Secrets in the Shadows Read Online Free PDF

see his cheeks turn pink.
“Have you figured out what you’re going to charge me for labor?”
He shrugged, shoving his hands in his pockets. “I kinda figured I’d leave it up to you. Everything you make is good, so I’m in pretty safe hands.”
She sighed, sounding perplexed. “That doesn’t help. What sounds good? Why don’t we start with that?”
Charlie shot a quick glance at Lauren, a small smile playing around his mouth. “How about something with strawberries? I really like strawberries, and they’re in season right now.”
Tapping her chin, Molly considered his answer and smiled. “I know exactly what to make for you, then.”
“So do you have everything you need before we go?” Winston asked his wife.
“I think we’re good to go.” She looked at Charlie. “Thanks for your help. We really do appreciate it.”
“My pleasure. I’ll see you this afternoon.” He nodded to Lauren and Winston before he walked to his truck. With a little wave, he started the engine and drove away.
“I guess I’ll head out, too, then, if you’re sure you don’t need anything,” Winston said, moving to kiss Molly again. Lauren threw him a distracted smile as she waited on a customer who had walked up and was asking about the flavored oils.
“I do need one thing before you go, if you don’t mind,” Molly told him. “Go over to Randy’s and get me a flat of strawberries?”
He nodded. “No problem. Anything else?”
“No, that’s it.”
“See you later, then.” He headed off in the direction of Randy Jarvis’s booth to get the berries.
For the next couple of hours, a steady stream of people moved through the booth. Lauren and Molly stayed busy, barely having time to catch their breath. By the time the crowd thinned out at ten o’clock, they were both more than ready for a break.
“Wow, that was intense.” Lauren stretched her legs out in front of her and sipped cold water. “I thought those two ladies were actually going to fight over the last bottle of rosemary oil.”
Molly laughed. “So did I. Thank God you found that other one back in the back. If you hadn’t, we’d probably have made the newspaper. It’s an ego boost, though, having people that enthusiastic about something you’ve created.”
They sat for a few minutes, watching the passersby and answering occasional questions.
“So, are you ready to tell me what’s on your mind?”
Lauren was surprised. “How did you know? Never mind, I know. It’s that mom thing.” She sighed. “I don’t know; I was just thinking about your neighbor, mostly.” She kept her gaze in her lap and picked at the label on her water bottle. “What do you know about him?”
Molly watched her closely as she answered. “He’s a little older than you. He isn’t married, and I don’t think he ever has been. He used to be in the Marines, and he runs his own business. He moved back here about two months ago, and seems to lead a pretty quiet life.” She tilted her head to the side. “You don’t remember him from when you were growing up?”
“No, I don’t. I’ve racked my brain, and if I’ve ever met him, I don’t remember it. I know his dad. He’s a regular at the café.”
Her mother sighed. “I don’t think they have much of a relationship. Charlie hasn’t said much about it, but from what he has said, I think they’ve been estranged for years. I believe his mother works for a law office up in Madison.”
“So they’re divorced, I take it?”
Molly nodded. “For a long time now, I do know that much.”
“What is it he does, exactly?” Lauren asked. She didn’t even bother pretending she wasn’t interested.
“I’m not sure exactly. It’s some kind of security consulting business, and he works from home. I know he’s fairly successful, though, because he paid cash for his house.” A group of customers entered the tent. She fell quiet and stood to bag their purchases. The crowd picked up again just then, and there was no more time to