Murder Gone A-Rye (A Baker's Treat Mystery) Read Online Free PDF Page A

rushed to her and hugged her tight.
    She gave a husky laugh. “Of course I’m okay.” She patted my back. “Bill, did you bring my walker? They’re keeping my scooter as evidence.”
    “Your scooter?”
    “I’ve got the walker in the car,” Bill said. “No sense in getting it out. I’ll bring the car around.” Bill popped his fedora on his head and ambled out.
    “They’re keeping your scooter?” I glanced from Brad to the chief and back. “Why?”
    “Get this,” Grandma said with excitement. “They found incriminating scooter marks near Lois’s body.”
    “But half the people in assisted living use a scooter.” I sent the chief a withering look.
    “Yes, but mine has all-terrain tires on it,” Grandma wheezed, then coughed and hacked so badly she had to cling to Brad to stay upright. Brad patted her awkwardly on the back and Grandma winked at me.
    “There are at least six others with all-terrain tires,” I pointed out as I stepped in and took Grandma’s arms off Brad. She frowned at me.
    “You take away all my fun,” she stage whispered. The chief choked behind his hand in what sounded suspiciously like a laugh.
    Brad’s eyes twinkled. He all but winked at me.
    “What’s going on?” Tim rushed into the police station. “Someone at work said that Grandma Ruth was in trouble and I should get to the police station.” He pushed me away from Grandma and put his arm around her slumped shoulders. “Are you okay?”
    “I’m fine as a fiddle.” Grandma waved a large, square, freckled hand. “Just having some fun with the detectives.”
    “What?” Tim looked at me.
    “Someone killed Lois Striker and the cops requested your Grandmother come in for an interview.” Brad crossed his arms.
    “The questions they ask aren’t nearly as sly as I always thought they would be,” Grandma said. “It’s a wonder anyone gets prosecuted in this county.”
    “Ruth came out willingly,” Brad said, then turned his attention to the chief. “She and her family are cooperating fully.”
    Tim walked Grandma to the door and I shot the chief a serious look. “You do not have the family’s permission to bring her in without her counsel. Do you understand? She’s an old woman. She’s not responsible for her words.”
    “Oh, please. I’m as sharp as a tack and everyone here knows it.” Grandma gave Tim a slap on the arm. “I’m the one who suggested they bring me down. I wanted to see what it was like in the interview room.”
    “Grandma!”
    “It’s true, Toni,” Chief Blaylock stated. “I sent Officer Bright to collect her scooter and she demanded that she be taken to the station with it.”
    “Don’t worry,” Brad said. “Ruth has promised me that she won’t talk to another policeman without my being present.”
    Grandma grinned. “Always nice to have a handsome lad around. Don’t you think, Toni?” She patted my cheek. “Have you eaten dinner yet, Bradley?”
    “No, ma’am, I haven’t.”
    Oh, no, here it comes. “Grandma . . .”
    “Toni’s cooking for Bill and me, and whatever other members of the family show up. I’m sure one more wouldn’t be any extra work. Right, Toni? I mean, he did run to my rescue.”
    “I’m sure Brad has plans for the evening—”
    “Actually, I’d love a home-cooked meal.” He grinned. Darn him and his twinkly eyes.
    “There is lasagna . . .” I knew a lost cause when I came across one. Besides, I did have the dish prepared. When my mom died last spring, she had left me the old Victorian painted lady house that was our homestead with the stipulation that any member of my family could use the house as if it were their own. Since Grandma Ruth had fifty-two grandkids, there was always one family member or another stopping by. I was used to having prepared dinners in the freezer. Of course, everything was gluten-free. Mom had not stipulated that I had to serve food I couldn’t eat.
    “Lasagna is my favorite,” Brad said. “I’ll bring