Bogged to Death (The Bellamy Cove Mysteries Book 2) by Priscilla Baker

Author:Priscilla Baker [Baker, Priscilla]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-07-13T23:00:00+00:00

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Chapter 9

On her way back to town, Penny couldn’t help but slow the Jeep down as she passed the entrance for Jack’s Farm Emporium. Dave owed him a lot of money.

Refusing to talk herself out of the idea, Penny swung the Jeep into the parking lot of the Emporium. She hurried inside the low, brown building before her nerves could fail.

Stepping through the door, Penny immediately spotted Jack Lawrence on the other side of the shop. Weaving through the narrow aisles and displays, she crossed the store.

“Hi Jack,” Penny greeted him as she approached. He looked up, startled, before smiling as he recognized her.

“Hi, Penny. What can I help you with today?” he asked, turning away from the display of shovels he had been straightening up.

“I need to ask you a question,” Penny began, feeling nervous. She absentmindedly twirled a piece of red hair around her finger. “I saw some things belonging to Dave Kroller, and I couldn’t help but notice that he seems to owe you a lot of money.”

Jack’s face turned stony. “How did you ‘see’ Dave’s things, Penny? And what makes you think he owed me money?”

Penny blushed. “I’m just trying to understand what happened, Jack,” she explained to him. “I’m helping Art out.”

“So you somehow saw his unpaid bills?” Jack demanded. “Listen, Penny, what you do is none of my business.” He pointed a finger at her. “But what are you trying to imply when you come in here and tell me about my customers owing me money?” he continued, his deep voice rising to a shout. “I happen to think that my finances are none of your concern, young lady!”

“Of course, Jack. I’m sorry,” she added quickly, backing away. “You’re right, I had no business asking you about Dave,” she continued, inching closer to the store’s entryway. “I’m sorry!” she called again as she turned and fled the store.

Penny took a deep breath, sighing in relief as she stepped back outside. That was a bad idea, she realized belatedly. She climbed back in the Jeep and headed into town. I wish I could talk all this out with someone. If only Emma wasn’t so angry with me. Maybe I’m not so good at this detective thing after all.

A few minutes later, she was in downtown Bellamy Cove. Still shaken from her encounter, Penny decided to make another stop on the way back to the farm. She pulled into the municipal lot in the center of town, next to the town green. A white-painted pavilion, which Penny studiously ignored as she hurried into Whitecap Bakery, dominated the large, grassy area.

“Jessie?” she called out as the front door swung closed behind her. The seating area was empty. Penny checked her watch, surprised to see that it wasn’t even noon. Wow, it feels like it’s already been at least a day, maybe two, since I got up this morning.

Jessie emerged from the kitchen, her delicate features lighting up with a smile as she spotted Penny. “Hey, Pen!” she called out.

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