Page 6 (1/2)

I finished eating, did the ood citizens, and left

Katie Saunders’ house was tucked behind a stand of trees at the end of a long driveway The architect ht’s late period work The house had a post-post- s The property slanted downhill in back, and a porch surrounded the house, cantilevered over the hill by large bea it easy to turn around How considerate

The sound of birds singing floated up from the woods behind the house I left the car next to a bed of yellow and orangethe doorbell, I could hear a set of chi faintly from somewhere inside

The door was opened by a woe student She earing khaki shorts, an oversized green polo shirt, and glasses with blue rectangular frames Her blonde hair was tied back into a low short ponytail, and her cheekbones were high and sculpted

“Our housekeeper says you’re looking for Katie?” she said, before I could get a word out

“Yes, ma’am I’m Erica Jensen” I extended my hand, but the woman didn’t shake it

“And why do you need to talk to her?” Her face was expressionless, but her voice had an edge

“I’ our contact list Are you Katie’s mother?”

The wood, no! I’m her older sister Mom askedher nails

“Look,” I said, adopting an easygoing tone “I just want to be able to reach Katie, e start planning the big reunion”

“Well” The word hung between us She scrutinized h school did you say this was for?”

“Da I had checked Facebook “I didn’t catch your name”

She crossed her arms, as if to hold the information to her bosom “I didn’t pitch it So, why do you really need to reach Katie?”

This was going downhill fast I could either come clean or punch this woman in the face, which wouldn’t help my cause

“Why do you ask that?” I said