“What? Thomas with an old skinny-assed crone like me when he has all those other women chasing him? Don’t be silly.”

Jack held up a hand. “Whoa. Rewind that. My father’s got women chasing him?”

“Like vultures, they circle. Let me tell you, Thomas could have his pick of scores—scores.”

Jack had to laugh. “I don’t believe this. My father, the stud.”

“It’s not that. It’s just that there’s four widows for every widower down here. Thomas is an able-bodied man with a good mind and a nice personality. And best of all, he can drive himself. Such a catch, you wouldn’t believe.”

She reminded him a little of Abe. “Speaking of catches, Anya, if you ever decide to move back north, have I got a guy for you.”

She waved her cigarette at him. “Forget about it. My balling days are over.”

Jack shook his head. “My father, the catch. Wow.” He smiled at her. “So if you’re not one of the circling vultures you mentioned, can I ask how you two spend your time together?”

“It’s none of your beeswax, hon, but I’ll tell you anyway: Mostly we play mahjongg.”

Another shock. “My father plays mahjongg?”

“See? I told you there were things you didn’t know about him. I’m teaching him and he’s getting very good.” She tapped her temple. “That accountant’s mind, you know.”

“My father, the mahjongg maven. I think I need a drink.”

“So do I. Come over after you’ve settled in. We’ll knock back a few and I’ll give you your first mahjongg lesson.”

“I don’t know…”

“You have to give it a try. And once you learn, it’ll give you and your father something to do together.”

When there’s frost on hell’s pumpkins, Jack thought.

“Anyway,” Anya said, pointing to the house on the right, “this one’s your father’s. Look around. I’ll be back in a minute.”

She headed toward the house on the left with Oyv trotting behind. Her place was painted…what would they call that color? He’d never heard of white zinfandel pink as a paint shade, but if there were such a thing, that would be the color of Anya’s house. Dad’s was a more masculine sky blue.

Jack realized he was facing the rear of the house. He tried the door to the jalousied back porch but it was locked. It would have taken all of twenty seconds for him to open it but why bother if Anya had a key.