She Waits by Kate Sweeney Page A

standing, not moving--just looking. When I was about to pass it off as my imagination, Chance started to growl. Then she started to whine. I shivered uncontrollably and grabbed her collar more tightly, not wanting her to bolt into the woods. The hair on her neck was standing rigid. So was mine. I stood, perfectly still, and I swear I saw whatever--whoever--it was fade into the woods. The only sound was the rustling of the leaves.
    Okay, that was enough for me. I turned, still holding Chance by the collar and, in a controlled panic, walked very quickly back to the door. I was too terrified to turn around, thinking that whatever it was changed its mind and was right at my heels. I fumbled at the door latch and almost cried out for help as it opened. I slammed the door behind me and locked it.
    I turned around to see Maggie staring at me in horror. "What happened?" she asked.
    "Nothing, everything is fine," I said. "It's freezing out there." I rubbed my hands over my arms.
    Hannah appeared in the doorway. "Okay ladies, lights out, let's get to bed."
    She turned out the lights as I checked all the doors and locks.
    At the top of the stairs, Hannah stopped at a doorway. "Here you go, Kate. I put you in the room next to Margaret's. Everything is all ready, so have a good sleep." She came over and kissed my cheek. "Bless you," she said.
    "Good night, Hannah," I said, warmly.
    She then went over, kissed Maggie good night and went into her room at the end of the hall.
    "Well, I appreciate all you're doing. I don't know why you're doing it but thank you," Maggie said.
    "I'm not quite sure why I'm doing it either, but you're welcome."
    I smiled and for a moment, she looked like she might say something, then she smiled as well.
    "Well, good night," she whispered and opened her door.
    "Good night, Maggie."
    I went into my room and saw Chance sprawled out on the bed, sound asleep and snoring peacefully. What a life, I thought as I put my bag on the chair and went to the window. The wind had quieted and now the trees moved gently with the breeze. I peered out the window, wondering if my imagination had gotten the better of me. Did I see something? A shiver ran through me as I backed away from the window and drew the curtains shut. I went into the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror.
    "Getting a little grayer every time I look at you, Kate ole girl."
    I also needed to shed a few pounds, but who didn't? What with middle age and all that. Overall though, I was content with my life and myself. I guess if I were more than six feet tall, my weight would be perfect. However, being five foot nine, several fewer pounds were in order.
    I lie there with my hands behind my head, staring at the ceiling. Chance growled lowly as I gently nudged her out of the way.
    What had I gotten into? Surely, something was going on, but what and why? I thought of Aunt Hannah's family history lesson. Who had control of the family business now that Maggie's father had died?
    Then I remembered Hannah telling me, when we were in the kitchen, that Maggie's mother had died twenty years ago. I'd first thought she died from an illness. But then later, Hannah said she was killed . To me that took on a whole different connotation. I wondered if she were in some kind of an accident or something more. More than what?
    Was there something going on or was this all Maggie's imagination? My instincts told me it was not, but then my instincts weren't what they used to be. I tossed restlessly and looked at the clock. Only 10:30.
    But maybe, just maybe, Maggie and her aunt were just plain nuts like the aunts in the movie , Arsenic and Old Lace . They get rid of my car, then my dog, and then me. First we get moose, then we get squirrel. The immortal words of Boris Badanoff came to mind.
    Wouldn't that beat all? I thought as I drifted off to sleep. Two crazy women...

    Chapter Six

    I sat bolt upright in bed. Was I awake? My heart was pounding in my ears. I hate those dreams when