Haley leaned over the railing. “Tell her I’ll be down in a minute.” Carrie nodded then turned and raced back to the living room yelling, “She’ll be down in a minute.” “Delphine’s out in the yard. I’d better get her. Phyllis will probably want to leave right away.” Because Haley’s usually expressive face was carefully neutral, Rand knew she was unhappy about the dog leaving. He, on the other hand, was ecstatic, and in a fit of gallantry said, “I’ll talk to her while you round up the dog.” Haley nodded, and Rand had sudden misgivings when he saw the glint of mischief in her eyes. “Is there something I should know about Delphine’s mother?” he asked suspiciously. “Nope,” Haley said, refusing to look at him as she bounced down the stairs two at a time. Rand followed, leaning heavily on his cane. He’d spent too much time on his ankle the day before and now it ached like a bitch. He could hear Angela’s agitated voice before he made it to the bottom of the stairs.
