Blooming with Murder by Kathryn Long

Author:Kathryn Long
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Epicenter Press Inc.
Published: 2023-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The Bellwethers, Mom, and I had spent a frantic, sleepless night worrying about where Daphne had gone, making phone calls to check if anyone had seen a disheveled woman wandering the neighborhood but with no results. I pried open my dry, itchy eyes. My head throbbed as I unfolded my stiff body and lifted out of the parlor wing chair. I hadn’t even made it upstairs to bed.

I dragged my feet across the hall and into the kitchen, lured by the clatter of pans and dishes. My jaw dropped. I couldn’t understand where Gladys got her energy. “Look at you. Cooking and singing and not showing a sign of the night we had. I’m envious.” I plopped in a chair and buried my head in my arms.

“Sleep or no sleep, we all have to eat.” She tapped me on the back with her wood spatula. “Why don’t you go upstairs to freshen up? Take a shower and put on some clothes. “I’ve got breakfast covered.”

I puffed out air. “Thanks. I don’t suppose we’ve heard anything about our missing guest?” Even though no one had come downstairs yet, I lowered my voice to a whisper. As of now, Mom was the only other person who knew about Daphne. The Thursbys had left for the airport late last night. Arthur and the Parks had been deliberately left out of the loop. I didn’t want to ruin their stay with alarming events like someone gone missing.

“Not a word, I’m afraid. I sent Ollie back out to search the neighborhoods again. Seeing what’s there in the day might help.” She sat in the chair while the souffle was baking. “I’m sure we’ll find her. Why, Florence recruited at least a dozen friends to help in the search.”

“She knows how to get things done, doesn’t she?” My head teetered. “At least most of the time, and not going overboard with her enthusiasm.” I stood. “I’ll take that shower, now, then return to help you serve breakfast.”

I only took a few steps when the front door opened, and Quint yelled good morning. Puzzled, I picked up my feet, in a hurry to get to the foyer. Unless it was an urgent matter, he never showed up this early in the morning. I skidded to a halt. “Daphne!”

She bunched the front of her sweatshirt and shrugged. “Did I miss breakfast? I’m starving.”

I glanced at Quint who gestured with a slight shake of his head. I took a breath. Walking up to Daphne, I wrapped an arm around her. “No, you didn’t miss breakfast. In fact, Gladys is still waiting for the cheese souffle to come out of the oven. Maybe you’d like to go upstairs and clean up first?” I paused. “We’re glad you’re back, Daphne.”

Her chest rose as she heaved a sigh. “It’s been a long night. Would it be too much trouble to have someone bring me a plate to my room? Cheese souffle sounds delicious.”

“Sure.” I stepped alongside Quint then watched her climb the stairs and disappear down the hall.

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