A Dead End (A Saints & Strangers Cozy Mystery Book 1) by Keeley Bates Read Free Book Online Page A

issues and I’ll speak to Josiah.” Dr. Josiah Sorenson was the president of the college and a former golf buddy of Kit’s father.
    “I don’t need you to solve my problems,” Kit said.
    “You seem to have so many,” Heloise said. “I’d just like to lighten the load.”
    “Dinner is served,” Diane called from inside.
    “What does she think this is, a Friendly’s?” Heloise remarked. “She must be acting up for your benefit.” She shot an accusative glare in Kit’s direction.
     
    Kit stood on the edge of the pasture, her gaze fixed on the Tennessee walking horse with its head lowered to the ground. Peppermint had always loved sniffing the daisies; it was something that Kit adored about her horse. She was a magnificent creature still.
    “Hey girl,” Kit called and the horse’s head rose in response, her ears twitching.
    Kit approached the horse slowly, not wanting to startle her. She held out the apple in her palm and watched Peppermint for signs of interest.
    “Apples are still her favorite,” a voice said, “if that’s what you’re wondering.”
    Kit turned around to see an unfamiliar young man behind her. His scrawny body was emphasized by his thin T-shirt and jeans. He wore a red Phillies cap, a familiar sight in this part of Pennsylvania.
    “Hi, are you the stablehand?” Kit asked.
    “Paul Krasensky. I started working here about two years ago.”
    “That explains why you don’t look familiar.” Kit returned her attention to Peppermint. “How is she?”
    “Give her that apple and you’ll see for yourself,” he suggested.
    Kit held the apple within reach and Peppermint took it, chomping gingerly.
    “Watch, it’ll be like a sugar high in a minute. She loves her apples, especially Pink Lady and Gala.”
    Kit warmed to him immediately. A stablehand who knew the brand of apples her horse liked. Now that was a good employee. “Did Abe train you?” The family’s previous stablehand, Abe, had retired while Kit was in Los Angeles so she wasn’t sure of the timeframe.
    “Yep, my older brother used to shoot pool with him before the old guy’s hip surgery so he recommended me for the job.”
    “Who’s your brother?” Kit searched her brain for another Krasensky. “Does he work here, too?”
    Paul shook his head. “Nah. Carl works odd jobs. He isn’t a big fan of steady employment, if you know what I mean. Ain’t seen him in some time.” He spat on the ground. “Not unusual for my family, though. Too many Krasenskys spoil the broth. Someone should’ve warned my mama about that before she went and had six kids.”
    Kit smiled, stroking the horse’s soft mane. “Sometimes even one is enough.”
    “I like your mama,” Paul said, surprising her. “Anybody who takes care of animals the way she does is okay in my book.”
    Kit didn’t argue. Most people assumed that Heloise’s nurturing side extended to her daughter. Her mother was an enigma, though, and Kit gave up trying to figure her out years ago.
    “You want me to saddle her for you?” Paul asked.
    “Not today,” Kit said. “Thanks. I just wanted to say hello. I’ve missed her.” She placed her nose close to Peppermint’s, breathing in her earthy scent.
    “Well, she gets attention. Don’t you worry about that. Your mama’s down here pretty often.”
    Kit’s eyes popped. “My mother? Out here?” As much as Heloise loved her menagerie, Kit’s horse was pretty far down the list. She tended to stick with animals she could confine and control within the four walls of Greyabbey. One of the reasons that Kit failed to qualify.
    Paul shoved his hands in his pockets, sensing he said something wrong. “She’s a real stickler. Makes sure Peppermint is getting plenty of exercise and what not.”
    “Huh.” Kit didn’t know what to say. “Well, I’m back now and I intend to spend quality time with her.”
    “I’ll bet your mama will be real happy about that.”
    Kit’s brow creased. “I’m talking about