Divine Regrets: A Divine Cozy Mystery Novel (Divine Mystery Series Book 8) by Hope Callaghan

Author:Hope Callaghan [Callaghan, Hope]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-11-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

A woman, dressed in uniform and a sour expression on her face, stood on Jo’s front porch. “Good morning. I’m here to meet with Joanna Pepperdine.”

“I’m Joanna. Please, come in.” Jo offered her a tentative smile as she swung the door open.

“Thank you. I’m State of Kansas Correctional Officer, Darcy Collins, and am here to investigate an anonymous complaint about the living conditions of your transitional residence for former inmates.”

“We’ve been expecting you.”

“I would like to interview each of them privately and also tour the facility when I’m done.” The woman tilted her head as she gazed around the living room. “Is this the women’s housing?”

“This is the main house where I live. The women’s rooms and common area are behind the mercantile and bakeshop.” Jo explained that she also had a workshop, sizeable gardens, a gardener, and a handyman. “The residents rotate shifts each day, working in different areas. My goal is to make sure each of the women learns skills they can use after leaving here.”

“I see.” The woman started to reply and stopped.

“Was there something else?”

“This place comes highly recommended, and I’ve only heard positive feedback from the locals, not to mention the other correctional officers.”

“I work hard to help the women who live here. Although I can house six, I currently have five. If you’ll have a seat, I’ll go get one of them.” Jo hurried to the kitchen and found Michelle and Delta huddled near the door.

“Is the corrections guy here?” Delta whispered.

“It’s a woman,” Jo whispered back. “She wants to chat with each of the residents privately and then tour the place.”

“I’ll go first,” Michelle said.

“Good.” Jo sucked in a breath. “Thanks, Michelle.”

“You have nothing to worry about.” Michelle cleared her throat and, with shoulders squared, marched out of the kitchen.

“Let’s get this gal started off on the right foot.” Delta grabbed the tray of goodies and followed Michelle into the living room with Jo hot on her heels.

“Ms. Collins, this is Michelle Simpson, one of the farm’s residents.”

“How do you do?” Michelle smiled politely.

Delta squeezed past Jo and set the crystal tray on the coffee table. “I’m Delta Childress, the head cook and baker. I’m sure you had a long drive over here this morning. I thought you might like to enjoy something from our bakeshop.”

“I live in nearby Smithville, but I wouldn’t mind sampling the bribe…err…goods.”

“Perfect,” Delta beamed. “Would you like a cup of coffee or tea?”

“I’m a coffee drinker.” The woman eyed the array of decadent treats.

“Coffee it is.” Delta hurried toward the kitchen.

“Cream with no sugar!” Collins hollered after her.

“Got it.” Delta gave her a thumbs up. “Good, strong coffee with a touch of cream.”

Jo waited until Delta was gone. “Is there anything else I can get you?”

“No. The interviews shouldn’t take long. Maybe fifteen, twenty minutes each.”

“I’ll be in the kitchen if you need anything.” Jo passed Delta, who was hustling by with a pot of coffee.

“Please, God. Let this go smoothly.” Jo sucked in a breath, encouraged by the news of brief chats and ending with the inspection.

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