Bassets and Blackmail (A Dog Detective Series Novel Book 2) by Sandra Baublitz

Author:Sandra Baublitz [Baublitz, Sandra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-06-29T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Fifteen minutes later the table was set as Jac and Patricia brought in dishes of food for the meal. We were eating family-style.

“Passing dishes of food fosters a relaxed mood,” Patricia told me.

“Or projectiles to use on your table mate,” William said.

“Not funny, dear.”

Bruce escorted Lillian into the room as Jac and Shelbee returned to the kitchen with William.

Patricia pointed to a chair, indicating where Lillian should sit.

Bruce pulled out the chair and seated Lillian, who asked, “Why serve dinner? I thought bed and breakfasts only served breakfast.”

I whispered, “Under the circumstances Harry wants the guests to stay in town. We thought serving dinner would entice them to stay the night.”

“Humph.”

William entered, carrying a huge tray topped with a domed lid. Delicious smells wafted from it. Bruce stretched across the table and assisted William to place the tray in the center.

“Something smells good.” James Dayton stood in the dining room doorway and drew in a deep breath.

Behind him, Robert followed with Donna. Ever the gallant gentleman, Robert had offered Donna his arm.

Patricia pointed out places, and Robert ushered Donna to her seat. James sat down without a glance at his wife.

“Excuse me.” Patricia stopped as she met Jac in the connecting doorway, returning with a dish in each hand. “I'll feed Henry and give him his insulin. Will you turn on the dishwasher?”

“Of course,” Jac said.

A flurry of activity at the dining room entrance drew my attention. Madeline Wells and Karen Taylor stepped through the doorway in conversation.

“A murder mystery game must have more than one body,” Madeline said.

“Not necessarily.” Karen brushed a strand of hair from her face.

“No. No. The first starts the game but the second triggers a turn in the investigation.” She glanced at the rest of us and stopped when her gaze landed on me. “Isn't that true?”

I shifted on my feet. “I've never played a murder mystery game.”

“But you've solved murders.”

Karen nudged Madeline. “Let it go, Maddie.”

I cleared my throat trying to decide how to answer.

Bruce intervened, saying, “It's not the same thing.” His tone was firm enough that even Madeline subsided in her argument.

Shelbee and Jac brought in the last food dishes as Jessica appeared in the doorway.

William gestured to those of us standing. “Why don't we all sit down?” He pointed out seats to each of us.

Patricia came in as the last person sat down and took her seat to William's left.

The meal progressed in a friendly and relaxed manner. No one spoke of Cafferty's death though I imagined it was on everyone's mind. Jessica pushed her food around on her plate. James Dayton had a hearty appetite and ate seconds.

When everyone had finished the main meal, Patricia brought in dessert. Apple pie with ice cream. “Made from apples from the town's local orchard.”

“Delicious.” James Dayton patted his stomach as he took the last bite of his pie.

Jessica frowned and pushed her half-eaten pie away from her.

William stood. “I suggest we move to the living room. We have some things to discuss.”

His words caused a pall to descend over the room.

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