I saw a pained look cross Henry’s face. “Kinsey and I would never dream of peeing in the shower.”

“I understand and I applaud your restraint. Good news on urine is it’s full of plant nutrients; nitrogen, in the main, but also potassium and phosphate.”

Henry looked at his watch. “Sorry to cut this short, but I have an errand to run, so I’ll leave you to poke around. Kinsey will be in her studio if you should need her. We can chat when I get back. I’ll be interested in your recommendations.”

“Happy to oblige. I’ll do an in-depth analysis and tell you what I think.” McClaskey doffed his cap again.

Henry went into the garage. I heard the station wagon door snap shut smartly and the engine hum to life. Shortly afterward, he backed down the drive, swung into the street, and drove off. I looked over to see Edna crossing the grass toward the fence that separated their backyard from Henry’s driveway.

Half a second later, she rose into view, having climbed to her position on the box. Oversize dentures aside, her features were delicate: button nose, Kewpie doll lips. Broken veins on her cheeks looked like two sweeps of rouge. Her wardrobe had a girlish cast; today she had ruffles down the front of her blouse with its Peter Pan collar and puffed sleeves.

“Good morning, Edna. How are you?”

“Doing well. How is Henry’s project coming along? I saw the plumber’s truck pull in while I was sweeping the porch.”

“The plumber’s making up a list, so we’ll see what he suggests.”

I could see what type of neighbor she’d be. Every noise would have to be investigated, every visitor would generate a quiz, any small change would be grounds for scrutiny and debate. If the telephone rang, if a package arrived, Edna would be right there, making sure she knew exactly what was going on. Henry would find no fault with her. He was a softie where women were concerned—including me, of course, so I could hardly complain.

“Where’s Henry off to?”

“The market, but I expect him back before long. I believe he’s picking up a few items for you.”

“He offered and I couldn’t bring myself to refuse. Joseph’s having a bad day and I didn’t think I should leave him alone. In Perdido, we had a neighbor who’d step in on occasion, and what a godsend that was. Sadly, we don’t know many people in this area and I can’t think who I’d ask.”

I can recognize a hint when I hear one, but I knew better than to pipe up. She’d introduced the subject hoping I’d step into the breach. This is not a good idea. Agree to such an arrangement once and you’re on call from that time forth. I envisioned an endless succession of good deeds stretching out to the horizon if I didn’t sidestep the trap. “Why don’t you call the Visiting Nurse Association?”

She dropped her gaze. “Well, honey, he doesn’t require skilled nursing care. I’m talking about someone spending a few minutes with him when I have to be somewhere else. He’s no trouble.”