Ya can call me that too!” her smile reached her faint blue eyes.

I extended my hand, “I’m Stephanie,” she stopped me in midsentence.

“I know who ya is.” She flashed a knowing smile. “There ain’t much I miss in these parts.” She shook my hand. “I’ll see ya at six, Stevie. If I were ya, I’d change ‘em shoes.” Her eyes drifted down to my feet. “Those thangs are da worst for walkin’.”

I laughed, chin tucked to my chest, eyes to the ground. “Yes, ma’am, indeed.” I glanced up as I rolled a rock under my foot.

“Oh, I almost forgot! I’ll call down at the newspaper and speak ta Frank, my cousin. I’ll see ya this evening.” A suspicious smile crept across her face.

“Oh, okay.” I didn’t know exactly what to say. I watched as Ms. Noel moseyed along toward downtown. She fit the description of anyone’s grandmother. A plump body, clothed in a loose-fitting blue dress, buttoned up in the front and white nursing shoes, hose rolled up to her knees. She seemed nice enough. I drew in a restless breath. I sure hope this ain’t anything like Hansel and Gretel. The nice old woman turns into a wicked witch and tries to eat me.

 

 

***

Straight up six o’clock, I was on Ms. Noel’s front porch, knocking. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why she invited me to her house. Even if she called her cousin, Frank, I didn’t see how that was going to help my situation. A courier had to have transportation. That pretty much ruled me out.

I was jarred from my thoughts when Ms. Noel swung the door open. The squeaking sound of the screen made me jump with a start. “Aw, Catin, you made it right on time.” She stepped outside onto the porch, shutting the door behind her. “Come with me.”

I shrugged. “Okay.” I followed behind her as she led the way. The day had cool slightly. It seemed to have stirred the bugs as they hummed to their own tune.

Ms.