A Broth of Betrayal by Connie Archer Read Free Book Online Page A

agreement and plopped down awkwardly on a small piece of discarded
     plywood.
    Nate said, “I’ll send Bradley to the station and have him bring back something we
     can use as a kind of a tent. Or maybe the workmen have some tarps. We’ll figure it
     out.”
    Most of the crowd had dissipated by the time everyone climbed back through the fence
     and reached the sidewalk on Water Street. Lucky realized that Edward Embry had slipped
     away after his confrontation with the developer. Bradley had already left for the
     police station, and Lucky and Elizabeth were the last ones to leave the site, other
     than Barry, who sat cross-legged at attention.
    Jack was waiting for them on the sidewalk. He nodded to Elizabeth and then turned
     to Lucky. “I’ll head back to the Spoonful and get some sandwiches ready.”
    “I’ll catch up in a minute, Jack. Sage and the girls are there. I’m sure they’re fine,
     but they’ll wonder what happened to us.”
    Jack hurried away while Lucky strolled slowly across the Village Green with Elizabeth.
     Since Elizabeth Dove had been elected Mayor, her schedule was tight. Lucky didn’t
     often have a chance for an impromptu chat with her. She had always felt close to the
     older woman, as though she were an aunt, but now, with her mother gone, the connection
     with Elizabeth had grown deeper. Elizabeth had never married or had children of her
     own. She thought of Lucky as the daughter she never had, especially now that Lucky’s
     parents were gone.
    “I’ll never be able to figure that out.” Elizabeth smiled.
    “What’s that?” Lucky asked.
    “Telling time by the bells.”
    “Oh—it’s very simple really. You see, the day is divided into six sections and each
     section into eight time frames . . .”
    “Enough!” Elizabeth covered her ears. “I’ll never get it. Save your breath.” She burst
     out laughing.
    “Just don’t try to tell Jack the time using any other method.” Lucky linked her arm
     through Elizabeth’s as they walked. “Edward Embry seems like a very nice man.” She
     watched Elizabeth to gauge her reaction. “I think he’s a little sweet on you.”
    Elizabeth shook her head. “Once, perhaps.”
    “Once?” Lucky felt as if she had trod on a private area. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean
     to pry.”
    Elizabeth smiled. “That’s quite all right.” She glanced at Lucky’s concerned expression.
     “Really, it’s all right. You weren’t prying. Besides, it’s no secret. A long time
     ago . . .” Elizabeth trailed off. She was silent for a few moments. “A long time ago . . .
     oh,” Elizabeth laughed. “More than twenty years ago now, that might have been possible,
     but it just didn’t work out. Edward has had a very sad life. He lost a child years
     ago, and his wife shortly after. It didn’t work out for the two of us, but we’re on
     good terms. He devotes all his time now to town business.”
    Lucky glanced back at the group still inside the chain-link fence. Barry and two of
     Rowland’s workers were erecting a rather efficient tent out of boards and plastic
     sheeting. A movement next to the fence caught her eye. She stopped to get a better
     look.
    Elizabeth turned as well. “What is it?”
    “I . . . somebody there, on the other side of the fence. Not where the men are standing.
     See?” Lucky indicated a huddled figure, wrapped in a loose coat, at the far end of
     the site.
    “Oh . . . how strange.” Elizabeth followed Lucky’s gaze. “That’s Maggie. Maggie Harkins.
     I didn’t think she ever came into town anymore. That poor soul. How strange it is . . .
     to see them all here again after so many years . . .”
    “I’ve never seen her. Who is she?”
    “She’s a dreadful creature who should be put away.” Lucky jumped involuntarily at
     the harsh voice. Cordelia Rank blocked their path. Cordelia was dressed in a spotless
     white skirt and a linen navy jacket. Her two-toned shoes and purse