Murder Is Collegiate by Diane Weiner

Author:Diane Weiner [Weiner, Diane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cozy Cat Press
Published: 2016-08-03T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

The scenic drive to the antique store took them around the lake to a small downtown area. Cobblestone Main Street was comprised of a used bookstore, a general store, a post office, and a café. Antique-style streetlights hung at regular intervals. A copper sculpture of a maple tree surrounded by shrubs and flanked by two park benches formed a square in the middle of the area.

“During the summer, there’s a farmers’ market here every weekend,” said Emily. “And you see people eating bag lunches on the benches.”

“It’s an adorable little town.”

“Don’t use the word adorable. Peter Taglieri uses it in his pitch for his future tiny house community.”

“How presumptuous is he?”

“Very. And knowing how he always seems to get his way, I fear for the future of Sugarbury Falls. Even if Henry and I don’t sell, watch him try building somewhere nearby where he can bully the landowners into relinquishing their property. Here’s the antique store.”

Paradoxically clean yet dusty, the antique store smelled of damp, old books. The shiny, tiled entranceway and front window sparkled, and a hint of a residual bleach aroma greeted them. When the bell over the door signaled their entrance, the owner emerged from the back.

“Hi, Emily. Who’s your friend?”

“Susan Wiles. An old friend from back in New York. She’s a retired teacher, here with her husband, Mike.”

“I hope you’re enjoying your visit. Can I help you find anything in particular?”

“Just browsing for now.”

Susan and Emily worked their way around the store. In the furniture area, Susan found a treasure. “Emily, look at this cradle. It’s so sweet. It would be perfect for my new grandbaby.”

“It’s beautiful. You can get Mike to paint her name on it.”

“Oh, and look, a rocking chair. Look at the intricate carvings on the back. Flowers and hearts, so sweet.”

“Doesn’t Lynette have one from Annalise?”

“This is for my house. For when my granddaughters come visit.”

The shop owner rang up the purchases. “I love this cradle. If I had grandchildren of my own, it never would have made it out to the floor. Good thing you’ve got a Jeep.”

Susan suddenly remembered they’d driven to Vermont in a Prius. “Oh no. Maybe I’ll just take the cradle.”

“No way,” said Emily. “We’ll keep it at our house, and we’ll bring it to you next time we visit. I’m sure it will be before the baby comes.”

The shop owner helped them load the purchases into the Jeep. As they were about to leave, Susan recognized someone leaving the bookstore across the street.

“Emily, isn’t that Martha Peterson’s sister?”

“Sure is. I’m surprised she’s still here.” When she moved closer, they greeted her.

“Are you getting all the arrangements wrapped up?” asked Emily. “I know it must be hard. I can go through her office for you if you’d like.”

“That would be helpful. I’d like to get back home within the next few days. Do you know if the police ever found Martha’s boyfriend?”

“Not that we’ve heard,” said Emily. “Of course it’s not like they share all their info with us.

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.