at him. “The newspaper accounts at the time say she met the owner of a dry goods store before she died. Are descendants of that man still in the area? The owner might confide in his family when he wouldn’t confide in a reporter.”
    Lily Lou Irons moved closer to her husband and looked up at him through long lashes. Her most arresting feature were her huge, round blue eyes. How fortunate that she married a very tall man. Otherwise her little girl persona wouldn’t work so well. “Don’t his people now operate the drugstore in town?”
    Irons shrugged massive shoulders. “I believe