Black Rose

mind.”
    “Maybe she’s planting it there. I don’t know, Mama.”
    She considered a moment. “Mitch has a theory. We were discussing it before I keeled over.”
    She told him, sliding her arm around his waist as she did. Together, they stopped at the edge of the woods, studying the house.
    “Doesn’t seem so far-fetched, all things considered,” Harper said. “It always seemed like she was one of us.”
    “Seems to me it only opens up another box of questions, and doesn’t really get us any closer to finding out who she was. But I know one thing. I want those diaries more than ever. If Jane doesn’t come through, I’m going to take on Clarise.”
    “Want me to play ref?”
    “I might just. If Amelia is part of the family, she deserves her due. That said, I don’t feel the same about Clarise. She’s always wanted more than her due, in my opinion. I don’t know what it makes me to feel more sympathy for a dead woman, who may or may not be some blood kin, than I do for a live one who unquestionably is blood kin.”
    “She smacked me once.”
    Instantly Roz stiffened. “She did what?”
    “Gave me a good swat one day, when she was visiting, and she caught me climbing on the kitchen counter going after the cookie jar. I was about six, I think. Gave me a swat, pulled me off and told me I was a greedy, disrespectful little brat.”
    “Why didn’t you tell me? She had no right to touch you. I’d’ve skinned her for it.”
    “Then skinned me,” he pointed out. “As you’d told me never to climb on the counter, and not to take any cookies without asking first. So I took my lumps and slunk off.”
    “Anybody was going to give you lumps it was going to be me. Nobody lays hands on my children, and in my court there is no statute of limitations on the crime. That bitch.”
    “There now.” He gave her shoulders a squeeze. “Don’t you feel better?”
    “I believe I’ll make her very sorry before I’m done.” She walked with him toward the house. “You knew better than to put your hand in that cookie jar, Harper Jonathan Ashby.”
    “Yes’m.”
    She gave him a light elbow jab. “And don’t you smirk at me.”
    “I wasn’t, I was just thinking there are probably cookies in it now.”
    “I imagine so.”
    “Cookies and milk sound pretty good.”
    “I guess they do. Let’s go harass David until we get some. But we have to do it now. I’ve got a date to get ready for.”

    ROZ KNEW THE styles and colors that not only flattered her, but suited her. She’d chosen the vintage Dior for its clean, flowing lines, and its pretty spun-gold color. The straight bodice, thin straps and rear drape left her back and shoulders bare.
    But that back and those arms and shoulders were toned. She saw to it. So she saw no reason not to show them off. She wore her grandmother’s diamonds—the drop earrings and tiered necklace that had come to her.
    And knowing she’d regret it, slipped on the high, thin-heeled sandals that showcased the toenails she’d painted the same delicate gold as the dress.
    She turned, to check the rear view in the mirror, and called out an absent “come in” at the knock on her door.
    “Roz, I just wanted to...” Stella stopped dead. “Holy Mother Mary. You look spectacular.”
    With a nod in the mirror, Roz turned again. “I really do. Sometimes you just want to knock them on their asses, know what I mean? I got an urge to do that tonight.”
    “Just—just stay there.” She rushed out again, and Roz heard her calling for Hayley.
    Amused, she picked up her purse—what had possessed her to pay so much for such a silly little thing—and began to slip what she considered necessary for the evening out inside it.
    “You’ve got to get a load of this,” Stella was saying, then pulled Hayley into the room.
    Hayley blinked, then narrowed her eyes. “You’ve got to do a spin. Give us a little twirl.”
    Willing to oblige, Roz turned a circle, and Hayley crossed her arms over her chest and bowed her head.
    “We are not worthy. Are those real diamonds? I know it’s tacky to ask, but I can’t help it. They’re so... sparkly.”
    “They were my grandmother’s, and particularly special to me. Which reminds me. I have something I thought you might like to wear for your wedding, Stella. It would cover the bases of something old, borrowed, and blue.”
    She’d already taken the box out of her safe, and now handed it to Stella.
    “Oh, God.”
    “John gave them to me for