Suzann Ledbetter - Hannah Garvey 04 - West of Bliss by Suzann Ledbetter

Author:Suzann Ledbetter [Ledbetter, Suzann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mystery: Cozy - Senior Living Manager - Missouri
ISBN: 1551669250
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2002-07-08T05:00:00+00:00

Additional evidence that she should have stayed in bed, with or without David, was leaning against his car in the driveway to her cottage. An unpaved maintenance road was an alternative exit from the development, but Chet Thomlinson had already spotted the Blazer. To wave back at him as she floored the accelerator might be misconstrued.

She should be ashamed. And was. His wife had been murdered before his eyes. Hannah’s uneasiness around him was her fault not his. There were no right things to say at a time like this. Avoiding him to avoid saying the wrong thing was egotism disguised as kindness.

Still, her “Good morning” sounded mocking, although he returned it with a smile. “Nice dog,” he said, petting Malcolm as people feel obliged to do when a dog nudges a hand atop its head, as if trying on a new hat.

Perceiving Hannah’s pronunciation of his name as synonymous with “Scram,” Malcolm trotted off to the porch.

“I’d say we’re in for rain.” Chefs shoulders squared as he took a deep breath. “It’s near enough, you can smell it.”

“Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?”

“Thanks, but I can’t stay.” He checked his watch. “I have to pick up Dolores Trimble and the Caldwells in a few minutes to make our flight from Kansas City International.”

Question marks must have riven her expression. He explained, “The funeral is tomorrow morning. I completely forgot that Eulilly had booked seats to fly us home Saturday, after the movers left. The travel agent rescheduled for today and reserved two more tickets for the Caldwells.”

Hannah nodded. “Whether you’d flown down with Jack, or your friends, it’s good you aren’t going alone.”

“If you won’t tell, I’ll let you in on a secret.” The mischievous glint in his eyes vanished so fast it could have been imaginary. “I’d love a few hours alone. Everyone has been wonderfully supportive, but the bosom of friendship can be a little suffocating.”

Hannah contained a reflexive Then why did you accept IdaClare’s dinner invitation last night?

“The reason I came by was to ask if an extension can be arranged on my cottage’s lease. Vince Caldwell renewed the one on my car and canceled the movers, but—”

Chet frowned and looked again at his watch—a Cellini-edition Rolex identical to Jack Clancy’s. “If we can’t work something out, I’ll be homeless by midnight tomorrow night.”

Hannah didn’t understand her hesitation. Chet hadn’t signed Eulilly’s petition. As far as Hannah knew, he hadn’t been party to her threatened lawsuit. His signature was absent on the notice to vacate that Eulilly had couriered to Hannah’s office after the suit was dropped.

The lease agreement was in both their names. Only one appearing on the notice rendered it unenforceable by the Thomlinsons, or Valhalla Springs, Inc., but who was Hannah to quibble? At the time, it was all she could do to resist sending Eulilly a thank-you gift in the form of packing flats wrapped in ribbons and bows.

“What about Belle Rive the lakehouse Eulilly told everyone about?” Hannah waved the remark away.

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