Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke Read Free Book Online Page B

mother!”
    â€œCaught in the act?” Ruby asked, and something about her smile told Hannah that the same thing must have happened with other customers and other mothers.
    â€œThat’s right. She’s always after me to lose weight, and…”
    â€œSay no more,” Ruby interrupted her with a wink. “I’ll take care of it for you.”
    Hannah remained silent. It seemed that Ruby was a pro in situations like this.
    â€œI think I saw her,” Ruby said when Delores was within earshot. “She came past here about five minutes ago, and she headed off toward the Ferris wheel.”
    Hannah winked back, and then she turned to face Delores. “Hi, Mother. Did you happen to see Lisa?”
    â€œNot tonight.” Delores had looked as if she were loaded for bear, but her eyebrows settled and Hannah knew she was biting back a lecture on saturated fats, empty calories, and elevated cholesterol levels. Ruby had effectively defused the Mother-bomb, and Hannah owed her at least a dozen cookies in return for the favor.
    â€œI’m glad to see you, dear. But for a minute there I thought that you…never mind.”
    Hannah turned back to Ruby. “Thanks for the information. Those deep-fried candy bars look like real killers.”
    â€œThey are, but there’s no way I could make a living selling deep-fried lettuce.”
    Hannah burst into laughter, but her mother looked intrigued. “I wonder if it would be good.”
    â€œI’m not sure,” Ruby said. “Maybe not, because lettuce is mostly water. That’s what makes it such a great diet food.”
    Delores stepped a bit closer to the counter. “That’s true.”
    â€œI’ve had deep-fried broccoli, and it’s delicious,” Ruby continued. “Carrots and sweet potatoes are good, too.”
    Delores nodded quickly “You’re right. Are you with the carnival? Or do you live around here?”
    â€œI’m with the carnival. I’m married to Riggs. He’s the announcer at the rodeo.”
    â€œI heard him this afternoon on my way to the Lake Eden Historical Society booth,” Delores said. “He has a wonderful voice.”
    â€œI think so, too.”
    â€œThen you travel with the show?” Delores asked.
    â€œYes. We have our own trailer. Riggs is the rodeo manager. He announces and he also runs the show.”
    â€œThat must be a big job, with all those cowboys and animals. I hope he’s well-paid for…” Delores stopped suddenly and looked uncomfortable. “I apologize. I shouldn’t have broached such a personal subject.”
    â€œThat’s okay, I don’t mind.” Ruby turned to Hannah, who was staring at the two of them in absolute amazement. She’d never known her mother to be so friendly with an absolute stranger before. “You’d better get a move on,” Ruby said to her. “You’ve got that contest to judge.”
    â€œRight. I’ll see you later, Mother.”
    â€œFine, dear.” Delores dismissed her with a wave and then she turned back to Ruby. “So tell me about life on the road. I’ve never traveled anywhere to speak of. Do you find that all these little towns look alike after a while?”
    Â 
    â€œIf I have to taste another coffeecake, I’m going to die!” Willa declared, leaning back in her chair and rubbing her stomach.
    Pam laughed. “I know what you mean. There were ten of them. But you’re in luck now. The next six entries are sweet rolls.”
    â€œTell me they’re not all cinnamon,” Hannah said, taking a swig of the bottled water that had been provided as a palate cleanser.
    Pam looked down at the listing of entries and gave Hannah a thumbs-up. “There’s only one, and we’ll test it after the orange rolls. That should give your taste buds a break.”
    â€œMy taste buds thank you,” Hannah said, meaning every word