Digging for Dirt (Heavenly Highland Inn Cozy Mystery Book 9) Read Online Free PDF Page A

that he thinks he deserves some kind of special treatment. That’s the last thing we need in a government official, one more regular guy thinking he’s some kind of superstar because he buys enough votes. I’m not normally political, but this guy, I just can’t let him get away with his con artist ways.”
    Vicky was intrigued by what Freida was saying. It didn’t sound as if she was discussing rumors at all. It sounded like Freida might have some solid proof or at least a good reason to have a problem with Roman. Vicky made a mental note to ask the maids and bellboys to ensure that Freida and Roman were kept apart. The last thing she wanted was some kind of argument or fight to have to deal with. The flooded banquet hall was stressful enough. As she moved the last chair into place, she heard Freida again. It was hard not to, as the woman spoke as if she was shouting through the phone to wherever the person on the other end of the line was.
    “Don’t worry, I’m not afraid of him. He can threaten me as much as he wants, but he’s not as powerful as he thinks.”
    After those words everything grew quiet. Vicky tried not to focus on the implications of the statement. Was Roman dangerous? Had he threatened Freida? She gritted her teeth and took a step back from the arranged furniture. She had created a lovely little oasis complete with umbrellas angled away from one another so that they created an intimate shield. She added a touch of music and some additional foliage. The feeling was rather tropical because it was beside the pool. She was sure that most of the guests would be pleased with having the option to dine outside. She headed from the patio to the kitchen to tell Henry about the lunch options. As she pushed through the kitchen door she noticed a figure hovering near the pantry. Henry usually didn’t allow anyone in his pantry, so she assumed that it was him.
    “Chef Henry, do you have a minute?” Vicky called out. The figure turned slowly to face her. She saw that it was the young bellboy, Blake. He was blushing furiously. “Blake, what are you doing? You shouldn’t be anywhere near the pantry.”
    “I know, I’m sorry.” He frowned. “I thought maybe there might be some scraps of food inside that weren’t being used.”
    “Scraps of food?” Vicky narrowed her eyes. “Blake, if you’re hungry just ask Chef Henry I’m sure he has extra food stowed away somewhere.”
    “I was going to, but he was so upset about the banquet hall, and he’s a little…” Blake cleared his throat. “I’m a little afraid of him.”
    “Of Chef Henry?” Vicky laughed. “Trust me, he’s not the least bit scary.”
    “I’m sorry,” Blake repeated his apology. It looked to Vicky like he was sweating. She felt a pang of sympathy for him. She remembered what it was like to be so shy.
    “Just check next time with Chef Henry first, okay?” She raised an eyebrow. “There are some apples over there if you want to grab one.” She pointed out the basket of apples on the butcher’s block in the center of the kitchen.
    “Thank you.” Blake nodded. He snatched up one of the apples and hurried out of the kitchen. Just as he was leaving, Henry walked into the kitchen.
    “Vicky, how can I help?” he asked.
    “I just wanted to let you know that I have set up the patio for lunch service. I think it will be fine, and hopefully we’ll be able to seat everyone inside for dinner.” She looked hopeful as she glanced out the window that overlooked the courtyard. “There’s a chance of rain tonight and it might be too cold for anyone to eat outside.”
    “I’m sure it will be fine.” Henry nodded. “Let me know if you need help with anything. Has the plumber turned the water back on?”
    “Yes. He fixed the sprinkler and everything should be back to normal now.” Vicky kept the information about the sprinkler being damaged on purpose to herself. As she left the kitchen she caught Sarah in the hallway.
    “Sarah! I