Take the Monkeys and Run (A Barbara Marr Murder Mystery #1) by Karen Cantwell Page B

mother had succeeded in pinning this disaster on me and consequently took the wind right out of my angry sails. The woman was a marvel. I’m sure even Chuck Norris would cower like a dog if confronted by her towering presence and those piercing, beady eyes.
    “You know,” I said, trying to regain some semblance of self-respect, “I’m here alone and I wasn’t expecting you, so it only seems fair of you to realize that I may have been a little concerned that someone was letting themselves into my house. Where did you get the key from, anyway?”
    “The flower pot where you keep it. And don’t talk to me in that tone—I’m your mother. Why are you alone, anyway? Where are Howard and the girls?”
    “He took them out to dinner.” I had gone to the kitchen for paper towels and had returned, getting on my knees, to start cleaning up the mess. “Why are you here?” I picked up a small brown bean. “What is this stuff, anyway?”
    “I called earlier to arrange a time for your birthday dinner. Howard said you were asleep and felt like you were getting a cold, so I thought I would bring over this chicken, lentil, vegetable soup I discovered on the Shopping Channel. It’s supposed to turn a cold around in just one day. The secret ingredient is a Chinese herb that is supposed to revitalize your immune system.”
    With all of the excitement, I had definitely forgotten about the birthday dinner. “Did you tell Howard you were coming over?” I asked.
    “Of course not. I didn’t decide to bring the soup until after I talked to him. Why would I?”
    “It’s just that some advance warning would be nice sometimes. Prevents little things, like . . . scaring me half to death. Man! This stuff smells like dirty socks.”
    “My heart is warmed by your gratitude.” She walked to the kitchen removing her coat. “Look at me—I’m a mess. I need to clean off my coat.” Helping to clean my floor and walls did not appear to be on her agenda.
    I had just finished picking up the last lentil bean when my mother swept back into the foyer, her coat draped over one arm. She scooped up her pot. “I have to be going now. I have a training date with Master Kyo.”
    “Who?”
    “Master Kyo—I’m training for my black belt. I’m sure I told you that. The great Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do.”
    “I thought you were training for a marathon.”
    “Of course. I’m doing both. I’m expanding my horizons and accepting great, new challenges. You really should think of taking on a challenge or two yourself, you know. It relieves stress and calms the nerves. You’ll never be sick again. Take my word.” Without thinking I might have a response, my mother opened the door with vigor, ready to fly out dramatically, only to find Howard in her face. He looked as surprised as she did.
    “Oh,” he said, trying to hide the terror I knew he felt. “Hi, Diane. How are you?”
    “I’m better than my daughter, evidently. Fancy finding you here—it’s such a rare treat to actually find you at your own home, Howard. Maybe if you were around more, Barbara could find time to take care of herself. I had to bring her some soup to get her well again.” She put him in his place fast.
    I had to admit, I hated it when my mother scolded me, but it was fun to watch her tear into Howard. He looked to me for help, but I just shrugged. “You’re on your own, dude.”
    “Soup?” he asked. “Was it good?”
    “Ask Indiana—he’s the only one who got a taste,” I said.
    Howard gave me a questioning look while my mother excused herself from the scene.
    “Good bye, Barbara.” She slipped by Howard to leave.
    “Grandma!” yelled Bethany, “Did Mommy tell you that monkeys came to our house to play?”
    I cringed.
    “Monkeys?” my mother’s voice trailed off. I wasn’t up for the explanation.
    “We were playing imaginary games, Mom. She’s still having fun with it. Say goodbye to Grandma now, girls. She needs to go now.”
    Bethany