Page 86 of Exposure of Murder

Most of the tables were full. Between muted conversations, clinking of coffee cups and scents of wood, leather and pipe tobacco permeating the air, it was the perfect setting. Not for the first time since she moved to Beaver Creek, Jane thought shehad the basis for a new mystery featuring some settings around town.

Although the last time she was here, she remembered confessing to Claire and Emily that Ethan thought she had something to do with Thornton’s death. She sure as heck wasn’t going to be the antagonist in her own book.

How times had changed—and for the better.

Maybe after they found who was targeting the farm and Thornton’s killer, she’d sit down and write. Then Jane laughed to herself. How would her grumpy, small-town sheriff react? He was already searching for the criminal and in full-on protection mode at the farm.

“What’s going on at the farm?” asked Claire. “Leah filled me in on a few things.”

“Well, Sean was out this morning installing security cameras.” Jane thought for a second. “Bucky’s coming back to work, and the best news is that Savannah’s coming up for the weekend.”

“Oh. I can’t wait to see the new pictures in her portfolio!” exclaimed Claire. “She promised to stop by with it, and I want to show her the gallery.”

Jane was thrilled her friend wanted to showcase her work in Beaver Creek. Her new watercolors were of farm animals, particularly cows, which would go over big in the community.

They chatted for a while, and Claire’s stomach growled. “Jane, you treated the last time. It’s my turn to pay. What would you two like?”

Claire walked over to the barista, placed their coffee order, picked out a few pastries and brought a tray back with a smile.

She placed a steaming cup of coffee in front of Jane. “Rhea tells me this dark roast will put hair on your chest.”

Jane inhaled the rich aroma and took a sip. “Delicious.”

Claire chuckled and shook her head. “I’m perfectly happy toning it down with a latte. The caffeine will keep me up.”

A couple of people at a window table stood to leave, catching Claire’s attention. She covered her mouth and under her breath whispered, “Crap.”

Leah and Jane looked at each other.What was going on?

Two women stood in front of their table. Jane looked over at them. She didn’t recognize either one. One was medium height with brown hair pulled back into a bun; the other was short with gray hair. Both looked very serious.

“Claire, Leah. How are you?” asked the taller one.

“Oh, hi, Maggie, Sally. I didn’t see you come in,” said Claire, her voice tightening. Leah finger-waved.

Maggie? Maggie Thornton? Claire was right when she said crap.

There was an awkward silence as the women stared at each other. Finally, Claire asked Maggie, “Have you met Jane?”

Maggie’s smile was thin as she shook her head.

“Jane owns the old Jenkins far—” said Claire, who suddenly remembered the connection and covered her mouth. “Oh dear. I’m so sorry. I forgot that your dad…”

Maggie’s eyes narrowed.

“Don’t worry about it,” said Maggie, her voice cold. She directed her attention to Jane. “I noticed you’re doing a lot of renovation.”

“Yes,” Jane replied. “I love the farm.”

Maggie’s expression tightened. “My dad had fond memories of working there as a kid. He spent a lot of time working with the cows, mucking the stalls, doing whatever Mr. Jenkins needed done.”

“It must have been a special place for him,” said Jane.

“It was until…” Maggie’s voice drifted off. “He always thought he’d have a chance to own it.”

Her friend Sally tugged at Maggie’s sleeve and said, “We’re going to be late.”

Maggie frowned. “Oh, right. Well, it was interesting meeting you, Jane.”

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