Jim joined the table, as did Dan and Darlene Evans, owners of the hardware, just as Roscoe made the announcement. Another round of congratulations ensued with some raised eyebrows, and Roscoe looked like he was going to pop all his shirt buttons. Allie clutched his arm, her eyes shining with adoration.
“Did you ever find out about the lights in the sky after D. B.’s murder?” Jim asked while he pressed the juicy strawberries into his biscuits.
“Not really. Mr. Richter denies using the equipment that Mr. Jackson’s son had hidden on the property. He did, however, call the police the night of our nocturnal investigation. Someone had let it slip that the perpetrators of the hoax were picking up the equipment. It’s amazing the information to be collected at Midge’s.” He looked meaningfully at Gracie, who blushed. He continued, “The Air Force had no aircraft in the area, and the Weather Service didn’t have any weather balloons. That unfortunately remains a mystery, one that will require further research,” Roscoe finished officiously.
“It’ll give an ace reporter something to investigate,” Tom joked.
“I plan to continue my UFO research, but I do have other priorities at the moment.” Roscoe’s face was serious, his eyes bright with puppy love as he gazed at Allie. Leaving their strawberries behind, the unlikely couple made their way across the church lawn, hand in hand.
“Who would have thought?” Jim said.
“That is a definite mystery,” Gracie replied. “Why have you guys been absent from all the festivities of late?” she quizzed her brother.
“Well, we’ve been busy with a few things,” Tom answered, his voice quavering nervously.
“What things?” Gracie demanded.
Kelly slid her left hand across the table. A sparkling pear cut diamond adorned her ring finger.
“Really? You’re really …” Gracie stopped, her eyes filling with tears, rising to hug her best friend and veterinarian. An excellent combination, in her book.
“Yup. It’s official. We just let Dad and Mom know. I had some things to work out with Jan and the custody arrangement with Emma. Jan’s decided to go back to Texas. She has a good job there and friends to help her through another divorce. Emma will live with me and visit her mother over the summer,” Tom answered. He stood and put an arm around Kelly, who hadn’t stopped smiling.
“Well, congrats, Tom. You’re a lucky man,” Jim said, standing to shake Tom’s hand.
“So when’s the big day?” Gracie asked.
“We’re not sure yet,” Kelly said. “I’ve been dealing with some issues at the clinic, and I’m thinking about opening up my own practice. It’s been pretty stressful. I’ve been off the grid to figure things out. Once we know for sure what I’m doing, we’ll set the date. It won’t be too long, right, Tom?”
“Yes, dear,” he responded with an exaggerated sigh. “I don’t want Kelly to lose interest, and Emma is demanding a quick wedding date.”
Gracie laughed. Her niece was a chip off the old block. No patience and a woman of action.
*****
Gracie stood in the warm June night, inhaling the scented dewy air. The sky was brilliant with stars. The Big Dipper seemed to sparkle with unusual brilliance tonight. For the first time in a long while, everything seemed in balance. It was a good feeling. She’d had a surprise phone call from Marc. They’d talked for over an hour, catching up on life. Then he’d asked her if she’d come visit him in Arizona. A rush of emotion had made her answer “yes” without hesitation. It felt right, especially after Tom’s and Kelly’s announcement.
Haley rustled through the lilac bushes, critter hunting. The peepers and crickets sang with gusto in the humid darkness. The Lab abruptly stopped her search, growling and looking up at the sky. Startled, Gracie followed the dog’s nose toward the horizon and the woods behind the kennel property. Blue and white lights pulsed steadily over the trees. She watched them advance slowly over the field, ascending higher. A flash of white light stung the darkness and the lights vanished.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Growing up in rural Western New York where cows outnumber people gave me a love for the great outdoors and the magical world of books. A good book for me usually had a horse or a dog as the main character, or even better, a mystery to unravel. I now make my home in southeast Arizona, enjoying the mountains and fabulous night skies. Since 2005, I’ve written for a variety of publications, and along the way created the Gracie Andersen mystery series. There’s nothing more exciting than writing the next book and connecting with readers.
Authors rely on the goodwill of readers to share their positive reading experiences. Please consider writing a review on Amazon.com.
Readers can connect with me at www.laurindawallace.com. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter which offers subscribers exclusive discounts and insider book news. Your email is never shared or sold.
OTHER BOOKS BY LAURINDA WALLACE
Mystery
Family Matters, A Gracie Andersen Mystery (Book One)
By the Book, A Gracie Andersen Mystery (Book Two)
Fly by Night, A Gracie Andersen Mystery (Book Three)
Inspirational Books
The Time Under Heaven
Gardens of the Heart
All available at Amazon.com in paperback or Kindle.
Fly by Night (A Gracie Andersen Mystery Book 3) Page 23