Blueprint for Murder (An Orchard Grove Mystery Book 1) by Penni Justice

Author:Penni Justice [Justice, Penni]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-08-05T00:00:00+00:00

“That sounds great. Thank you. If it's okay with you, we are just going to eat and relax. I'm tired. You're tired, so let's enjoy each other's company,” Mike said, his voice filled with warmth and understanding.

“Sounds like a perfect evening to me,” Piper replied, her heart feeling lighter at the thought of spending a relaxing evening with Mike, a welcome distraction from the recent events weighing her mind.

Chapter Twelve

Piper always found solace in the breathtaking views from the main road out of town. The landscape, a canvas of rolling green pastures, remained a sight to behold even in the fall and winter months. The apple and peach orchards, the bustling farmer's markets, and the woman always selling boiled peanuts on the side of the two-lane road added a touch of rural charm. Mike's home, a ten-minute drive in the opposite direction of Randy and Diane's, was nestled in a picturesque setting, surrounded by the remnants of fall - the yellow, red, and orange leaves, as well as evergreen pines. The occasional red maples planted around various homes were a welcoming sight, and their vibrant hues added beauty to the season.

Mike turned onto a winding road leading them up the mountain to his property. Suddenly, Piper pointed to the right when she saw a big sign with Missy's face.

“This is the land I was telling you about. Missy says it is fourteen acres with a small cabin, a stream, and a pond. I'm happy in my loft, but I must admit it's tempting. I'm not sure if it's possible, even with my inheritance, since I've used almost all of it to buy the first store, and now I've purchased another. I would have to wait until I sell my current place, and even then, I'm not sure if I could afford it. Imagine me on all this land by myself.”

“I can see you living here. It certainly is a nice piece of property. You know that it backs up to my land, right?”

“No, I had no idea.”

Mike's cheerful tone took a serious turn. “Speaking of you living alone, I worry about you living in the loft. It's not like you have many neighbors during the night. I know the bed and breakfast place is down the street, plus the old motel behind the Historical Society building, but none of your business neighbors live in their buildings, do they?”

“No, they don't. I feel safe in the loft, though, maybe because the police station is only a few streets over. The first and only time I was even a little scared was when they found Diane the other morning. I woke up before dawn and heard a car racing down the street. What if it was the murderer?”

“Did you tell Sheriff Miller?”

“Yes, I did, but I didn't look out the window to see what kind of car it was. I forgot to tell him it sounded like the old Mustang I had in high school.” Piper smiled at the memories. “I wish I had never sold that car because it would be worth a fortune now.

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