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Turning Trixie
Turning Trixie
Turning Trixie
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Turning Trixie

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Trixie Burnett, a 23-year-old single mom and the only prostitute in the small northeast Texas town of Pineywoods, knows the winning lottery ticket in her purse is about to change things forever.

Trixie retires from the world's oldest profession and seeks a new life for herself and her eight-year-old son, Tyler. Trouble starts when she decides the rest of the town needs changing too.

But reputations and attitudes don't change as easily as bank accounts or hairstyles. Seems everyone in town has something to hide, and movers and shakers don't give up their positions easily. Some will stop at nothing to protect their power, especially from a hooker-turned-philanthropist who knows their most intimate, embarrassing secrets and now dares to enter their sanctuaries.

EVOLVED PUBLISHING PRESENTS a contemporary women's fiction, southern literary novel that explores small-town America, celebrating its many blessings while exposing all its dirty little secrets, from the author of such award-winning greats as Hannah's Voice, Carry Me Away, and Slade. [DRM-Free]

 

LanguageEnglish
Release dateDec 7, 2022
ISBN9781622532445
Turning Trixie
Author

Robb Grindstaff

In addition to a career as a newspaper editor, publisher, and manager, Robb Grindstaff has written fiction most of his life. The newspaper biz has taken him and his family from Phoenix, Arizona, to small towns in North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin, from seven years in Washington, D.C., to five years in Asia. Born and raised a small-town kid, he’s as comfortable in Tokyo or Tuna, Texas. The variety of places he’s lived and visited serve as settings for the characters who invade his head. His novels are probably best classified as contemporary southern lit, and he’s had more than a dozen short stories published in a wide array of genres. His articles on the craft of fiction writing have appeared in various writer magazines and websites, and one of his seminars was presented at the Sydney (Australia) Writers Festival. He also has taught writing courses for the Romance Writers of America, Romance Writers of Australia, and Savvy Authors. Robb retired from the newspaper business in the summer of 2020 to write and edit fiction full time.

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    Turning Trixie - Robb Grindstaff

    Copyright

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    ~~~

    TURNING TRIXIE

    Copyright © 2022 Robb Grindstaff

    ~~~

    ISBN (EPUB Version): 1622532449

    ISBN-13 (EPUB Version): 978-1-62253-244-5

    ~~~

    Editor: Jessica West

    Cover Artist: Kabir Shah

    Interior Designer: Lane Diamond

    ~~~

    PUBLISHER’S NOTE:

    At the end of this novel of approximately 97,200 words, you will find two Special Sneak Previews: 1) SLADE by Robb Grindstaff, and; 2) THE CLOVIS DIG by Teri Fink (edited by Robb Grindstaff). We think you’ll enjoy these books, too, and provide these previews as a FREE extra service, which you should in no way consider a part of the price you paid for this book. We hope you will both appreciate and enjoy the opportunity. Thank you.

    ~~~

    eBook License Notes:

    You may not use, reproduce or transmit in any manner, any part of this book without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations used in critical articles and reviews, or in accordance with federal Fair Use laws. All rights are reserved.

    This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only; it may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return to your eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

    ~~~

    Disclaimer:

    This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or the author has used them fictitiously.

    Books by Robb Grindstaff

    Carry Me Away

    Hannah’s Voice

    Slade

    Turning Trixie

    ~~~

    June Bug Gothic: Tales from the South [Short Story Collection]

    ~~~

    RobbGrindstaff.com

    What Others Are Saying about Robb Grindstaff’s Books

    ~~~

    SLADE:

    Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews

    "...a unique attempt, using an unusual style and format, to pinpoint and highlight both the light and dark sides of the human psyche. Slade is an incredibly powerful and thought-provoking story... This is a fantastic book on many levels and I can highly recommend it." ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Grant Leishman

    ~~~

    A fabulous read, pulling me into a story that was compellingly interesting and very heart-wrenching in every way. High-quality, real-life drama. A very impressive book. ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Steve Robson

    ~~~

    Some chapters leave you hanging, others provide an ‘aha’ moment, but then there are those that slap you in the face. ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Heather Hirschman

    ~~~

    The premise of the story was as unique as promised... more effective than I anticipated. I would highly recommend this novel! ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Rabia Tanveer

    ~~~

    A timely satire of the celebrity-obsessed culture plaguing our society... an intriguing and authentic piece of work that has plenty to offer... thoroughly compelling, uniquely told. ~ Reader’s Favorite Book Reviews, Pikasho Deka

