Chapter 6The newly re-opened and refurbished fireplace had a fire screen, solid brass and black tool set, wood basket, and andirons. Bricks more than a hundred years old were given a coat of white paint. The new mantel was a rich, golden oak, and the surround was granite with hints of red. The old, pitted firebox had been replaced with a new one, and the chimney was cleaned and repaired.
Walter, the architect, completed it, with a couple of days to spare.
Not that meeting the deadline mattered, as it turned out. Wills had called the day after it was finished to let me know he’d run into a snag, and the job was going to take a little longer.
“Thanks for letting me know.” I hoped he didn’t hear how disappointed I was. “Watch out for those Midwest farm boys. They look all innocent, but the
