Peppermint Stick-Up (A Seaside Ice Cream Shop Mystery Book 5) by Angela K. Ryan

Author:Angela K. Ryan [Ryan, Angela K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: John Paul Publishing
Published: 2022-11-10T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

The following morning, Anna called Lucy to invite her to come with them to Janelle’s to talk to Derek, but Lucy was unable to break away from work on a busy Saturday so close to Christmas. “It’s probably better that I don’t come. Phoebe didn’t think he treated her daughter well, and I’m afraid I’ll slug him if he steps out of line.”

“Fair enough,” Anna said. “We’ll let you know how it goes.”

When they arrived at Janelle’s, she invited them into the living room. There was barely enough space for the four of them, and Derek looked annoyed at their presence. He sat next to Janelle and placed his arm protectively around her shoulders while looking suspiciously at Anna and Connie.

“So, how do you two know Janelle again?” Derek asked.

“Through Phoebe,” Anna said. Although she didn’t mention that the only way they knew Phoebe was because they discovered her body.

“We came by to check in on Janelle and to see if she needed anything,” Connie added.

“Well, I’m here now, so she’s fine. But thank you for coming.”

Anna and Connie ignored his attempt to get rid of them.

Anna looked directly at Janelle. “How are you doing?”

“Okay, I guess. Considering what happened.”

“And how are you doing, Derek?” Anna asked. “This must be hard on you, too.”

Derek relaxed his shoulders. “I’m mainly focused on getting Janelle over this.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever get over this, Derek,” Janelle said. “Somebody murdered my mother.”

He practically rolled his eyes. “You know what I mean. We’ll be fine. You’ll see.”

Anna held Janelle’s gaze. “It will take time, and you’re right. It’s not something you ever get over. But you will get through this.”

Janelle gave Anna a grateful smile.

“There are counselors who specialize in trauma and grief,” Anna said. “Maybe it would help to talk to someone. Perhaps the counseling center at your college…”

Derek cut her off. “She doesn’t need to talk to anyone. She has me. We’ll get through this together and make all the decisions that need to be made.”

“Do you mean decisions regarding the house?” Anna asked. The services had taken place earlier in the week, so he couldn’t be referring to the decisions surrounding those.

Janelle nodded. “That’s the biggest long-term decision to be made at the moment. I’m trying to decide whether to sell it.”

“That is a big decision. Do you have to decide right away?” Connie asked.

Janelle shook her head. “Not really. My mother had a life insurance policy, which will be enough to maintain the house for at least a year. By then, I should have a job.” She glanced at Derek. “He thinks I should sell it, but I’ve always liked it here. If I can find a job nearby after graduation, I was thinking I might want to live here.”

“That sounds like a prudent decision, especially if you’re happy here,” Anna said. “And if you end up relocating, you could sell it then, or you could rent it out.”

Derek pressed his lips firmly together. “Don’t go putting wild ideas in Janelle’s head.

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