Claws of Action by Linda Reilly

Author:Linda Reilly
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Published: 2019-05-04T14:32:15+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

Adoption day had been a bust, which didn’t really surprise Lara. News of the shelter’s troubles with Evonda had been making the rounds.

As much as she could, Lara put it out of her mind. Until Evonda’s killer was in police custody, things would probably remain in limbo for the shelter. So long as it didn’t affect the cats’ care, which it wouldn’t, Lara could deal with the uncertainty.

Her date with Gideon gave her something to look forward to. She put on her favorite pair of shorts—blazing pink—and a lacy cotton top. With her dangly kitty earrings and a swish of blush over her cheekbones, she was ready to roll.

The no-name clam shack sat slightly off the beaten track in Tamworth. Gideon swung into the parking lot and slowed to a crawl to hunt for an empty space.

“Yikes,” Lara said, angling her gaze all around. “The place is jam-packed.”

“Typical Friday night…ah, look at that. Someone just pulled out. How’s that for luck?” He pulled his car into the vacated space and shut off the engine.

“Good job, Gid. I’m starving, too. I hope the lines aren’t too long.”

In its prior life, the clam shack had been a ramshackle equipment shed that housed farming tools. An enterprising neighbor bought the land and transformed the shed into a seasonal eatery. The scent of deep-fried goodies wafted over them as they scooted up to stand in the shortest “Order” line.

Lara inhaled deeply. “I can already smell the onion rings. Sometimes I think I like those more than the clams.”

“Not me. Give me those deep-fried, whole-belly clams any day,” Gideon said, kissing her lightly on the temple. He slid his arm around Lara’s waist. “I always hate it when this place closes in September. Let’s make the most of it this year and eat here every Friday night, okay?”

Lara grinned. “You won’t hear me arguing,” she said, a ripple of happiness zinging through her. She loved it when Gideon talked about their future, even if it was something as trivial as eating at the clam shack.

She glanced all around. People still streamed out of their cars. Kids hopped ahead of their moms and dads, anxious to get to a window where food orders were taken. Lara spotted a familiar vehicle in the parking lot. “Isn’t that Charlie Backstrom’s truck?” She dipped her head toward the lot. “Next to that gorgeous red Vette?”

“Yeah, I think it is.” Gideon squinted at the vehicle. “You know what? That rear tire doesn’t look right to me. What do you think?”

Lara cupped her hand over her eyes. “I think it’s flat,” she said. “Strange he didn’t notice it getting low on the way over here.”

“If we see him, I’ll mention it,” Gideon said. “Maybe I can help him change it.”

They reached the window and ordered their food, then slid over to the pickup window and collected it a few minutes later. For such a busy place, the clam shack managed to prepare and dole out orders quickly and efficiently.

Behind the shack, picnic tables dotted a large clearing surrounded by towering firs.

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