Page 9 of Exposure of Murder

“In the nineteenth century, this spot was known for marble quarrying, and the falls powered several mills,” explained Jane as they walked over the stone bridge connecting theBeaver Creek Newsto Earth & Fire. The roaring sound of the twenty-foot falls forced Jane to speak louder to be heard over the crashing water.

Savannah peered over the edge of the bridge, her eyes widening. “Wow. This is spectacular.” She glanced at Jane. “You found the perfect area to live. A place steeped in history yet embracing the modern.” She looked around. “I’m sure there are plenty of unwritten stories and secrets hidden around town.”

“Probably.”

Hmmm. In her previous life, Jane would have jumped at the chance to investigate, but now … no. Not yet anyhow. She had written nothing since Mike died. How could she?

“So why don’t you write about them?” Savannah cocked her head and gave Jane her “no bullshit” stare.

“Maybe one of these days I will. But … hey, look over there.” Thankful for the distraction, Jane pointed at a kayaker paddling down Beaver Creek.

Savannah turned her head to look. “That looks like fun. Why don’t we try that?”

“Because you’re uncoordinated and I’m not ready to drown trying to save you,” Jane teased.

While her friend could dress the Martha Stewart part and paint beautiful watercolors, Savannah was not only uncoordinated but uncomfortable in nature. And that still surprised her, considering Savannah had played in the barn with the lambs the last time she was here. Maybe she was showing off for Tanner.

“Pffft. Spoilsport.” Savannah looked at her watch. “Is it time to meet your friends? I’m starving.”

They walked back over the bridge and down Falls Road, past Timeless Treasures. Jane made a mental note to stop by. Ray Carter had called the other day, mentioning he had gotten a new shipment of furniture in.

Scents of vanilla and mint followed them as they passed Crumb & Co., possibly the best bakery in the area.

“Crumb & Co.?” asked Savannah. “That’s a strange but clever name for a bakery.”

Jane laughed. “Vanessa Crumb and her daughter own it. They make the best … well, everything. After we have lunch, we’ll pick up some muffins for the morning.”

“Yum. So, who are we meeting today?”

“Well, Claire, for sure. She owns a gallery and pottery studio. Also Leah, who is a cook at the Harvest Moon Diner, and Lily, who owns a farm down the road from me. She knows everything about farming and is going to help with the bees I ordered.” Jane thought for a moment. “I think Emily, my yoga instructor, might be there if she doesn’t have a class, and I’m not sure who else.”

Savannah hooked her arm with Jane’s. “Sounds like it’ll be fun and interesting.”

Jane opened the door to the bistro and looked around for her friends. Claire was waving to them from a table near the back. “I see them in the corner,” she said.

The Twisted Fork was a favorite of hers, right after the Harvest Moon Diner. The inside walls were old brick, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked Beaver Creek. Emmy Walters owned the bistro and renovated it not long ago. Wood-topped tables with black wrought-iron legs dotted the edges. The chairs were wooden, with red leather seats. Paintings of Beaver Creek dotted the wall, and lush green plants were scattered about. It was a welcoming spot.

Savannah looked up. “Oh, I love the rafters and the hanging lights. It gives the place ambience.”

“Yes, it does. Emmy, the owner, is very talented.” Jane slid into the banquette, and Savannah followed. “I hope she’s here today. She’s so interesting.”

The girls had already started with wine. After giving the server their drink order, Jane settled back and made introductions.

“Mary, I’m so glad you could make it today.” She hadn’t noticed Mary when they first sat down.

Mary Snowdon nodded. “Me too. The store was slow, so my assistant took over.”

Jane glanced at Savannah. “Mary owns Mary’s Book Nook here in town. One of the best independent bookstores I’ve ever been to.”

“Oh, are Jane’s books in your store?” asked Savannah.

Mary blushed. “Oh yes. Imagine my surprise when I found out a well-known author was coming to live in Beaver Creek.” She smiled at Jane. “One of these days, we’re going to get Jane to do a book signing.”

Jane held her tongue despite being surprised to know her books were in the shop. She never looked when she’d stopped inso didn’t know Mary carried them. At one time, she used to love doing talks at bookstores, but not anymore.

“Well, it’s nice to hear that an indie bookstore is doing well.” Savannah reached for Jane’s hand under the table and mouthed,I’m sorry.

Jane squeezed her hand. Savannah had always been Jane’s biggest supporter, even before Mike.

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