The Vanished Lady by Vickie Britton & Loretta Jackson

Author:Vickie Britton & Loretta Jackson [Britton, Vickie]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: kindle, Suspense, murder mystery, painted lady houses, mystery romance, cozy mystery, mystery, clean romance, colorado, Romantic Suspense
Published: 2013-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

“Hello, neighbor!” A cheery voice broke into Dana’s sober thoughts. Verla stood in front of the entrance to the café, Robbie’s Roost. She cut a striking figure today in lavender blouse and multi-colored silk scarf that complimented her snowy white hair. “I was just going to have tea while I wait for Arley. If you can spare the time, why don’t you join me?”

Dana hesitated, thinking about the ton of work that awaited her, about how far behind schedule she had fallen. But she doubted that anyone could turn Verla down, not when those blue eyes held such determination. “Maybe just a quick cup.”

“Good afternoon, Robbie,” Verla greeted the stout, dark-haired woman who scurried toward them, pad in hand, as they took a seat at the window overlooking main street. “We’ll have some of your special tea and a couple of those wonderful blueberry scones.”

Verla turned to Dana with enthusiasm. “I’ve just come from a city council meeting. Arley stayed to talk to the mayor about some events he’s planning for Founder’s Day.”

Robbie quickly returned with a pot of steaming tea and a platter of warm scones. Verla inquired about Dana’s progress on the inn, carefully, as if she had made her mind up not to dwell on anything unpleasant.

As they discussed her plans to help Dana get established, all of the terrible happenings slipped momentarily into the background, still, they were there, beneath the surface--the shock of discovering Donnie buried on her property, the vandalism, the attack on the road.

Verla smiled warmly at Dana. “Since Paul Houlder has moved to Colorado Springs, we’ll be needing another member on the town’s Improvement Committee.”

Because she had so much to do getting ready to open for business, Dana didn’t respond.

“It won’t take up much of your time,” Verla said persuasively.

Before Dana could reply, the bells on the front door jingled, and Arley entered the café. Dressed in beige suit and tie, he looked suave and aristocratic, a gentleman not given to self-interest or rage. Like Verla, he seemed intent on being cheerful. As he walked toward them, he called, “There’s two of my favorite people, hatching up mischief.”

“Tea, dear?” Verla asked.

Arley sank into the chair between them. “No, nothing. Drank too much coffee at the meeting.”

“What did you talk to the mayor about?”

He passed Verla the program, which she quickly skimmed and set aside.

“Mostly about the proposed changes to the budget. Of course, everyone was against spending money on the new additions for the museum, but I held out for the final vote. I’ll sway them if you still want to make that contribution we discussed.”

“Arley can be most convincing,” Verla said, beaming at him. “Nothing would ever be accomplished around this town without him.”

“Without my grandmother,” Arley corrected, then added cynically, “and her money.”

Ignoring his remark, Verla said, “I was just talking about how we need another member on the town’s Improvement Committee, and I’ve just found the perfect candidate.” Verla patted Dana’s hand. “I nominate you, Dana.”

“Welcome aboard,” Arley

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.