Neighborhood Watch by Andrew Neiderman Page B

a breath of pride, and, after a moment more of thought, returned to his cost analysis for the building on lot thirty-eight.
    3
    “WHAT’STHIS?” Teddy said as they pulled up to their driveway.
    Nikki Stanley and a vibrant redhead who wore her hair in a neat pageboy sat on Teddy and Kristin’s front steps chatting nonchalantly. The redhead had skin as clear and white as fresh milk, spotted on the tops of her cheeks with tiny orange freckles. Her lips had that same bright orange tint that made wearing lipstick unnecessary. When they both stood up, Nikki Stanley appeared almost childlike in height and size beside her companion. Teddy pressed the remote to open the garage door but stopped on the driveway.
    The two women started toward them. Nikki wore a far more serious expression, her eyes small and intent. The redhead was long legged with slim shoulders and a full bosom that announced itself proudly against her white cotton three-quarter-length-sleeve sweater.
    Nikki wore an ankle-length peasant skirt, dark blue blouse, and blue cardigan sweater.
    “Hello,” Nikki Stanley said as Teddy, Kristin, and Jennifer emerged from their brown Skylark. The two-year-old moderately priced vehicle and Kristin’s Ford Escort seemed out of place in the large two-car garage attached to this expensive home. Teddy’s earlier quick perusal of the vehicles in front or in the garages of the other homes revealed Mercedes, Cadillacs, and a Lexus. He had also spotted a Jag.
    “Hi,” Kristin said. Jennifer, as always, drew as close as possible to her parents when confronting strangers. She fixed her eyes on the two women and held Kristin’s hand.
    “This is Jeannette Levine,” Nikki Stanley said. “She lives right across the street.”
    “Everyone simply calls me Jean. We’re here to welcome you to Emerald Lakes.” She
    had a warm smile and soft blue eyes. Nikki flashed a perfunctory smile.
    “Pleased to meet you,” Kristin said shaking her hand. Teddy extended his.
    “I’m Teddy Morris. This is my wife, Kristin, and our daughter, Jennifer,” Teddy said.
    Kristin pulled Jennifer in front of her and rested her hands on Jennifer’s shoulders.
    “Hi, Jennifer,” Jeannette said. “How old are you?”
    “Five,” Jennifer replied.
    “Five? That’s wonderful. Terri Sue is six. She finally has a friend close to her age. Her nine-year-old brother, George, is getting a bit too rough for her,” Jean said, smiling at Kristin and Teddy.
    “You hear that, honey? You’ll have a new friend,” Kristin said. Jennifer drew back, still eyeing Nikki Stanley suspiciously.
    Teddy opened the car trunk. “First thing you do when you move into a new home is go to the supermarket,” he said. Nikki’s eyes went to their car.
    “Let us help you with your groceries,” she offered.
    “Oh, that’s very kind of you,” Kristin said. “But—”
    “It’s all right. We don’t mind,” Nikki said anticipating Kristin’s response.
    “Thanks,” Kristin said shrugging. The women gathered around the car trunk and Teddy began taking out the bags.
    “Me too, Daddy,” Jennifer said, holding out her arms. He chose the smallest and lightest bag and placed it in her hands. She clung to it proudly and started toward the open garage.
    “You shouldn’t be lifting one that heavy,” Nikki said, practically seizing the bag Kristin had started to accept.
    “Oh, nothing’s that heavy,” Kristin said, surprised her neighbor had spotted her
    pregnancy so quickly. The women took two bags a piece and followed Teddy through the side door from the garage into the kitchen. They placed the bags on the counter.
    “I’ll get the rest,” Teddy said. “Thanks.”
    “I’ll help you, Daddy,” Jennifer cried and raced out behind him.
    “It’s so convenient to shop here,” Kristin began. “Just a few minutes away, no problems parking, no lines at the checkout counter . . .”
    “Yes,” Jean said, “and Farmer’s, a small market in Sandburg, will even