Pushing Up Rhubarb (A Millsferry Mystery Book 1) by Saco Diana

Author:Saco, Diana [Saco, Diana]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Arctic Zebra Press
Published: 2015-06-10T04:00:00+00:00

*****

Aunt Dottie was in tears by the time Loyal finished. Ota noticed and called a brief recess. I was surprised and wondered if the judge had been one of her past projects. I was suggesting to her that she should go home when Mason stopped me.

“She thinks it’s hopeless because she’s just heard one side of the story. Let her stay for my opening statement. She’ll feel better.”

“How do you think it’s going?” I asked.

“Just peachy, Nina. Loyal didn’t say anything I wasn’t expecting, including the dig against me. Chloe could probably use a pep talk, though.”

I nodded and headed over to Chloe. She was still sitting at the table with her back to the gallery and her head down. I didn’t want to startle her, so I came around to her side. Her head came up suddenly when she noticed me out of the corner of her eye, and for a brief unguarded moment, I saw the worry and dismay all over her face. Then her expression went blank.

I decided to go with a stock icebreaker I use at parties. “Say you’ve cooked the best meal you’ve ever cooked before. Who would you invite over for dinner to share it with?”

“That depends,” she muttered. “Am I someone who poisons people or not?”

I chuckled. Feisty was a good sign. “That was a good opening statement,” I admitted, “but Mason’s will be, too.”

“So he says.”

“I’ve seen them go toe-to-toe before. Mason can give as good as he gets.”

“Doesn’t he have to be better?” she asked.

“He will be. But even if he only matches Loyal’s presentation, we’ll still be ahead. Remember, Loyal has to prove his case beyond a reasonable doubt. Mason only needs to poke some holes in the argument. And there are plenty of holes in his argument.”

“Yeah, Nina, but I actually like this town and want to stay here. Reasonable doubt won’t restore my reputation.”

I didn’t know what to say to that, but Chloe changed the subject anyway.

“How’s Aunt Dottie?” she asked.

“Right now she’s upset.”

“I’m not surprised. Loyal made me sound like a horrible person.”

“Yes, but ‘made’ is the operative word there, as in ‘made up’. It’s a complete fabrication.”

“It wasn’t all made up,” Chloe admitted, being quiet so no one else would hear. “I was getting fed up at all of Monica’s wins.”

“Who wouldn’t? Especially with her gloating,” I offered.

“And the part about me being a loner—that was true, too.”

“You may be a loner, Chloe. But you’re not alone,” I said deliberately, getting a tiny smile from her for my trouble. I smiled back.

We heard a sudden bark of laughter and turned to see Mason pulling away from Aunt Dottie, obviously having solicited that response from her.

Moments later, Judge Ota called the court to order for Mason’s opening statement. I returned to my seat as Mason approached the jury.

“Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen. Since Mr. Bingham did the introductions, I feel like I know you already.”

Several jurors smiled.

“In case you missed it, however, I’m Mason Tidwell, and I represent the defendant, Chloe Owens.

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