Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 126823 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 634(@200wpm)___ 507(@250wpm)___ 423(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 126823 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 634(@200wpm)___ 507(@250wpm)___ 423(@300wpm)
“And Patsy took our food orders,” Felicity said. “We were just telling Theresa and Val about the natural hot springs and how so many climbers use them after bouldering. We’ve learned so much just from hiring Miguel Valdez. He’s so knowledgeable about the area. He’s introduced us to quite a few businesses and locals already.”
“Do you go out to the hot springs, Shabina?” Theresa asked.
“I’ve been out to them,” Shabina said, “but never in them. I stick to my regular routine because I have so little time. When I take days off, I head for Yosemite to study the birds. That’s what makes me happy.”
“You don’t go alone, do you?” Val asked, concern in her voice. She cast a swift glance around the room and lowered her tone to a whisper. “These murders are very concerning.”
The other three women nodded, each radiating apprehension for her. She found that strangely sweet. These women were virtual strangers, and yet they were worried about her safety. She didn’t tell them some of the biggest threats to her safety were right there in her café.
“It was bad enough when the victims were strangers, but Lucca Delgotto was born and raised here. He comes from a lovely family. He’s always taken care of his parents. He was a member of Search and Rescue as well and helped to save lives,” she told them.
“I feel terrible for that family,” Felicity said.
“We lost our sister, Freda, and our niece and brother-in-law, all three, to the Sierra,” Eve explained to Theresa and Val. “It isn’t the same as murder, but it felt like it.”
“We’re actually triplets,” Felicity added. “It was always Freda, Felicity and Eve everywhere we went. We loved being together. What one did, the others did. Same schools, same interests.”
“Then Freda fell in love,” Eve added. “It was difficult sharing her with her husband at first. They would go off and do things on their own. That took getting used to.”
“But then our niece was born, and we were so happy,” Felicity continued. “We decided we could share Freda after all.”
“That must be so difficult,” Shabina said. “I can’t imagine that you ever get over a loss like that, especially when you three were so close.”
“It feels as if part of our souls was ripped away,” Eve admitted, sorrow in her voice.
Shabina laid her hand on the woman’s shoulder briefly, sympathy overcoming her natural reluctance to touch others. “I’m so sorry,” she said. “I wish there were adequate words or something I could do to help.”
“You’ve been kinder to us than anyone has,” Felicity assured. “During that terrible time when they were investigating what happened to the three of them, you were the one advocating for us and making certain we ate. You let us pour out our grief to you, and never once, even if we stayed long after closing time, did you have us leave.”
“I was more than happy to help in any way I could.” Shabina gave the women a small smile. “I’d better get back to work before my staff decides to mutiny.”
“I noticed you have a couple of new waiters today,” Eve said. “Where’s Chelsey?”
Shabina sighed. “We decided we weren’t a good fit. She’s taking a job at the hotel.”
“That’s too bad,” Felicity said. “She seemed nice.”
Shabina didn’t comment. What was there to say? That she’d trusted her until she’d stolen spices and dates out of the kitchen with the possible motive of helping to implicate Shabina in the murders? Where was Chelsey’s loyalty?
She turned away from the table and did her best to avoid Bale, who was talking louder and much more belligerently now that his uncle was in the café, as she made her way back to the counter, where Vaughn was handing out orders to the staff.
The restaurant was packed with tourists and locals. Bale loved an audience. She recognized the local veterinarian, Dr. Amelia Sanderson, having breakfast with Carl Montgomery, the local contractor. That surprised her. Amelia worked long hours, as did Carl. She pointed them out to Vaughn. He knew the gossip on everyone in Knightly.
“Dr. Sanderson had a couple of renovations made to the clinic,” Vaughn said. “She talked Carl into adopting a dog. He told her only on the condition that she help him train the dog. He told her he didn’t know the first thing about having a pet. From what her techs tell me, they’ve turned into a couple.”
“I’m so behind the times,” Shabina complained.
“Too busy eloping and not giving a single clue to your friends. I nearly had a heart attack when Rainier announced that you were married. I thought maybe an engagement party, certainly not an actual wedding reception.”
She nudged Vaughn. “Great, the gang’s all here. Jason Briggs just came in with Bruce Akins. Bale’s getting loud. Even his uncle is glaring at him.”