boy is back.”
I didn’t answer. Delta did.
“Maddox is out of jail.”
“Heavens. And he brought his older sister too, the trashy thing.”
My stomach churned. I leaned forward. “Chelsea’s home?”
“From what I hear, time has not been kind to her. But that’s neither here nor there. Two Maddoxs in town. Both of them are just…trouble.”
I frowned. Maddox hadn’t said a word about his sister. He hardly ever did. He was the declared bad boy of Saint Christie, but Chelsea wasn’t even brought up in polite conversation.
Not even by her brother.
That was strange. Chelsea didn’t wander into town without reason. She might have been visiting her brother now that he was out, but the thought didn’t settle well.
Something was up. Something bad.
“How is Matthias these days, Josie?” Mrs. Greentree’s smile was genuine. “My Johnny’s missed him at the track. They used to have such fun together.”
There was a gut punch. Delta avoided my gaze.
“He’s fine,” I said. “Some days are better than others.”
“Do tell him we said hello.”
Sure. I’d just tell Granddad his bookie’s mother passed on Johnny’s regards. And probably another threat to repay what was yet owed.
She excused herself to harass Postmaster Alan as he began his route. The dog immediately launched at Alan’s leg. The mail scattered everywhere, and Millie stole the packet of registered letters.
Just a normal afternoon.
“There’s gotta be a bar open somewhere,” Delta said. She winked at me. “Don’t worry about Johnny or the debts. You’re taking care of it.”
“I don’t worry about the money.” That was a lie. I sighed. “I worry more about Granddad. He’s not been the same since the fire. He really loved to be working and…useful.”
“Maybe one day?”
I doubted it. “That’s why Maddox was so good for him. They used to work well together. Granddad trained him, taught him everything he knew. Maddox could take over his business now, and Granddad could consult. I’m sure they’d make a lot of money doing it.”
“But Josie…no one’s going to let him in their house now.”
She was probably right. It just wasn’t fair.
“I know what you think of him,” I said. “I know what everyone thinks of him. But Maddox isn’t as bad as they say. He’s just different. Came from a rough family.”
Delta didn’t believe me. “He used to do drug deals for his family.”
“Because his dad would beat his mom and Chelsea if he didn’t.”
That quieted her. She shrugged. “I’m glad they went to jail.”
I wasn’t. The law stepped in too late, the first time it let him down. I wished Maddox had a better chance at life. His parents went to prison, he ran away from home, and Chelsea had to do things no one Saint Christie could imagine.
“The gang in Ironfield was the only family he ever had,” I said. “Chelsea wasn’t able to take care of herself, and he was alone. What do you think that does to a young kid?” I bit my lip. “What do you think it does to a grown man?”
Delta had her theories, but she didn’t share. She nodded, watching as two men walked the path, cutting between the park and the converted tennis courts to City Hall. They saw me.
And they both detoured to talk with me.
“Ever think I’m too noticeable in this town?” I asked.
Delta giggled. “You’re the chocolate swirl in a pint of vanilla, that’s for sure.”
Chief Craig and Councilman Grossi carried their usual tennis equipment. They both smiled as they approached, and I braced for another round of gossip. Delta gave her uncle a kiss, and the Councilman winked at me.
The police chief was an older man who blew past gray and turned silver on his fortieth birthday. Not that there was much crime in the town that would give him stress, but chasing geese from the pond and the junior high kids smoking behind the school kept him busy.
Chief Craig leaned on the stairs to the gazebo and pretended to make small talk.
“Hey, Josie. How’s Matt doing?”
I must have forgotten to post on Facebook, and Mrs. Greentree and Luann McMannis were slacking on their daily report on his health.
“He’s good.”
Chief Craig stuffed his hands in his pocket. “We’re missing him on the bowling league. Think you’re up to taking his spot?”
“I doubt I’d be much help.” I shrugged. “Not unless they let me use those bumpers over the gutters?”
He laughed. “My boys use them all the time. Taylor is starting to win on his own, but Aidan still kicks the ball down the lane.”
Councilman Grossi snorted. “Told you we needed