Now here I was a few hours later, beside myself with anger. I called Joyce at work to let her know that them two lowlifes was out of jail because that rape charge couldn’t be proved. “Praise the Lord!” she boomed. Her voice was so loud it irritated my ear. “Who told you they got released?”

“They came to the store this afternoon to let me know.” Just saying them words made my stomach turn.

“Hmmm. I wonder why they didn’t wait to come to the house this evening? That way they could have told us at the same time.”

“Uh, baby, today is Friday. They know I always have other commitments right after work and won’t be at the house,” I reminded. “I’m sure they’ll come see you as soon as they can.”

“I hope so. If they don’t come over this evening, I’ll go over there. I won’t stay long because they’re probably still trying to get their bearings back.” Joyce paused and let out a loud breath. “I just wish you could be with me. Can’t you visit your daddy later tonight, or tomorrow morning? We could at least spend an hour or so with Yvonne and Milton first. Afterwards, I’ll even go to your daddy’s house with you. It’s been a while since I was out there and I’m over how nasty your stepmother was to me that day.”

“That sounds nice, sugar. But when I was out there last weekend, I told Daddy I’d get there today in time for us to go fishing for a couple of hours while it’s still daylight. You know how him and Ellamae go to bed as soon as it gets dark.”

“I haven’t gone fishing with you in a while. I don’t mind doing that, either.”

“Joyce, I appreciate you offering to go with me. But Ellamae likes to know in advance when she needs to cook extra food. The last time I showed up with you, she wasn’t too happy about me bringing a guest without letting her know in advance.”

“Guest? Odell, I’m your wife!”

“I know, sugar. But you know how set in her ways she is. Daddy, too. And to be honest with you, I’m not in the mood for a lot of fussing. With all that’s happening with Yvonne and Milton, it’s been a real stressful week. Besides that, my canned goods vendor is going to be late with our order, and I had to lock horns with a few more shoplifters, twice this week,” I griped. “If I go next door this evening, I wouldn’t be good company. The last thing Yvonne and Milton need to deal with today is my long face and dreary attitude. We’ll spend time with them on Sunday when I get home from Daddy’s house.”