Page 55 of Pepper, the Biker & the Vanishing Body

“Perhaps,” Anderson said, not sounding the least interested.

Seeing Amy being seated, and not wanting to appear too curious, I said, “I am a member of the Willow Lake Historical Society, Professor Anderson, and I was wondering if you would be willing to donate your notes on the book you wrote about the history of Willow Lake to the society.”

“An excellent idea,” Swatcher said.

Anderson agreed. “I would be only too glad to donate them to the society.”

“Wonderful. I will be in touch about getting the papers from you. Now, I have interrupted your meal long enough. Have a good evening.”

“Nonsense, we’re just finishing up and it has been delightful speaking with you, Pepper,” Swatcher said.

“Same here, Professor,” I said and with a nod left the two men and hurried over to Amy who was wise enough to get a table tucked away in a corner so people wouldn’t be able to stare at my black eyes. I immediately thanked her. “Bless you for keeping me hidden.”

“I knew you would do the same for me if I wore raccoon eyes.” She giggled.

“You would not come out of your house if you had black eyes.”

“We know each other well,” Amy said. “So, what did you learn from the two professors? Oh, Beau texted. He and Ian will be about twenty minutes, so I ordered us wine and a couple of appetizers to hold us.”

“Bless you again. I’m starving.”

“So, spill,” Amy urged, leaning close so no one would hear. “What did you learn from the professors?”

I went to speak and heard. “Why are two such gorgeous women having supper alone?”

Amy smiled and I delayed looking at Burke Strathmore due to my raccoon eyes. I was the only girl who never dated him in high school, and he had yet to give up. Most women would consider him a hunk with his stylish chestnut brown hair and his crystal blue eyes not to mention his athletic body. The problem was he knew it and used it to his advantage.

“I heard things are going more in my brother’s Josh direction with Kate at Yesterday’s Treasures than with you,” I said, knowing it would rankle him and possibly direct his attention away from my eyes. No such luck.

“Holy hell!” Burke cringed. “What happened to you?”

Of course, that got people turning to look at me and made me realize I should have stayed home and ordered takeout for the four of us.

“Way to be discreet about my mishap,” I said.

He lowered his voice. “Seriously, Pepper, are you alright?”

Amy came to my rescue if you could call it that.

“The garden rake looks even worse,” she said with a laugh.

Burke’s eyes went wide along with his smile. “You really need to watch your step, Pepper.”

Amy tried not to laugh, but Burke’s laughter got her going.

“You’re both laughing when I am bruised and battered?—”

“By a garden rake that left you looking like a raccoon,” Burke said through peals of laughter.

I gave him my most deadly stare, not that it fazed him, but it did quell his laughter.

“Sorry, Pepper, but the situation is just too comical not to laugh.” He was quick to add. “And I’m glad you’re alright.”

I waited, knowing Burke wouldn’t be able to leave it at that and he proved me right.

“And we all know rakes are tough, not to mention stiff opponents.”

Amy once again tried to contain her laughter, not so Burke.

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