Angel's Flight (A Mercy Allcutt Mystery)

  And they left us there. I’m not sure about the others, because I could only stare at the retreating backs of my parents, but my mouth was hanging open.

  As soon as the door opened, Chloe and I leaped to our feet and threw ourselves into each other’s arms.

  “It can’t be true,” I cried.

  “It had better not be,” cried Chloe back at me.

  “What can’t be true?” Ernie. “I thought you’d be happy that they’d reconciled.”

  We whirled as one to face the men. I said, “Of course, we’re happy that they’ve reconciled.”

  “Naturally. Good God, I can’t even imagine what life would be like if Mother decided to live with Harvey and me for all eternity,” said Chloe.

  “So what’s the problem? Sounds like all your troubles have come to a satisfactory conclusion.”

  “Shows how much you know,” I said bitterly.

  Ernie lifted an ironical eyebrow.

  Chloe and I exchanged one last speaking look. Actually, it was more a look of mutual horror. It was I who explained things to Ernie. “Our parents are going to be moving to California! That’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to us!”

  Ernie only laughed.

  “Bite him, Buttercup,” I commanded.

  But she didn’t. I swear, sometimes you can’t even rely on your best friend.

  About the Author

  Award-winning author Alice Duncan lives with a herd of wild dachshunds (enriched from time to time with fosterees from New Mexico Dachshund Rescue) in Roswell, New Mexico. She’s not a UFO enthusiast; she’s in Roswell because her mother’s family settled there fifty years before the aliens crashed. Since her two daughters live in California, where Alice was born, she aims to return there as soon as possible. Alice would love to hear from you at aduncan@zianet.com. And be sure to visit her website at http://www.zianet.com/aduncan/.