Bob Bickford

The Orange Groove Bob Bickford

In the tiny village of Caperucita Roja, Mexico, in a plaster-cracked alley, there's a wall. Hidden beneath a burst of bougainvillea, it's painted with a picture of nine running wolves. The image is faded nearly invisible, but the right words can turn the wolves loose-and once set free, they can't be called back. A thousand miles north, in Santa Teresa, California, the beach pavilion is in full swing. The oceanfront is overflowing with cold bourbon and hot neon, and the Mills Brothers are headlining at the Montelindo Hotel. The sun is gold, the swimming pools are blue-and the very worst fairy tales are coming to life. This is Springtime, 1948-perfume and color so real you'll want to stay. The wolves are running, and Annie's back.