Jeanette's fine brows arched with what seemed like suspi-
cion.
"Well, yes," stammered Maggie. "I had tried to inform
your grandfather about the circumstances of-"
"Rick Tanner says that story was what killed Grandpa."
Maggie's cheeks flushed and she swallowed hard. "But
did you read about what-"
"I have no desire to read your small-town trash." The
middle-aged woman turned abruptly and walked away,
joining Rick Tanner and his family, her back like a stone wall.
Maggie studied the small group of mourners comforting
one another. Part of her wanted to rush at Rick and publicly
accuse him of being responsible for all this. But another part
of her felt guilty, and like a whipped dog she only wished to
slip quietly out the backdoor. Just then she felt a nudge at her
elbow and turned to see Clyde wearing a clean plaid shirt
and bob tie.
"Hanging in there, old girl?" he asked, a kind warmth
lighting his faded blue eyes.
She sighed. "I was just soundly told off by Mr. Westerly's
favorite granddaughter."
Clyde scowled. "Hmph. And then off she goes to consort
with the enemy. Doesn't she have any idea what Tanner's up
to?"
She shrugged. "I guess not. Or maybe she doesn't care.
But I thought she was the one who really loved the farm."
"Maybe she loves the money even more."
"I didn't even get a chance to ask her about his dog."
"Arnold's dog?"
"We're keeping his Border collie at the house, but I won-
dered if someone in the family might want her."
"How about if I go say something?" offered Clyde.
"Good luck," muttered Maggie. She made her way to the
door, watching Clyde from the corner of her eye as he
approached the group. Words were exchanged, but
Jeanette's gaze remained stony and Rick glared at Clyde with Looking for You All My Life53
open hostility. Then Clyde handed Jeanette a business card,
probably for the Pine Cone, and walked away, joining
Maggie by the door.
"I tried to talk some sense into that woman, but she just
won't listen. I think Rick's poisoned her against us. When I
mentioned the dog, she said she'd give you a call at the paper
on Monday. I don't think she liked the idea of you having
her granddad's dog one little bit."
"It figures. And Leah was just getting attached to her."
Maggie glanced out to the street as a stiff wind chased some
dry leaves across the sidewalk. "Thanks for trying, Clyde. I
better go now."
"Don't you go on blaming yourself for Arnold's death,"
said Clyde quietly as he stepped out the door with her. "We