    ~~~

    An incredible novel... a refreshing, innovative and skillful tour de force. ~ Jonas Saul, Bestselling Author of forty novels, including the million-selling Sarah Roberts series

    ~~~

    This is a story that lingers on... incredible wit and flawless storytelling is just what our world needs right now. ~ EC Stilson, author of the critically acclaimed Two More Years, The Golden Sky, and Homeless in Hawaii

    ~~~

    HANNAH’S VOICE:

    ~~~

    I am a sucker for strong female protagonists, from Lisbeth Salander all the way back to Jane Eyre, and even further. Hannah joins this elite club of kick-ass female characters, women who have strong voices, independent and feisty personalities, and basically take no prisoners. ~ David Schwartz, Author of The Last Man Who Knew Everything: Enrico Fermi

    ~~~

    A searingly memorable story and will stay with the reader long after the novel is put down. ~ Pete Morin, Author of Diary of a Small Fish

    ~~~

    Phenomenal storytelling. This book is so well written and Hannah is so compelling, her voice lingers in my mind long after I have finished reading. ~ Michelle Johnson, Author and Literary Agent

    ~~~

    Absolutely incredible. The author perfectly captured Hannah’s thoughts at each point in her life. ~ Marked By Books

    ~~~

    One of my best reads of the year! ~ Gimme the Scoop Book Reviews

    ~~~

    Will stay with you long after reading this book. I highly recommend this book. ~ Orsayor Simmons Book Reviews

    ~~~

    CARRY ME AWAY:

    ~~~

    I’m still marveling at what an impressive and enjoyable book this is, and I’m looking forward to reading anything by Grindstaff that I can get my hands on. Most highly recommended. ~ Reader’s Favorite Book Reviews

    ~~~

    The ending was not what I expected, and I put the book down still in tears. This is a beautiful book and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Any book that has me laughing out loud one minute and in tears the next (on public transportation no less!) is a must read. ~ Tamra Reynolds

    ~~~

    Best book of the year. ~ Marked By Books

    ~~~

    Thumbs up! A fantastic read. ~ Books 4 the Soul

    ~~~

    SHORT STORIES:

    ~~~

    A master storyteller! ~ Maria Grazia, Editor, Horror Bound Magazine

    ~~~

    Some writers excel at characterization, others at plot, and still others are best known for their unique prose style. Grindstaff is a triple threat. ~ S.P. Miskowski, Author of Knock Knock

    ~~~

    A wicked sense of humor, a keen eye on the human psyche, and impeccable timing. His prose crackles and doesn’t waste a syllable. ~ Pete Morin, Author of Diary of a Small Fish

    ~~~

    What marks him apart is how American his voice is. Robb’s writing amuses, charms, and when you least expect it, challenge and shock. ~ Alexander McNabb, Author of Olives: A Violent Romance

    ~~~

    Seamlessly written stories, full of strong characters, rendered with wit and subtlety. Stories unfold gently, judgments are never made, and the reader is left with stories that resonates long after the book is closed. ~ Phillipa Fioretti, Author of The Book of Love

    BONUS CONTENT

    We’re pleased to offer you not one, but two Special Sneak Previews at the end of this book.

    ~~~

    In the first preview, you’ll enjoy the prologue (of sorts) and first three chapters (of sorts) of Robb Grindstaff’s third novel (of sorts), SLADE, the critically acclaimed story of an unlikely celebrity with a self-help who book becomes a reluctant spiritual guru to the Hollywood elite, spawning a cult he wants nothing to do with.

    ~~~

    ~~~

    OR GRAB THE FULL EBOOK TODAY!

    YOU’LL FIND LINKS TO YOUR FAVORITE RETAILER HERE:

    Robb Grindstaff’s Books at Evolved Publishing

    In the second preview, you’ll enjoy the first three chapters of Teri Fink’s novel, THE CLOVIS DIG (edited by Robb Grindstaff), a multiple award-winning literary fiction piece with crime/mystery overtones, featuring Native American Indian cultural elements.

    ~~~

    ~~~

    OR GRAB THE FULL EBOOK TODAY!

