Read Online Christmas Caramel Murder by Joanne Fluke - Free Book Online

“That’s what I love about you, Hannah. You don’t mince words.”
    â€œWell . . . perhaps that was a bit insensitive, but it’s true.”
    â€œYes, it’s insensitive, but it was funny. And you found her?”
    â€œWho else?” Hannah removed the plastic wrap from the top of the wineglass and took a sip. “I have slaydar, remember?”
    â€œHow could I forget? Mike says that all the time. Is he coming over tonight to take your statement?”
    â€œThat’s what he said. Do I have any food in the house?”
    â€œYou do now. I brought some groceries with me on the bus, and I can make supper. The only thing I forgot was the Thousand Island dressing, but I guess I could get along without it.”
    â€œYou don’t have to get along without it.”
    Michelle smiled. “Great! Do you have some in the refrigerator?”
    â€œNo, but I have everything you need to make it. All it is is mayonnaise mixed with ketchup and sweet pickle relish.”
    â€œHow much?”
    â€œJust mix it to taste. It’ll be exactly the same as the bottled dressing. What are you planning to make?”
    â€œGrilled Ham and Double Cheese Sandwiches.”
    â€œThat sounds like a really good sandwich!”
    â€œIt is. I made them for my housemates last night, and they said they loved them.”
    Hannah smiled. “I’m sure they did. You’re a good cook, Michelle.”
    â€œThanks. I’ll make two for Mike and one for me. Do you want me to make one for you?”
    â€œI’d love to try one, but I already ate a double cheeseburger, an order and a half of fries with bleu cheese dressing, and a slice of Chocolate Coffee Cake.”
    â€œWill you at least taste a corner of mine?”
    â€œOf course I will. What kind of bread do you use?”
    â€œRye. There’s a bakery near us, and they make really good breads.”
    â€œIt sounds wonderful, and I almost wish I hadn’t eaten. But I was really hungry.”
    â€œIt only takes a few minutes to make them, so I won’t start until Mike gets here. I’m experimenting with quick meals. One of my roommates is getting married right after graduation, and I want to give her a whole folder of easy, quick suppers. Her boyfriend’s a teacher, and that’s what she’ll be when she graduates.”
    â€œThat sounds like a great wedding gift, Michelle.”
    Michelle looked pleased. “I thought it would be better than monogrammed sheets or a set of fancy towels she’d only get out when company was coming.”
    After Michelle had gone into the kitchen, Hannah changed to her favorite wintertime at-home outfit which consisted of forest-green sweatpants, an oversized sweatshirt of the same color, and fur-lined slippers. Then she sat down on the couch again, picked up her wineglass, and took another sip. The Cookie Jar was doing good business, she’d finished her Christmas shopping early this year, and Michelle was in town. Life in Lake Eden was very good if you didn’t consider the murder rate.
    * * *
    The knock on the door came twenty minutes later, and Michelle got up to answer it. “Good thing I decided to put together a double batch,” she said as she saw that Lonnie was with Mike.
    â€œA double batch of what?” Mike asked, sniffing the air as he walked into the living room. “Whatever it is, it smells great!”
    â€œMichelle baked cookies earlier,” Hannah told him, getting up to greet them, “and she’s making Grilled Ham and Double Cheese Sandwiches.” She turned to smile at Lonnie. “Hi, Lonnie. I guess you two guys are working late tonight.”
    â€œWe’re waiting for Doc to finish the autopsy,” Mike explained. “And I have to complete your statement. After that, we’re through.”
    â€œExcept for being on call,” Lonnie added. “We’re on call twenty-four-seven during homicide