“That’s exactly what she won’t do. I told her about the will being taken, Penny. She immediately decided it was another omen—a sign that she should leave everything the way it is.”
“How foolish! Celeste must have put those notions in her head!”
“I’m sure I don’t know. As for the will, I never did encourage her to change it, because not for a moment do I believe she is sick enough to die. I don’t want Mother’s money. I only want her to get well and strong and be happy again. Penny, you don’t think she is seriously ill?”
“The doctor said nothing is the matter with her.”
“Yet we both know something dreadful is wrong.” Lorinda’s finger tips nervously tapped the table edge. “Oh, Penny, I’m scared—terribly scared. I don’t explain it, but I just feel a sinister something in the air!”
“You shouldn’t be here alone with Celeste and Antón. Why not override them and hire a nurse or companion for your mother?”
“Maybe I will,” Lorinda agreed. “I’ll think it over until tomorrow.”
“You’ll report the theft of the will to the police, of course?”
“No,” Lorinda decided instantly. “They would only ask embarrassing questions.”
“Why are you so reluctant to take anyone into your confidence?”