Page 8 of Exposure of Murder

She crossed the concrete bridge, which replaced a rickety wooden one a short time ago that spanned the Mills River. Below was a swimming hole with a small beach. It was too cold to jump in now, but Jane promised herself she would next year. All summer she saw kids of all ages and adults laughing, picnicking, and jumping around—having fun, enjoying nature.

The slight incline to get to her house was taking its toll, and she was already huffing and puffing. Taking up running after not doing it for a while was taxing on her body. But it was all part of finding herself again, giving herself a sense of accomplishment.

She passed Sugarbush Farm, where the McQueeney brothers lived. The black-and-white cows were grazing in the pasture. In a few hours, Tanner would milk them and again in the middle of the night. Occasionally, when she couldn’t sleep, she could see the lights on in the barn in the middle of the night and hear the cows mooing. The life of a farmer wasn’t easy, and most never made that much money. It was truly a labor of love.

A couple of neighbors were out enjoying the crisp autumn air, and Jane waved as she passed.

Dang, the incline grew steeper at this point, but she pushed herself forward. So what if her calves screamed and her lungs burned? She felt a sense of accomplishment.

Finally, her house came into view.

The new sign Clarence made for her made Jane smile.Mountain View Farm. Vermont was nothing but mountains, and she had the perfect view of Elephant Mountain looming in the background. She felt at peace, safe, cocooned in nature.

The best news of all was Savannah was coming to visit tomorrow.

Jane couldn’t wait for her to see the changes she had made and to meet her new friends. It was one promise she kept after Savannah’s last visit—to get out and start living her life.

“Girlfriend!”Savannah jumped out of her rented car and ran over to Jane, who had just opened the front door to greet her.

The wind whipped her blond hair in every direction. Today Savannah had on what Jane called “country chic,” a green waxed vest over a long-sleeved brown zippered sweater with a collared shirt peeking out. She wore pressed fitted jeans and brown women’s Storm Chaser boots.

“Oof.” Savannah was a hugger. “We just saw each other two weeks ago,” quipped Jane.

“I know, but I’m excited to see you, to see what’s happening in the barn, and to know if you found a tall, sexy cow—farmer to hug.” Savannah winked twice.

Jane shook her head and sighed.

Her friend would not be happy until Jane found someone to love. Clarence was out—too old—and Bucky was not the settling-down type. She hadn’t met any other suitable men except for the obnoxious, broody lawman who lived down the street—he was out, too.

“Did you buy out Orvis?” asked Jane, rubbing Savannah’s arm.

“Ha ha.” Savannah laughed. “No, I restrained myself. Just because you live in the country with”—she lifted her hand and grimaced—“animals and poop and other mysterious things doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable.”

Jane hugged her again. “You look adorable. Let me grab your bag, then we can sit and chat for a while. I have us meeting some friends at the Twisted Fork Bistro in an hour.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Savannah grabbed her purse and held up a plastic bag. “The front desk from your building called me and mentioned you had mail accumulating, so I picked it up from him, along with what was in your mailbox.”

“Mail? I had everything forwarded here.” Jane frowned. “I wonder who would send it to that address?” She shrugged. “I get little mail here, so I hardly check. I’ll look at it later. Right now, let’s get you settled.”

Savannah followed Jane into the house. Jane placed her overnight bag in the guest bedroom and looked around the recent renovation.

It was a small corner room with two windows that faced each other, so light came through all day. She had painted the walls a soft white.

At Timeless Treasures, the antique store in town, she found a three-drawer vintage nightstand in walnut and placed a lamp and some books on it. She covered the queen-size bed with a puffy top and pillows—just a few. She wasn’t one of those people. She draped a green patterned boho blanket on top of the bedspread. A couple of throw rugs that didn’t cover up the beauty of the wide pine boards lay on either side of the bed, and gauze drapes framed the windows.

“Oh, Jane, this is beautiful,” said Savannah as she bounced on the bed. “I feel like a princess.”

“As long as you don’t kiss any frogs, you’re safe here,” teased Jane. “It’s been fun furnishing each room as it’s finished. I did my bedroom, the living room and library-slash-office. Next up will be the kitchen.”

“I can’t wait to see them.” Savannah stood and gave Jane a hug. “I’m so proud of you.” She gave Jane a small smile. “I know it’s been difficult.”

Jane’s voice trembled as she spoke. “Yeah. I miss Mike so much, but he’s gone. He’d be so disappointed in me if I didn’t start living my life. Renovating the farm has given me a purpose in life. It’s like I’m connected to the past while working in the present to secure my future.”

“So true.” Savannah clapped her hands. “Okay! I’m ready for a cup of coffee to enjoy on your porch while you tell me all the wonderful things you’re doing.”

Jane laughed. Leave it to Savannah to make more of her life than she did. But she was proud of herself. Sure, a lot of thenights were lonely, and she missed cuddling up to a warm body, but that wasn’t in the cards for her right now, so renovating was giving her pleasure.

Jane founda parking spot in front of the Twisted Fork Bistro. The smell of fresh coffee and garlic permeated the air. They were early, but first she wanted to show Savannah the Beaver Creek Falls.

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