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asked amazed.
    “Eunice told me that she was the only one
there. I might have known she was lying.” Ruth said deflated.
    “We all care about you Ruthie, no one would
ever do that to you.” Taylor promised. “Me especially.”
    ******

    Taylor joined the others downstairs and was
happy to see the house transformed into Christmas.
    “Well? How does it all look?” Brenda
asked.
    “Unbelievable, she’ll love it!” Taylor
beamed.
    “And Bob, I have a feeling Eunice has been
having a field day with Ruth’s account. Now, Eunice knows me, but
she doesn’t know you. I had Ruth write up a letter to give to the
bank manager, if you wouldn’t mind stopping by the bank tomorrow.
That’s why she left so easily when I said I was going to deposit
that money into Ruth’s account. She’ll be there first thing
tomorrow to withdrawal it. I have no doubts.”
    “I thought so.” Bob said. “I’ll be glad to
talk to the bank manager tomorrow.
    “Well, are we all ready to start for home?
Or, is there more work to do? If I can help, just let me know.” Bob
asked.
    With the flick of a switch, all of the lights
came on outside, to the delight of the neighbors and workers who
made it all possible.
    The porch railing, the eves under the roof
and the windows, everything took on a bright colorful display of
lights. Inside Ruth’s house, the tree was decorated, the fireplace
was lit and garland was draped over the mantle and mirror. A
beautiful poinsettia display sat on the coffee table.
    Candles were lit on the fireplace mantle and
the smell was a dreamy intoxicating aroma of vanilla and
cinnamon.
    “Okay folks, it’s really late, thank you for
all your help. I think we should call it a day now.” Taylor said
shaking hands and patting his friends on the back.
    “ I’m spending the night here on the
sofa, in case she needs anything.” Taylor said.
    “We’ll be back tomorrow morning.” Brenda said
to Taylor.
    “I’ll be at the bank as soon as it opens
tomorrow, I’ll close her account and have them open up a new one.”
Bob said. “I’ll also have a couple of guards there to catch her in
the act if she shows up.”
    ******
    “I’m sorry Mr. Sheaffer, that’s not possible.
I cannot close someone’s account on just your say.” The bank teller
told Bob.
    “Oh I understand, however, I have a letter
from Mrs. Shepherd addressed to the bank manager, if I might see
him?” Bob asked.
    “Of course, we haven’t seen Mrs. Shepherd for
a few weeks now. I heard she hurt herself, I hope she’s better. Her
niece has been coming in and cashing checks for her.” The teller
said.
    Bob was escorted into the manager’s office.
He showed him the letter and the manager just sat back in his chair
and shook his head.
    “I haven’t seen Ruth, but that niece of hers
has been in here almost everyday. Well sir, we’ll put a stop to
that. Yes, I will be delighted to close Mrs. Shepherd’s account and
open a new one for her.” He said.
    Bob left the bank and nodded to Taylor who
was waiting to go into the bank. Eunice was also waiting. She was
relieved to finally see Taylor. She waited for him to make the
deposit and leave. Then, she strolled across the street into the
bank and up to the teller.
    “Yes, hello. I need to make a withdrawal as
usual. Here’s the check, please cash it as soon as possible.” She
demanded.
    “I’m sorry miss, this account has been
closed.” The teller replied.
    “You must be mistaken. A deposit was just
recently made. I have every right to make my usual withdrawal, now,
no more of your nonsense, cash this check immediately.” Eunice
fumed.
    “Excuse me miss.” The bank manager said
walking over to Eunice.
    “What?” She turned and grimaced at the
man.
    “That account for Mrs. Shepherd has been
closed. I have a letter from her asking that the account be closed
and no further withdrawals be made on that account.” He said
curtly.
    “Who closed it? Was it that Taylor Duncan I
just saw leave?