The Summer of Our Discontent Read Online Free Page B

nodded. “I do.” Patty’s attitude was refreshing. So often, Rachel found that many parents just turned their kids loose to wander unattended. She’d grown up listening to her mother say, “Things aren’t like they were when I was a girl,” and now she said the same. She’d played in the woods and the park and rode her bike all through town when she was Kaycee’s age. Her father was the police chief, and everyone knew her and kept a watchful eye. Even though everyone in town knew Kaycee, there was no way Rachel would allow her to wander.
    “There aren’t predators registered in this area, but that can change. Michaud is growing by the day. That’s why I built the tree house. I try to keep the yard as stimulating as possible. I can see this part of the park through most of my back windows, so that helps me keep a close eye on her, too. She’s not allowed to go past the pavilion or the baseball field.”
    “I’ll set those same boundaries for Sophie, too. She’s begging me to spend the night with Kaycee, but I’m just not ready for that. I hope you won’t take offense.”
    “Not at all,” Rachel said earnestly. “I’d be the same way. We’ve only just met…and I know you know that your sister and I don’t get along.”
    Patty nodded with a big smile. “Oh, yes, the rivalry is legendary, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t.”
    Rachel was relieved to hear Patty say that. “No, it doesn’t, and I think you and I will handle things just fine. I should warn you, though. Kaycee has been telling Sophie all about Camp Summer Sun. She may start begging you to go.”
    Patty looked befuddled. “What’s that?”
    “It’s a summer camp that lasts for ten days. We’ve gone the last two summers. My mother told me the girls have been talking about it all day. It starts next week. I can give you some brochures if she manages to wear you down.”
    “I don’t know.” Patty watched Sophie as she played. “Just moving back here and the idea of her going away somewhere I’m not familiar with makes me nervous.”
    “I totally understand.”
    “Is it safe? You’re comfortable sending Kaycee there?”
    “It’s run by a respectable organization here in town. I know all the people associated with it, but I still go as a chaperone.” Rachel smiled. “I’m as paranoid as you are, and I think that’s a good thing.”
    “I’ll give it some thought. Is it okay if Sophie plays here for a while?”
    “Absolutely, I bring Kaycee in at dusk.”
    “Thank you,” Patty said as she extended her hand. “I’ll be back to get Sophie then.”
    “I have frog fingers. Are you sure you want to shake my hand?”
    “That’s okay.” Patty’s smile was genuine as she shook it anyway. “It was truly a pleasure to meet you.”
    “You too.” Rachel watched her go with a smile. Patty may’ve favored her sister in looks, but she wasn’t anything like the turd Rachel knew. Her grin deepened as she considered that maybe Faith would be annoyed by the new friendship she and Patty had formed.

Chapter Five

    The water shut off, and Sophie pulled back the shower curtain prepared to step out.
    “Stop,” Patty said as she picked up a bath towel. “You dry off first or you’ll soak the bathroom.” She ran her fingers through Sophie’s hair and frowned. “Baby, did you rinse out the conditioner?”
    “Uh-huh…I think so.”
    “I felt grit on your scalp.” Patty turned on the water and tested it with her hand. “You need to shampoo your hair again, then condition, and this time, wash it all out.” She looked Sophie over, especially her neck that she always seemed to miss when she bathed. “Did you wash your body good?”
    Sophie nodded. “Even my ditch.”
    “Your what?”
    “Kaycee calls her butt crack her ditch. She hates when her shorts get stuck up in there.”
    “How colorful,” Patty said with a laugh as she closed the curtain. This time, she stood close by to make sure the job was getting