The Widows of Eden by George Shaffner Page B

faith.”
    â€œHe’s going to do what?” Hail Mary demanded.
    â€œHe’s going to sell Clem some faith. He said we need to have faith in him, too.”
    â€œFaith in him — because he’s asking for rain or Clement Tucker’s life at the end of the week? That’s the strangest thing I ever heard.”
    I opened my mouth to differ but Loretta was faster on the draw. “You’re right, Mary. When it comes to Vernon Moore, the word ‘stranger’ takes on an entirely new aspect. Nevertheless, we all believe that he might be able to make it rain, don’t we?”
    Under her breath, Lily muttered, “Bullshit.” I interpreted that as a dissenting vote.
    Dot grumbled, “We all believe it’s a possibility, Lo, or we wouldn’t be here. But if we don’t quit beating around the damned bush, it’lldie of thirst. Why don’t I invite Vernon over to the courthouse for an interview? He won’t have any trouble finding the way.”
    â€œThat’s a good idea,” Loretta said. “While you’re at it, throw him in jail. That should get him to open up.”
    â€œI was thinkin’ about a little chat in my office, that’s all. Do you have a better idea?”
    â€œI do. He’s always been willing to talk to Wilma and me. Instead of beating on him with a rubber hose, I propose that we invite him to dinner.”
    â€œHe’s not your beau any more, Loretta.”
    â€œYou’re uncommonly observant today, Lily, but Vern and I are still friends and I’m still the mother of his child. He’s sitting for Laverne as we speak.”
    The realization that Mr. Moore and Loretta were still close seemed to take the wind out of Lily’s sails. I said, “Would it be possible to put an official Buzzword out to the membership? My phone won’t stop ringing, I’m getting a thousand e-mails an hour, and Mr. Moore can’t go anywhere without being accosted by the membership. Beryl Williams came by my house this morning, for heaven’s sake, and I hadn’t seen her since the Christmas fete. If we don’t do something, half of Ebb will be lined up outside my door by tomorrow morning.”
    â€œWilma’s not the only one. I had to turn my phone off last night because Laverne couldn’t get to sleep. That’s not right.”
    â€œWhy isn’t it?” Lily protested. “All they want is what you got.”
    Loretta and Lily had a little frowning contest. Hail Mary said, “I’ve had a few calls myself. It seems like half the families in the county have a problem requiring Vernon’s special talents. What can we do?”
    â€œWhy not have an old-fashioned revival right here in the Abat­toir?” Lily quipped. “If we do it tomorrow, Vernon can cure thesick and the stricken in one fell swoop and we can be back to complaining about the drought by sundown.”
    â€œHe won’t even admit he saved Loretta,” I replied. “He would never agree to such a thing.”
    â€œPut a cork in it, you two,” Mary commanded, using her district attorney’s voice. “We need to get this situation under control. The question is how.”
    â€œI have an idea,” Bebe announced. “Let’s send a message to the membership and Mr. Moore at the same time.” In case you haven’t noticed, Bebe is the least talkative woman on the board. Given the company, that is not a media-worthy achievement.
    â€œWhat?” I asked.
    â€œMr. Moore wants us to have faith. Okay; let’s show him we have faith — in his ability to call in the rain. Let’s send an umbrella to every member in the Circle.”
    â€œYou’re talking two-hundred-plus umbrellas, Bebe. Do you have that many in the store?”
    â€œNo, but here’s a surprise: there’s a surplus in this part of the country. I can’t be sure, but I believe it’s related