Ivy Creek Cozy Mystery Series: Boxset Two (Ivy Creek Cozy Mystery Series Boxset Book 2) by Ruth Baker

Author:Ruth Baker [Baker, Ruth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CleanTales Publishing
Published: 2023-08-07T00:00:00+00:00

16

Shocked, Lucy zeroed in on the byline.

Bob Billings.

“I thought the murder weapon was being kept under wraps,” Hannah commented, a frown on her face.

“How did that reporter find out?” Betsy asked in a hushed voice.

How, indeed, Lucy wondered, scanning the article. The news story reported that a young actor was found murdered at the Haunted Forest on Friday night, his body left lying across the trail.

How did Bob Billings know where the body had been found?

Hannah looked up, having read the same line. “Uh-oh. Maybe there’s a leak at the Ivy Creek police department.”

Lucy sighed, knowing Taylor would not be happy about this. She’d have to tell him. If he’d already seen the article, he would have mentioned it on the phone.

“I guess there could be…” she answered absently, her thoughts whirling. Russ Leighton suddenly popped into her mind. Had he spoken to Bob Billings? Russ knew about the sword.

Lucy decided she’d better call over to the station. She wasn’t sure if she’d reach Taylor, but she needed to let him know about the article, even if she had to leave a message.

Just as she reached for the phone, it rang, and she drew back, startled. Rolling her eyes at her own jumpiness, she picked up the receiver.

“Sweet Delights Bakery,” she said automatically. “How may I help you?”

“Is this Lucy?”

Lucy frowned, not quite recognizing the voice. “It is, yes.”

“This is Bob Billings. You remember, the reporter who-”

Lucy blinked in surprise before cutting him off. “Yes, I know who you are, Mr. Billings. I’ve actually just seen your article in The Ivy Creek Voice.” Her tone was censuring.

The man seemed oblivious to her disapproval, responding enthusiastically, “Yes, my front-page story! What did you think?”

Lucy was silent for a moment, wondering if she should just let Taylor handle this. The temptation to find out the facts for herself was too strong, however, and she plunged forward.

“Mr. Billings… could you tell me how you came by the information you quoted? I don’t believe the police have released any such details, like the murder weapon, or where the body was found.”

There was silence for a moment, and then Mr. Billings replied cryptically, “I have an inside source who was at the scene.”

“At the scene,” Lucy repeated. “But when?”

If someone had witnessed the body laying across the trail, they may have seen the murderer.

On the heels of that thought came another.

If that person had seen the body, why hadn’t they called the police?

Mr. Billings replied stiffly, “Right after the murder occurred.” His tone was brisk. “Listen, I’m not giving up any more details. I protect my sources.” As Lucy pondered his response, he added, “Anyway, that’s not why I called your bakery.”

“Why did you call?” Lucy countered, frustrated with the man’s secretiveness.

“I decided to give you another chance to be in my article,” he replied loftily. “You’ve been involved in several of the murder investigations in Ivy Creek. It’s rather odd, actually, how you always seem to be at the center of these incidents.” He sounded jealous, and Lucy grimaced with annoyance, ready to hang up.

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