Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 196(@200wpm)___ 157(@250wpm)___ 131(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 196(@200wpm)___ 157(@250wpm)___ 131(@300wpm)
Yes, she heard the relish in his tone. “Who realized the truth?”
“I did.” He gave her a sheepish grin. “I applied the things I’ve learned at the Jane Ladling School of Solving Mysteries and Other Cool Stuff.”
“He isn’t kidding,” Beau piped up. “He had me going down some seriously wild rabbit holes online.”
“I’ll require a full outline later,” she replied, too stunned to insist upon it now.
Beau answered her with a salute.
“Whatever we learned, I passed along to Hightower.” Conrad gave her hand another squeeze before drawing away. Or trying to. Jane had a death grip on him. Her cheeks heated as she realized it. In a scramble, she released him. “A forensic team found the smoking gun. I’ve been expecting this moment for days.”
Pumping her fist toward the roof of the SUV, Fiona called, “Justice is served on ice!”
“I should send his receptionist another batch of my famous butter pecan cupcakes.” A way of saying sorry your boss is such a tool and you are out of a job.
“The ones with the maple glaze?” Fiona asked with interest.
“Ladies, you’re going to miss the best part,” Conrad said as a police officer dragged a defiant Devin Hagger down the walkway and stuffed him into the back of the squad car.
Jane had been in the back of one of those vehicles earlier this year, and the posh attorney was in for a rude awakening after the cushy surroundings of his opulent home.
“Thank you,” she said to everyone in the SUV as the police car containing her would-be killer pulled away. These people had refused to give up; they’d done everything in their power to protect her. Especially Conrad. The man had moved into her home for heaven’s sake. There was no stopping the flood of tender emotion swamping her. “I love you all so much.”
The second the words registered, she sucked in a breath. The others went quiet. Oh…darn, darn, darn. Drats! Crap! Crappity crap crap! Jane met Conrad’s stunned gaze.
What had she done? Could she have dared…had she… had she just invited love into her life?
CHAPTER NINE
Get to dancing, lady! There’s nothing like celebrating Christmas in the arms of a man who adores you. And nothing draws said man nearer than a flirty tango.
–Lily Ladling’s Holiday Advice for Ladies Cursed in Love
Jane had big plans today. Namely, a trip to the Yellow Brick Abode Library. Always a fun experience. Walking through those sliding glass doors never failed to ramp up her anticipation and fill her head with possibilities. Had been that way since Grandma Lily first accompanied her for story time with Miss Nancy. Today’s quest–looking over the old town maps of the cemetery. The reference section offered papers, flyers and books unavailable online, as well as older tomes donated by local residents. She just might hit pay dirt.
But that visit had to wait until she looked at a house and possibly lost her roommate for good.
Mouth going dry, Jane entered the empty home with Conrad and his realtor, Buddy Horn. Buddy wore a red and black herringbone tie probably purchased brand new in 1973. He was a little taller than her and reed thin, with kind eyes and a mischievous smile. An old-fashioned gentleman rake. The scent of cigarette smoke clung to him. No wedding ring.
“Tons of potential, right? These craftsman bungalows in the Bedrock neighborhood don’t come up often,” Buddy said, performing a slow spin with his arms spread. A breathtaking stained-glass window ensured he remained bathed in colorful sunlight, dust motes glittering all around him. “I think it’s charming, but my opinion isn’t the one that matters. Why don’t I leave you two love birds alone while you check everything out? I’ll be on the porch if you need me.”
“Good idea,” Conrad replied, surprising her. He didn’t correct the man’s “love birds” comment, but then, neither did she.
Hinges squeaked as Buddy exited the home. Jane busied herself with a walk around the living room, her kitten heels tapping against the scratched and water-stained hardwood floor.
She crouched to tap on a couple of the planks. “These will need to be sanded and refinished, but the bones are good. And that will need to be repainted,” she said, pointing to the chipped wainscoting in the dining area. She could already picture the table, covered with food and surrounded by friends, family and children. Grandma Lily’s cast-iron, five-tier candelabra as centerpiece.
No. Not Grandma Lily’s anything. Conrad’s wife would choose something, perhaps an antique memento from her own family. Jane mashed her lips together and crossed toward the giant bay window overlooking the yard.
As she pretended to study the seal along the frame, a thousand thoughts raced through her mind. Most revolved around Conrad and their relationship. Well, not a relationship at the moment, but still a friendship. Except…she’d practically shouted her love. Sure, she’d made the unintended declaration to a group of people, but what had it meant?