Susan Gillard - Mint Creme Murder

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Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the authors imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Copyright 2017 by Guardian Publishing Group - All rights reserved.

All rights Reserved. No part of this publication or the information in it may be quoted from or reproduced in any form by means such as printing, scanning, photocopying or otherwise without prior written permission of the copyright holder.

Table of Contents

I love getting money in the mail. This should happen more often! Leila said.

Heather let out a laugh and smiled at her two older friends. She was grateful that Leila was finding a way to break the tension. Eva relaxed a little, and a small smile appeared on her face. However, she still gripped the letter in her hand like it was a grenade she was trying to contain.

After waiting and waiting, they would finally be informed how much insurance money they would receive to repair their house. Heather was still furious that her friends home had been the victim of arson while she was investigating a case. Eva and Leila were like family to her, and not just because they were living in her family room until their home was fixed.

The pair had acted lighthearted waiting for the notice to arrive in the mail, joking and reminiscing about how they had waited for letters from their sweethearts and pen pals when they were younger. They had ripped open that mail eagerly as soon as it arrived, but this letter was giving them pause. Eva and Leila had been joking about the exciting alterations they would make to the house when the money arrived. The craziest schemes involved installing an indoor bowling alley, sauna, and an escalator. However with this letter came reality, and what their budget could be to repair the fire-damaged walls.

Goodness gracious, Eva said, commenting on her reluctance to unseal the envelope. Im being so silly. I should just open it.

She looked around the room at the people she cared about. She had waited so long to read it, that it had allowed for everyone to gather around. Heathers detective husband Ryan was also used to facing hardened criminals but was not appreciating the current tension.

Their daughter Lilly was very good at comforting others and gave Eva a hug. Their pets who had been confused about why everyone was gathering together but not eating anything delicious picked up the cue. Doggy Dave licked Evas cheek, and the kitten Cupcake cuddled up next to Leila with a reassuring purr.

Her best friend Amy was a little less patient. Treat it like a Band-Aid, Amy said. Just rip it off or rip it open. Come on.

Heather nodded. Were great at solving problems if need be, but we cant deal with it until we know what it is.

They all chuckled, knowing that solving problems often meant solving murders too.

Youre right, Eva said. And I dont really have any reason to be nervous. Im sure the inspection was fair. Im sure well be able to fix the house. Im sure they knew what they were examining and know fair prices. And Im already surrounded by people who make me feel at home.

It might be good news, Lilly said. Like a birthday card that came in the mail.

Lets open it together, Leila said, gently.

They finally opened the notice and Heather tried to read their expressions before they spoke. Eva immediately put on a brave front, but they both looked a bit puzzled.

Is it bad news?

Lilly peeked over at the paper. Thats a lot of money!

It could be, Eva said. But Im not sure how far it will go fixing the house. I guess Im not certain how much things should cost.

Maybe weve been looking at this the wrong way, Ryan suggested. Maybe we should be looking for someone who can make the repairs and compare their estimate to this one.

Heather seconded it. Thats a great idea. Renovation and home design have become really popular. Im sure we can find someone.

Let me help, Amy said. Ive been bingeing on renovation TV shows. I already feel like I know a ton about it. I know about open floor plans and lighting fixtures now. I even learned what shiplap is.

Ive never heard of that. Maybe we should hire you to renovate! Leila said.

Amy laughed. I dont know about that. If I actually brought out a power tool, I might end up making the house look worse than it does now. But I bet I could help find someone qualified.

Youre really into those shows? Heather asked.

Well, Ive been watching them since Jamie and I decided to move in together. Just trying to figure out what my design style is, and dreaming about the big dream houses they show. Of course, I think Jamie and I are looking at renting an apartment. Maybe well rent a house. I dont know. Does one seem inherently more serious than the other? Is renting a house a bigger deal than an apartment? Stop me anytime, Amy said, trying to cut her own ramblings off.

Stop, Heather laughed. You and Jamie living together will be great, whether its an apartment, a house or a ramshackle shed in the woods.

Ramshackle does not fit into my design style, Amy said. Maybe you should watch a show or two.

I think wed like to take you up on the offer, Eva said. If someone could tell us that they could fix our house on this budget, it would be a real weight off my shoulders.

And we could use taking some weight off our shoulders, Leila said. That would leave us more leeway to eat extra donuts!

Stop it, Eva said. Youre making me hungry.

They decided that they should all have a meal first and then a donut dessert afterward. They also decided to push worry off of their plate.

After they all had full tummies, Amy gave them some more food for thought.

I found a potential designer who is available to meet tomorrow. She and her sister had rave reviews online for their business Turner Sister Homes.

Why am I sensing a but? Heather asked.

Because youre a good investigator and have smart instincts, Amy said. Shes on her own now and doesnt have her sister-partner anymore. Do you think that would affect the quality? Theres no longer two heads to be better than one.

Well we work better as a team, but we have been known to solve things on our own.

What do you think? Amy asked Eva and Leila.

I think Id like to get the ball rolling on our home repairs. My house is like an old friend, Eva said.

Should I be jealous? Leila asked with faux attitude.

Eva smiled at her friend, but then said seriously, I dont like my house sitting there like its been abandoned.

Leila turned to Amy. Why dont we give her a try?

Ill book the appointment. Amy nodded. And even if she only contributed to half of those rave reviews, its still pretty good.

Right, Heather said. How bad could she be?

How bad would it be if we ordered a half dozen? Eva pondered.

I dont think its bad at all. In fact, Id call it responsible, Leila said. After all we are going to have a meeting. And we dont know if Miss Turner has had breakfast yet.

True. And we want her in a good mood when she talks prices.

The ladies giggled and looked at the Donut Delights colorful display of donuts. Heather joined them across the counter, ready to answer questions about the new flavor of the week.

I usually shy away from green food, but Ill make an exception for this beauty.

Its a Mint Crme Donut, Heather explained. I guess with all the talk about money arriving, I was seeing green and made a donut to match.