Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 51995 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 260(@200wpm)___ 208(@250wpm)___ 173(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51995 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 260(@200wpm)___ 208(@250wpm)___ 173(@300wpm)
A lesson in etiquette and an insult all rolled together. Nice. “What makes you think so?”
Her gaze darted between him and Miss Ladling. “The eyes. The eyes always give you away.”
Noticed his interest in the beautiful overseer, had she? “Thank you for the tip.” He’d be more careful from now on.
He glanced at Miss Ladling, curious to learn her reaction to her friend’s revelation.
She implored him with her gaze. “Yes,” she blurted out. “He wants those pancakes.” Looking as if she were on the verge of whimpering, she smashed her palms together and waved them in front of his face. “Please say yes.”
He thought he might regret this, but he said, “I’m sorry, but I don’t have time. There are too many other places I need to be today.”
From beseeching to disgusted in an instant. “You fool,” she griped, nearly surprising another bark of laughter out of him.
Yeah, the regret was already parking a moving van in his mind. What was so special about blueberry pancakes?
Miss Ladling quickly righted her expression, displaying only polite disinterest, as if he’d somehow failed her and she had no more use for him. How was even that charming? “You mentioned you wanted to discuss something with me?” she prompted.
“Yes. I’d like a list of names. Everyone buried in Autumn Grove. And any of their visitors for the past month.” In the pad, he wrote and underlined, Learn how to make blueberry pancakes. No, a different breakfast treat. Something better.
Blink-blink. “Have you been to a cemetery lately? We open the gates and people come in. I give directions if someone has trouble finding their loved one, but that’s about it for public interaction.”
First no cameras, then this. She’d admitted to not speaking to visitors, but he’d expected a bit of spying on her part. “People can wander around unsupervised, in any area, at any given time?” Maybe he’d witnessed too many senseless acts, but the thought of this cupcake living in such a remote location, unaware of those trekking around her space didn’t thrill him. Did she keep records of who had purchased the plots at least?
“Well, yes. Kind of. Folks visit their loved ones to reflect on the past when the urge strikes, time allows or any other number of reasons. This is a cemetery after all, not a bank ripe for a heist.”
She had a point. Still. He made a notation next to his last note–Check local crime statistics–and flashed another practiced smile. “I’ll take any records you have.”
“Yes, of course. I’ve already pulled the file. We’re happy to hand over a copy, along with anything else you need. Or want.” Twin pink circles suddenly painted her cheeks.
Another blush? Had the cupcake’s mind gone somewhere it shouldn’t?
Do not smile.
He frowned instead. Unrelenting amusement during a case? Who even was he right now?
“I’ll make the copy,” the older woman offered, easing to her feet. “You stay here chatting with the nice agent, hon. It’s perfectly proper since you’re both very single. Isn’t that right, Special Agent Ryan? Did I guess correctly, or do I need to stay and chaperone?”
Had to admire her persistence. “No chaperone needed, ma’am.”
“Well now. See how easy it is to be polite?” The older woman winked and sashayed into the house.
Conrad scrubbed away any lingering good humor before refocusing on Miss Ladling, whose cheeks burned an even brighter shade of pink. “Are there any unmarked entry points into Autumn Grove?” he asked.
“There are, but I kind of need to show you show you. Which I’m happy to do. Just let me grab a hat. I’ll be right back.” She darted into the house, calling, “Don’t leave without me.”
He stuffed his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. She took the peace with her. Thankfully she exited only two minutes later wearing a monstrosity of a sunhat with purple stripes to match her dress. A monstrosity, yes. And yet…
“Nice, um, hat.” Strangely enough, he meant those words with every fiber of his being.
“Thank you,” she replied with pride. Down the steps she bounded, leading him from the cottage. “This way.”
In a blink, she shifted into tour guide mode, sharing different facts about the cemetery. Her features softened when she spoke of a private area reserved for her family, something she clearly valued as much as honesty. With such a strong attachment to her loved ones, he could guess the kind of childhood she’d had. As idealistic as the one he’d enjoyed, before a senseless accident took away everything he treasured.
He tensed. Inward shake. “How large is the property?” Wait. He already knew the answer.
“We’re up to seventy-five acres now. Over time, different Ladlings added to the grounds.”
“That’s a lot of land for one person to tend.” Did she have any spare time? “Do you employee other staff?”
“There’s no need,” she assured him, explaining how the cemetery was full, and ending with, “New burials are done at—” the glaze of disgust returned to her eyes—“Aurelian Hills Cemetery on the other side of town.”