Neighbors’ faces appeared in the windows, eager to watch the strange meeting of Darsie Anderson and Charlotte Grey. “Thank you very much, Mr. Anderson,” I shook my head again, “I’ll be fine. If you’ll excuse me…” I motioned for him to continue on his walk. “But of course,” he bowed and strolled off whistling “It’s a Lazy Afternoon”. Staring after him a moment, my eyes narrowed. Darsie’s whistling was flat. My breath grew sharp, and I finally had to look away. No sooner had he turned the corner than Mrs. Malloway scrambled across the street. “What did he say?” “What?” My eyes opened wide. “I said ‘What did—’” She spoke slowly and enunciated her words. “I heard you!” I snapped. “He didn’t say anything really…” “What did he say yesterday? I saw you let ‘im into your house.” Mrs. Malloway raised an eyebrow. “Nothing, he simply wanted to use my telephone.” I sniffed. Mrs. Malloway clicked her tongue and hurried over to Mr. Donner’s porch to gossip. http://ficlets.com/feed/story/26460