Instead, I drove to the tiny community near Hammond where Essie Goodwine lived. I hoped she wouldn’t mind my dropping by unannounced, but I was more concerned about my reception from her great-granddaughter. The last time our paths had crossed, Rhapsody Goodwine seemed to be following Darius over to the dark side rather than in Essie’s benevolent footsteps. I told myself she was young yet and could easily be influenced either way. I hoped her great-grandmother would win out, but I didn’t discount her father’s powerful caché. When she opened the door at my knock, I searched her face for hints of his slyness, but her demeanor remained passive. Even so, my smile was tentative. “Hello, Rhapsody. Remember me?” Her gaze darkened as she observed me through the screen door. “Yes. If you’ve come to see Granny, she’s not here right now.” “Oh.” I bit my lip in disappointment.