    FIND LINKS TO YOUR FAVORITE RETAILER HERE:

    TERI FINK’S BOOKS at Evolved Publishing

    Table of Contents

    Copyright

    Books by Robb Grindstaff

    What Others Are Saying

    BONUS CONTENT

    Table of Contents

    Dedication

    TURNING TRIXIE

    Chapter 1

    Chapter 2

    Chapter 3

    Chapter 4

    Chapter 5

    Chapter 6

    Chapter 7

    Chapter 8

    Chapter 9

    Chapter 10

    Chapter 11

    Chapter 12

    Chapter 13

    Chapter 14

    Chapter 15

    Chapter 16

    Chapter 17

    Chapter 18

    Chapter 19

    Chapter 20

    Chapter 21

    Chapter 22

    Chapter 23

    Chapter 24

    Chapter 25

    Chapter 26

    Chapter 27

    Chapter 28

    Chapter 29

    Chapter 30

    Chapter 31

    Chapter 32

    Interview with the Author

    Special Sneak Preview: SLADE by Robb Grindstaff

    Acknowledgements

    About the Author

    What’s Next?

    More from Robb Grindstaff

    More from Evolved Publishing

    Special Sneak Preview: THE CLOVIS DIG by Teri Fink

    Dedication

    For all the incredible mothers in my life: Linda, Lauren, Shelly, Terri, Jen, Judy, Dawn, Brandi, Amy C, Kathy, Amy F, Nancy, Janice, Mary Jane, Teresa, Rachael, Rain, and of course, Mom.

    Chapter 1

    Tyler dropped his bike in the dirt and ran to the house. He knew how to ride, but when he really wanted to get somewhere in a hurry, running was faster. And this was a good time for a hurry.

    After all, it wasn’t every day a white Corvette crunched down the gravel country road and turned into their dirt driveway, a brown cloud spiraling into the pine trees lining both sides.

    Ty’s legs flipped one in front of the other in a blur. His bare feet slapped the ground and left a miniature version of the car’s dust trail behind him. A lot of men pulled into their driveway, but none ever showed up in a ride this fine before. Ty imagined an older man in a white suit with a white cowboy hat. Maybe a TV star or a country singer.

    The car door flung open. There behind the steering wheel sat his momma. The yellow-blond hair she’d left with a few hours earlier, now dyed platinum, was piled into a tall, wavy mound lacquered with enough hairspray to make it look as breakable as their Christmas vase.

    So, how do you like it?

    Tyler stared at the Corvette. It sure is big.

    Trixie glanced in the rearview mirror and pushed a wedge of hair back into place. It’s not too big, is it? She swung her legs out to show off new red boots, white jeans tucked in. I always told you the Lord would provide.

    Tyler touched a finger to the metallic pearl door panel. The Lord gave us this?

    The Lord gave me the winning numbers for Powerball. Now go get some shoes on ‘cause we’re going to town. Golden Corral’s got all-you-can-eat buffet.

    With his best Converses on but still untied, Tyler jumped in the driver’s side and climbed across the woodgrain console between the white leather bucket seats. He popped open the glove box, which contained only some paperwork and the little Ruger .22 pistol that Tyler only got to touch when Momma or Uncle Leon took him out shooting.

    Stay out of there.

    Tyler slammed the glove box and struggled with the seatbelt.

    Trixie leaned over to see herself in the sideview mirror while she tamped her hair down with both hands. You sure this ain’t too big? I don’t want to be calling attention to ourselves just ‘cause we’re millionaires now. Let’s say a little prayer and thank the good Lord for his bounty. Yes sir, my little man, our lives is about to change. Your momma’s gonna be on TV tonight.

    ***

    A crew member had shown Trixie to her seat behind the news desk where the anchors sat, right between the man and the woman who read the local evening news reports each evening: usually a fire, a train wreck, maybe a tornado spotted, a drug bust, and one feel-good story, like a kid who saved a kitten from drowning or a little old lady who’d fought off a burglar with her cast-iron skillet.

    Ladies and gentlemen, the man with salt-and-pepper hair said, we have in the studio with us here a young lady who has just had a stroke of good fortune many of us dream of, but her dreams are now coming true.

    It was odd seeing him in person. Her daddy watched him on the evening news as far back as her memory could go. He had a large college ring on one hand and a wedding band on the other that glimmered in the spotlights.

    That’s right, Gregg, the woman on Trixie’s other flank said. Her dark auburn hair rolled across the padded shoulders of a bright red dress. She was new, at least since the last time Trixie had watched the news. Maybe a year or more ago. There were eight winners in last night’s Powerball lottery, a total payout of more than $200 million. One of those lucky eight lives right here in east Texas, in the town of Pineywoods.

