Page 35 of Vows of Murder

“As long as you don’t believe that the earth is ours to use and abuse, like some preachers say”—Esmeralda stared at Beth—“then I agree.”

“I agree. We’ve done a horrible job of taking care of what He’s given us.” Beth took Esmeralda’s arm in hers and we startedwalking again.

“Amen, sister.” Esmeralda leaned herhead on Beth’s.

Now that my almost sister-in-law and my friend the fortune teller had found common ground and avoided a fight, I relaxed and thought about the night. Why had Roger, or more likely Maryanne, sent the flowers? Public relations? An attempt to be part of the community? They had to have asked the florist to match our wedding colors, but how did they find our florist? And was Greg’s hunch about the flowers having a bug in them true?

There were toomany questions.

I saw the blue flashing lights as we crested the hill. The police car was at our house. I took off at a run, which wasn’t easy since I was in dress shoes. Thank goodness I’d switched out of heels when we’dgone to dinner.

I didn’t recognize the officer standing at the gate when he stopped me. Then I realized he had a Bakerstown uniform. “Ma’am, you can’t go in there.”

“I’m Jill Gardner. I own this house. What’s going on? Is Amanda all right?” Just then, I saw Amanda come out on the porch with Emma. Shewaved me over.

“Sorry, ma’am. I didn’t know. My partner is checking out the backyard.” He moved aside andlet us through.

I hurried up the stairs and, putting my hand on Emma’s head to try to quiet her, I looked at Amanda.“Are you okay?”

“Oh my, yes. Sorry if I scared you. After Beth left, I took a long bath and was just getting into bed when Emma and I heard someone at the front door. I walked down and peeked out your office window. The man was dressed in black and was trying to open your lock with those tools. I locked myself and Emma in the office and called 911, and they sent out a car.”

“But you’re all right?” Beth asked again.

Amanda smiled and pulled Beth into a hug. “Oh, my dear. I’m fine. The man didn’t get inside. I’m sure he was just looking to rob the place for a quick buck. I’m surprised they didn’t get that house across thestreet first.”

Esmeralda turned and hurried over to the officer. She spoke with him and they both went over to her house. When he came back a few minutes later, I met him at the gate. “Her house wasn’t brokeninto, was it?”

“How did you know?” He glanced over at Esmeralda’s house, which was now glowing with light.

I glanced back up at my house. “Because they wanted something they thought we had. We were all supposed to be at a rehearsal dinner and party tonight. No one was supposed to be home.”

“What a great night to break in.” The officer—Officer Manning, based on his name tag—nodded. “I get your point. Where’s Detective King?”

“He’s at a stag party with his friends, but if I know South Cove, he’s already heard about this and should bearriving soon.”

As I watched, Toby’s truck pulled into the driveway. Jim parked his rental car right behind him. Toby and Deek got out of the truck and joined us, followed quickly by Jim and Greg.

I went to Greg. “Everything’s fine. Your mom called the cops before the guy could break in. Nothing happened.”

Greg hugged me, then went over to talk to the officers. Toby met my gaze, nodded, then followed him. Deek stayed with me and Jim hurried over to Amanda and Beth. The guys were all here, but there was nothing they could do. Unless the intruder had left prints or dropped something.

The second Bakerstown cop, who had gone out back, came through the back gate into the front yard. He held up a black ski mask and a black jacket. “There’s a chance we can trace him from these. But that’s all I found. He’s long gone.”

We gathered in the kitchen, with Toby and Greg staying out and talking to the Bakerstown officers. Deek headed back into town to his apartment over the bookstore. I made a pot of coffee as we waited.

“So, girls, how was your party?” Amanda asked as we sat down around the table.

Beth spoke first. “It was so much fun. We danced and ate and danced more. Darla made these mocktails that were fruity and icy. Everyone wanted to be with us, but Darla kept kickingout the guys.”

“Well, that’s a relief.” Jim put an arm around Beth. “I was worried you might find anew soulmate.”

“Not likely.” She leaned into him and he kissed the top of her head. “But I did learn the electric slide. We should go line dancing when we get home. I hear they have classes. Itwould be fun.”

I tried to hide my giggle when I saw the look on Jim’s face. Thankfully, Greg and Toby came in at that moment. “So what’s the conclusion?”

“Officer Manning, Tom, thinks that someone knew we were out at a party to celebrate the wedding and hit our house. Or tried to.” Greg poured a cup of coffee and held it out to Toby. He took it and went to lean against the wall where Emma was sitting and waiting.

“Odd coincidence.” I tried to read his face. “I guess itcould be true.”

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