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Once the door closed behind her, I scas As I opened the cupboard door, a little white moth flew out, which was either an evil os I opened the tea canister and discovered I had three tea bags left A quick look in the refrigerator revealed that I was out of ether, but I did have a le soda to clean the inside of a plastic storage container that was dark with tomato stains This was a tip from my Aunt Gin, as famous for household remedies with little or no application to problems in the real world

I filled the kettle and set it on the stove, turned on the burner under it, and sliced the le and a paper napkin neatly beside each cup When Bettina e to the subject at hand By then I was reconciled to handing over the albu on my desk I had no real claiood as saving her life That issue out of the way, I thought I ht as well pump her for information

I said, "What happens when you put the album back? Won’t Grand smell a rat?"

"I have that all worked out I can tuck it under the bed or in the little trunk she keeps in the closet I ht even leave it soht there under her nose There’s a short story about that"

" ‘The Purloined Letter’ Edgar Allan Poe," I said

"That’s right"

"I’m still stumped about why she sent it in the first place"

Bettinain her ear When she comes up with one of her notions, you’d better do as you’re told She hates to be thwarted and she refuses to explain Once she issues an order, you’d better hop to it if you knohat’s good for you Not ive offense, but she’s a hellion"

"So I’ve heard Why do you put up with her?"

She waved that question down as well "I’ve koed to her so long, I wouldn’t have the nerve to stand up to her now For one thing, I live on the property and I’d never hear the end of it"

"You’re her assistant?"

Bettina laughed "Oh no You couldn’t pay ratitude"