I wasn’t quite finished with the story I was telling by the time 2025 ended and so decided to continue it until it reached an ending point. Then I will start a new one. Besides, I kind of want to see where Penelope ends up. And so we have…
Day 201: Penelope nodded.
Penelope nodded. Shenanigans,” Penelope repeated. “You could call them that.”
Delia snorted. She looked Penelope up and down but didn’t step closer as though aware Penelope might not feel comfortable with strangers. Penelope realized she was staying in the door frame and within the house’s protective barrier. She took a deep breath and, leaving the door open in case a hasty retreat was needed, she stepped into her own patio area. The distance was still there but it was easier to speak.
Delia’s eyes dropped to Penelope’s arm, saw the cast and the sling. “Are they responsible for that?” She asked.
“No,” Penelope said. “This was Peter Sinclair.”
“Sinclair?”
“You know him?” Penelope asked.
“Once,” Delia said. “He dated my sister for a time, cheated on her and she broke up with him. That was long ago. Well before his gambling took over. We are not friends and I certainly hope he is not one of yours.” She fixed Penelope with a stern gaze.
“No, I only met him when he attacked me,” Penelope said.
“Attacked, my you have had a busy run of it haven’t you. He is in custody one would hope?”
“He is,” Penelope confirmed.
“Best place for him if you ask me. Now, as to the…” she gestured to her house. “Interlopers,” she finished. The look of disgust was plain to see on her face.
“An older woman,” Penelope said. “She was upset that the house wouldn’t let her into certain rooms. She also didn’t like the families that lived on this street.”
“I can imagine,” Delia said. “Although I am pleased to see my house protections are intact. I generally have someone in to water my plants when I am gone so I move all the plants into one space and then lock down the other rooms.”
“Oh so Agent Johnson was watering your plants?” Penelope asked.
“Agent Johnson?” she asked. Delia shook her head. “I contract with the Weston Agency. They are truest and know that the house has protections and their access is limited. They are allowed only past the door and into the room with the plants.” Delia chewed her lip. “I suppose I should say they were trusted. I will have to look into them to decide if I will sue them again. They may be unaware of their breach in security. Although that might not speak well for them either.”
Delia shook her head. “Something to look into.” She looked to Penelope. “You are the Douglas girl then, just come of age?”
“Yes,” she said. “Penelope.”
“Welcome. I assure you we are usually a lot quieter than usual. With me on this side and Francine on the other things are mostly quiet when we are her, which as we both travel isn’t often.”
Penelope looked to the house on the other side.
Ten til Midnight 