Murder and Salutations by Elizabeth Bright Page B

Helena said, “It’s a lovely night, isn’t it? I just adore this time of year.”
    “ I do, too,” I admitted. As we strolled through the gardens and across the landscaped terraces, I found myself sharing more with Helena than I’d ever intended. Somehow during our walk, the topic shifted to my current living conditions, and I told her that my cats and I had been evicted, and were looking for a new place to stay.
    “ You have cats? How delightful. I’m afraid Reggie’s been allergic since he was a boy, and I had to give up my sweet Elysium. Jennifer, may I come visit you and your roommates, as you so charmingly put it?”
    “ Absolutely. Don’t expect a warm reception, though. Oggie and Nash aren’t known for their charms at first glance.”
    “ Nor should they be,” Helena said. “That’s why I’ve always admired cats. They are honest about how they feel to the point of brutality.” She paused, then said, “Jennifer, come with me. There’s something I’d like to show you.”
    I had no idea where she was leading me, but I soon found myself in front of a charming little cabin nestled in a small grove of trees. She went in ahead of me and flipped on the main light. Warm oak pillars stood tall inside, with pastel shades covering the drywall between them.
    “ It’s a timber frame,” I said in delight. “I didn’t know they made buildings like this so small. I always thought they were grand, sweeping structures.”
    “ We had a framer and his crew come down from Vermont to build it. It’s only five hundred square feet, but there’s a kitchen, a modest bathroom, and a loft for sleeping. You’re not afraid of heights, are you?”
    “ No, ma’am. I had the top bunk every time I went to summer camp.”
    She smiled. “Good. Elysium used to love pouncing on me from up there.”
    “ The way the cabin is situated, no one would ever even know it’s here.”
    “ That was my plan,” Helena said. “Once upon a time I wanted to be an artist more than anything in the world. I spent many joyous hours here away from the world.”
    “ So why did you stop?” I asked. There was no sign of easel, paint or canvas anywhere.
    Helena sighed. “I wish I knew. One morning I woke up, and the joy was gone from it, utterly and completely. A few years later, I had it converted into a guest cottage, though no one’s ever stayed here. They all seem to prefer the main house.”
    “ I think they’re nuts,” I said as I looked around. “This place is perfect.”
    “ I was hoping you’d think so. Jennifer, if you’d like it, it’s yours.”
    It took me a second to realize what she was saying. “Pardon me?”
    Helena laughed. “I’m not deeding it to you, but I’d be delighted if you’d stay here. I have only one request.”
    “ Name it,” I said. This place was perfect for me, and I knew Oggie and Nash would love it, too. There were ledges throughout the small space, and my cats I had natural inclinations to scale to the highest spot in any room—in order to look down on their loyal subjects, no doubt.
    “ I would like to be able to visit with you and your cats on occasion. Don’t worry, I’d never come in without your permission, but it would be a delight having cats on the property again.”
    “ Are you sure Reggie won’t mind?” I was thinking of his allergies, but from Helena’s reaction, she’d obviously come to a different conclusion.
    “ No matter what my son may think, I’m still in charge around here. Oh, I suppose I’ll have to charge you a nominal amount of rent, but it will be a pittance, I assure you.”
    “ What kind of pittance did you have in mind?” I asked, knowing how bare my budget for housing was.
    “ What do you think is appropriate? For example, what were you paying for your attic loft?”
    I named the figure, and Helena said, “Then let’s say half that, shall we? Reggie won’t have any right to complain that you’re taking advantage of me if I’m charging you