No Way Out by Fern Michaels (great books for teens .TXT) 📗

“You can send him home anytime,” Colleen reminded Ellie. “By the way, he mentioned something about Italian fried chicken.”

Ellie laughed. “Last night, I was making dinner when he and Jackson were in the yard. I guess the aroma wafted outside.”

“He said it ‘smelled real good,’ so I hope you’ll give me the recipe, unless it’s a family secret.”

Ellie thought, No, I’m the only family secret. “It’s not complicated. It’s called chicken Milanese, but when I told him what it was called, he didn’t seem to know what I was talking about. I mean, what kid knows what Milanese is, so I told him it was Italian fried chicken.”

“Too funny. It must be better than the Colonel’s, I’m sure.”

“Without a doubt. I’ll write the recipe down and have Hector bring it over to you.”

“Thanks, Ellie. That would make a nice surprise for Jackson.”

“Yes, but when I told him I put salad on top, he didn’t seem very impressed anymore.” Ellie chuckled.

“I’ll give it a go anyway. Thanks.”

“No problem. I’ve gotta go. Someone is having a computer crisis.”

“OK. Talk soon.” Colleen disconnected the call. She was feeling a lot better about things. Onward.

Chapter Twenty-six

Several days after Officer Pedone visited Colleen, a large moving van pulled onto the street. She hadn’t heard back from him and was beginning to feel anxious. She thought of calling him again but didn’t want to make a pest of herself. She had to leave for school, so she would not get to watch the new family move in. No point in belaboring the subject. Time to get herself and Jackson out the door.

* * *

Andy was sitting in the front sunroom of his house. It was the only place other than the kitchen that there was a chair that wasn’t piled with papers. He sipped his instant coffee and watched the van unload furniture and boxes. He was curious as to their taste. Was it modern? Midcentury? Early American? That style was something he loathed. Rustic? Even that could give him the willies if it weren’t done right.

First came a parade of boxes, followed by several beds. He was getting antsy waiting for the big reveal. He didn’t want to miss going to Sissy’s but could not resist spying on the new neighbors. It wasn’t exactly spying, he told himself. It was a healthy curiosity about the people who would be living within a hundred or so feet from him. He had a right to know. He sat up and peered through the window. The sofa. Modular. Meh. Maybe it was for the family room. He continued watching the contents of the large van being moved into the house. A coffee table. Another meh. More of the same cookie-cutter, chain-store furniture collection. Then came the enormous television. Andy wondered if it would fit through the door. He hadn’t had any personal experience with flat screens. True, he had visited people who had them but had never paid much attention. He had been using the same television for the past twenty-five years. With rabbit ears for an antenna, no less. It was no wonder he could only tune in three stations, but he didn’t care. The news was the news, and there was little or nothing he could do about it. He was resigned to the adage that ignorance is bliss.

He waited and watched for another hour before deciding it was time to go. He would see the final décor at some point. He would give them a few days to settle in and go over and introduce himself. He knew they would still be unpacking boxes, but the furniture should be in place. He maneuvered his way to the front door and hobbled to the blue Lincoln Mark V he had brought back to the house after the last time he had visited his cars. He was glad he had swapped it out with the Cadillac. He carefully inched the car out of the driveway and slowly moved past the neighbors. He gave a wave as he passed the van and drove slowly to his destination.

* * *

Jeanne and Frank were as curious as everyone else on the block. Frank practically had to hold Jeanne back physically. “You don’t want to seem like a nosy neighbor.”

Jeanne looked at him and laughed. “Have you not met me? I am a nosy neighbor.”

“Well, not right now.” Frank grabbed her by the back of the waistband of her slacks.

She playfully slapped his hand away. “I’m only going to look out the window. Carefully.”

Frank shook his head. He knew that when Jeanne got an idea into her head, it would take a crowbar to get it out.

But he, too, couldn’t resist. He sneaked up behind her, and they both had a look-see. Andy’s car was passing in front of their house at the same time.

“He’s such a sport,” Frank commented. “Look at him. Well dressed and driving a classic car. I hope I can do that when I’m his age.”

Jeanne chuckled. “I’m not sure about a light blue Lincoln, though.”

“Maybe Andy will leave it to me.”

“Oh, shush.” She gave him a slap on the arm.

After staring out the window for a half hour, they realized there wasn’t much to see.

“When should we go over there?” Jeanne asked.

“Hon, can you wait for the van to leave at least?”

“All right, but I am going to get started on making some baked ziti. I’ll take it over to them later.” Jeanne was being very sincere. Sure, she was curious, but she also wanted to make the neighbors feel at home. They were, after all, going to share the same street for a long time. Better to get on their good side right away.

“That’s my girl. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it, too.” Frank gave her a pat on the fanny. “Don’t forget to make some for me.”

“I wouldn’t dream of forgetting you.” Jeanne blew him a kiss as she entered the kitchen. “Let me know if there