Read Online Digging for Dirt (Heavenly Highland Inn Cozy Mystery Book 9) by Cindy Bell - Free Book Online Page A

tell by the tone of his voice that he expected an actual answer.
    “Of course,” Vicky stated without conviction.
    “Vicky, we’re sending out some officers to look into the situation more. I will be there as soon as I can. But whatever they ask you to do, you need to do. Showing cooperation will make things easier on the inn.” His voice hardened slightly. Vicky didn’t appreciate the commanding tone.
    “I have to do what I have to do to protect my staff and the reputation of the inn, Mitchell. You and I both know that cooperation can sometimes lead to a false arrest, and statements being used against people.” Vicky sighed. She knew that she was taking her frustration and fear out on Mitchell, and that wasn’t fair. “I’m sure all of this will turn out to be some terrible mistake.”
    “I’m sure it will, too. I’ll be there as soon as I can. All right?” His voice was warm with sympathy.
    “All right. Thanks, Mitchell.” When Vicky hung up the phone she felt her heart sink. She knew that Mitchell had asked her to stay out of the investigation, but she needed to know the truth. She thought she would start by seeing if she could find out where the fruit was from.
    When she reached the door to the kitchen, Sarah was there.
    “How is everything going?” Sarah asked. Then she noticed Vicky’s grim expression. “What’s wrong?”
    “Did you arrange for a fruit basket to be delivered to Freida from the inn?”
    “No,” Sarah replied with a puzzled expression. “Why?”
    “I just spoke to Mitchell,” Vicky explained gently. “The news isn’t good.”
    “What is it?” Sarah asked with urgency.
    “The coroner found the cause of Freida’s death. Poisonous berries, which were found in the fruit basket delivered to her room. Apparently, they were delivered with the compliments of the management of the Heavenly Highland Inn.”
    “What?” Sarah’s eyes flew wide open. “That can’t be! How is that possible?”
    “I don’t know, but the police found the note and the berries with the fruit that were in the basket,” Vicky explained. “Mitchell said that some officers will be here soon to start an investigation.”
    “Unbelievable,” Sarah groaned. “This is terrible. That poor woman lost her life, and the inn is going to lose its good reputation.”
    “Mitchell said to cooperate with the police, but it seems as if someone might be trying to frame us and I think we need to be very careful what we say.”
    “You’re right.” Sarah nodded. She rubbed her cheeks in slow circles with her palms. Vicky could tell that she was close to exploding. She couldn’t even reassure her, because she was feeling the same way.
    “I’d better call our lawyer.” Sarah frowned. “We need to know how to protect ourselves in this situation.”
    “I’ll talk to Chef Henry and Aunt Ida to make sure they didn’t arrange the basket. Let me know what the lawyer says.” Vicky started to turn away, then paused. “Sarah, we’re going to figure this out. Everything is going to be fine.”
    Sarah raised an eyebrow. “That’s what you said about the banquet hall.”
    “I know, I know.” Vicky sighed and headed for the kitchen.

Chapter 10
    W hen Vicky walked into the kitchen, she noticed right away that Henry was doing his inventory. He had several boxes pulled out of the pantry and a clipboard in his hand. Sarah had offered several times to arrange for another staff member to do that for him so he could focus on cooking, but he was very picky about his food and preferred to keep track of it himself.
    “Chef Henry.” Vicky’s voice trembled slightly as she spoke. Henry glanced over at her swiftly and then back at his clipboard.
    “Please, give me just a moment, Vicky, or I will lose track of my count.” He turned back to the crate of tomatoes he was sorting through. Vicky waited patiently. It was not as if waiting a few more minutes was going to change what had already happened.
    “I’m sorry to make