Page 41 of Exposure of Murder

After exchanging hugs and kisses, they followed Jane into the living room, where she had a fire going.

“I love this room,” exclaimed Emily. “It’s so you.”

Jane glanced around. “Thanks.”

The room was painted a light beige and featured two off-white love seats with a large square wooden coffee table between them, and two darker brown side chairs faced the fireplace with another chair next to it. She had Clarence build up the original fireplace with a wooden mantle and stone surround, making it the focal point in the room. Wooden ceiling beams made the room cozy. Built-in bookcases flanked either side of the fireplace, and large paned windows lined another wall. She incorporated an Oriental rug on the floor in deep red she brought from her condo in Boston. A few tossed pillows spruced up the sofas. A watercolor scene of the farm painted by Savannah hung over the fireplace. Collages of cows, goats and pigs were scattered around the walls. A few green potted plants were dispersed on the tables. It was a warm and welcoming room, and she loved it.

“The ham and cheese sliders are in the kitchen,” Emily said. “If the oven is warm, we can heat them up.”

Olivia sniffed the air. “It smells wonderful in here. I brought my famous date bars.”

“Yeah, I love those,” said Claire. “I stopped at the bakery and got several loaves of bread.” She furrowed her brow. “I couldn’t decide, so I got a walnut cranberry, a rosemary garlic, and Leah, because I know you love them, a focaccia with black olives and sun-dried tomatoes.”

“Love you too.” Leah smiled. “I’ll go open the wine I brought and bring it out.” She looked at Jane. “Where do you keep the wineglasses?”

“Let me come with you. I’ll bring out the cheese board.” Jane walked toward the kitchen. “Everyone, grab a seat. We’ll be right back.”

Jane bustled around the kitchen, getting out the new dual-handled black walnut wooden board that Clarence had gifted her. The man was exceptionally talented.

She sliced some of the cheddar and placed it along with the log of goat cheese she bought. Earlier, she had sliced some salami and filled small bowls with almonds, black olives and pâté. A few crackers and grissini, a couple of sprigs of rosemary, and voilà.

“Wow, that looks like something Martha Stewart would make,” gushed Leah.

Jane blushed. “Coming from you, that’s a real compliment.”

“Pffft.” Leah held up her hand and smiled.

They carried the cheese board, wine bottles and glasses out to the living room, where Jane caught the end of a conversation that sounded like they were discussing Thornton’s death.

“So, I heard the sheriff spoke to his daughter and Jim Jenkins,” said Olivia.

“Oh?” Jane wondered how much the journalist knew. Olivia was known for being highly focused and had a lot of contacts. Had Ethan found out any more information? Maybe she should drop in and ask. “Do you know if he found out anything new?”

Olivia shrugged. “It’s a small town. Right now, he’s keeping it tight to his vest, but you know how rumors go.”

Yeah. Jane nodded. She knew.

As a newcomer to Beaver Creek, she knew people had questions about her, and if they didn’t know the answer, they made one up.

“Was he able to interview Annabelle Clarke?” Jane asked.

“Annabelle! Sheesh,” exclaimed Emily with an eye roll.

Jane tilted her head. “What’s wrong with Annabelle?”

Emily shook her head. “The woman always wants what someone else has. I’m not talking out of turn either. Just a couple of months ago, she came into the spa one day and demanded that I give her the same spa treatment I gave Vanessa because she was her cousin. Vanessa had provided cookies and bars for our open house and wouldn’t take any money for them. So I gave her a morning treatment.”

“Sounds like Annabelle,” said Claire.

“I heard she went after David because Vanessa was dating him. Then, when she finally got him, she found someone else who’d come into town and dropped David like a hot potato,” said Claire.

“Who is she seeing now?” asked Lily.

Claire raised an eyebrow. “Don’t know. Although I heard it was some big shot who’s new to town. But she dumped him already. Frankly, I couldn’t care less.”

Emily reached over and touched Claire’s arm. “Annabelle and Claire go way back. Annabelle hated her for being crowned homecoming queen at high school graduation. She was runner up.”

The women groaned in unison. “Gosh, we all know someone like that,” said Lily.

---