Page 29 of Merry Murder Season
“Seriously, DC? I would have guessed California.”
Beth nodded. “I know. Me too, until I started researching. Nevada is the state with the largest percentage, besides DC. And New Mexico is next. California is third.”
“What other questions would you ask? Age ofparticipants?”
Beth went on to explain her idea, and not for the first time, I knew she needed to take this job with the university. She had a way of providing information to others that stuck. She’d be an excellent instructor. I’d read part of her thesis, and even though it was academic, it was interesting. If she just tweaked it for the everyday reader, she’d have a winner on her hands.
As we walked into the restaurant, her phone rang. She glanced at the display and put it back in her purse.
Then after we’d ordered, it rang again. This time, after checking the caller ID, she turned it off. She saw me watching and shrugged. “It’s Jim. He’s called every hour since he got out of church. I’ll call him back this evening when we’re backat the house.”
“Maybe it’s important.”
She shrugged. “He knows how to text. He wants me to come home. On his terms. I keep telling him the frequency of the question does not change the answer. I told him I was staying until Monday after next, and that’s what I’m doing. Unless you kick me out.”
“Then who will I have to keep me company while Greg works the case? I’m thinking about calling you to come visit every time he’s involved in a big case.” I studied my menu. Beth and I got along a lot better than I’d ever expected. Especially since Jim, her betrothed, hadnever liked me.
“I know you’re kidding, but that warms my heart.” Beth grabbed my hand. “I’ve never had a sister before, and no matter what happens with Jim, you’re always going tobe my sister.”
“I feel the same way. What are you thinking about getting? I’m torn between the seafood pasta and the scallops.” I squeezed her hand back and turned my attention to the menu.
“I’m going to ask about the specials, then I’ll probably go with the pasta. It’s Sunday. You should celebrate the day.”
Greg called as we were on our way back home. “So where are you two?”
“Driving back from Bakerstown. We spent the afternoon at the library and just finished dinner. Don’t tell me you’re already home.” I glanced over at Beth.
“Okay, I won’t tell you. Don’t worry, I’m only here for a few minutes before I head to Bakerstown. The county commissioners want a report on the murder and if it affects the holiday tourist season. They want me to tell them it’s fine to have the annual parade next week.” He sighed so loud I could hear it over the phone. “The fact that I’m in the middle of an active investigation is weighing on their minds. Especially after someone leaked that Dominic and his boys were at the dart tournament that night.”
“Sorry, I would have liked to see you. Maybe you’ll still be home whenwe get there.”
He chuckled. “Maybe. I’ve fed Emma, so don’t let her con you out of another can of food. And tell Beth that Jim’s looking for her. He says he hasn’t been ableto reach her.”
“Like I said, we were in the library, then at dinner,” I repeated our schedule. “Oh, and she’s taking a few shifts at the bookstore since you have Toby busy.”
“I’m just the messenger. But please ask her to call. I’m afraid if she doesn’t, he’ll get on a plane tonight to make sure she’s okay.” He paused for a minute. “I love you, Mrs. King. Tell me you weren’t investigating my murder case.”
“I won’t lie to you. And I love you back,” I responded. I could see the ocean now in the distance. “We’re about thirty minutes out.”
“I’ll wait. I can call Jim and let him know Beth’s alive while I wait. You know he’s goingto blame you.”
It was my turn to sigh. “He always does.”
Chapter 12
Monday morning, Beth and I were sitting at the kitchen table talking about our plans for the day when a knock sounded on the door. I went to answer, checking the window first before opening the door. Greg worried about being so close to the highway, so he frowned on me opening the door blindly. I thought it was overkill.
Carrie and Chris stood on my porch.
“Hey, guys, come on in. We’re just digging into a coffee cake that Beth made this morning. Save me from myself.” I held the door open, and Emma came to greet our new arrivals.
“I don’t want to be any trouble,” Chris started, but Carrie took her arm and led herinto the house.
Carrie paused in the living room. “What a beautiful home. And your dog is so friendly.”
“Thanks, Emma loves people.” I closed the door and pointed the way to the kitchen. “How do you take your coffee?”
After we got settled and Beth had cut generous pieces of the coffee cake for our visitors, I saw Carrie nudge Chris with her elbow. But instead of talking, she took a long sipof her coffee.
