Legs Benedict Read Online Free PDF Page A

called, waving the paper.
    In front of the Rankerses’ house, the fair-haired teenager glanced over his shoulder. “Sure, Mrs. Flynn,” O. P. called back.
    The diversion caused O. P. to lose control of the bike, which went over the curb and directly into the path of an oncoming car.
    â€œO. P.!” Judith screamed. “Look out!”
    The car, which had been going very slowly, was able to stop in time. O. P. righted his bike in the middle of the cul-de-sac, took a deep breath, and gave Judith a mortified grin. “That was close,” he shouted.
    â€œIt was my fault,” Judith said in a shaky voice. “I shouldn’t have yelled to you. You’re sure you’re okay?”
    â€œYeah, I’m fine,” O. P. replied, pedaling back toward the sidewalk. “But I need to deliver the Rankerses’ paper.”
    â€œIt’s a good thing nobody goes fast in this cul-de-sac,” Judith said, then became aware that someone was callingto her from the car that had just missed O.P. Turning, Judith saw that the Ford Explorer bore Illinois plates.
    â€œI said,” the pudgy woman in the passenger seat mouthed slowly, as if Judith was an idiot, “where’s a place to stay?”
    â€œOh!” Judith hurried to the car. “Sorry, I was distracted. I’m afraid I caused our newspaper carrier to lose control of his bike.”
    â€œThis is one confusing neighborhood, especially with all these stupid hills,” the woman complained. “Do you know…?”
    Judith interrupted. “Yes, Hillside Manor is the light tan house with the dark green trim on the other side of the laurel hedge. I own it. Do you need a reservation?”
    The woman exchanged glances with the man at the wheel. “Yeah,” she responded. “You got room for us?”
    Judith nodded with enthusiasm. “Yes, we had a cancellation. Park in front of the car from New York next to the driveway, and come right on in.”
    The woman and the man exchanged another glance. Maybe , Judith thought, they think I really am a moron . She could hardly blame them.
    Renie was just taking her leave of the teachers. “Did I hear another scream?” she asked in a slightly bored voice.
    Judith explained about the bike, and the newcomers from Illinois. “You usually aren’t around when the guests arrive,” Judith added as Renie headed for the back door. “How come you’re not rushing home to get dinner?”
    â€œBelieve it or not,” Renie said, grabbing her purse from the kitchen table, “Bill is cooking tonight. If he can find the stove, he may have another new hobby.” The screen door swung behind Renie.
    The couple from Illinois was in the entry hall, along with their luggage, which consisted of a foldover, a large suitcase, and some kind of satchel.
    â€œMalone,” said the middle-aged man, holding out a beefy hand. “I’m Mal and this is the wife, Bea. You got room for maybe a couple of nights?”
    â€œI do,” Judith said, offering the Malones a gracious smile. “You’ll be in Room Six. And you’re just in time for the appetizer hour.”
    â€œAppetizer hour?” Mal’s leathery face screwed up in contempt. “What happened to the cocktail hour?”
    Judith cleared her throat. “I don’t serve guests hard liquor at Hillside Manor,” she said in her primmest voice. “It’s a matter of insurance, not to mention legality.”
    â€œHunh.” Bea’s jowls jiggled as she gave a disapproving shake of her head. “What kind of a state is this, anyway? Don’t you folks out west have fun?”
    â€œUpon occasion.” Judith still sounded prim, but felt a bit foolish. “Now if you’ll sign in, I’ll show you your room. I do serve sherry, however, along with the appetizers.”
    â€œSherry!” Mal was scornful. “What kind of fruitcake drink is