    Trixie tried not to stare at the stage lights, but they burned into her retinas and left bright circles and blind spots in her vision. Her eyes watered. She hoped it didn’t look like she was crying, or worse, ruin her makeup. The guy backstage who’d done her makeup did a better job in five minutes than Trixie could do in half an hour, and she hoped it would last at least through the evening.

    Let me introduce Victoria Burnet, the man said. Victoria—may I call you Victoria?

    Just Trixie please. Her head felt like it was on a swivel, switching back and forth between the man and the woman, both of whom wore more makeup than Trixie.

    Trixie, the woman said, being the only winner from east Texas, you must feel like you just struck oil. What was your first thought when you realized you had the magic set of numbers?

    Trixie tried shifting in her chair rather than twisting her neck back and forth every time a question came from a different direction. She resisted the urge to wipe her eyes, blinked a few times to try to clear her vision, and looked at the woman. She’d already forgotten the woman’s name.

    I figured it was a mistake. Thought I’d looked at the numbers wrong. So, I double checked them. Ten or twelve or a hunnerd times. But it was true.

    Yes, Vixie, it’s definitely true, the woman said.

    It’s Trixie, ma’am.

    Oh, pardon me. Trixie, of course. And you can call me Liberty. ‘Ma’am’ makes me feel so old. You may be one of the youngest Powerball winners we’ve ever seen. How old are you, if you don’t mind my asking?

    I just turnt twenty-three a couple months back.

    Married?

    No, ma’am.

    Twenty-three, Gregg chimed in. And you never have to work again. Where do you work, and do you plan on giving your employer your notice tomorrow, or just call in rich?

    Liberty chuckled.

    Well, Trixie said, I don’t really work for no one but myself.

    A businesswoman, Liberty said. What kind of business?

    I, um, well, I run a small farm. Family farm. It was my daddy’s place, but he died when I was thirteen, and when I turned eighteen, Momma moved into town with her boyfriend Leon and gave the home place to me. Been tryin’ to make a go of it but not quite there yet.

    Gregg’s turn. Trixie felt like she was being grilled by two detectives or something as she shifted back and forth between them.

    You going to keep farming, he asked, or take some time off, travel the world, maybe hire someone to run the farm for you?

    Trixie paused. Hadn’t really thought about it much. I hired a fella a few months back to help with the farm, but I ain’t sure there’s anywhere I need to go. My boy starts school next month anyways.

    You have a son old enough for school? Liberty looked like she was trying to hide her surprise.

    Yes, ma’am. Tyler’s almost eight and will be startin’ third grade.

    Liberty couldn’t keep the surprise off her face that time but moved in quickly with another question. What’s the first thing you’re going to do with all this money?

    I already did it. The only thing I wanted to splurge on. My old pickup was about to throw a rod, and I’d always wanted a Corvette. The car dealer’s a client of mine so he let me drive it off the lot with a note that I’d pay once the money’s in the bank.

    Client? Gregg and Liberty both asked in unison.

    What kind of client? Liberty asked.

    Trixie froze. She couldn’t believe that word had rolled out of her mouth. Yeah, um, ya know, he, um, buys some vegetables and an occasional side of beef from my place. She was pretty proud of that recovery, and the news anchors’ faces looked satisfied with that answer. And it wasn’t a lie. He had picked up some produce a few times and a side of beef once. Even though he visited her farmhouse once a month, it wasn’t for tomatoes and cucumbers.

    Well, we’re about out of time, Miss Burnet—Trixie, Gregg stepped in to bring the segment to a close. Congratulations on your winning ticket in Powerball.

    An amazing stroke of luck that will change your life, Liberty said.

    Weren’t luck, Trixie said. It was a gift from the Lord.

    Liberty turned in her chair away from Trixie to face the camera. Next up, Terry will give us the rundown on just how hot it’s going to be for the next two weeks, and it sounds like we’re in for a continued scorching. But first, a quick commercial break. We’ll be right back with weather and then sports.

    A quick countdown then the spotlights turned off. Gregg leaned over with an outstretched arm to shake Trixie’s hand and leaned over close.

    I’d love for you to take me for a spin in that new ‘Vette some evening, he whispered.

