Sinister Sprinkles Read Online Free PDF Page A

suggested it myself.
    “No, ma’am. I’m staying out of this case, and you should, too. Let the chief find the killer this time. Darlene’s death doesn’t involve me.”
    Grace stood and began to pace as she ranted, “You aren’t serious, are you? Let’s list the reasons you need to get involved. First, the victim is the woman who broke up your marriage. Next in line, we have your ex-husband, a man you are still on good terms with, though why I can’t imagine, as one of the lead suspects. Do you honestly need anything more than that? Suzanne, you’re involved with this up to your eyeballs.”
    I was saved from answering when the front door opened. My mother, a petite woman who barely broke five feet in height, came into the house brushing the snow from her jacket. “It’s coming down fiercely now,” she said with a warm glow. I’d inherited her love of snow, and was glad it was something we shared. When Momma noticed Grace, she said, “Why, hello there. I didn’t know you were here. Where’s that beautiful car of yours?”
    “Parked in my driveway where my boss ordered me to put it. I’m on a paid holiday until the snow stops and they can plow the streets.”
    “It may be longer than you’ve planned for, then. I just heard that our two snowplows are on their way to Charlotte. There was a problem there with some of their equipment, and our mayor offered them ours as a goodwill gesture.”
    “That’s all well and good,” I said. “But what are we supposed to do here in the meantime?”
    “We endure,” my mother said as she put the bags she’d been carried down on the table. “Fortunately, I was able to get provisions before the grocery store shelves were completely emptied. You’d think those people had never seen a snowstorm before.” She looked at Grace, then added, “Dear, you’re welcome to join us.”
    “I’d better not,” Grace said as she started to get up.
    My mother looked impatient about being thwarted. “Nonsense. We’re having lemon chicken, and I know that’s your favorite.”
    Grace sat down again. “Okay, you convinced me.”
    I touched her shoulder. “Are you all right?”
    “Of course I am. Why do you ask?”
    “Momma had to twist your arm so hard, I was afraid she might have broken it.”
    Grace grinned at me. “Mock me all you want, but I wouldn’t dream of insulting your mother by turning down her most generous offer.”
    My mother laughed. “I appreciate that. I always enjoy it when you two girls get together over here.”
    Grace asked, “Mrs. Hart, is there anything I can do to help?”
    “Thank you, dear, but I’ve got time to do everything that needs to be done, and it’s something I really enjoy doing. You two sit there and enjoy the fire. I’m happiest when I’m busy.”
    As Momma disappeared into the kitchen, I said to Grace, “Thanks for not saying anything about the murder.”
    “She knows, doesn’t she?”
    I nodded. “She doesn’t want it to ruin the day, though, and I don’t blame her. Momma lives for the days when it snows, and I want her to be able to enjoy this.”
    Grace nodded. “I don’t want to upset her either, believe me. Did you honestly think I’m going to risk losing a dinner invitation from your mother? Especially when I can’t drive to the nearest restaurant to eat?”
    “You wouldn’t have to drive,” I said. “I’m sure The Boxcar is still open. Knowing Trish, she’s making a killing right now feeding the hungry folks of April Springs.”
    “Thanks, but I’d have to wade through the snow to get there, and these boots are designed more for style than function.” She showed off her ankle-high leather boots, and I could see her point. Grace wasn’t exactly dressed for the snow we were getting. I felt bad for anyone who didn’t have a safe and warm place to sleep tonight.
    “You’re going to be here anyway. Why don’t you stay over tonight?” I suggested.
    Grace looked outside at the still-falling snow.