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glistening river and majestic pines huddled along its banks. The mighty Mississippi River meandered on its journey and offered no clues to its force and power.
    Minutes later she arrived at her home. Surprised to see Walter in the front yard watering the flower bed, she tooted the horn at him. He turned and waved, then continued to mist the flowers.
    â€œGood morning,” Meggie called. She crossed the yard and gave Walter a kiss. Peppie sauntered out from the other side of the flower bed, pranced up to her and wrapped himself around her legs. She bent over and stroked his head. “How’s my little tiger this morning? I miss you.”
    Walter turned the hose off and tossed it on the ground. “Cup of coffee?” When Meggie nodded, he led the way to the front door and followed her into the kitchen. “How’s my favorite cowgirl this morning?” He reached into the cupboard for a mug, filled it with coffee and handed it to her.
    Meggie thanked him and carried her coffee to the table. “It’s going great. The storm challenged me though.” She sat down and fingered through the mail lying on the table. “I found an old well in the backyard yesterday.”
    â€œWhat do you mean you found an old well in the backyard?”
    â€œA birch tree behind the house fell during the storm. I went to check it out and stumbled onto the well—literally. I’m not even sure if Michael and Molly are aware it’s there. I covered it back up. Molly will have to decide what to do with it when she gets home.” Meggie debated whether or not to mention the strange occurrences that took place at the farm and decided against it.
    â€œI can drive out and cut the tree up for firewood,” Walter offered. “Michael owns a chainsaw, doesn’t he?”
    Meggie shrugged and promised to find out. “On another note —I would feel better if Molly had left Brandy at the house.”
    Walter held his favorite coffee mug in one hand and a plate of chocolate-covered donuts in the other. He set them down in front of his wife and made himself comfortable at the head of the table. “Her black lab?”
    â€œHe’s a yellow lab.” Meggie reached for a donut. “She didn’t want to travel with him but Michael misses him so much. She packed him up and took him with her.”
    â€œAre you a dog lover now?” Walter’s eyes danced, and a smile played about his lips. “Or just a little nervous out there by yourself with only the chickens and pigs to keep you company?” He bit into a donut but his eyes stayed fixed on Meggie. “Or does there happen to be another reason you want the company of a dog?”
    â€œI never said anything about being nervous.” Her decision not to confide in Walter about the strange occurrences had been a good one. “I only meant he would have been company for me.”
    Walter scratched his chin and gave his wife a hard stare. He prodded her to tell him the real reason for her sudden canine interest, but she denied any hidden motive. “I could stay with you at the farm.”
    â€œAt my age, I don’t need a babysitter,” Meggie said.
    An hour later Walter walked Meggie to the Bug, waited for her to settle into the driver’s seat and closed the car door. “You know, a dog might not be a bad idea.” He drummed his fingers on the Bug’s roof and looked down at her. “You might be able to rent a dog.”
    â€œOh, don’t be silly,” Meggie smirked while she buckled her seat belt.
    â€œIf you change your mind just let me know and I’ll see what I can do. You know,” he glanced from side to side, leaned close to Meggie and lowered his voice, “some claim dogs can see ghosts.”
    Meggie rolled her eyes and looked away before she laughed. She didn’t want to encourage him.
    He tapped her on the shoulder. “But that’s not all.” He closed one eye