Where There's Smoke Read Online Free PDF Page A

the few friendly to us."
     
    Heedless of his reprimand, Janellen quickly threw herself across her brother's chest.   "Key!   You're home.   When did you get here?
     
    Why'd you sneak in without waking us?   Oh, you're home.   Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming."   She hugged his neck hard and pecked several kisses on his forehead and cheeks.
     
    "Okay, okay, I get it.   You're glad to see me."   He grumbled and staved off her kisses, but as he struggled to a sitting position, he was smiling.   "Hiya, sis."   Through bloodshot eyes, he looked her over.
     
    "Let's see.   No gray hairs.   You've still got most of your teeth.
     
    Haven't put on more'n five or six pounds.   Overall, I'd say you look no worse for wear."
     
    "I haven't put on a single ounce, I'll have you know.   And I look just like I always have.   Unfortunately."   Without coyness, she added, "You and Clark were the pretty ones of the family, remember?   I'm the plain Jane.   Or in this case, Janellen."
     
    "Now why would you want to piss me off first thing?"   he asked.
     
    "Why go and say something like that?"
     
    "Because it's true."   She gave a slight shrug as though it was of little or no consequence.   "Let's don't waste breath talking about me.
     
    I want to know about you.   Where'd you come from and when did you get in?"
     
    "Your message was channeled to me through that London phone number I gave you," he told her around a huge yawn.   "It caught up with me in Saudi.   Been traveling for three, maybe four days.   Hard to keep track when you're crossing that many time zones.   Came through Houston yesterday and dropped off the company plane.   Got into Eden Pass last night sometime."
     
    "Why didn't you wake us up?   Who's truck is that?   How long can you stay?"
     
    He raked back his hair and winced as though each follicle were bruised.
     
    "One question at a time, please.   I didn't wake you up because it was late and there was no point.   I borrowed the truck from a buddy in Houston who has to deliver a plane to Longview in a couple of days.
     
    He'll pick it up then and drive it back.   And.   . . what was the last one?"
     
    "How long can you stay?"   She folded her hands beneath her chin, looking like a little girl about to say her bedtime prayers.   "Don't say just a few days."   Don't say a week."   Say you're staying for a long He reached for her folded hands and clasped them.   "The contract I had with that oil outfit in Saudi was almost up anyway.   Right now I haven't got anything cooking.   I'll leave my departure date open.
     
    We'll wait and see how it goes, okay?"
     
    "Okay.   Thank you, Key."   Tears glistened in her fine blue eyes.
     
    When it came to that family trait, she hadn't been passed over.   "I hated to bother you with the situation here, but "It was no bother."
     
    "Well it felt like a bother.   I wouldn't have contacted you if I didn't think that having you here might somehow make things.   . . better."
     
    "What's going on, Janellen?"
     
    "It's Mama.   She's sick, Key."
     
    "Is her blood pressure kicking up again?"
     
    "It's worse than that."   Janellen twisted her hands.   "She's started having memory blackouts.   They don't last long.   At first I didn't even notice them.   Then Maydale mentioned several instances when Mama lost things and accused her of moving them.   She introduces topics into conversations that we've already talked about."
     
    "She's getting up there in years, Janellen.   These are probably nothing more than early signs of senility."
     
    "Maybe, but I don't believe so.   I'm afraid it's more serious than just aging because there are days when I can tell she doesn't feel well, much as she tries to cover up.
     
    "What does the doctor say?"
     
    "She won't see one," she exclaimed with frustration.   "Dr. Patton prescribed medication to control her blood pressure, but that was over a year ago.   She browbeats the