Kilt at the Highland Games by Kaitlyn Dunnett Read Free Book Online Page B

you need me?” Dan asked.
    Margaret shook her head. “It’s Highland Games business.”
    With a wave, he went off to take a shower.
    Liss sent her aunt a narrow-eyed look. “I thought everything was set.”
    As events coordinator at The Spruces, Margaret had been responsible for bringing the annual Western Maine Highland Games back to the grounds of The Spruces. For many years, the venue had been the county fairgrounds in Fallstown, but the one year they’d held the festivities at the hotel, The Spruces and several other businesses in Moosetookalook had seen a healthy profit.
    â€œSo did I,” Margaret said, “but what sealed the deal for us was our promise to augment the games with a parade and fireworks.”
    Liss’s heart sank. She’d been so distraught by the fire and the disappearance of three people she cared about that she hadn’t twigged to the wider ramifications. “The parade route isn’t going to work, is it?”
    â€œYou can see the problem. The parade was supposed to start at the hotel, wind its way through town, and end up in the town square for the opening ceremonies. All the village shops were planning to stay open—if not to sell things on the spot, then at least to show attendees what they had to offer in the hope they’d come back during the weekend. We were planning to trade on our image as a quaint New England village, picture-postcard perfect and all that.”
    No wonder she looked glum. “I don’t suppose there’s any way to get the fire site cleaned up before next Friday?”
    â€œNot a prayer. Worse, according to Francine, the board of selectmen has what they’re calling a work session scheduled for this evening. She tells me Jason Graye wants to cancel the parade entirely.”
    â€œDamn. That’s a little extreme. Surely we can find a new route.”
    â€œI need you to come to this work session with me. Help me convince them that it isn’t necessary to throw in the towel.”
    â€œMoosetookalook isn’t all that big,” Liss said, beginning to have doubts of her own. “Most of it is pretty ordinary-looking.” The stores a block away were typical—a laundromat, Graziano’s Pizza, High Street Market, and, in back of that, a hardware store. “But I suppose the parade could finish up at the athletic field at the school instead of in the town square.”
    â€œI knew you’d think of something.”
    â€œThey may not go for the idea,” Liss warned her.
    Margaret was undaunted. “We have nearly a week to figure something out. The important thing is to stop them from canceling the parade.”
    â€œI’ll back you up,” Liss promised, “but you may have to pinch me to keep me awake. I can’t remember the last time I felt this bushed.”
    â€œYou’ll be fine.” Margaret patted her hand. Then she sighed. “Now if I could just figure out what to do about Boxer.”
    Liss sat up straighter, appalled to realize that she hadn’t given a thought to how upset her young cousin must be. Boxer, whose real name was Edward, had been friends with Beth Hogencamp for years, and at some point during the last six months the relationship had blossomed into romance.
    â€œYou know where he lives, out on Owl Road. That’s beyond the range of the siren. He didn’t even hear about the fire until after he got to work this morning at that big box store down to Fallstown. I managed to calm him down when he phoned me, and convinced him to stay on the job until his regular quitting time, but he’s terribly worried about Beth.”
    â€œHe doesn’t have any idea where she is?”
    â€œHe says he doesn’t. You know my grandson—he may be seventeen, but he’s not one of those kids who has to be texting and sending selfies every five minutes. It’s not unusual for the two of them to be out of touch with one