Myra had given her directions, and unlike in Chicago, just about everything in Cricket Creek was within reasonable walking distance. Still, she was in a hurry and a car would have been nice right about now . . . and of course flagging a passing cab wasn’t an option. Adding to her discomfort, the sky had clouded over, leaving a definite nip in the late spring air. By the time she arrived at her destination, Mia was shivering and her tired feet ached. “Okay,” Mia whispered as she paused for a second to catch her breath and get her bearings, “now where do I go?” The courthouse was a stately old brick building with a white domed roof in the center, reminding Mia of the courthouse in the movie To Kill a Mockingbird. Mia was a big fan of classic movies and she suddenly felt as if she were stepping into the past. A giant oak tree sprouting tender green leaves graced the side yard, and a row of deep red petunias lined the sidewalk. Two large planters chock-full of flowers perched on both sides of the front porch, and a rustic grapevine wreath decorated the front door.
