A Murder In Milburn Book 2 Death Of A Deputy REVAMPED June 2016 SCRIVENER Read Online Free PDF Page A

it?”
    “The boat was still in there,” Sean said. “But when I woke up again, it was gone. I had a tarp covering me, which is why the boat carriers probably didn’t notice me in the shed.”
    Nora shook her head. “Do you think the trail of blood we noticed was yours?”  
    “Can’t be,” Sean said. “A body’d have to be dead to produce that much.” Seeing her face pale, he amended himself quickly. “We can’t be sure its blood, anyhow. It might just be… some prankster’s idea of a good time.”
    “That’s likely,” Nora nodded, relieved. “I guess… after what happened to Raquel, my mind leapt to the most horrible conclusions.”
    “It’s natural enough.” Sean put a hand on her cheek and stroked it. “It’s been a rough year for you.”
    “I’m not the one who got socked on the head, Sean. I think you’re the one in need of sympathy right now.” Nora smiled. “Now hang on here while I find the doctor.”
    “Well, Sheriff, if you’re done lying around, maybe you could come help us by doing your job?” Harvey said.  
    Nora whirled around and saw Dr. Neil and Harvey approaching, both grim-faced.

    *****

Chapter 8
    Nora felt like the entire town had spontaneously gathered at Anne’s pancake house the next morning. They were all there for one reason of course. No matter how instant the internet made things, here in town, the fastest way to find out facts was to get out of your house and meet people.
    Nora smiled at Anna, the large Swedish proprietor who always wore a fluorescent blue eyeshadow to complement her blonde hair. Somehow, it made Nora think of David Bowie.
    “What’s good today, Anna?”
    “Everything,” Anna said impatiently. Okay, message received , she’s swamped with no time for chit chat.
    “Um, I’ll try the cinnamon French toast,” Nora said. “Also a cup of elaichi tea please.”
    “Very well.” Anna turned around and yelled an order to the kitchen, then rung up the order. Blinking, as Nora paid, she added, “I tasted your crepes yesterday, Nora.”
    “Oh.” Nora felt a little embarrassed and a little proud. The truth was, Anna had made a competing pancake stall, which had received considerably less patronage than Nora’s.
    “If you need a job in this kitchen, I’d consider you,” Anna said. “Just until you fund yourself better.” She smiled, tore off the receipt, and then made a dismissive gesture as Nora stuttered her thanks and excuses.
    No, tempting as it was to be a chef in someone else’s kitchen, Nora had made up her mind to be an entrepreneur, and she was going to do it.
    “Over here, Nora,” Tina looked downcast as she waved Nora over.
    “Hey Tina.” Nora smiled. She handed Tina an envelope. “Your share from yesterday.”
    “Yesterday,” Tina shuddered. She took the envelope, peeked into it, and exclaimed, “Nora! Did we really make that much? Or are you giving me extra?”
    “Never mind that now. You deserve every cent. Did you hear anything? I mean, about what happened? I wanted to stay back yesterday, but with few exceptions, Sean shooed the rest of us out of the field last night.”
    “It took them until 3am to finish putting out the fire and bringing the boat back to the mainland,” Tina said. “The boat-carriers were all part of the volunteer fire-brigade, so that was a big help. Poor things, they were in total shock, though.”
    “It must be traumatic,” Nora said.
    “Ladies, may I join in? The place is packed today. Though heaven knows we’re all here for more than the pancakes.” Dr. Neil approached with a mug of coffee in one hand and a pancake stack topped with whipped cream in the other. It wobbled slightly as he lowered himself down next to Tina. He set it very carefully on the table and looked admiringly at it for a moment. “A sight for sore eyes, with a cherry on top,” he said. “This is my regular Saturday morning indulgence.”
    “How’s Sean, doctor?” Nora asked. “He was hit on the