Chapter 406
Grandma always worried about how hard they worked, so she usually prepared hearty meals for them-rich, comforting dishes meant to fill them up after a long day. But after a while, even the best comfort food can start to feel heavy.
That’s why, every now and then, switching things up with a lighter meal was a welcome change, and Lyman actually enjoyed it.
He said, “Next time I know Grandma’s out at church for prayers, I’ll get home early and cook dinner.”
Effie replied, “No worries. If you’re free, you cook; if I’m free, I’ll cook. No need to make it anyone’s job.”
“Alright,” Lyman agreed.
“This is really good,” he said to Effie with a smile.
Effie knew her own cooking skills and felt a little embarrassed. “This is about as
good as I get, but if you actually like my food, I’ll try to learn more.”
Lyman shook his head. “You don’t have to. It’s already great. Everyone has things they’re good at. You don’t have to be perfect at everything.”
Effie nodded. “Mm.”
When they finished eating, Lyman started clearing the plates.
“I’ll do it,” Effie offered.
“Nope. You cooked, so let me handle the dishes. Besides, it’s just loading the dishwasher-won’t take long.”
Effie smiled. “Alright, then I’ll pick out a documentary for us to watch together.”
“Sounds good.”
If Grandma had been home, she wouldn’t have let them use the dishwasher. Like many older folks, she was used to being frugal-doing things the hard way, almost like making life difficult for herself on purpose.
While Lyman took care of the dishes, Effie began browsing for something to watch.
“What should we watch?” she muttered to herself.
Suddenly, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen-Grandma was calling.
Effie answered instantly, not suspecting a thing. “Grandma, you’re still up?”
Grandma was always an early sleeper and an early riser; it was a habit she’d kept for years.
But instead of Grandma’s familiar voice, there was only the sound of strange, heavy breathing.
Effie frowned, thinking she must
have misread the caller ID. Just as she was about to ask again, a.
chillingly familiar voice cameget
through the line. “Effie. It’s me.”
She froze, grip tightening around her phone.
Before she could speak, Mitchell continued, “You’re a smart woman. I’m sure
you’ve figured out by now-your grandmother is with me.”
“What do you want?” Effie’s words came out through gritted teeth.
Mitchell’s answer was disturbingly light. “Lyman’s with you, isn’t he?”
Effie said nothing, but her silence was answer enough.
Mitchell went on, “Right now, you’re going to walk out the door. I’ll text you an
address. Come alone. Don’t say a word to anyone.”
He paused, his tone turning cold. “You know, older people are so fragile. A little slip, an accident, a sudden pain… You wouldn’t want your grandmother to get hurt, would you?”
Effie’s jaw clenched. “Fine.”
“You know what I want. Help me smooth things over tonight-get my business back on track-and your grandmother won’t be harmed. But if you tryto play tough or call the police, I can’t guarantee her safety. Do you understand?”
If anger could kill, Mitchell would have been torn apart by now.
“I understand,” Effie replied, voice icy.
She didn’t hang up. Grabbing her phone and keys, she headed for the door.
“Babe, Nita called—she needs to see me about something. I’m heading out for a
bit,” she called to Lyman in the kitchen.
“Want me to drive you?” Lyman called back.