“Yep, so we all know you’re a son of a bitch,” Mitzi answered.

“I’m going to talk to her.” He started to push his way past her.

Mitzi put her hands on his chest and walked him right back outside. “You can wait right here. I’ll see if she wants to even lay eyes on you. If not, then you’ll have sixty seconds to get off our property.”

“Or what?” He threw open the door again.

“Or I’ll call the police. If they get here before I can load my shotgun, I’ll let them take you to jail. If not, then they can call the coroner,” Mitzi answered.

“Just go get her and stop making threats,” he growled.

Mitzi reached for the gun hanging above the door on two hooks and racked in a shell.

He put up both hands and stammered, “Take it easy, lady. And for your information, I am a policeman.”

“Not in Celeste, you’re not. You stay right there while I ask Paula if she’d like to visit with you.” Mitzi slammed the door in his face. She stopped at the cabinet, took down the tequila, had two big gulps right out of the bottle to steady her nerves, and laid the shotgun on the table. If Ellie Mae saw the gun, she might take it away from her and shoot Darrin. Then she made her way to the foyer and told Paula that someone was there to see her.

Paula raised an eyebrow. “Who?”

“Clinton Ballard is at the back door. The shotgun is loaded and right there if you need it. Want me to go with you?”

“Yes.” Paula’s chin quivered. “Why would he come here?”

“He wouldn’t tell me.”

“Ellie Mae, we’ve got some business to take care of but we’ll be right back,” Mitzi said.

“I’m okay,” Ellie Mae whimpered. “But you won’t be gone long, will you?”

“No, honey,” Paula answered. “Just a few minutes. Can we bring you anything when we come back?”

“No, I’ve got cookies right here.” She tried to smile.

“Okay, then.” Mitzi patted her on the shoulder and then almost jogged to the kitchen. She picked up the gun as they passed the table.

“She says you might have a word or two, but you’re to stay on the porch,” Mitzi told him as she took a couple of steps to the side so he could see Paula.

“It took you long enough,” he growled as he reached for the door.

“Oh, no!” Mitzi pointed the gun right at his crotch. “Don’t even think about coming inside.”

“Do we have to talk through a screen door? Can’t I come inside the house?” he asked. “Paula, I need to talk to you privately.”