Morning Glory Circle Read Online Free PDF Page A

sitting on a plate in front of him.
    “What’s up?” Scott asked him.
    Ed shook his head sorrowfully.
    “She keeps bringing me pastries. I can hardly button my pants as it is, but she just brings me more.”
    “We’re talking about Mandy, I guess.”
    “She won’t listen to me. I keep telling her I’m too old for her, but she just smiles at me like I said the cutest thing.”
    Mandy’s son was Tommy, Rose Hill’s only paper-carrier, whom Ed had rescued a few weeks earlier when a car almost ran over him. During the emotional 24 hours that followed the accident Tommy’s mother had fallen hard for Ed. Mandy worked at the Fitzpatrick’s bakery during the day and the Rose and Thorn bar at night, and if her constant tokens of appreciation were any indication, she seemed intent on making Ed her fat, drunk boyfriend. Scott found it hard to feel sorry for Ed, who hadn’t had a date that Scott knew of since his wife left him several years ago.
    Scott helped himself to a doughnut and took a seat at the table. He refused the coffee Ed offered, knowing from experience it would look like tar and have a similar taste. Ed got more coffee for himself, but resisted the sweet siren call of the deep-fried dough.
    “Men have often dated women who were much too young for them,” Scott told him. “Why don’t you just enjoy it?”
    “It’s not just that she’s so young,” Ed said. “I hate to say it, but she’s really not very bright. We have nothing in common and nothing to talk about except Tommy. Don’t get me wrong, she’s sweet as molasses and very pretty, but I can’t get over the feeling that she should be riding around in some young guy’s sports car, listening to America’s top forty.”
    “You could always buy a sports car, you know. Then all you’d need is an earring, a tattoo, and some baggy pants.”
    “Very funny. I won’t lie to you, I’m tempted. I’d have to be dead not to be. But you know as well as I do that this is a very small town, and if I end up the bad guy in all of this there will be a price on my head that any Fitzpatrick would be glad to collect. Plus, I really like her kid, and I don’t want to get him mixed up in a situation that could hurt him as well.”
    “Sounds like you’ve talked yourself out of it.”
    “Now if I could just convince her.”
    “Ah, the life of a Rose Hill playboy,” Scott said, and Ed threw a doughnut at him, which he caught and bit into.
    Between chewing bites of doughnut, Scott told Ed what was going on with Enid and Margie.
    “I’ve been meaning to tell you this,” Ed said. “Tony Delvecchio mentioned to me that Margie asked about getting a life insurance policy on her mother.”
    “When was this?”
    “Last week. Tony told her it would be nearly impossible, given Enid’s age and health, and Margie didn’t follow up on it.”
    “That woman,” Scott said. “I think she’s got an important screw loose.”
    “The one that keeps the conscience securely fastened.”
    “The thing that continues to astonish me is how immune to any consequences she believes she is. Instead of being grateful I didn’t arrest her, she’s now convinced she can do anything she wants and get away with it.”
    “Is that an indication of a sociopath or a psychopath? I’ve forgotten my college psychology.”
    “It’s an indication of a dangerous loon, and that’s my official diagnosis.”
    “At least Enid is safe now.”
    “Yeah, that’s a relief. Ruthie is going to make sure Margie doesn’t get in to see her mother without someone else present.”
    “I’ll ask around about her today and let you know what I find out.”
    “Thanks.”
    “Speaking of victims and their potentially murderous relatives, have Anne Marie and Knox returned from their cruise?” Ed asked.
    “His brother says they’re having such a great time that they’re extending their vacation by two weeks.”
    “Do you think he’s spending all this time persuading her not to press