The Maestro (Cold Hollow Mysteries Book 3) by Emilie J. Howard Read Free Book Online Page A

fingerprints or a blood sample. Doesn’t the FBI have a print and a DNA database? While you’re at it, you might want to flatten some of his tires until Tilly shows up.”
    The chief’s eyebrows rose. “Sweet Jesus, Myrna, that’s vandalism! You’re also talking about a big-time investigation into someone who might be innocent.”
    Myrna displayed a sly grin. “In this town, everyone is guilty until proven innocent, Chief. You have two weeks to find Tilly.” She returned to her paperwork and glanced up to see the chief leaving her office. She contemplated the notion that if the chief didn’t want to flatten Reginald’s tires, she wouldn’t mind getting a little frustration out of her system. With a little ingenuity, she could also get his fingerprints and a blood sample at the bakery, if she set her mind to it. She was already subconsciously in the planning stages. She was not going to let a damn thing, particularly not a newcomer, ruin her special day.
     
    ***
     
    “Scoop the shit, shovel the shit, spread the shit!” Reginald mumbled as he spread the hay and manure over the pumpkin patches. He had already gathered fresh eggs, boxed them, and put them in storage for delivery. Milking the cows was easy and relaxing. Feeding the chickens while fighting off the ornery rooster was a problem, but he gave it a good kick and didn’t think it would bother him anymore. He couldn’t believe he had lowered his standards to this level, but he had to play it smart. He only had to stay put in this town for a month or so, and then he would be free to meander throughout the United States again, cautiously avoiding those states where he had committed prior crimes.
    As he spread the manure, he checked to see that the sheep were content and grazing. The farm owner had two fine chestnut horses, and they were grazing along with the sheep. He had more chores on his daily list, and when he saw the owner in the gardens, harvesting vegetables, it reminded him that he had to help her after he was done mucking all the stalls.
    As he returned to the barn with the wheelbarrow, his mind wound back to the previous night. That nosy little teenage girl had been hanging around the farm lately, pestering him. He thought her name was Tilly. She would not leave him alone. She had bothered him to go hiking on the trails so much that he had finally agreed. He met the bunch of teens and rolled his eyes so much at their conversations it made him dizzy. When Tilly had insisted they veer onto another interesting trail, he followed her, but her constant chattering brought him to madness. He was not interested in her. She was far too young and foolish, but he needed the fresh air and change of scenery from the farm. He had tolerated her buzzing about him like a fly…until he snapped. He shoved her, she fell, and he left the trails via a small path.
    He had walked home and enjoyed the silence and the remainder of the evening in front of the television with a take-out pizza and some beer. He remembered turning to the bedroom door and saying, “Shut up!”
    He heard a reply from the darkened room: “I’m not even talking, moron. I’m reading a book.”
    After reminiscing, he continued his farm chores, scooped up more hay and manure, and swore if Tilly showed up at the farm today, he was going to give her a tongue-lashing that would send her running home and sobbing into her Hello Kitty pillow for five days.

CHAPTER 5
     
    Time was slipping away from Maurice Gillette. Delilah was making gigantic strides, but he wished for one more week before leaving for New England. However, it was not to be. They had to leave the following morning in order to arrive on time. They had spent the past week shopping, going to the home office, going to social events, and out to dine. Maurice wanted to see how she did in public, and so far, she was impressive. At the home office, she was given the title “Vice President of Operations” and squealed with delight. She