Prelude of Lies by Victoria Smith Page B

right. What the hell is wrong with that woman? Why do we have to pass her inspections?” she asked with a growl, grabbing the Styrofoam cup. “I feel like a prisoner.”
    “You and me both. We’re doing great here, so no worries. Are you ready to hear what I found out?” Sydney poked her again, erasing her irritation. Daisy sighed. How could she be mad when Sydney was in such a good mood?
    “Cut it out. God, you’re totally obnoxious this morning. Maybe you should go fuck Marshal so you can work off some of this insane energy and calm the hell down.” She sat her cup down and moved over so Sydney had more room. “Okay. Let’s hear this gossip.”
    Sydney hadn’t turned red at her crude comment. Why? “Tucker is not married, nor is he a father. He’s not seeing anyone. At all.” Sydney stopped, her happy expression fleeting after seeing Daisy’s face.
    “Oh. So he’s single. I guess that’s good for him.” Why hadn’t he called her when he found out there was no baby? She stood, trying to forget she wasn’t good enough for him.
    “I’m sorry, honey. I didn’t think about the fact that it’s been months and he didn’t call you. I’m so stupid.” Sydney grabbed her hand.
    “It’s not your fault. He’s the asshole. Fine. You know what? I don’t care. He obviously didn’t feel for me what I felt for him so screw him.” Daisy didn’t know what to do. Her heart was breaking all over again.
    “Screw him. Screw them all. Why are there so many men around here anyway?” Sydney had always been quick to take her side, as she’d been for her. That was one thing Daisy adored about her sister.
    “I don’t know but they can all go to hell.” Daisy crossed her arms.
    “Here’s what we’ll do. After this lawyer meeting, let’s go into town. We’ll get some wine and come back here and drink ourselves smart.” Sydney smiled.
    “A perfect idea. Let’s get this lawyer meeting over with.” Thank God for sisters.
    “I was kidding, but you know what, that’s a great idea.” Sydney jumped up.
    An hour later, their evil grandmother’s somber attorney followed their lawyer through the rusty front gate. She and Sydney had known their lawyer, Albert Love, since they were babies. He’d been a constant visitor at Brookside and they’d grown up with his grandchildren. Al, or Uncle Al, kissed them both on the cheek after the bear hugs, much to the other lawyer’s irritation.
    “Are these your clients or your girlfriends?” As soon as the question sliced through the air and hit its intended mark, Uncle Al turned quickly, catching the man off guard by shaking a finger in his face.
    “Listen, these girls are like my own granddaughters. Shut your mouth and mind your own business. My relationship with them has nothing to do with what we’re doing here.” He turned back to them with a smile. “Now. Let’s see what you’ve done.”
    They toured the campsites, now clear of all poison ivy. At Violet’s attorney’s gasp of surprise, Daisy could have hugged Tucker, even though she wanted to smack him silly. The pond had been dredged and the swampy end planted, along with the beginnings of a fence. Tucker’s crew dumped stones for the walkway as the tour group arrived.
    “This is great.” Uncle Al pointed toward the previously overgrown seating area near the pond. “I can’t believe you got that poison down. What a difference a week made. What else have you managed?”
    Daisy let Sydney do the talking. She listened as her sister explained the various inspections and results, interjecting where necessary and taking over when they were asked how Tucker and his crew were hired. Hopefully, she hid her disgust with him. And the violent thoughts.
    After Sydney explained the estimates and inspections due the coming week, Violet’s attorney left, still shaking his head. Uncle Al laughed as the man drove out of the parking lot.
    “That guy’s a walking corpse. I’ve known him for forty years and I’ve yet