Chapter 293

Clara glanced at Tom White and almost didn’t recognize him—dude had blown up like a balloon. “Long time no see,” she said, voice flat. Tom gave her a greasy grin. “Clara, my dear! Come in, take a seat! Since you’re back, you should stop in and say hi to my mom.” “I’m good, just out for a stroll.” With that, Clara turned and walked off. Once she left, a woman grabbed Tom by the ear. “What are you staring at her for, huh? Don't tell me you're into her now? I’ve been busting my back taking care of your whole damn family, including that useless lump you call your dad, and you’re out here ogling other women?” “Babe, no, you got it wrong… You don’t know, that woman... she used to, uh, live in our house…” His voice trailed off as Clara made her way toward the old house where she and her mentor used to live. The front door was locked. Moss had crept up the frame, and weeds crowded the yard. She remembered, it was several years ago when someone from the Bennett family in Centralia had come to b