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Show Peppermint Mends Maybe he would find Renae exciting. It was a sickening thought. "Just come and take a look at Jake. I promise to leave you alone if you will." "If that's what it takes." Barton rose from the chair in exasperation. I liked it when he was upset. It added a little color to his bland personality. It took a few years off his facade of maturity. "So where are they?" Barton wasn't waiting for me to lead the way. He pushed past me and headed through the kitchen, to the back door. The door was open, allowing a gentle breeze to sift through the screen door. I could smell meadow grass mixed with wildflowers . It was proof that spring was in the Ozarks. Barton angrily stuck his head out the door, never noticing the breeze or fresh smile, or at least never mentioning it. Jake and Russ were sprawled out on the back lawn. I could hear Russ' croaky laugh and Jake's deep, booming one. Jake's hat was by his side, his iron-gray being ruffled by the wind. Ma was working in the yard, over by the strawberry patch, but she had left the tray of sandwiches and juice between the pair on the lawn. I bet Jake had had more than his share too. "So I've seen him. Now what?" Barton pulled his head back inside and smoothed his hair with his long fingers. "Well, what do you think of him?" His attitude surprised me. I guess he couldn't really tell much about old Jake from this distance. If he could, he certainly wouldn't have been so apathetic. He would have been outraged that we allowed a hillbilly on our property. "He's better than a bawling kid." He shrugged his slim shoulders and walked several steps back in the kitchen. "But you haven't even met him?" My eyes were wide and accusing. There |
