Death by Lotto by Abigail Keam Page A

some of my honey.”
    “I knew there was something I forgot,” stated Eunice, looking happier.
    Wanting to change the subject, I glanced at Shaneika and admired her new haircut. It was cut very close to the scalp. “Every time I see you, you have a new hairdo.”
    “You like it?”
    “Yes, I’m very glad you cut off those dreadlocks.”
    “Too ethnic for a white girl like you to appreciate?”
    “They looked uncomfortable.”
    Shaneika laughed. “Don’t tell anyone but when my scalp itched, I couldn’t scratch it. It was driving me crazy.” She laughed again.
    The image of silver bells falling over waterfalls filled my mind as to describe her laughter. Shaneika rarely laughed. She should laugh more as it was lovely.
    “I’m so glad that you’re taking this much better than I thought you would. It would be in everyone’s best interests if you could calm Franklin down when he comes. He was very agitated when I left him.”
    Nodding, I assured Shaneika, “I will take care of Franklin. You leave him to me.” I took another sip of my tea. As far as I was concerned the conversation was over . . . as least where Shaneika was concerned.
    When Eunice and Shaneika left, I called my daughter’s secret private number. Someone picked it up but said Nothing. I could hear breathing on the other end of the phone.
    “Rosebud,” was all I said.

9
    “Franklin, get the hell out of my closet!” I yelled.
    “I spent all that time getting clothes for you that fit and look stylish, and you turn around wearing granny clothes again. I will not be seen in public with you looking like that.”
    “I have to wear clothes that are easy to get on and off. I can’t wear things that have zippers or too many buttons. Sometimes those types of clothes are not the most trendy, but they are comfortable and easy for me.”
    Franklin gave me a blank stare. “Blah, blah, blah. You’ll never catch a man looking like that.”
    “What would I want with a man at this stage of my life?”
    “It’s only been a month or so since Jake left and now you are taking vows of chastity? Oh come on, honey gal. You two were probably doing the nasty all the time. I know you better than that. That one leg might not be working so hot, but what’s between those legs is doing just fine.”
    I turned away. There was no way I was going to wrangle Franklin out of my closet and I didn’t want to discuss Jake. The thought of him leaving still hurt deeply. How could I have been so stupid as to fall in love at my age!
    “Oh, good lord!”
    “What!”
    “Are you wearing these huge granny panties again . . . and here is one with a hole.” Franklin held out the offending garment. “Trash bag, sister.”
    “How come you are so duded up?” I asked, wanting to change the subject again.
    Franklin was wearing black pants, a dove gray shirt with a silver tie, black hard-sole shoes and belt. He looked smart, successful and grown-up. Very conservative. Not at all like his usual getups. “I had a job interview in Cincinnati.”
    “Really?”
    “Yes, really,” he replied, throwing a beloved pair of my stretch pants over his head. “And I have another interview in New York next week.”
    “Running away, huh?”
    Franklin gave me a contemptuous look. “I knew you’d say that. I’m not running away. I’m running to something. There’s nothing for me here, and yes, if the truth were known, I’d rather not be in the same town with that lunatic O’nan having free reign. Sometimes it’s best to move on. That’s what I’m doing.”
    He looked at some old pantyhose and ripped them apart. “No one wears these anymore. And you should do the same.”
    “Same what?”
    “Move on.”
    Franklin moved over to my jewelry box.
    “Can’t. Dug in.”
    “Go live in London with Asa.”
    “What about all my animals?”
    Franklin started trying on my necklaces and rings. “This is costume jewelry. Where’s all the good stuff?”
    “Around the neck of Brannon’s