Read Online Berry the Hatchet by Peg Cochran - Free Book Online Page A

blue-and-white checked cloth.
    She was about to scoop Mittens out of the second basket when her mother walked into the kitchen. Mittens jumped out and scampered over to Nancy.
    â€œHow did you sleep?” Monica asked, hoping the mattress in the spare room hadn’t been too soft for her mother’s taste.
    â€œNot very well, I’m afraid.”
    â€œI hope you weren’t too uncomfortable?”
    Nancy waved a hand. “No, it wasn’t that. It’s the idea that this policewoman seems to have gotten it into her head that either Gina or I have some responsibility for Preston’s death. What a ludicrous notion.”
    â€œI’m sure they’ll find the real culprit soon.”
    â€œI certainly hope so.”
    â€¢Â Â Â â€¢Â Â Â â€¢
    Monica finished packing the straw baskets and slipped into her jacket. She wound her scarf around her neck, and Mittens leapt onto the table and began batting at the fringe on the ends. Monica shooed her off the table, where she was pretty sure Mittens knew she wasn’t allowed. She was only a kitten, but so far she had proven to be very smart.
    Nancy had her head half in the refrigerator as Monica opened the back door.
    â€œDo you have any eggs?”
    Monica turned around, her hand still on the door handle.
    â€œMiddle shelf, left side.” Monica prided herself on keeping a neat refrigerator, which meant everything had a specific place on the shelves. “Do you need anything else? Can you manage—”
    â€œI’ll be fine,” Nancy said. “You go on about your business. I know you have things to do.”
    Monica said good-bye and went out the back door. The wind immediately tugged at her scarf, tossing it around in the brisk air. Monica pulled her collar closer around her neck, and headed toward the farm store.
    The rush of warmth when she opened the door to the store was very welcome. Her hands were chilled right through her gloves, and her face felt stiff from the cold.
    She wondered if anyone would show up for Lauren’s tour in this weather.
    Nora Taylor was behind the counter wearing one of the Sassamanash Farm aprons. She had short, curly dark hair and round glasses that made her look perpetually surprised. She worked in the store in the mornings and left in time to get her two children off the school bus in the early afternoon.
    She looked up and smiled when she saw Monica. “I can smell those delicious goodies all the way over here.”
    She came out from behind the counter and took one of the baskets from Monica. “I’ll just start arranging these, shall I?”
    When Monica had arrived at Sassamanash Farm, she’d been dismayed to see that none of the baked goods in the store were homemade. She’d soon changed that, whipping up cranberry bread, muffins, and scones every morning sothey would be fresh for their customers. Their business had grown as a result, and even during the winter people made a special trip to pick up some of Monica’s baked goods.
    Monica had also spruced up the store with decorative trays and platters she’d collected at garage sales and from secondhand shops. Combined with the delicious smells coming from all their products, it gave the store a comforting, homey feel.
    Monica was stashing her special cranberry salsa in the cooler case when she heard her name being called.
    She turned around to find Jeff leaning against the doorway. He had on a heavy jacket and work boots and had removed his wool cap and gloves and tucked them under his arm. His face was ruddy from the cold.
    â€œWe’re about to start the sanding. Want to see how it’s done?”
    â€œSure. Let me grab my jacket.” Monica pulled on her jacket, hat, gloves and scarf and followed Jeff out the door.
    â€œWe’re starting with the bog over by the pump house.” He pointed to a spot in the distance. “The bogs have been flooded, and we now have a good three