Motive for Murder by Carol J. Post

Author:Carol J. Post
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

TEN

Jessica pushed herself away from the table. Three candles burned in the center, surrounded by empty dishes that, an hour ago, had held meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans. Her cooking wasn’t fancy, but it was substantial.

Shane had walked her home, and though their conversation had remained lighthearted, something had changed, at least for her. The carefree roamer had a tragic past. For some reason, that made him all the more attractive. The next thing she knew, she was inviting him to dinner.

Shane rose and gathered their dishes. “Let me help you clean up the mess. Then I’ll leave so you can get some sleep, since we both have to get up and go to work tomorrow.”

She added two squirts of dish soap to the sink. “I’m surprised you’re still employed.”

“Me, too. I’m just not getting much investigating done. I keep bumping into Hammy.”

“Well, I’ve been doing some calling around, trying to find the man with the New England accent, but I’m not having much luck. Seems no one’s heard of him.”

Frowning, he rinsed the pan she had washed and placed it in the drainer with the dripping plates already there. “Be careful who you ask. You don’t want it to get back to the wrong people.”

“Don’t worry, I’m being stealthy. I’ve just asked a few people who came into the store, and yesterday afternoon I called Driggers.”

He raised his brows. “That’s your definition of stealth?”

“Not Hammy and Spike. The factory. BethAnn told me that Sandy Cutchins works in HR at Driggers. She was a couple years behind me in school, but I knew she’d remember me. Anyhow, I figured if he’s an employee, she’d know.”

“And did she?”

“No. But she was going to ask around the factory.” She dried her hands and bent to pick up Buttons while Shane put away the last of the dishes.

“It looks as if he’s growing on you.”

Jessica smiled. Large brown eyes gazed back at her, filled with adoration. “Yeah, he is. I’m actually thinking of keeping him.”

She must have lost her mind. As unsettled as her life was, the last thing she needed was a dog. But she couldn’t bring herself to take him to the shelter. He had been through enough in his short life. Besides, it was the last thing she could do for Prissy.

She set him on the couch and walked with Shane to the door. The warmth in his smile was reflected in his eyes.

“Thanks for dinner. I enjoyed it.”

“Me, too. I still owe you two meals. If you remember, you’ve taken me to Pappy’s twice. Plus, there was last night’s dinner and movie.” She did end up going back to Shane’s to finish both.

“You don’t owe me, but I certainly won’t turn you down.”

He stepped onto the porch and turned to face her. “Thanks again. I’m looking forward to next time. And when it’s my turn, we’ll scope out the restaurants. I won’t be inviting you to my place for a home-cooked meal unless you’re fond of frozen dinners.

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