    Chapter 2

    Trixie sat at her vanity in her nightgown and pulled the pins out of her hair until her up-do was undone. She repeatedly brushed through it to bring the hair back down to the top of her head. It still poofed up on top a bit until she ran her fingers through it to mess it up. She couldn’t shampoo her hair for twenty-four hours so the color would set, but she considered washing it anyway, maybe take off a little of the shine.

    Before she could make up her mind, a faint tap-tap-tap rapped on her bedroom door.

    C’mon in, sweetie, she called to Ty, who poked his head in.

    That a-hole is here, Momma.

    Did Uncle Leon teach you that word? I don’t wanna hear it again from your mouth until you’re eighteen and live on your own in a different house where I don’t have to hear it. And tell Ellis I’ve gone to bed and he needs to... Trixie stopped midsentence, stood, and grabbed her light summer robe. Never mind. You go watch some TV. I’ll get rid of this a-hole myself. Once and for good.

    Ty grinned at his momma saying a-hole.

    Don’t look at me like that, little man. I’m over eighteen, so I can say it. You can’t. Got that? Just like you can’t drive yet, you can’t shoot the gun by yourself, and you can’t drink beer. And don’t you ever smoke cigarettes. You want your teeth to look like your uncle’s? Now get to the den. No, go watch TV in your room.

    You need me to go get Mr. Garza?

    I’ve handled Ellis since before you was born. I think I can deal with him myself just fine. Now go.

    Trixie shooed Ty down the hall while she slipped on the cotton, knee-length robe. She tied the strings in front and hooked the little bow at the neck as she padded barefoot down the hardwood stairs to the kitchen.

    Ellis sat sideways at the kitchen table, his long legs stretched out, snakeskin boots crossed at the ankles. An unlit cigarette dangled from his lips as he sparked his Zippo.

    Trixie snatched the cigarette from Ellis’s mouth before the tip met the flame.

    No smoking in my house. And why are you here anyway?

    I just wanted to drop by and see you, that’s all. Ellis rubbed his lip. Dang, girl, I think you pulled out a chunk when you did that. Look. He stuck out his lower lip like a child pouting. Am I bleeding?

    Trixie stood over Ellis and crossed her arms. You ain’t bleeding near as bad as you will be if you don’t get out of here. You know better than to come around anymore.

    Just wanted to see my girl, that’s all. What’s wrong with that?

    First of all, I ain’t your girl. Second, you ain’t welcome here, you know that. You need me to call the cops? That restraining order is still on, ya know.

    I thought we might be able to make some kind of arrangement if we could sit down face to face and discuss it like adults.

    You wanna make an arrangement, you know where the courthouse is. You go see the clerk there, and they’ll make all the arrangements you need.

    Ellis raised one leg and rested his boot heel on the edge of the kitchen table.

    Trixie swatted it off. Keep your shitkickers off the table. This is where we eat. And get your ass out of my house. We have to breathe this air, and you’re contaminating it.

    Look, I don’t want no trouble. I heard you was on the news last night, thought I’d stop by and congratulate you.

    Trixie walked over to the counter, where she straightened the dishtowel and put some odds and ends away in drawers and the cupboard.

    Since you come into some money, I figured you might have hung up your spurs. Or stilettos. Whatever it is whores hang up when they retire.

    Not that it’s any of your concern, but yes, I’ve retired.

    Well, then, that’s a good thing, girlie. Since you’re not charging for it anymore, maybe we could get together, ya know, for old times’ sake. Ellis pulled a toothpick out of his shirt pocket and slipped it into his mouth, where he rolled it back and forth with his tongue. We could do it in my truck, just like in high school. You remember that, don’t you? Of course you do. How could you forget? A girl never forgets her first time, right?

    Neither of us was in high school, Trixie said, still at the kitchen counter with her back to Ellis. You were a nineteen-year-old dropout. I was still in middle school. You remember that part?

    Ah, yeah, but you were mature for your age. If you’d prefer to break in the hood of that ‘Vette now—

    Trixie spun and pointed a chef’s knife at Ellis.

    My boy is upstairs, and I don’t want him to see you, hear you, or smell you. Now get out and don’t you ever come back here.

    Ellis stood and stretched his arms high over his head in a mock yawn, then picked his Stetson off the table and slipped it on. All right, all right. He stepped through the kitchen door that led to the mudroom, where the screen door opened to the backyard. Ellis’s pickup sat next to Trixie’s new car at the end of the dirt and gravel driveway where it widened into a dirt and weeds lawn. He turned around in the mudroom and took a step back toward the kitchen. Our boy sure is gettin’ big, ain’t he?

