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policy, Richard?”
    “Well, let’s consider it. Frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage, not to mention collapsed roofs due to the weight of snow, and interior water seepage due to blocked roof drains. Now, I know you’re a good business woman—an excellent business woman— and I respect that, I really do, so I think you should expand your policy to cover all the items I just mentioned.”
    Jennifer thought it over for a moment. “Everyone says that January and February are the worst months for storms around here.”
    Richard nodded. “That’s correct,” he said, suddenly distracted by an approaching limousine.
    Jennifer followed his gaze. “Why don’t you come by after Christmas and we’ll discuss it.”
    Richard brightened. “Wise, Jennifer. A very wise decision.”
    The limousine drew up and stopped. The driver climbed out, circled around the back to the passenger door, and opened it.
    Agnes Stanton emerged, slowly, surveying the area with a disapproving expression and a mumbled misery that no one could understand and didn’t wish to.
    Jennifer whispered to Richard under her breath. “Don’t leave. She’s always coming into the shop and bawling me out for something.”
    Richard whispered, “She was almost tolerable until her husband died. Now, she’s a nightmare.” Then as an afterthought, because he was concerned about his business image, “…But God bless her, Jennifer. God just bless her!”
    Jennifer stared, doubtingly. “Yeah… right.”
    They could hear the band frolicking through Frosty the Snow Man when Mrs. Stanton waddled over.
    “Merry Christmas,” Jennifer and Richard said, affably.
    She looked at Richard, with cool laser eyes, and just as he was about to initiate conversation, she threw up her broad hand, like a stop sign. “Don’t start with me, Richard Steady. I have all the insurance I’m ever going to get, on all my properties, cars and relatives, and on every limb of my body. I don’t want information, I don’t want advice, and I definitely do not want to be asked for any further referrals to any of my friends, whom you haven’t already pestered, perturbed or perplexed. Do not assume that just because this is the season of giving and goodwill, that I am willing to give you anything, now, or at any time in the foreseeable future.”
    Richard didn’t blink or blanch. He ginned, genuinely, as if the full force of her insulting tone and acerbic words bounced off him like a BB off tin.
    “Well, if you ever need anything at all, you just call me, day or night, and I’ll make sure that you’re taken care of, Mrs. Stanton. Are you going to taste the Hartmans’ famous eggnog?” Richard asked.
    “Never touch the stuff! Way too fattening!”
    “Only once a year,” he coaxed, lifting his eyebrows playfully, like Groucho.
    “Don’t be patronizing, Richard.”
    Richard shrugged, turned and retreated toward the house, while Jennifer watched him, feeling forsaken and jittery.
    Mrs. Stanton rolled her eyes, exasperated. “The man is insufferable!” she snapped.
    Jennifer finally saw her own car advancing through the parking lot. It wouldn’t be long now.
    Mrs. Stanton turned her steely eyes to Jennifer. “Ms. Taylor, I’m disappointed in you! I am an early riser and always have been. I leave my house for my morning walk, which, as you know, is on Lincoln Street, at precisely 6:20. I pass by your card shop at 6:30. In the last two weeks, because it has snowed, I have nearly fallen twice in front of your shop. Your sidewalk has not been cleared of snow. It’s outrageous! It’s dangerous and it’s a hazard! If I ever do fall and break an ankle or a hip, I will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law!”
    Jennifer took a step backwards. “Mrs. Stanton, I’ve hired one of the local high school boys to shovel the walk, but he doesn’t get there until 7:30 in the morning.”
    Mrs. Stanton shook a threatening finger at her. “You’ve heard my warning, Ms. Taylor. If I