A Most Shocking Revelation Read Online Free PDF

mind?”
    â€œNot if it means she can be with me all day.” He turned the page without looking up. “And besides, the sheriff called me this morning and told me you needed some time off. When he speaks, people listen.”
    Valerie tossed the rag aside and later planned to toss a few words at Gavin for his unwelcome interference. “He did, did he?”
    â€œYeah. He didn’t say why, but I figured that was none of my business. I also decided he owed me one, which means he might go easy on me if I get caught speeding when I need to get home to take care of Sheila’s hormones.”
    If he mentioned hormones one more time, Valerie might be tempted to scream. “I have to find a new place to stay, that’s why I need the time off.”
    Manny glanced up again. “What’s wrong with your old one?”
    â€œLet’s just say Harvey Joe and I didn’t see eye to eye on the terms of our rental agreement. I’d prefer not to live with rats, even if they are drowning from major water leaks.”
    â€œI told you Harvey Joe’s a jerk before you decided to move in there.” Manny shook out the paper and stood. “Where are you staying now?”
    No need to lie to her boss. Considering Royal’s small-town penchant for gossip, word would get out sooner than later. “ Temporarily with Sheriff O’Neal.”
    Manny laughed. Loudly. “I knew you two had a thing for each other.”
    â€œWe don’t have a thing for each other.” Okay, just a minor fabrication. “I’m staying in the guest room, so get your mind out of the sewer, Manny.”
    He showed her a toothy grin before opening the oven to retrieve his famous coconut pie. “If you say so, Valerie. But I’m thinking he’d rather have you in his bedroom.”
    Valerie was overcome with the urge to protest, until the bell sounded, indicating a customer. She turned to see the somewhat snooty Gretchen Halifax breeze into the diner and head to the corner booth by the window. She removed her coat to reveal a gray wool suit, perfectly pressed and definitely expensive. The city councilwoman reminded Valerie of a mink, all lithe and too slick. Nothing about her seemed real, from her pale blond hair to her ageless face to her phony facade.
    If Valerie had her way, someone else would wait on her. Right now, she was the only waitress available. She took her time strolling to the counter to retrieve Gretchen’s usual—sweetened tea. She took even longer delivering the glass and a menu to the table, all the while avoiding Gretchen’s cool gaze. But Valerie had noted an almost feral look in her stone-gray eyes of late. Most likely the woman was still reeling from her landslide loss in the mayoral race last month. Better to avoid that topic altogether.
    Valerie plastered on a pleasant look as she slid the glass and the menu before Gretchen. “Would you like to hear the special for the day, Ms. Halifax?”
    â€œI already know it’s beef stew, the same thing every Friday.” Her voice held a note of contempt.
    â€œDo you know what you would like then?” Valerie asked, keeping her tone friendly even though she wanted to ask why Miss Uppity frequented the greasy spoon if she held it in such low esteem.
    The look Gretchen gave Valerie said she wanted to be left alone. “Not yet. I believe I’ll just have the tea for now.”
    â€œOkay. Let me know when you’re ready to order.”
    Before Valerie could walk away, Gretchen stopped her by saying, “Manny tells me you’re from St. Louis.”
    Valerie wanted to keep walking but instead faced her again. “That was my last place of residence.”
    â€œThat’s quite a long way from Texas.”
    â€œYes, it is.”
    Gretchen drummed her immaculately manicured fingernails on the table and studied Valerie a long moment. “Why did you come here, of all places?”
    Before