Death of a Pumpkin Carver Read Online Free PDF Page B

could vote and we would give out a prize, something like free shots or maybe a gift certificate to Petco in Bangor.”
    â€œThat’s a terrible idea,” Edna said, her voice slightly rising and cracking.
    Hayley bristled.
    She didn’t appreciate a nasty old woman putting down her daughter.
    But she held her tongue.
    Gemma was an adult now and needed to handle her own prickly situations.
    â€œI would take care of all the details,” Gemma said, not quite ready to give up. “You wouldn’t have to do a thing.”
    â€œIt’s already a circus around here. We are out straight all day long. I don’t think the doctor would want to add to all the stress. I’m sorry, Gemma, it’s just not appropriate.”
    â€œWell, I for one think it’s a wonderful idea,” Danny said, staring down Edna, his eyes boring into her. He looked as if he was trying to resist leaping over the reception desk and strangling her like a rag doll.
    â€œWell, since you don’t work here, your opinion doesn’t count,” Edna said, unperturbed by Danny’s borderline threatening manner. She turned to Gemma. “And please don’t bring this up again, especially to Dr. Palmer. He’s got enough on his plate right now and needs to stay focused.”
    â€œI understand,” Gemma said, disappointment in her voice.
    As if on cue, Aaron sauntered through the door in khaki pants and a blue dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, carrying a file folder in his hand, which he passed to Edna. “I’m keeping the Labrador overnight just to be safe. Would you call Mrs. Finch and let her know?”
    â€œCertainly, Doctor,” Edna said, adding a slight sweetness to her voice.
    Danny bounded across the room and grabbed Aaron’s hand, pumping it a few times and startling him. “Danny Powell, Aaron. Nice to meet you.”
    â€œHello. . . .” Aaron said, his voice trailing off, trying to place him.
    â€œWe have something in common,” Danny said.
    â€œWhat’s that?”
    â€œMy wife.”
    â€œEx-wife,” Hayley chimed in, a bit too quickly.
    â€œOh, you’re that Danny . . .” Aaron said, getting it, looking to Hayley who wanted the earth to swallow her up at that moment. The last thing she ever expected or wanted was for her ex-husband and ex-boyfriend to come face to face and compare notes.
    â€œShe give you as much trouble as she gave me?” Danny laughed.
    â€œNo . . . not at all . . .”
    â€œKidding. Kidding. We just swung by to pick up our daughter. She doing a good job for you?”
    â€œExcellent,” Aaron said with a smile to Gemma. “I’d be lost without her.”
    Edna cleared her throat just to make it known she was still in the room.
    â€œYeah, she makes her daddy proud every day. She works really hard and her head is full of creative ideas . . .”
    Hayley’s heart sank.
    She knew what he was going to do.
    And there wasn’t anything she could do to stop him.
    â€œLike that Halloween pet costume contest. That sure sounds like a winner to me.”
    Edna sat upright in her chair, seething.
    â€œWhat’s that?” Aaron asked, genuinely intrigued.
    â€œGo on, Gemma. Tell him,” Danny said, encouraging her.
    â€œOh . . . it was nothing . . .” Gemma sputtered, keeping one eye on Edna whose head looked as if it was about to explode.
    â€œTell me,” Aaron said.
    â€œWell, I thought for Halloween we could have people dress up their pets in costumes and we’d take pictures . . .”
    â€œAnd then you could hang them up here in the office and people could vote and you would hand out prizes to the winners! Doesn’t that sound like a totally awesome idea?” Danny bellowed, slapping Aaron on the back.
    â€œBut I know it’s really busy around here so it might not be something we want to do . . .” Gemma said, now in full damage control because she