Thread and Dead--The Apron Shop Series
Page 25
Bella continued to look straight ahead but a tint of pink flushed her cheeks. “We went for a ride in the Porsche last night, after we had dinner at the Lighthouse Grille.” The Grille was one of the best restaurants around, with excellent food and a romantic atmosphere. “It was fun.”
“I’ll bet. How are things going with him?” I was curious, not only because he was a sports celebrity, but because she hadn’t really dated since her divorce. After ten years of marriage, she’d caught her husband cheating and immediately thrown him out. She’d barely recovered from the life-disrupting trauma.
She lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “They’re fine.” She threw me a smile. “Keeping it casual.” The smile faltered slightly. “Did I tell you that Alan is staying in town this week?” Her ex-husband.
“Get out of here. Why? And where?” Horror swept over me. “Not with you, I hope.” Usually the children went to his place in Rockland on alternate weekends and school vacations.
Bella laughed. “Iris, calm down. He’s staying at the Sunrise Resort with his grandmother so they can both spend time with the kids. And by the way, I just found out that Florence used to live at the lighthouse. Her maiden name was Bailey.”
“Seriously? That’s fantastic. I hope she’ll let us interview her.” We’d been hoping to track down members of the Bailey family, but after almost sixty years the likelihood was slim, we had thought. Florence coming to town right now was a gift. “How old is she?”
“Eighty-five and still going strong. She told me that she’s very excited about the lighthouse museum. She even brought photo albums with her.”
I groaned in excitement. “Pictures of the lighthouse in the 1950s? I can hardly wait to see them.” Our exhibits would have so much more depth if we could talk to Florence and find out what life in the lighthouse was really like. Maybe she’d even let us film an interview. We could set up a monitor and play it on a loop.
We had reached the intersection with U.S. Route 1, and naturally had to wait for passing traffic to thin before pulling out. Summer traffic on the Maine coast was horrendous, which we locals resented but welcomed at the same time. Catering to tourists was how most of us made a living. Grammie and I had sold a lot of aprons and linens to visitors this summer, and better yet, we had captured their emails for future marketing efforts. Customers could order from our online store—or ask us to stitch up custom aprons. That new sideline was taking off.
“Iris, there is something I need to tell you.” Bella’s tone was tentative.
I jerked my head around to face her, fear making my heart lurch. “What is it? Are you okay? Are the kids okay?”
She gave a little laugh. “No, it’s nothing like that. We’re totally healthy.” She pressed her lips together, studying me and obviously thinking about how to tell me whatever it was.
A horn beeped behind me. Now, of course, traffic was clear but I couldn’t focus on Bella and driving at the same time. I waved for the driver to go around us.
“It’s Alan,” she finally said, as the other vehicle roared past. “He wants to give our marriage another try.”
St. Martin’s Paperbacks titles by Elizabeth Penney
Hems & Homicide
Thread and Dead
About the Author
ELIZABETH PENNEY is the author of more than two dozen cozy mysteries, among other novels. She is a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and the owner of 2 Penney Productions. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, Elizabeth grew up in Maine and now lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where she also operates a small farm. Visit www.elizabethpenneyauthor.com to learn more. Or sign up for email updates here.
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Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Excerpt: Bodies and Bows
St. Martin’s Paperbacks titles by Elizabeth Penney
About the Author
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
First published in the United States by St. Martin’s Paperbacks, an imprint of St. Martin’s Publishing Group.
THREAD AND DEAD
Copyright © 2020 by Elizabeth Penney.
Excerpt from Bodies and Bows copyright © 2020 by Elizabeth Penney.
Cover design by Brigid Pearson. Cover illustration by Robert Crawford.
All rights reserved.
For information address St. Martin’s Publishing Group, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.
www.stmartins.com
eISBN: 9781250257963
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St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / September 2020
St. Martin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Publishing Group, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.