    Ellis jolted to a halt. He didn’t look down, but Trixie made her point. The knife pushed against his sternum just firmly enough he wouldn’t need to see it.

    She stared into his eyes, which got considerably rounder. "You take another step forward, so will I. My boy ain’t none of your bid’ness, remember?"

    I was just thinkin’ maybe it was time we called a truce.

    We made a deal, Ellis Shackelford, and you’re gonna live up to your end of the bargain. Trixie leaned forward against the knife handle a bit.

    Ellis took a step back, tipped his hat, and walked out. Headlights flashed up the drive and spotlighted him as he opened the door to his truck.

    Another pickup pulled in and veered to the side to allow room for Ellis to back out. Another tall cowboy in another Stetson stepped out of the second truck. The silhouette of his hat against the headlights turned toward Trixie.

    Everything a’ight here, ma’am?

    Everything’s just fine, Clay. Ellis was just leavin’. Trixie slipped the knife behind her back. Why don’t you come in? I’ll fix you a cup of coffee. She backed into the mudroom to keep the seven-inch blade out of sight.

    You okay, Momma?

    Tyler stood in the middle of the kitchen in his baseball PJs, looking for all the world like a miniature Texas Ranger.

    Fine, I’m fine. Everything’s fine. Trixie casually tossed the knife onto the counter like she’d just found it out in the mudroom. What are you doin’ up? I told you to go to bed.

    You told me to go watch TV in my room. But I heard you talkin’ to that a-ho... uh, jerk, and I came down to see if you was okay.

    Ain’t nothin’ for you to worry about. Trixie pushed in the kitchen chair and straightened up anything else out of place. Tires crunched across the gravel as Ellis backed up and turned around. She waited for the angry spray of gravel against her new car, but he left nice and slow.

    Ty still stood in the middle of the kitchen.

    Did you call Mr. Garza? Trixie asked.

    Ty looked down at his bare feet. Yes, ma’am.

    Trixie kneeled in front of the boy and put her hands on his shoulders.

    I said not to, and I mean for you to mind me. But it is nice to have a man around the house watchin’ out for me.

    Yeah, Ty said. With Mr. Garza living in the trailer, he’s close enough to call if there’s trouble.

    Trixie pulled Ty in for a momma-bear hug.

    I wasn’t talking about Mr. Garza.

    ***

    He’s down and out. Finally. Trixie pulled out a chair and sat at the table across from Clay. She absentmindedly tugged at the bow-clasp on the collar of her robe to make sure it stayed hooked.

    He’s a good boy. Clay sipped his coffee from a ceramic mug that read O’Bumpkin’s Pub under a logo of the Texas and Irish flags crossed.

    I’m sorry he bothered you.

    No trouble at all, ma’am.

    And stop calling me ma’am. Makes me feel old. And feels extra weird since I ain’t any older ‘n you. But I’m glad you’re here. Something I wanted to talk to you about.

    Trixie surveyed the kitchen while she collected her thoughts. The cabinets needed paint, and one had a missing front. The vinyl floor tile, once white but now a dingy yellow, curled around the baseboards. The silverware drawer had come off the track again and lay at an odd angle.

    I’m thinking about selling this place. Can’t get much for the house, but sixty-three acres has got to be worth something. Don’t owe nothing but some back taxes my daddy never paid, and I can take care of that now.

    Clay took off his hat and set it on the table, upside down on the crown so as not to flatten out the carefully steamed and curved brim. With your good fortune, I was afraid you might do that. But I can’t say I blame you.

    I’m thinking I should get a nice place in town, somewhere more fittin’ to raise a boy.

    What’s more fittin’ than raisin’ a boy on a farm? Clay leaned forward and propped his elbows on the Formica table. Teach him chores, the value of hard work, taking care of some animals. When he’s a little older, there won’t be the distractions of town life, teenage boys runnin’ around bored with nothin’ to do but get in trouble, do drugs, that sort of thing. A farm’s a good place to raise a boy.

    Trixie crossed her legs and pulled the hem of her robe over her knees even though they were under the table. Just seems like he’d be happier in town where he could have him some friends, not way out here where he has to spend an hour a day on a school bus. Maybe get him into Little League or Pop Warner so he could be around some positive male role models, ya know. A boy needs that sort of thing.

    Maybe. What does he think about moving to town?

