Peril by Ponytail (A Bad Hair Day Mystery) by Nancy J. Cohen

Author:Nancy J. Cohen [Cohen, Nancy J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Five Star Publishing
Published: 2015-09-15T22:00:00+00:00

Raymond was in a sour mood when he greeted them inside Carol’s kitchen. “Come and join me for a beer. My project has another delay, so I might as well take advantage.”

“By drinking yourself into a stupor?” Annie, bringing over a plate of cheese and crackers, clucked her tongue. “You’ve had two bottles already. What’s eating you, Dad? You’re not responsible for the guy’s death.”

“Huh, that’s easy for you to say. As his employer, I could be held liable.”

“So? You have insurance.”

“I know what’s bothering you. It’s those mining tunnels, isn’t it?” Dalton leaned against a counter. “They bring back bad memories.”

Raymond popped open a bottle top and took a long gulp. “The sheriff said they’d probably release the fellow’s body by Sunday. I notified his next of kin.”

“That’s never an easy job. It’s one I’ve often had to do myself. But you didn’t answer my question. Tell us about your brother Harold and how he died in a mine.”

A dish clattered, and Carol’s gasp echoed throughout the room.

“Wayne, get in here,” Dalton called. “You’ll want to hear this. Carol, are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” she said as Wayne joined them.

Marla was glad Carol didn’t seem any worse from her tumble off the horse. She looked a bit pale and moved more slowly but otherwise appeared well enough.

Raymond’s gaze radiated pain as he regarded them all, standing and staring at him. Fortunately, the kids were playing in a back room so the adults had time alone. Marla agreed they had to clear the air. It was the only way to mend their broken fences.

“We learned what happened to your younger brother,” she said in a kind tone. “It was an accident.”

“Dad, what’s she talking about?” Wayne said, his voice rising. “I had an uncle? Is this why we don’t have any of your early family pictures, because you didn’t want me to know?”

“I imagine the memories are too painful for him,” Dalton said in a wry tone. “Do you want to tell him, Uncle Ray, or should I?”

“Come, let’s sit down.” Raymond’s shoulders slumped as he deflated like a balloon. “It’s a long story and not a happy one.”

Annie turned off the oven and followed them into the family room, where they took seats on the couch and the barstools. Raymond hung his head and twisted his hands together as he repeated the story Dr. Harrigan had told Marla and Dalton.

“You can’t blame Hugh Donovan, Dad.” Wayne put a hand on his father’s knee. “You were both kids at the time. Things like that are bound to happen.”

Raymond’s eyes glistened. “I should have listened to Kate. She ran to get help, but by the time she returned, it was too late. I’d favored Hugh over my own brother. It’s my fault he died.”

“You weren’t responsible then, and you are not responsible now for that workman’s death or the explosion at Craggy Peak.”

“Kate still doesn’t talk about me, does she?”

“No, but then you’ve never made any attempt to reconcile with her,” Dalton said.

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