that away from him because of Augustus. It wouldn’t be right.”
“And Augustus doesn’t need to know our business,” Violet snapped. “That young man has loyalty issues,” she snapped again.
“Whoa! Whoa! Are we talking about my friend Gus, your grandson, Rose, and your nephew, Violet and Iris?” Barney spread his hands wide to show he wasn’t buying whatever it was the Blossom sisters were trying to sell him.
“One and the same,” Rose said smartly. “We do thank you for bringing us the perfume. I know how busy you must be, since you said you’re leaving this evening. You did say that, didn’t you?”
Barney knew he was being dismissed, and he didn’t like it at all. What the hell is going on here? Suddenly, he felt like he were ten years old again and had just failed his social skills test given by three stern taskmasters. In spite of himself, he shivered, and he didn’t like the feeling. Not one little bit.
“We know Gus sent you!” Violet blurted.
“He did not send me. I came here on my own. I come to visit each time I’m in town, and the three of you know it darned well. Whatever your issue is with Gus, it shouldn’t have anything to do with me.” Barney waited to see if he’d get a slap upside the head. He was so relieved when it didn’t happen, he felt weak. “He does know I’m here and asked me to bring Wilson back with me.”
Three sets of eyes stared at Barney. “Ask Wilson if he wants to go with you. If he does, he’ll drag his basket to the door. If he doesn’t, he’s staying here,” Rose said coldly.
Barney felt like a fool, but he leaned down and said, “Wilson, Gus wants me to take you to him. Get your basket and let’s go.”
Wilson showed Barney his teeth before he trotted over to the handmade rag carpet by the stove, where Winnie was watching what was going on. He plopped down, showed his teeth again, then barked.
“Guess that’s your answer, Barney. Wilson is smart. He knows he was dumped here by Augustus just the way Augustus dumped us.”
Barney threw his hands in the air. “You all need to have a meeting to clear the air. Gus loves you three more than anything in life. Can’t you cut him a break? He’s miserable.”
“Young man, tell that to someone who cares. We-do-not-care! You probably should leave now before the three of us pitch a hissy fit. Thank you for the perfume,” Violet said.
Iris reached for Barney’s arm and escorted him to the front door.
Barney looked around over his shoulder, and was certain eyes were watching his every move. Many eyes. Too many eyes. Unfriendly eyes. Shit!
At the door, Iris opened it and literally shoved him outside. “Thanks for stopping by, Barney. It might be wise to call for an appointment the next time you feel the need to visit.”
Bang! The door slammed shut. Barney heard the deadbolt snap into place. He could hear Wilson and Winnie barking their heads off. What the hell is going on inside that house?
If I were a cat, my tail would be between my legs, Barney thought as he pulled up to one of the bays of the garage attached to his house. He pressed the remote, and the door slid upward. Gus was going to be devastated when he saw that Barney didn’t have Wilson with him. He’d personally known Wilson since the day Gus got him at the age of six weeks. He considered himself the dog’s godfather and had bought him his first collar and leash. Never once had Wilson showed him his teeth. How am I going to explain this to Gus?
Gus practically flew out the door as Barney pulled his car into the garage. He whistled for Wilson, who always came at the sound. When nothing happened, Gus felt his shoulders slump. Even his dog had abandoned him.
Barney lowered the garage door. He stood with his hands on his hips, the rain pelting him for the second time that day. “He showed me his teeth, Gus. He didn’t want to come with me. I wasn’t about to force him, and those old ladies were in no mood for me today, French perfume or not. I gotta tell you, something is going on out at that farm. And, yeah, you are part of it, but that’s not what I’m talking about. Those ladies are up to something. I felt like I was being