Charred to Handle by Patti Benning

Author:Patti Benning [Benning, Patti]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Summer Prescott Books
Published: 2024-05-20T00:00:00+00:00

SEVEN

Lydia did what she told Sierra she would do first; she picked up a selection of pamphlets from the front desk and confirmed that there was, indeed, a coffee machine in the common area near the front entrance with complementary coffee pods. She wasn’t sure if Sierra actually wanted a cup right now or just wanted to know if it was available, so she just noted where it was for now.

The common area was lovely, just like the rest of the bed and breakfast had been so far. It had a plethora of potted plants and flower arrangements, and several couches and chairs arranged around a large coffee table. The far wall featured a shelf full of board games and another one full of books, and there was a large television on the mantle above the fireplace. She could almost forget that she was only ten minutes away from her house. If it wasn’t for the looming specter of Hannah’s death, this would have felt like a real vacation.

But she was determined to do what she could for Hannah. The police could only do so much. She knew Detective Bronner was good at his job, but his hands were tied in a lot of ways Lydia’s weren’t. She wasn’t going to do anything illegal, of course, but there was no law preventing her from talking to the other women in Hannah’s group.

Of course, she had to be careful not to bother them too much. If they were innocent, then the last thing they needed was some crazy woman who kept bringing up their friend’s death. She was just going to have to play it by ear.

And, as she wandered around the first floor of the bed and breakfast, her ears were what told her she was on the right path. She had found the hallway that led to what she assumed were the women’s rooms, but she wasn’t about to go knock on their doors and disturb them. The hallway also led to the back garden, and naturally, Lydia wanted to take a peek at it. The landscaping in front was gorgeous; she was prepared to bet that it was even nicer back here.

The main door was open, with a screen door shut to keep the bugs out. She was just about to let herself outside when she heard a voice coming from the other side of the screen door and paused. At first, she thought it might be Naomi, but the woman’s voice was different, and after second, it became clear that whoever was talking was on the phone.

“I don’t know, Mom,” said the woman, who sounded like she was just out of sight of the screen door. “It feels kind of gross to use what happened to her as a way to get out of the lease.” She paused, as if listening to something the other person was saying. “Yeah, I know she got me into this situation, and I know I wouldn’t be lying or anything, but it still doesn’t feel right.

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