Page 67 of Exposure of Murder

Numerous family pictures hung on the wall. She’d look at them later. Another wall showcased several sizes of deer antlers, reminding Jane that Vermont was not Boston. She’d heard that her property was a prime hunting ground. Some of the surrounding farmers had her permission to continue to hunt there. She wondered if the McQueeneys ever hunted on it. They probably did.

“This is a very comfortable room,” she said.

Ethan chuckled. “It is.” He looked around. “Tanner and I made a few changes, like the sofa and TV, but that’s about it.

“Jane!” Leah walked into the living room, drying her hands on a towel. “Welcome. We’re so glad you could make it.” She leaned in for a warm hug.

Ethan handed the box to Leah. “Where do you want this?”

Leah peaked inside the box. “Yum. Bring it into the kitchen and we’ll unbox these goodies.”

Jane followed them into the kitchen, where Tanner was pulling plates from a cabinet.

The tantalizing aroma of the lasagna filled the air and made her mouth water.

She glanced around the spacious area and noticed the long rectangular wooden table that could comfortably seat ten people in a corner, and Jane envisioned Ethan’s large family sitting there sharing meals and stories.

“This looks wonderful, Jane,” said Leah as she playfully swatted Ethan’s hand as he tried to sneak a couple of Ritz Crackers.

“Ouch!” he cried, feigning injury.

Leah laughed. “You big baby.”

Jane snorted at the exchange. It was refreshing to see the big, bad, grumpy sheriff in a different situation, making him appear more human. It also made her miss her own family, recalling all the good times when they got together. She was glad they were coming for Thanksgiving.

“Jane, what’s your poison?” asked Tanner. “We have wine, beer, or I could make you a Bloody Mary or something else.”

“Hmm. White wine would be perfect.”

Tanner poured Jane a glass, handing it to her with a wink. Ethan grabbed two beers from the fridge, and Leah carried the hors d’oeuvres back to the living room. She set them down on the table and settled next to Tanner.

“So, Jane, I hear your greenhouse is up and running,” said Tanner.

“Yes. I’m excited for springtime.”

“Just a word of advice.” Tanner leaned in. “Wherever you decide to make a garden, enclose it with a fence. Otherwise, you’ll be feeding all the wildlife around here.”

Jane hadn’t thought of that, but Tanner was right. One more item for Bucky’s list—and her budget.

They talked about mundane things, allowing Jane to relax and ease into the conversation. Leah was very comfortable with the two men, and it didn’t take Jane long to notice Tanner was in love with her. Ethan kept glancing at Jane, his smiles soft and lingering.

After a while, Leah got up to check on the lasagna. Jane offered to help, but Leah told her it was a one-person job.

“Ethan, any new developments on the Thornton case?” asked Tanner.

Ethan shook his head in frustration. “We’re kind of at a standstill. We know he was stealing money but not from whom. Adam and I found a set of small keys when we searched Thornton’s house. One set opened a box of pictures, and I’m betting the others belong to a ledger or diary, which we couldn’t find.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “It’s a frustrating case.”

Jane asked, “What did Maggie say when you spoke to her?” Ethan had only informed her that none of his suspects seemed capable of murdering Thornton.

Leah walked in at that moment. “Maggie? I heard she’s dating someone new in town. Do you know who?” she asked Ethan.

Ethan was surprised. “I hadn’t heard that,” he replied. “Although she was looking better than I remember.”

“Was she upset about her father dying?” asked Tanner. “I know they had a contentious relationship.”

Ethan frowned. “She was sad about his dying, but I also got the sense she was very angry at him.”

“Any more on the gang that’s buying up property?” Tanner leaned back on the sofa, crossing his arms. “Has Sean uncovered activity around here?”

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