Bring Home the Murder by Theresa M.; Jarvela Read Free Book Online

“Tell Nettie her turtles are very good.” She munched on the cookie. “Did you know Fred well?”
    â€œI’d call him an acquaintance.” Vera pushed her eye glasses further up on the bridge of her nose. “Before his wife passed away, he’d come into the shop and we’d converse. He loved to surprise his wife with a gift and never missed an occasion to do so.”
    Vera’s face held a soft expression. “I enjoyed our talks, but at that time there were no policies on smoking in public places. Fred Jackson loved his cigars.”
    Meggie’s face grew pale. A knot formed in the pit of her stomach. She set her cup down on the table and shifted in her chair.
    Vera tilted her head and her brows drew together. “You don’t look well, dear. Are you feeling all right? Perhaps you’d like another cup of tea?”
    â€œNo, thank you.” Meggie looked at her watch. “I really should finish that last bit of inventory and then I must be going. I have a couple errands to run before I return to the farm.”
    Vera slid her chair back and started to clear the table. Meggie objected and promised to take care of the clean-up. When Vera turned to go, Meggie asked, “Do you still have that book on ghosts you checked out at the library?”
    Vera’s posture straightened and she turned around. “Why, I certainly do.” She walked to the desk, retrieved the book and handed it to Meggie. “It’s not due back until later this month. That should give you plenty of time to read it.” She pointed her finger at the book. “I do hope you haven’t been having problems with that sort of annoyance at the farm.”
    â€œNothing I can’t handle.” Meggie’s smile wavered and she looked at her watch. “I better hustle if I’m going to finish that inventory before we close.”
    Time passed quickly and before Meggie realized how late it was, she heard Vera announce they would be closing shop. She entered the last item on the inventory list and set the documents into the file cabinet. In the breakroom she snatched a turtle cookie from the cookie jar and strode to the front of the shop.
    The window shade behind the till had been pulled down. Eldon stood near the door with the deposit bag in his hand, his head bent low while Vera whispered in his ear. They looked up when Meggie entered the room.
    â€œI hope I’m not interrupting anything.” Meggie cocked her head and looked from Vera to Eldon. “What are you two cooking up?”
    â€œWe weren’t going to say anything, but I told Eldon if I don’t tell someone I’ll burst.” Vera giggled like a schoolgirl. “Meggie, you’re the first person to hear the news. Eldon and I are getting married!”
    Meggie’s eyes lit up. “Congratulations!” She threw her arms around Vera then circled her arms around to include Eldon as well. She leaned back and looked him in the eye. “All I have to say is . . . what took you so long?”
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    Later that evening, Meggie sat up in bed, fluffed a pillow and set it behind her. She opened the book Vera lent her and turned to the table of contents. Her eyes scanned the list of chapter titles until she came to one titled “Characteristics of Ghosts.” She noted the page number, turned to it and began to read.
    According to the author, ghosts could appear in different forms. They might appear as orbs or they could be translucent masses. Other times they might take on the shape of a person. She reread the last sentence. Her eyes darted around the room and she drew her feet close to her body.
    One paragraph explained about the phenomenon of orbs and related stories from people who captured them on photographs. In many cases orbs appeared as translucent or solid circles. Some believed they were proof of guardian angels while others believed they proved the presence of ghosts.
    The next