Chapter Four
Beatrice quickly got out of bed, pulling her ruby-red robe around her and stuffing her feet into a nearby pair of slippers. But by the time she’d hurried from her bedroom, Noo-noo’s growl turned into more of a surprised woof of recognition as the little dog stared through the back door from the living room into the backyard.
Beatrice followed her gaze and saw a particularly wild-looking Miss Sissy. The old woman was in the azalea bushes, small sticks and flowers sticking out of her hair. Her ancient floral dress was smeared with mud and she wore a scowl on her face. Had Miss Sissy finally lost what remained of her mind?
Beatrice quickly opened the back door. “Miss Sissy?” she asked in a cautious tone. “Why don’t you come inside and sit for a few minutes?”
Miss Sissy stared
