Free Jacob's Ladder by Jackie Lynn Page B

follow the couple as they walked up the steps to the office. “The truth does hurt, even when spoken to a dog.”
    Rose began to panic. “What should I do?” she asked. “I mean, should I try to get to my car or just hide in here?”
    At that moment, the couple walked back out to the porch of the office, Mary standing between them. The campground manager pointed to the small cabin where the two women were staring out of the window. Rose immediately hit the floor when she realized that they were now peering in her direction.
    â€œQuick, get down here,” Rose said to her friend, pulling on her sweater.
    Ms. Lou Ellen did not move, but, rather, braced herself at the sink. “Darling, the last time I got on my knees was during one of Lucas’s prayer meetings at the church. I love my daughter’s husband, but I don’t go to his prayer meetings anymore because I have known for a very long time now that I can talk to the Good Lord just fine sitting in a chair.”
    She cleared her throat. “My dear, I don’t drop down unless I’m quite sure I will get back up. Besides, I’ve only very recently been released from my doctor’s care.” She leaned toward Rose. “A broken hip,” she added, pointing to her right side. “It is not recommended for me to squat.”
    Then she faced the window again. “Well, they are now about forty yards away, so you better decide if you’re running for cover in the back with the guilty dog or if you’re going to stand up like a woman and face this man and his middle-aged mistake.”
    â€œI don’t know what to do,” Rose stammered. “Tell me what to do,” she said, pleading with her friend.
    â€œGet up, drink a few swallows of water, throw some on your face, and get ahold of yourself,” Ms. Lou Ellen replied in a commanding voice. She poured a glass of water and handed it to Rose, who remained seated on the floor.
    The couple was now walking up the cabin steps.
    â€œTell them I’m not here,” Rose said, waving off the water.
    She began crawling toward the rear of the house. Ms. Lou Ellen watched with a disapproving look on her face.
    There was a knock. Rose froze just beside the table. Ms. Lou Ellen made a huffing noise, walked over to the front entrance, and opened the door wide enough for the couple to see Rose hiding under the table.
    â€œIt fell under the chair” the older woman said to her friend, providing an explanation as to why the other woman was down on all fours on the floor. “Keep searching, I’m sure it’s there somewhere.” Then she faced the curious man and woman standing at her door.
    â€œWell, hello there,” she said in her most delicate manner.
    She wore a huge smile across her face. “Rose dear,” she said as if she were surprised, “we have guests.”
    She stood away from the door and Rose turned to look. She remained on her hands and knees for only a second and then quickly jumped to her feet.
    â€œRip, hello,” she said, her voice filled with just a bit too much cheer. “What a surprise to see you here,” she added, walking toward the couple. She stood beside Ms. Lou Ellen.
    She extended her hand. Rip reached out and shook it. The moment was awkward for all of them.
    â€œDid you find it, dear?” Ms. Lou Ellen asked, still trying to cover the charade.
    â€œWhat?” Rose asked.
    â€œIt,” Ms. Lou Ellen replied quickly.
    â€œOh, right, yes, it was in my pocket,” she said, trying to think of the best way to respond.
    â€œOf course it was,” the older woman replied. “That’s where it’s been the entire time.” She smiled and nodded, reminding Rose of their earlier conversation.
    Ms. Lou Ellen faced Rip and the woman with him. “Would you like to come in?” she asked.
    Rose immediately stood between Ms. Lou Ellen and the couple, blocking them from