Soapmaking the Natural Way by Rebecca Ittner

Author:Rebecca Ittner [Ittner, Rebecca]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Mystery, Crafts & Hobbies, cozy, traditional, tim myers, crafts
ISBN: 9781600596018
Publisher: Lark Books
Published: 2010-01-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Terri stepped quickly between us before anything could happen. “Honestly, you two are acting just like children. Ben, I need to ask you to leave.”

I thought about turning her request down, but I wasn’t going to uncover anything if I got into a fight with one of my suspects. I backed up as I said, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to imply anything. I was just curious.”

I walked out, got in the Miata, and drove around the block before finding a good parking place where I could keep an eye on the jewelry shop without being seen. The Joys were clearly hiding something, and I was determined to find out exactly what they were up to. I planned to follow whoever left the shop first to see if I could find a lead, but my Miata was a little too conspicuous on the streets of Harper’s Landing. I drove back to the soap shop and approached my mother.

“I need to talk to you.”

There was a look of concern in her eyes as she asked. “Ben, what is it?”

“First, I need to know if anyone has heard from Paulus lately.”

“Why? What’s wrong, Ben?” Though I knew the two of them had their share of problems. I also knew the love they’d felt for my father was a strong bond between them.

“Maybe nothing, but I’m a little worried about him. We were supposed to meet earlier and he never showed up.”

Mom waved a hand in the air. “Your grandfather is not the most reliable man in the world.” she said. “He probably got distracted. You know how he is.”

“Maybe.” I said, though I didn’t believe it for a second.

“So what’s second? You said first, now I’m waiting to hear what comes next.”

“I need to trade vehicles with you. What do you say? You can drive the Miata, and I’ll take your minivan.”

She shook her head. “No thank you. I like to drive a grown-up’s vehicle. It’s high time you started driving one yourself.”

“Mom. I’m not asking you to go for a joy ride. I’m digging into Earnest Joy’s murder, and my car stands out just a little too much. This is for the family.” They were magic words with my mother. To her, family was everything.

“Take it.” she said, digging into her apron pocket and producing her car keys.

“Thanks.” I said as I tried to hand her the keys to my Miata. “Keep them. Benjamin, you might need them later.”

“I don’t want to leave you stranded,” I said.

Mom laughed. “With all these children here dying to give their mother a ride? Don’t be silly.”

I kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks. I don’t know when I’ll have it back to you.”

“I’ll expect to get it back when I see you handing me the keys. Benjamin, be careful.”

“Always,” I said as I hurried for the door. I needed to get back and start my surveillance of the jewelry shop. At least in my Mom’s gray minivan, I’d have a chance to blend into the surroundings.

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