Swine and Punishment (Bought-the-Farm Mystery 7) by Ellen Riggs

Author:Ellen Riggs [Riggs , Ellen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781989303641
Publisher: Sandy Rideout
Published: 2020-12-28T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Mom hopped onto her stool at Daisy’s kitchen counter with relative ease. For once she’d worn a skirt with some traction. Normally she was sliding all over with flailing heels and one of us had to brace her. Today, however, she hooked her stilettos over the footrail, steadied herself, and then reached for the mug of coffee Daisy offered.

Inspecting the mug, Mom rolled her eyes. All of Daisy’s dishes were white, including the mugs, but the one in Mom’s hand was bright red. It would hide waxy lipstick stains.

“World’s Best Mom,” I said, reading the words on the side. “Well, aren’t you special?”

Mom glared at me and then Daisy. “You all make it perfectly clear that I’m anything but every time I sit on this stool.”

“Don’t take it that way,” I said. “We’re just trying to keep you on your game. What’s family for?”

Iris, Violet and Poppy laughed, but Jilly gave Asher a look to keep him from joining in. She tried to back Mom when it didn’t undermine me.

“Buying me a dollar store mug isn’t going to make me strive for more,” Mom said.

Daisy smiled as she spritzed cleanser onto the pristine counter and gave it a wipe. “Oh, Mom, I didn’t buy that for you. The twins bought it for me for Christmas. All four pitched in to cover the buck it cost. You’re not the only one with underwhelming kids. I’m just sharing the joy they bring me.”

There was real joy on her face, however, because the true gift was keeping Mom away from the white china.

Mom actually laughed. “Well, that’s different. Asher didn’t do much better at his age. This year he gave me a lovely silk scarf.” She turned to eye Jilly. “His taste is suddenly exquisite.”

“He chose it himself,” Jilly said. It was technically true. She’d given him three great options so he couldn’t go wrong.

Asher beamed at Jilly from his usual spot against the refrigerator. “Glad you liked it, Mom.”

The golden boy’s gifts had always been the very best in Mom’s eyes, including the spatula set, a power drill, and even a life preserver. He stocked up on gifts while supporting fundraisers, raffles and every kid with a cause. It was hard to fault him for that, even if I received more chocolate covered almonds than even I could enjoy.

“May I ask why you called this meeting?” Mom said, staring at me over her mug. Her eyeliner was getting more dramatic by the day. I envied her steady hand but it was a bit much under the bright lights of Daisy’s kitchen.

“Don’t we usually have a little chat after a major incident?” I asked. “It’s important to be on the same page.”

“We’re all on the same page,” Asher said. “Chief Harper’s page.”

“I’m always on Kellan’s page,” I said. “But there are other pages we should consider.”

“I’m not being lured down your path of subversion, Ivy,” he said, shifting uneasily. “The chief says I’m too gullible with you.”

Asher was too gullible with everyone. It was one of his key charms, though also his key weakness.

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