License to Dill by Mary Ellen Hughes Read Free Book Online Page A

O’Hara’s hadn’t been spread quite so broadly.”
    â€œHe would have found us anyway,” Amy said. She stirred her vinegar solution and set the large pot on the burner to heat. “And, you know, O’Hara’s is a public place, just like the stadium. It was funny how he wormed his way to sit right in front of you at the game.”
    â€œHilarious,” Piper deadpanned. Figuring it was time to change the subject, she told Amy about Raffaele Conti’s radio interview.
    â€œWow, that’s a shame that he dissed Carlo’s.”
    â€œI know. I hope the poor guy didn’t hear it.”
    â€œHe didn’t need to be listening. He’ll learn about it, eventually. He isn’t Italian, by the way. Mr. Conti was right about that. His name is actually Carl. Carl Ehlers. And no Italian mother either, as far as I know. But I never saw anything that hinted at a health code violation, and believe me I’m aware of such things. Mr. Ehlers bought the pizzeria a couple of years ago, and he makes a good pizza. But the impression I got from friends who’ve worked there is that he might be struggling financially.”
    â€œWell, I’ve heard there’s no such thing as bad publicity, but I’m not sure it applies to restaurants,” Piper said as she scooped her onion peelings into the waste bin. She got an idea. “Why don’t we all go there after tonight’s game?”
    Amy shook her head regretfully. “I’m working at A La Carte tonight, remember? Nate, too. But I can suggest it to Erin and Megan.”
    â€œDo that. I think Will would go for it.” Was there a way to keep Scott out of the picture? Piper wondered. Carl Ehlers might appreciate one more patron at his pizzeria, but Piper wouldn’t mind a bit if Scott instead decided to follow Raffaele Conti’s recommendation and head out of town for “authentic” pizza.
    From Scott’s actions of the evening before, however, Piper suspected the chances of that were slim.

6

    P iper’s circle of companions at the game was smaller than the night before. Uncle Frank and Aunt Judy sat beside Will and her, and Erin and Megan had taken seats directly behind. But Amy and Nate were on restaurant duty, and so far there had been no sign of Scott, though Piper wasn’t holding her breath that she’d escape so easily. And Ben, instead of sitting with Erin, had donned his auxiliary officer uniform and was busy helping out Amy’s father, Sheriff Carlyle.
    â€œThe sheriff asked him to pitch in on the traffic control,” Erin explained. “But Ben said he’ll also be walking about during the game, you know, just looking out for any problems.”
    Piper knew how seriously Ben, a desk-bound insurance agent by day, took his volunteer activity, enough to give up enjoying the game next to Erin. Becoming an auxiliary officer gave Ben no official powers, but acting as an extra pair of legs and eyes for the sheriff helped stretch that department’s limited manpower. Sheriff Carlyle obviously thought highly of the young man’s drive and financial stability and had, Piper thought, once considered him excellent son-in-law material. Amy, however, quickly made clear her own thoughts on the matter as she happily settled into a relationship with her struggling musician.
    â€œWe’re saving Ben a place,” Erin said, patting the space between Megan and herself, “in case he can take a break.”
    â€œSandwich, anyone?” Aunt Judy asked the group.
    Piper declined, having had time for dinner before being picked up by Will. Erin and Megan shook their heads.
    â€œI’ll take one,” Will said, and chose a roast beef sandwich from Aunt Judy’s bountiful cache. Aware of Will’s strong leanings toward familiar foods, Piper wasn’t surprised, but she was also working to expand Will’s tastes a bit. She’d brought along a jar of the