    I haven’t mentioned it yet. I wanted to talk to you first about your situation. You interested in buying the place? I’d make you a good price.

    I can’t come up with that kind of cash. I wouldn’t even have a down payment to get a loan.

    If I sell, what would you do? I don’t want to leave you out in the cold.

    Guess I’d try to find somewhere else to lease some land. Clay took a swig and set down his empty mug.

    Trixie grabbed it and headed for the coffee pot on the counter. She refilled his cup and set it in front of him. One more?

    Since you put it that way.

    I could try to find a buyer who’d keep leasing the land to you.

    I’m not sure anyone is going to buy a farm and then lease the land and that old trailer to me. Least not for three hundred a month. I’d buy it from you if I could. It’s exactly the kind of place I want to own someday. The land is perfect. House may not need much. Shore up the beams a bit, and some cosmetics.

    Maybe we could work something out.

    I won’t be makin’ any profit from the cattle until next year—at the earliest.

    Clay and Trixie sat and sipped coffee. Trixie talked about one of those new colonial-style houses on a full acre with a manicured lawn at the edge of town. Still plenty of room for Ty to play, maybe get a dog, and only five minutes from school.

    I need to find us a church too, Trixie said.

    A boy needs to be in Sunday School, true enough. Didn’t do me no harm.

    Trixie playfully tapped her fist on Clay’s bicep, which felt like a shirt sleeve full of rocks. Question is if it did you any good.

    So far I’ve been able to keep eight out of Ten Commandments, he said.

    Which two do you struggle with?

    Ain’t no struggle. I just figure 80 percent is still a B average.

    Better ‘n I did in school. Trixie refilled their mugs once more and turned off the empty pot.

    Clay explained his plans for the hay he’d planted on the back side while the cattle grazed west of the creek during the growing months. Come fall, he’d bale the hay and put it up in the old barn, the one he’d reinforced so it wasn’t quite the hazard it had been after sitting unused for the ten years since Trixie’s daddy died. Next summer, he’d move the cattle to the east quarter, grow hay in the old pasture, and clear another ten acres so he could add a few more head of Herefords.

    But I guess if you’re gonna sell, I better recalculate some plans. Clay stared out the kitchen window into the night. I just love the dark out here. Don’t you? He swallowed the last of his coffee and slipped on his Stetson.

    Not particularly, Trixie said. Can’t see what’s hidin’.

    Chapter 3

    The man cleared his throat—twice—and shuffled some papers on his desk before he glanced up to acknowledge Trixie’s presence. He jotted a note on a folder and shoved some papers inside, then carefully placed it into a drawer. He looked up again but didn’t make eye contact.

    Trixie shifted in the chair and tried to tug her dress between the bare skin of her thighs and the vinyl seat. She’d chosen the blue and white flower print because it would be both cool and socially acceptable in public. The little black dress was a bit much for meeting an accountant in the middle of the day. The gray knit sweater dress was strictly for winter. The others, she’d decided after trying them all on, were too short, or showed too much cleavage, or too sheer for a sunny day. She’d go shopping for some more appropriate things after she got all the finances squared away.

    So, what can I do for you today, Mrs., uh, he glanced down at the handwritten note on his appointment calendar, Mrs. Burnet?

    It’s Ms. Burnet, actually.

    His bald head glistened with a thin sheen of perspiration from the east Texas summer swelter. The window unit air conditioner made more noise than cool. The vents pointed away from the desk, probably to keep from blowing papers around.

    "What can I do for you, Mizz Burnet?"

    Well, I got this here letter. Trixie dug in her purse for the envelope. It’s from the Texas Lottery Commission, and it’s all official. Certified and notarized and all that. I’m going to need some good financial advice on how to handle all this properly. Ya see, I want to make sure I don’t just blow it all or have people swindle me out of it. She pulled the letter from the envelope and unfolded it.

    On the desk in front of her perched a polished block of oak with a brass plate tacked to the front, MASON BROOKS CPA CFP engraved into the metal, the edges dull and brown with tarnish. Trixie moved the nameplate to the side so she’d have a larger space to lay the letter flat and smooth out the creases before handing it over. She moved the nameplate back, positioning it directly over the shiny, dust-free rectangle where it had sat apparently unmoved for years.

    Mason held the letter in one hand but didn’t look at it. He glanced around his desk and moved some papers. He opened a desk drawer and peeked inside, pulled out a stapler and a tape dispenser and a

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