Salami Murder: Book 8 in The Darling Deli Series Read Online Free PDF Page A

me Mom, if anything feels off, you’ll be the first person I call.” She hesitated. “Maybe you could actually walk upstairs with me when we get back? I just want to walk through the apartment and make sure no one is hiding under the bed or anything.” She gave a nervous laugh, but Moira could still see the fear and worry through her daughter’s attempt to be flippant.

CHAPTER FIVE
    With a feeling of relief, Moira slid the last plate into place in her cupboard, then turned a critical eye to the pile of empty boxes littering the kitchen floor. She was already tired from her morning shift at the deli, but she was reluctant to take a break until she had completed this last task. Once she got the boxes broken down and stored away, she would officially be moved into her new house.
    As she was trying to come up with the energy to begin this last job, Candice, whose days were unexpectedly free since the candy store’s opening was on hold, came noisily through the back door with Maverick on her heels. Her face was flushed with exertion and Moira was glad to see a grin on her face for the first time in days.
    “You were right,” Candice said. “The trail does loop around the property. Maverick and I just jogged the whole thing. Parts of it are a little bit overgrown, but it’s mostly clear.”
    “That’s good to know,” Moira said, pleased by the discovery. She had been meaning to take the trail that began at the little bridge over the stream in the woods, but had been too busy even to think about it until now. “I’ll have Ben work on clearing it, next time he comes to mow.”
    “Here, let me help you with that.” Candice grabbed a utility knife off the counter and began to work alongside her mother, cutting through the strips of clear packing tape then folding the boxes into neat, flat squares. “I love this house, Mom,” she added. “I think it’s perfect for you.”
    “I’m glad you like it. You know you’re welcome to come over whenever you want.” She paused to stretch, her back aching from the already long day. It wasn’t even dinnertime yet and she was tired. Thinking of the meal that she planned to make, she opened her mouth to invite her daughter to stay for a few more hours, but the cheery jingle of her phone’s ring tone interrupted her. She stood up and reached for it, noting David’s name on the caller ID.
    “Hi,” she said, glad for the excuse to take a break.
    “I’m glad you answered,” he said. “How are you?”
    “I’m doing well. Candice and I are taking care of the last of the boxes now.” She cast a critical eye over the kitchen, doing a mental inventory of her wares. She needed to go grocery shopping, but she thought that she had just enough of the right ingredients to make enough dinner for the three of them. “Do you want to join us for dinner?” she asked. It would be the first time she hosted anything at her new house, and she was excited at the prospect.
    “What time?” he asked.
    “A little bit after six.”
    “Sure.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “That works for me. Should I bring anything?”
    “Just yourself,” she said with a smile of her own.
    “All right, I’ll see you then… Oh, wait, I almost forgot to say what I called for.” He hesitated, then said, “It was murder.”
    Moira blinked. It took her a moment to realize what he was talking about, but when she did her heart dropped. Her gaze darted towards Candice, who was just finishing up with the last of the boxes. She knew this would complicate things for her daughter; if the man’s death had been some sort of accident, it would have been sad but, at least there would be no need for a lengthy investigation. Now Candice’s Candies would be at the center of attention for detectives and news reporters. She knew from experience just how bad the rumor mill in such a small town could be.
    “Are you sure?” she asked.
    “Yes. My friend in the coroner’s office knows that I’m