Hammers and Homicide by Paula Charles

Author:Paula Charles
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CROOKED LANE BOOKS

Chapter Nineteen

I threw my purse over the back of a kitchen chair and plopped down at the breakfast table. Putting my elbows on the table, I rested my chin in my hands and let out a huge sigh, fluttering my silver bangs out of my eyes.

“Bob? Are you here?” I sniffed the air for any hint of my late husband. “I need you right now more than ever.” With two murders in the same number of days, the world felt like it was spinning out of control, and I was going with it.

The subtle scent of sawdust and coffee filled the kitchen. Either I’d completely lost my mind, or Bob was letting me know he was here and ready to listen to my ramblings.

I told him all about my visit with both Kim and Bill and how I couldn’t imagine Bill losing control enough to actually kill Warren. Then I took a deep breath and told him about Steve being shot dead this morning.

“It sure would be easier if ghosts were real and I could talk to Steve. He probably knows who shot him and why.” Tears spilled down my cheeks as I talked. “I just feel so helpless.”

Grabbing a tissue, I mopped my tears, then launched into a tirade of worries about Carpenter’s Corner. “J. T. says with these murders, I need to install a security system. He’s absolutely right, but winter’s coming, and it’s not something I budgeted for. I don’t know if the store can absorb the cost. And what if people stop shopping at Carpenter’s Corner because of the murders? We’ve already taken somewhat of a hit with the new big-box home improvement store opening in Greenwood. Maybe it’s time to think about shutting it all down.”

I loved my hardware store: the way the sunlight played across the old hardwood floors, the smell of wood and varnish, and helping friends and neighbors pick out the right thing for their projects. Until yesterday, I hadn’t been ready to let it go.

“Tell me what you think I should do.”

A gardening spade I’d left on the bench hit the floor with a clatter.

I laughed and clapped my hands. “Oh my gosh. You’re absolutely right. I’ve always done my best thinking when I’m digging in the dirt. Thanks, honey.” I picked up the spade.

“Mom, who’re you talking to?” April peeked around the screen door, looking like she wasn’t sure she wanted to come any farther into the looney bin I called home.

“Your dad. I told him about my morning and asked him for advice about what to do with the store.” Usually I tried to hide my crazy, but what the heck. Might as well tell her the truth.

April cocked her head and raised one eyebrow. “I see. And what did he have to say?”

I held the spade out for her to see. “Dad told me to get my butt out there and weed the garden. A little dirt therapy’s good for the soul.” I stood and stretched. “Come out with me.

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