The Trial of Dr. Kate Read Online Free PDF Page A

drifted in. She surveyed her new quarters and decided she could have done worse.
    Hattie Mae rang a dinner bell promptly at five-thirty. When Shenandoah entered the small alcove, she noticed that the bulldog had climbed onto the chair opposite Hattie Mae’s. A big serving platter sat in the middle of the table piled high with homemade biscuits. Several bowls held mashed potatoes, creamed corn, and string beans. A second platter contained four pork chops. Once seated, Hattie Mae poured iced tea into a chipped glass at Shenandoah’s place setting.
    Looking around the small dining area, Shenandoah asked, “Am I your only boarder?”
    “I usually got two or three, but boarders are mostly transients. You know, jest in town for a few weeks’ work at some temporary job. I run the last one off ‘cause he snored louder than Mr. Apple-bee. Help yourself to the biscuits, Shenandoah,” Hattie Mae said with a slow grin.
    Shenandoah passed the serving platter, and Hattie Mae took two biscuits before handing it back to her. Hattie Mae broke off a piece of biscuit and tossed it to Mr. Applebee. The dog caught it and began to chew with gusto. Large spirals of drool slid out of the corners of his mouth. As they continued to eat, from time to time Hattie Mae would break off another piece of biscuit or pork chop and fling it at the bulldog.
    After they had finished their meal, Hattie Mae reached over and picked up the pitcher of iced tea. While she filled her glass she asked, “Want some more?”
    “Sure.” Watching her, Shenandoah said, “I’m happy to help with the dishes.”
    “I’ll do it, honey. Don’t cotton to strangers in my kitchen.”
    “You really think the flies are fooled by that piece of cotton pinned to your screen door?”
    “My goodness, honey, they’re dumb enough to think that piece of cotton is a spider. And you know how spiders and flies get along. Works like a charm.”
    “You’re sure you don’t need help?”
    “You can bring the plates and stuff in if you want.”
    After supper, Shenandoah read the notes she’d collected on Buford Frampton until ten. The fan blew hot, humid air over the desk where she worked, and perspiration trickled down her chest.
    * * *
    She awoke the next morning to the clanging of the bedside alarm clock. Dressed by six-thirty, she walked into the dining alcove and found Hattie Mae at the table with Mr. Applebee seated across from her. The big dog growled when he saw Shenandoah.
    “Behave yourself, Mr. Applebee. Shenandoah is a guest in our house.”
    A big platter of scrambled eggs and bacon sat in the middle of the table. Hattie Mae passed it to Shenandoah. As she scooped off her helping, Hattie Mae poured her a cup of coffee.
    “How’d you sleep?” Hattie Mae asked.
    “Okay. Sweated a little through the night—can’t remember it being this hot up here.”
    “Worst summer I can remember.”
    Hattie Mae tore off a piece of bacon and flung it in the general direction of Mr. Applebee. He caught it deftly, saliva trickling off his massive chin.
    “How well do you know Jake Watson?” Shenandoah asked.
    “They say he’s a right good lawyer. Wrote my will, but I don’t know that much about the man. He was good friends with Dr. Walt.”
    Shenandoah tore off a piece of her own bacon and threw it to the dog.
    “That were a nice thing for Shenandoah to do, Mr. Applebee. Thank her.”
    The bulldog placed one of his massive front paws on the table and gave a low growl.
    “You’re welcome, Mr. Applebee,” Shenandoah said.
    * * *
    After carrying her plate and the empty platter into the kitchen and saying good-bye to Hattie Mae, Shenandoah grabbed her note pad and headed out the front door. As she approached her car, she gasped. All four tires had been slashed and the car rested like a beached whale on the rims of its wheels.
    “What the hell?” she whispered.
    Turning back to the house, she climbed the stairs and rushed inside. Hattie Mae and Mr. Applebee were just