crazy old fool just had to come busting in here at the wrong time.” But Reba could tell by her face that she was pleased as punch he had.
“He was just worried about you, Miss Gertie,” Valentine said. “We all are.”
“Well, you should be. I’m at death’s door. Since you have a soft spot for me, I’ll expect you to come visit me every day. And I’ll also expect you to help Reba at the boardinghouse. Mr. Daniels and Mr. Cooper are inept as they come.” She pointed a finger at him. “Do you understand me?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good.” Aunt Gertie folded the sheet over her lap. “Now somebody needs to get me something to drink and eat. I thought a hospital was where the word hospitality came from.”
Valentine laughed as he headed out of the room, he returned a few moments later with a nurse who held a tray of food and a drink. While Aunt Gertie ate dinner and complained to Valentine about hospital food, the doctor called Reba out into the hallway.
“So is it her heart?” Reba asked.
The doctor shook her head as she studied the folder in her hands with the test results. “Her heart appears to be working just fine. In fact, she’s got the heart of a woman half her age.”
“Then why did she collapse with chest pains?”
“I don’t know. I’d like to keep her here for a few days and run some more tests.”
Reba thought her aunt would flat-out refuse. Instead, she readily agreed. “I think a few more days will just about do it. Now show me how to use this crazy TV remote. And Reba, you need to get back to the boardinghouse. For all we know, Mr. Cooper and Mr. Daniels could be con-artists or thieves.”
“I already called Raynelle and Luanne on my way to the hospital and asked them if they could help keep an eye on things while I’m here with you. I also asked them to cancel the Halloween party on Saturday night.”
“You’ll do no such a thing,” Aunt Gertie snapped. “Dixon’s Boardinghouse has been hosting a Halloween party for the town for over fifty years and me having a little spell isn’t going to ruin that record. Now you get on home and get busy preparing for it. I have an entire hospital of people watching me.” She glanced at the nurse who had just come in to check her vitals. “Ain’t that right?”
The nurse smiled at Reba. “We’ll keep a close eye on her and call if there are any changes.”
Reba started to argue, but Aunt Gertie eyes narrowed. “Either you leave, Reba Gertrude, or I will.” She looked at Valentine. “And you too. I don’t need some Double Diamond bad boy staying the night with me and soiling my reputation. Now git!”
Valentine beat her back to the boardinghouse and was waiting on the porch for her. As she started to unlock the door, he reached out and softly squeezed her arm. “She’s going be okay, Reba. She’s a tough old bird.”
Before Reba could thank him for being there for both her and Aunt Gertie, Luanne’s voice rang out from inside. “Before you break in, I think you should know that I have a .357 Magnum ready to blow you to kingdom come.”
Valentine’s eyebrows shot up. “What is it with Texas women and guns?”
Reba laughed. “I guess we’re just pistol-packing mamas.” She yelled back to Luanne. “It’s me! Reba!”
The door swung open and there stood Luanne with a half-finished bracelet in one hand and a fireplace poker in the other. “Good grief, Reba. You scared twenty years off my life. Both guests are in their rooms and I didn’t expect you back tonight.” Her eyes widened. “Oh, Lord, Miss Gertie went to meet her maker.” She pulled Reba in for a tight hug, the handle of the poker pressing into her back. “Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. I’ll activate the phone tree and get everyone over here to help comfort you in your time of need.”
Reba drew back. “Thank you, Luanne. But Aunt Gertie is fine. They just want her to stay in the hospital for a few days to make sure.”
Luanne’s shoulders relaxed. “Thank the Lord. Not only because she’s like a grumpy old aunt to me, but also because I wouldn’t know what to do with this special Ten Commandments bracelet I’m making her.” She held up the thread with the beads dangling off it that read X Death. Valentine choked on a laugh, which