Killer Flip by M. E. Bakos

Author:M. E. Bakos
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: M. E. Bakos
Published: 2022-12-10T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

I returned to Bruce’s old room and surveyed the hole in the ceiling. The popcorn finish would have to be removed now. That, and the drywall replacement in the master ensuite. I winced at how big the job was becoming. Wayne poked his head around the entry.

“That went well.” He chuckled.

“Not so much.” Groaning, I placed my hands on my hips, and stared at the opening.

“Don’t worry about patching the ceiling. I’ll take care of it as soon as I finish the bathroom.”

“We’ll have to remove the finish?”

“That would be best, although I can fix the hole and match the popcorn.”

“Let me think about it. I appreciate it.” I was glum, my mind still on Don’s visit.

“He said he’ll bring food. That’s a good sign,” he said, reading my stance.

“Yes, it is.” I brightened and relaxed.

“Wayne, what do you think of Olivia?” I faced him.

“That young gal? It ain’t really none of my business.” His eyes shifted to the hall.

“I know, but I’d like your opinion,” I persisted.

“Well, I think the lawman aims to do the right thing by her. Give her a stable home base.”

“But?”

“She seems a mite flaky.” He flinched, and his gaze was sheepish.

“Why do you say that?”

“Well, it wasn’t me who noticed anything. It was Gillie. She said the girl should be with people her own age. Said the way she was gripping the sheriff’s elbow at our wedding didn’t look quite right.”

“Gillie said that?”

“Yep.”

“Thanks, Wayne.” I didn’t want to press him further. I swept the floor and went back to removing the border, recalling where we were at their wedding. Eddy was on my right, Don to my left. Myra was on the far side of Eddy. Olivia was on Don’s left side. I hadn’t had a clear view of Olivia. I had taken Don’s word he was helping an old flame’s daughter. Olivia was twenty-one. Maybe she wasn’t as young as he thought. A May–September relationship, Myra had suggested.

“Oh, great.” I grumbled. “Another fine mess.” I attacked the paper border with more water and softener, and finished the job by four-thirty. I checked out the handyman’s progress in the bath, which was proceeding nicely. He fastened a drywall screw in the last piece of sheetrock over the bath.

“Good time to quit, Wayne?”

“Works for me.” He stood back, looking at the fresh board. “Do the mudding tomorrow.”

“I’ll get home and clean up for the sheriff.” I dusted off my jeans and sweatshirt.

“Yep, you got a pizza delivery.” He grinned and grabbed his jacket.

“And I’m famished.” I said, laughing.

“Let’s blow this joint.” He chuckled. Slipping into our jackets, and bracing ourselves we headed out into a brisk wind.

By the time I closed up the rehab, drove home, and entered my townhome, it was past five o’clock. I scrambled to feed Boots, who protested his kibble of dry food.

“I’ll get to the store tomorrow. Promise.” I could tell by the swish of his tail that he wasn’t convinced.

I hit the shower and cleaned up in record time.

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