A Roux of Revenge by Connie Archer Read Free Book Online Page A

We’re not covered for employees who love us so much they can’t go home.”
    Janie nodded sadly and climbed out of her sleeping bag.“Okay. I’m sorry. How did you know I was here?”
    “I didn’t. Didn’t even occur to me you might come here. I spent the last hour driving all over town before a lightbulb went off in my brain.” Janie groaned in response. “Don’t ask me why I didn’t think of the Spoonful first.”
    “I’m so sorry, Lucky. I didn’t mean for you to get dragged into this. I figured I could get up and wash and get dressedand stash my sleeping bag in the car and no one would know I had even been here.”
    “Janie, you should go home. I’m sure the argument with your mother can’t be that bad.”
    “It was. I’ll leave, but I’m not gonna go home.”
    Lucky heaved a sigh. “If you’re not going home, then you’re coming back with me. I have a very comfortable sofa you can sleep on until we sort this out.”
    “You meanthat?” Janie looked up hopefully.
    “Sure. It’s fine. On one condition though. You have to call your mother and let her know you’re safe. She’s out of her mind right now.”
    “I don’t want to talk to her. Can you call her?”
    Chagrined, Lucky bit her tongue. She was losing patience as well as sleep, but she didn’t want to say anything that would push Janie over the edge. Better for the girlto sleep on her sofa than be wandering who knew where all night.
    “All right. I’ll call her. Grab your stuff. We can walk back to my place. Just leave your car where it is.”
    “Thanks, Lucky. Thank you so much.” Janie threw her arms around Lucky’s neck and hugged her.
    “What did you two argue about that was so awful? You’ve always gotten along great with your mom.”
    Janie’s face fell.“You’d never believe me if I told you.”

Chapter 11

    T HE FOLLOWING MORNING at the Spoonful Lucky kept a close watch on Janie. So far, she seemed to be doing fine. She was a lot less nervous than she had been on the previous days, but Luckynoticed she would occasionally stare out the window, as though expecting the stranger to be there. Miriam had been relieved and grateful when Lucky had called the night before to let her know Janie had been found and was safe. Miriam sounded rather sheepish on the phone and apologetic, but offered no further explanation as to why Janie had stormed out.
    The Spoonful was crowded. The din ofthe restaurant made it impossible to hear the bell, but movement at the door caught Lucky’s attention. She looked up to see Ernie White. He entered, accompanied by two men who more than likely worked for him at the festival. Ernie, overweight and not in the best of shape, wore an expensive gray suit while the two men were in jeans, boots and work shirts. Meg seated them at a table and passed out menus.

    Lucky glanced over at Jack. She could tell he had spotted Ernie. She hoped Ernie didn’t decide to approach her grandfather again about setting up a booth at the festival. Jack turned in her direction and shot her a meaningful look, indicating Ernie with a jerk of his head. Lucky nodded in response.
    She heard the clatter of dishes behind her. She grabbed three orders from the kitchen hatchand placed them on trays for Janie and Meg to deliver. She looked up as Elizabeth Dove came through the front door. Lucky waved to her and pointed to an empty stool. Since Elizabeth had become Mayor of Snowflake, her schedule was so busy that Lucky rarely had a chance to visit and chat with her.
    “Early lunch?” Lucky asked. She knew Elizabeth always had breakfast at home and started her dayat the municipal offices early.
    “Yes. I have a meeting in an hour, but I’m starving now.” Elizabeth smiled. Lucky thought the older woman looked healthy and completely back to normal. A few months before Elizabeth had been held prisoner on the orders of a man she had trusted. Elizabeth looked up at her questioningly. “What is it?”
    Lucky smiled widely. “You