Death by Lime: A Key West Culinary Cozy - Book 5 Read Online Free PDF Page B

can do when times are rough is to retreat into your own comfortable environment,” Marilyn replied.
    Her daughter’s mouth fell open in shock. “Are you serious? What on earth makes you think that her apartment is even a remotely safe place to be right now?” she demanded, wondering if her mother had lost her mind.
    “She’s been taking all of the precautions that Bernard suggested, and we’re just a phone call away if she gets scared,” was the matter-of-fact reply.
    “What are you up to, Mom?” Tiara’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “I know you, you’re not generally one to follow orders, even when they make sense. What’s up your sleeve?”
    “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” her mother hedged. “I just think the smart thing to do is follow Bernard’s advice and give him time to figure out what happened.”
    Tiara wasn’t buying her mother’s denial for an instant, but before she could reply, Kelcie broke in softly.
    “I think your mom is right. I feel perfectly fine about going home. Right now, I just want to take a nice hot bath, eat some dinner and go to bed.”
    Marilyn and her daughter looked sadly at the seemingly frail young woman in front of them.
    “Fine, if that’s what you want,” Tiara sighed, giving in. “But if you need anything, or if you just want company, you’ll text me, right?”
    “Absolutely,” Kelcie nodded gratefully.
    “Okay. Do you feel up to walking, or would you like a ride home?” Marilyn asked.
    “Well, I’m supposed to vary my routine, so instead of going straight home, do you think that we could go to the grocery store? I want to buy some avocados to make guacamole tonight, it’s my comfort food, and I’ll look and see if they have any good paperbacks so that I can read myself to sleep,” the young woman replied.
    “Of course, sweetie, anything you need,” her boss smiled and gave her a hug.
     

Chapter 9
    Kelcie flopped down onto her couch, exhausted from the day’s events. Her mind was numb with grief, her head ached, and her eyes were red and swollen. She was hungry, but had absolutely no energy to get to the kitchen and prepare her guacamole. Still in the mood for Mexican food, she thumbed through the numbers in her phone and found a well-used one for La Cucina. She ordered shredded chicken tacos with extra queso, double chips and guacamole for delivery. The book that she had purchased at the grocery store, a light-hearted comedic adventure by renowned wilderness author, Patrick McManus, sat beside her on the couch. She wanted to lose herself in its pages, but knew that, until she’d had some food and her bath, she couldn’t begin to relax enough to concentrate.
    Her doorbell rang in record time, and when she glanced out of the peephole, she was surprised, but glad to see Sam, dressed in a La Cucina uniform.
    “Wow, you’re just an ambassador of great takeout, aren’t you?” she said when she opened the door.
    “I bring happiness in many different forms,” he quipped, grinning.
    “Lucky for me,” Kelcie said, accepting her bag of food. “What do I owe you?” she asked, reaching into the pocket of her jeans for cash.
    “Nothing. When I saw the name on the order, I told my boss that you were my best customer and he comp’d it. I also threw in some cinnamon sugar empanadas – gotta have something sweet with your meal, right?” he said, shyly.
    “That’s so sweet of you, thank you,” she replied. “But at least let me give you a tip,” she insisted, holding some bills out to him.
    “Absolutely not, it’s my pleasure to deliver a bit of happiness,” he held his hands up, not taking the money. “The pie that I got today was fantastic by the way,” Sam remarked.
    “Oh good, I’m glad that you liked it,” she smiled. “Thanks for the food,” she held up the bag.
    “My pleasure,” he replied with a wave. “Have a good night!”
    **
    Outside Kelcie’s apartment, in her car, parked just far enough down the street