An Arrow of Murder (Borrowed Pages Cozy Mysteries Book 4) by Maggie Benton

Author:Maggie Benton [Benton, Maggie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Summer Prescott Books
Published: 2023-09-04T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

The Blue Whale Pub was crowded that evening, but Jake had reserved a large table in the back room so that the group of friends could talk and catch up on their day. Helen had walked from the library to Annie’s Diner, and then she and Annie made their way up Main Street to the pub, pulling their coats tightly around themselves as a sharp February wind whipped up.

Helen felt the chill melting away once they were seated inside the pub. A fire crackled warmly in the small stone fireplace in the back room. Between that and the hot drinks Jake had ordered in advance—hot chocolate for the kids, and spiced wine for the adults—Helen soon felt toasty and content. Ian and Phoebe had clearly had a wonderful day together and were still full of excited energy. Helen loved hearing the details of the lopsided snowman they had managed to build with what was left of the snow in the park.

“Mom, can I show Ian the kitchen?” Phoebe asked.

Sam smiled. “I do believe Chef Fred is baking his special rainbow sprinkle cookie bars tonight. I bet he’d let you help.” She managed to get to her feet. “I’ll come with you. The baby’s craving sweets.”

Harry, who was sitting between Helen and Annie, leaned over and nudged Helen, then motioned for Annie to move a little closer. “I need you to talk to Hazel.”

“What’s going on between you two, anyway?” asked Annie.

“Darned if I know,” said Harry. “She’s been sore at me all week and I can’t imagine why.”

“Did you ask her?” asked Helen.

“Sure did. But she just says ‘nothing’ and goes on giving me the cold shoulder. Maybe you three could have some of that girl-talk and you could report back to me.”

“We’ll try,” Helen promised, and Annie nodded.

“Thank you.” Harry’s bushy brows came together. “That woman is my oldest friend. I sure don’t want to lose her.”

Helen gave his arm a squeeze. How wonderful, to have a friend like that for years and years—to know someone and be known, truly known, by them in turn. Helen hadn’t had a close friend like that since childhood, and she hadn’t really kept in touch with anyone from her past. Even her ex-husband Doug had never been the kind of friend she truly felt fully at ease around. In fact, the friends she’d made in Oliver’s Crossroads were the closest she’d had since she could remember.

Helen looked across the table, where Jake sat talking to Adam. “How did Ian do today?” she asked.

“Great,” said Jake. “He talked a little bit about his dad, which I thought was a good sign. Sam and I heard him telling Phoebe what had happened—about the car accident. Phoebe said she was sorry and how hard it must be to lose your parents, but Ian talked about how he had Adam and you, and everyone here.” He gave her a smile. “I think he’s going to adjust and move forward. He’s clearly letting himself feel the loss.

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