“You do,” Bess replied. She felt nervous now, under Loralee’s scrutiny. “It’s me. I’m it.”
Tossing her head back, Loralee cackled. Her hair was sprayed so firmly in place even the tree trunk couldn’t dent it. “But you’re a woman.”
“Yes...” Better a woman than a mouse! “I’m a woman with money.” Money I took from your night stand.
Loralee considered Bess gravely, perched with one foot up against the tree. “You’re not some freaky chick, are you? Here to kill me and whatnot?”
Bess shook her head, trying not to smile too widely. “I’m just a girl who wants a little pleasure out of life...like you?”
“Oh, sister, you got me all wrong.” Cackling, Loralee pushed herself away from the tree with her foot and stumbled toward the open kitchen door. “Hmm...guess I musta left that open.”
