ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON THIRTEEN

Episode 169

Edie Norland opened the front door and scowled as she saw her oldest grandchild standing on the porch along with a big burly looking Black fellow and some scrawny White man.

" Richard. What are you doing here? And who are these men ? "

Richard smiled slightly at the grandmother he had never really liked even as a child. He still remembered how she had pinched his arm hard at age seven because he accidentally stumbled over her shoed feet as she sat on the sofa in the morning room along with Grandfather Norland. " This man here is Dr. DuBuis Lane. He's Spencer's husband. You would know him if you had attended his wedding. Of course that would have meant being an active part of our lives. " He motioned to Aiden who stood back watching her in much curiosity. " This is Aiden Norris. He's my.... he's a family friend. May we come in ? I wish to discuss Father's disappearance with you. We all do. "

The elderly woman pursed her lips at him unpleasantly. " No. I am otherwise occupied. "

Richard lifted his head proudly and stepped forward and past her into the foyer of her home followed by his brother in law and cousin. " Too bad. We're coming in anyway. Don't fight me. I'm a judge now. Judges always win. One way or another. "

Edie snapped tersely, " How rude ! I already told that brother of yours that I have not seen your father in the longest time. Please leave. "

The three men stared at her for a long time and she glared back. Then DuBuis narrowed his eyes as he reared up to his full height and practically bellowed ," My mother didn't raise any fools. Well maybe Sylvia but that's neither here nor there. You're lying. When was he here ? And where did he go? Where is he? "

Edie looked at him with pure dislike radiating from every pore of her ancient body. " I will not dignify that impudence with a response , boy. You would be with Spencer. He was always a rude arrogant child. Leave. All of you. Before I call the sheriff. "

Richard shot out ," Call him. I want him here. Because DuBuis is right. I look at you and I know he's right. You're lying. You're a bad liar , Grandmother. Where is he ? "

Edie lifted her old liver spotted hand to touch her chest. " I don't know. You always were an arrogant nasty little thing, Richard. Even as a boy. "

Richard took a deep breath just as Aiden stepped further into the foyer and said haltingly," I need to use the restroom. Sorry. Too much coffee on the way here. Might I use your bathroom, ma'am? "

Richard and DuBuis exchanged discreet glances at each other, knowing that in the short early morning ride down Aidan had not drank or eaten a thing. But they remained silent.

Edie sighed. " If you must. But do not touch or break anything. I also know everything I have in my house, young man. "

Aiden smiled boyishly at her as he headed down the hallway. " Thank you much, ma'am. "