The Inheritance Book 1

Ch 44 Shot for a Shot: Mrs. Fern Carter [Monday Night, Week Three]

Fern asked her wonderful daughter, Kara, to check on the kids and collect their empty cocoa mugs.

Kara immediately went to the pantry to fetch the silver cart. As she passed by, she put her hand on Fern's arm and said meekly, "Mom, I know it's been a rough day, but maybe you've had enough to drink tonight?"

The blood rushed to her face. "I've, um, only had maybe a nip or two " she stammered. "In any case, don't worry about me, honey, I am fine." Well, it was true. This evening's drinking session, she'd only had a couple. The ones from earlier didn't count.

As soon as her daughter left the kitchen, she hurried to the counter and poured second cups of cocoa for herself and Alden. She glanced behind her to make sure Alden wasn't paying attention. He was absorbed in the task she'd given him: sharpening the kitchen knives. The coast was clear, so she quickly added to her cup a generous splash from a bottle of "vinegar," which was really peppermint Schnapps. She ignored that little guilty feeling Kara's not-so-subtle hint had invoked. She had been all geared up to have this one last drink for the night, and there was no stopping now. Besides, her nerves were shot, so she deserved this final shot as compensation. A shot for a shot.

She set the mugs on the castle's kitchen table, where she and Alden had planted themselves while waiting for word from Allora about the missing girls.

"Thanks." Alden picked up his mug and looked up at her gratefully. "You're a peach."

"You're welcome." She gave the back of his chubby neck an affectionate squeeze. "And you're a plum." What a wonderful husband he was! He never gave her a hard time about anything. She was a very lucky woman indeed.

After 25 years of marriage, Fern couldn't imagine her life any other way than with him here at Trecorin. If only the castle were theirs! What a shame that this glorious estate would pass into the hands of one of these upstarts, rather than Kara or Austin. Or even Nancy Haversham! Fern gave herself a mental slap. She had to remember her place was as an employee, not family. Trecorin belonged to Allora and she had the right to do with it whatever she wished.

The back door creaked open. Allora slipped in, slightly out of breath, looking ruffled, her hair mussed.

"The girls are on top of Mount Emrys," she announced.

She and Alden knew better than to inquire how Allora had discovered this information, or why she was so sure.

Alden shook his head, "I'll be darned! They must have gone down the backside of Corineus, kitty-cornered through the valley and climbed up ol' Emrys." He moved his hand up, around, down and sideways as he spoke, marking the girls' route in the air.

Overflowing with relief, Fern wanted to wrap Allora up into a big hug and tell her how wonderful she was. But she was a teensy tipsy and knew she needed to hide it, so she smiled instead.

"I am so thrilled," Fern enunciated carefully. "That is excellent news. What do you need us to do?"

Just then, the silver serving cart loaded with dirty mugs clattered through the swinging kitchen doors.

"Ma'am!" Kara exclaimed when she saw Allora.

Allora wasn't going to waste time or allow any fussing over her own self. "Kara, darling, would you please be a dear and fetch two warm blankets?"

"Yes, of course." Kara thrust the cart in front of the sink and rushed out of the kitchen. Fern swelled with pride. How fortunate she was to have such a wonderful, obedient, respectful, caring daughter.

Allora rested a hand on Fern's shoulder. "Fern, I'll need water for the girls and a light snack. Whatever you have ready to go. Some crackers maybe, or muffins. Where is Austin? Have him rustle up some flashlights. And Alden, once we have loaded these things in the Jeep, I'll have you drive me. We'll take the highway toward town, and then turn off on the forest service access road across from the rest stop."

Alden tipped his head in a quick nod. "Yes, ma'am. I'm not sure where Austin is, but I'll get the flashlights and fire up the Jeep." He grabbed the keys off the hook next to the back door.