“I don’t understand it either, Shirley,” I managed to whisper.

“Of course you don’t, my poor dear.” She patted my arm.

“Listen to me.

Why don’t you come and pack a bag and stay at my house for a little while, just until all this legal business settles down?

You really shouldn’t be rattling around all alone in that big house on Elm Street right now.”

“I’m perfectly comfortable in my own home,” I said, and I pulled back from her hand just slightly.

“I know you are, honey,” she said, with a faint smile that did not quite reach her eyes.