Murder Unmentionable (35 page)

“I was getting quite fond of her,” Sylvia admitted with what Emma thought was a sniff.

“Thank goodness that drama is over. The shop is up and running and is going to take all of our time and energy,” Arabella said.

“I’ve had enough drama for a lifetime.” Emma admitted. The thought of going upstairs to her cozy apartment and putting her feet up while savoring a glass of ice-cold white wine made her almost quiver with anticipation.

Sylvia was gathering up her things, and Emma and Arabella were turning out the lights when someone began hammering on the front door.

“Keep your shirt on,” Sylvia yelled as Emma hastened toward the door.

Another knock rang out, a different sound this time.

“What on earth?” Arabella mumbled as Emma reached for the doorknob.

Les all but fell into the room. He was dabbing a white monogrammed handkerchief against his brow. “Arabella,” he cried when he saw her. “I’ve been so distraught. I just heard the police were here again yesterday morning. I was so worried that something had happened to you.”

“Arabella!” A gruff voice barked out right behind Les. “The boys notified me about the arrest. Are you okay?” Francis strode quickly across the room to stand by Arabella.

Les gave him a dirty look and hastened to stand by Arabella’s other side.

Emma looked from one man to the other and then smiled at Arabella.

And here she’d been worried that small-town life was going to be dull!

The front door eased open again, and Brian stuck his head around the corner. “Just thought I’d check and make
sure you ladies are okay.” He was covered in plaster dust, obviously on his way back to O’Connell’s Hardware from his latest renovation project.

Emma smiled. Not only was small-town life going to be more interesting than she’d expected, she had the feeling she was going to thoroughly enjoy it!