Bending over, Gwynn picked up the painkillers one by one. She said softly, “They’re for my stomach! I’ve been having some gastric problems lately!”

It was a perfectly logical explanation.

That convinced Gladys. Then, the old servant helped her mistress pick up the remaining painkillers. She said, “Now that you’re back in Brookesville, I think you’re going to start having some quiet life. You have to think about Lorian and take good care of yourself, Ms. Gwynn.”

In fact, she knew Gwynn had a reason for not telling her the truth. So, she whispered, “Mr. Noah has a foul temper. Sometimes, going along with his wishes will make your life easier.”

Gwynn knew the old servant meant well. “Okay.”

Then, she continued to beg Gladys to keep both of the passbooks for her. In the end, the old servant agreed to keep them for the time being. “I appreciate your faith in me, Ms. Gwynn. I’ll keep them for you. Keep in mind that you can take them back anytime you wish!”

The way she saw it, Gwynn mu