Cold Hollow (Cold Hollow Mysteries Book 1) by Emilie J. Howard Read Free Book Online Page A

ready. That evening she made herself the supper of champions. She had a fried, marinated steak, a fresh garden salad, and a huge baked potato. She wanted to gain a few pounds and thought she’d better start now.
     
    ***
     
    As he drove the family home, Angus asked, “What does everyone want for supper?”
    Sophia was the first to respond. “I want your specialty grilled pizza.” She turned to the children and saw them nodding in agreement. “Then we can pick out a movie and collapse in front of the television?” All hands were on deck, and Angus smiled. He did not mind making the grilled pizza. He actually enjoyed cooking a lot in the summer. It was the manly thing to do. He loved nothing more than to crack open an ice-cold beer, spark up his new Weber gas grill, and get to work. He would make each one their own personal grilled pizza with the toppings they wanted. He knew Liam would help him while Sophia and Layla picked out a film for the entire family to enjoy. As per their nightly ritual, they would bathe and get into their pajamas before eating supper. They would then collapse, gorge themselves, and watch the featured film of the evening.
    Layla announced from the backseat that she’d had the best day that she could remember since moving to that town. Liam concurred, and so did Sophia. Angus only laughed and informed them that they had only been in town for two days, so each day was bound to get better.

CHAPTER 4
     
    Sophia loaded up the back of the Jeep with her cooking implements, boxed dishes, mugs, and all the supplies she had packed from her old bakery in Lincoln. The amount was astounding, but Angus helped her and before long, her supplies were loaded. Before kissing her good-bye, he asked, “Do you have enough money from the old bakery to pay for your orders today?”
    Sophia did a mental check, pulled out her checkbook, and grinned. “I did better than expected when selling our old bakery. I have plenty, but I transferred a lot of it to our savings for the future.”
    He leaned into her and kissed her good-bye. They had already done a five-mile run and he had yet to change out of his sweaty clothes, but Sophia had showered and changed into casual clothing for the day. She smelled like a fresh spring rain. Before Sophia pulled out of the driveway, they made plans to meet up at home at five o’clock.
    Sophia confidently made her way to Main Street, where her shop was located. She parked in front and popped the hatch of the Jeep before getting out. She went to the bakery and unlocked it. As she turned around, she bumped into Myrna and began laughing. “Oh my, you were as silent as a cat! I didn’t even know you were there!”
    She noticed Myrna looked much better than she had at the interview. She was wearing a bit of makeup and her long, red hair was styled. She was actually wearing clothes that fit, and Sophia was surprised at how slender and tall Myrna actually was; she stood at least five-foot-eight. Sophia swore she was going to put more meat on the woman’s bones. Either way, it seemed that Myrna was transforming into an attractive woman.
    Myrna blushed and apologized as Sophia hushed her and led her to the back of the Jeep. They unloaded the multiple boxes, and Sophia showed Myrna the time clock used to track an employee’s hours. She watched Myrna delicately slide her card into the slot and stare at the time and date stamped on it. Myrna then pointed at two more time cards in slots below hers. “Who are they?”
    Sophia smiled. “Those are my children. Layla will be waitressing part time, and Liam will sweep and clean the kitchen at the end of each day.”
    Myrna asked when she could meet them. It was the perfect opportunity, and Sophia took advantage of it. “I’m afraid I bragged about you so much yesterday that they demand to meet you tonight. We want you to come over for supper at our house tonight if you can.”
    Myrna blushed again and immediately said, “Yes, of course.” Who