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place in the concrete, and my mother was planting mums. “You know, I was thinking that sculpture would look great in the backyard,” I said.
    â€œWe’re working on something for your backyard,” my mother said, “but we won’t be finished until Christmas.”
    I could only wonder with apprehension and dread what it would be. “Let me dig for a while,” I said, noting that there were still a number of mums left to plant. At least it would take my mind off the sculpture itself.
    An hour later we stepped back to admire my new flower bed and sculpture. “I think it adds a nice touch to your entrance,” my mother said.
    â€œShe’ll be the envy of her block,” Aunt Trixie said. “All your neighbors will want a sculpture like this.” She tested the concrete with the toe of her shoe. “They’ll have to get their own, though, ’cause this sucker isn’t going anywhere.”

chapter 3
    The next morning, I opened my front door and found Bitsy Stout studying my new sculpture, a perplexed frown on her face. Her gray hair was tightly wrapped around pink foam curlers.
    â€œWhat is that ?” She pointed.
    â€œIt is garden art,” I said.
    I gave her my best smile. I prefer staying on Bitsy’s good side, not only because her sermons have been known to scare large men but also because she makes the best sour cream crumb cake this side of heaven. It’s an old family recipe, so secretive that it’s written in a code not even the CIA can crack. The only way I can hope to get a taste is to suck up to Bitsy.
    â€œIt’s a naked man and woman,” Bitsy announced.
    I locked my door behind me. “You’re right, Bitsy. It’s Adam and Eve. You know, from the Bible?”
    â€œYou don’t have to remind me about scripture, young lady. I read my Bible from cover to cover every year.” She leaned closer to the male figure. “And what is that thing sticking out right there?”
    â€œA leaf?” I suggested innocently.
    â€œThat’s no leaf!”
    â€œAre you sure? It looks like a leaf to me.”
    She rose to her full height, which was no more than five foot one or two inches. “You should be ashamed of yourself, Kate Holly, for displaying nudity in your front yard. Think of the children!”
    I wanted to tell Bitsy that children avoided our street because of her, but I was not willing to risk the consequences of making the woman angry. “It’s religious art, Bitsy. Think Michelangelo’s David .”
    â€œReligious art, my foot!” she said. “This is just another form of the pornography that is corrupting our world. It has to go.”
    â€œIt can’t go. It’s set in concrete.” I made a production of checking my wristwatch. “Oh, boy, I’m running late! Can we discuss this later over sour cream crumb cake and coffee?” I hurried to my car, climbed in, and made a quick getaway.
    I arrived at work and found Mona in the small kitchenette in my suite of offices. Her silk dress was the color of cocoa, with tiny polka dots. I tried to guess the name of the designer. My outfit was a Jaclyn Smith, right off the Kmart rack. Jaclyn Smith’s fashions are touted as “trendy and affordable.”
    â€œCoffee is almost done,” she said. “You want a cup?”
    I nodded and sat at the table. While Mona poured, I told her of Jay’s intent to attend the Junk Sisters’ grand opening. “No way am I going,” I said, shaking my head.
    Mona carried the cups to the table. “You have to go,” she said. “If you don’t, he’ll know it’s because of him.”
    â€œWhy would I put myself through that?” I asked.
    â€œI’ll give you several good reasons. Jay broke your heart. It’s payback time. Time to give him one last look at what he’s giving up,” she added. “We’ll rub his nose in it,