Rainwater Read Free Page A

the offer of a drink, she was stuck looking untidy for the remainder of their visit, the purpose of which hadn’t yet been stated. She wondered what Solly was up to and how long this unexpected meeting was going to take. She hoped Mr. Rainwater wasn’t a salesman. She didn’t have time to sit through his pitch, only to say no to whatever it was he was peddling.
    The smell of simmering mustard greens was strong, even here in the front parlor. The doctor withdrew a large white handkerchief from his coat pocket and used it to blot sweat from his balding head. A yellow jacket flew into the window screen and continued angrily to try to go through it. The hum of the electric fan seemed as loud as a buzz saw.
    She was relieved when Dr. Kincaid cleared his throat and said, “I heard you lost a boarder.”
    “That’s right. Mrs. Morton went to live with an ailing sister. Somewhere in eastern Louisiana, I believe.”
    “Quite a piece from here,” he remarked.
    “Her nephew came to escort her on the train.”
    “Nice for her, I’m sure. Have you had anyone speak for her room?”
    “She only left the day before yesterday. I haven’t had time to advertise.”
    “Well then, that’s good, that’s good,” the doctor said and began fanning himself enthusiastically, as though in celebration of something.
    Discerning now the purpose for their call, she looked at Mr. Rainwater. He sat leaning slightly forward with both feet on the floor. His black shoes were shined, she noticed. His thick, dark hair was smoothed back off his face, but one strand, as straight and shiny as a satin ribbon, had defiantly flopped over his broad forehead. His cheekbones were pronounced, his eyebrows as sleek and black as crows’ wings. He had startling blue eyes, and they were steady on her.
    “Are you interested in lodging, Mr. Rainwater?”
    “Yes. I need a place to stay.”
    “I haven’t had a chance to give the vacant room a thorough cleaning, but as soon as it’s ready, I’d be happy to show it to you.”
    “I’m not particular.” He smiled, showing teeth that were very white, although slightly crooked on the top. “I’ll take the room as is.”
    “Oh, I’m afraid I couldn’t let you have it now,” she said quickly. “Not until I’ve aired the bedding, scrubbed everything, polished the floor. I have very high standards.”
    “For boarders or cleanliness?”
    “For both.”
    “Which is why I’ve brought him to you,” the doctor said hastily. “I told Mr. Rainwater that you keep an immaculate house and run a tight ship. To say nothing of the excellent meals your boarders enjoy. He desires a place that’s well maintained. A peaceful and quiet house.”
    Just then, from the direction of the kitchen, came a terrible racket followed by a bloodcurdling scream.
     
     

TWO
     
    Ella was out of her chair like a shot. “Excuse me.”
    She ran from the parlor and down the hallway, bursting into the kitchen, where Solly was standing in the middle of the floor, screeching at the top of his voice and holding his left arm away from his body as stiff as a ramrod.
    Hot starch had spattered his arm from wrist to shoulder. Some had splashed onto his chest, plastering his cotton shirt to his skin. The pan which had been on the stove was now lying overturned on the floor. The sticky blue stuff was oozing out of it, forming a wide puddle.
    Heedless of the mess, Ella lifted her son and hugged him to her. “Oh no, oh, God. Solly, Solly, oh, sweetheart. Oh, Lord.”
    “Cold water.” Dr. Kincaid had rushed into the kitchen practically on her heels and had immediately assessed the situation. He pushed her toward the sink and turned on the cold water spout, forcing Solly’s arm beneath the stream.
    “Do you have ice?”
    Mr. Rainwater addressed the question to Margaret, who’d come rushing in from the backyard, calling on Jesus for help even before determining the nature of the catastrophe.
    Since Margaret seemed incapable of answering him,