Black Cat Crossing Read Online Free Page A

with striking markings, sat nearby kneading the braided rug under her chair.
    After I spilled the whole sordid story about what had happened at Aunt Rowe’s, Ty said, “You’re lucky Thomas showed up when he did, before Rowe killed the man.”
    “I know. Thomas even managed to convince Mr. Hartman to keep his reservation and checked the family into the Barcelona cottage. I’m not sure how, given what the poor guy and his children witnessed.” I took a sip of tea and put my glass down on a side table. “Aunt Rowe went ballistic, but if she hadn’t hit Bobby Joe, I might have done it for her.”
    “Do you believe his story that he’s her brother?” Ty asked.
    I shrugged. “I’d rather believe this is another ploy to get money. If it’s true his mother and my grandfather had an affair, then why didn’t anyone hear rumors before now?”
    “People were more discreet about their private lives when your grandparents were young,” she said. “These days people don’t mind showing up on reality TV and announcing to the whole world: ‘I was seduced by my brother-in-law and I’m having his baby.’”
    “Stop,” I said. “My grandfather didn’t seduce anyone.”
    “Maybe you’re right.” Ty ran a hand through her short blond curls and gave me a conciliatory smile. “You think Flowers will turn your aunt in for assault?”
    I shook my head. “He was laughing about the whole incident when he left. Stayed only long enough for Thomas to patch up the cut on his forehead with a butterfly bandage from the first aid kit. His head bled like crazy.”
    “With all that blood, you should have collected a sample. Had it tested against your aunt’s and gotten an answer. Wouldn’t have to make yourself sick wondering.”
    I shook my head. “I don’t think collecting a blood sample would do the trick. Years ago, I did some DNA research for a book. Don’t you need the father’s blood to get conclusive test results?”
    “They have more-advanced tests these days,” Ty said.
    I didn’t want to hear that. “Bobby Joe has to know Aunt Rowe’s not handing over her inheritance on his say-so. Probably won’t give him a dime even if science can prove he really is her brother. The law might protect her, too, depending on what exactly PawPaw’s will said. I’m sure Bobby Joe has a plan. He said Aunt Rowe would hear from him again soon.”
    Ty raised her eyebrows. “Or his lawyer. Or the cops. Or both.”
    “He can bring it on,” I said. “I’m angry that he tarnished the memory of my grandfather. And I sure hope he can’t lay claim to Aunt Rowe’s property.”
    Willis walked over and rubbed against my leg as if he knew I needed comforting. I reached down to scratch behind his ears.
    “Don’t let this change your feelings about family,” Ty said. “I mean the family you’ve known and loved, not this Flowers character.”
    “Easier said than done.”
    She grinned. “I know exactly what you need to do.”
    “Find an attorney to represent my aunt against criminal charges?” I said dejectedly.
    “No. Use this somehow in your book. Conflict on every page, remember?”
    Tyanne was always harping about conflict. She was the only person I allowed to read my manuscript pages, and though she was a harsh critic her insights were usually spot on. I sat back and thought about how I might weave details of what had happened today into my book. Maybe a twist on real events. I could have Scarlett Olson run to an uncle she hopes will keep her and her daughter safe, only to learn he isn’t her uncle at all.
    “You gave me an idea,” I said. “I’m going home to write.”
    •   •   •
    B ACK at the house, I learned from Thomas that Aunt Rowe had taken a sedative and was sleeping like the dead. Bobby Joe Flowers hadn’t been seen or heard from again. Thank goodness.
    In my cottage, I booted up my laptop and read over the last few pages of my novel. I mapped out possible plot changes but wasn’t happy with