“How much did you already know?” asked Wallis, after everyone else had finally left the office. The new Madame Bella had asked her to quickly close the door and not watch her walk away. Wallis had pressed her ear to the door but heard nothing.
“Not enough,” said Laurel. “That was all way above my pay grade. That was a damn circus.”
“It was, wasn’t it,” said Wallis, as she tried to piece how everything fit together. “You know, Laurel, I’ve always thought there were a few things about myself and this town that I could count on to be consistent. I’m not a sucker and this is a small town.”
“I know what you mean and yes, you may be wrong on both counts. No offense.”
“None taken. I keep thinking this is all so ridiculous and yet it keeps growing. I’m not sure whether or not to laugh or throw up,” said Wallis.
“Both, but one at a time. Look, maybe it’s time we did compare notes. You need an ally and I’m standing right here. We have known each other for too many years to not be joining forces.”
“Why is it I need an ally more than you do?”
“Excellent point.”
“For the record, we already are a team unless you have news that I don’t know about.”
“No, no, no surprises here. What was that about your neighbor?”
“Mr. Blazney? God,” said Wallis, as she sat down hard and momentarily covered her face with her hands. “My sweet old neighbor. I found his dog and took her home,” she said, looking up at Laurel. “Must have been the same morning.”
“Why is everyone swirling around you, anyway? You’re interesting but not on that big of a scale.”
“That’s a good question. Madame Bella,” said Wallis, waving at the back door where the small group of nuns had quietly shuffled out, “said someone closer to me would clue me in on that one. I’m thinking she means Norman.”
“Oooh, that can’t be good. Norman wouldn’t keep information about you from you, would he?”
“Before today I would have sworn that was a no. But now, I’m not so sure. That’s how much has happened today.”
“That’s big. Maybe you’re not so smart to just trust me. Lame joke,” said Laurel, holding up her hands in protest. “Look, whatever it is Norman Weiskopf has a good reason. Come on, Wallis, think about it. We’re talking about Norman. Granted he can keep a secret better than a dead man but he loves and respects you. I’d bet money on it and we all know how I do not like to gamble with my money.”
“I know you’re trying to get me to take a deep breath and I appreciate it.”
“First thing to do in a crisis is take a step back. Otherwise you’re a pawn and not a player.”
Wallis smiled at Laurel, grateful she had been smart enough to hire her in the first place. Suddenly, the handle to the back door began to rattle and someone began to simultaneously pound on the door. Wallis startled and stood up, not sure whether or not to go to the door or run out of the front.
“Who is it?” she shouted, trying to sound as if she wasn’t afraid.
“Do you think that was a good idea?” whispered Laurel.
“Open the door, Wallis. It’s David Whittaker. Open this door,” he shouted.
Wallis looked at Laurel and stepped closer to the door.
“It’s late at night David,” she said, as calmly as she could muster. “And I’m not opening this door. It’s ex parte anyway, which I’m getting the impression you already know. You have a problem with Sharon or myself, tell your own lawyer. Go home, David.”
The door shook as if it had been given a hard kick at the bottom. Wallis wondered if the door would hold. Laurel ran out of the room and returned quickly with two golf clubs.
“William’s not going to like that we borrowed his clubs,” said Wallis.
“William will have to get over it,” said Laurel, holding the club over her head. “All of that misspent youth at a Seminary will come in handy for him.”
“Not a Seminary, a home,” said Wallis. “Some kind of boarding school.”
“Now may not be the right time to figure that out,” said Laurel.
“Wallis Jones, you have far more to worry about than a pathetic court case against me. Don’t think they haven’t figured it out, you stupid bitch. You know where Ned is right now, anyway?”
Wallis ripped the door open and raised the five iron. David Whittaker started to push his way into the office as Laurel swung down catching him in the gut and bringing him to his knees. He reeked of good whiskey.
“No, Laurel,” said Wallis, as she put out an arm to stop Laurel from hitting him across the back with the iron.
“You stupid ass,” Wallis whispered close to his ear. David was on all fours, still trying to catch his breath and making small retching noises. “Are you so arrogant that you think every woman will run in fear at the sight of you? It’s good advice in general but if you ever threaten anyone I care about again I’ll be the one swinging for your head.” It was the first time Wallis had ever threatened anyone outside of a court of law.
“She means it too,” said Laurel, still holding the driver over her shoulder, ready to swing.