One Cuppa Brew: Book 1 in The Thyme for Tea Series Read Online Free PDF Page A

number?”
    “I’m not sure he will call. He doesn’t know you,” she answered with a small frown.
    “Well, if it helps, neither Jason nor I think he did it. But there will be pressure to arrest someone eventually. It depends a bit on how the family reacts. It isn’t tourist season, so that is a blessing in disguise.”
    “Some of the ladies in yoga class were talking about it.”
    “Wait, that isn’t allowed, right?” Andy interrupted her.
    “Well, before class. But yes, it is usually fairly quiet once we enter the room,” she answered. “They said maybe she went to him because he was asking a lot of questions about her.”
    “Yes, she may have addressed him head on. That would explain her being there. But who killed her, and why? I am afraid it won’t be safe for William to come home until we answer those two very important questions. Jason hasn’t been able to reach the eldest daughter. She took vacation starting yesterday, which is rare for her, according to her company.”
    “Well, that is suspicious, isn’t it? Pastor glanced out the window as someone walked towards the door. “Oh look, there is that strange woman again. I wonder if I should say something to her?” Pastor sounded as though she was thinking out loud.
    “What are you talking about? What woman?” Andy asked.
    “The one that came in the store while you were there,” Pastor said insistently, wondering why he didn’t remember how odd she had been. “Oh, that’s right; you left before I began speaking to her. Well, she was interesting. She recognized the music on the chimes, for one thing. Said she had a twin sister that was into the Kinks growing up. Then she broke down when I asked if she would like some tea, or help finding a book. Said it was nice to meet me, like she might know me. Then she took off, on the verge of tears. She looks a bit better now. She still has that big bag with her, I wonder what’s so important to tote around.”
    “Don’t get up!” He glanced at the woman again. “You said she had a twin? And she’s new to town?”
    “Yes, why?” his mother asked.
    “Lois Bell raised Jack’s twin daughters. They would be about that age. And the older one has been away from her job since yesterday,” Andy answered.
    Pastor nodded, putting it together as he was speaking, immediately wondering why she had forgotten about the twin connection. That would explain her unusual behavior. “But why would she know who I was ahead of time? Or maybe I am reading too much into it.”
    “Mom, give yourself a break. You are pretty famous locally, and you are wonderful at reading people. How do you think I got so good at what I do? I had to work hard to pull one over on you, Mom.”
    She chuckled, “You always were better than your brothers with the flattery too, young man!”
    “Oh look. You could just ask her how she knows you,” her son said, “since she is heading this way now.”
    “Reverend Potts?” the woman asked as she approached the table. “I don’t want to disturb you. I just wanted to apologize for my outburst today.”
    “Please, call me Pastor. Or Iris, if you prefer, dear. No need to apologize. Life can give us trials that overwhelm us. Would you care to join us? Do I know you from somewhere before today, honey?” she asked, as she moved over in the booth, making room for the newcomer to sit. “This is my son, Andy; he’s in town for a bit.”
    “Well, thank you, I will. We have a mutual friend, I believe.” She glanced around behind them before speaking further, in very hushed tones. “William Winthrop was a friend of my late father’s. I tried to call him a few days ago, but didn’t speak with him until this morning. I guess his cellphone didn’t show he had a voicemail. He said I should come see you, and see if you might be able to keep me safe? I assured him I didn’t think I was in any danger, but that was before he told me about the murder. When I met you, I couldn’t admit to myself