Old Hag Crawford refused to give up, her hands clutching the gift box ribbon in a death grip. The bodyguards had to pry her fingers off one by one.
Renee Jennings told Rhea Dempsey to take Sylvia Brooks upstairs first.
"I'll help you look for Goldie a little later." She looked at Boo, worried that Old Hag Crawford would bully him if he stayed. She stroked his little head. "You should go back first."
"Okay!" Boo agreed obediently, turning and running toward the complex entrance.
Upstairs, Rhea Dempsey brought out her finest tea to serve Sylvia Brooks. "Sorry you had to see that display just now."
Sylvia Brooks smiled. "Not at all."
She didn't stay long at the Jennings family's home, rising to take her leave half an hour later.
Renee Jennings tried to get Sylvia Brooks to take the gifts back, but she wouldn't hear of it.
"It's just a small token of my goodwill. If you don't mind, Miss Jennings, please accept it as a gesture of friendship."
