Read Online Fan the Flames by Katie Ruggle - Free Book Online

didn’t get caught on camera, the uninterrupted night did allow her to snatch a few hours of sleep. When she checked them in the morning, the memory cards were blank, except for a few pictures of a passing coyote.
    She was still frowning at the computer screen when Belly Leopold, the Field County Coroner, shoved open the front door and clomped inside the shop. Rory swiveled her stool around to face Belly, amazed at how much racket the tiny woman could make when she moved.
    â€œI’m doing it,” Belly said as she stomped over to Rory and leaned on the counter.
    â€œThe Ethos?”
    â€œYes. I need a new shotgun like I need another hole in my head, but I can’t stop thinking about it.” She scowled. “It’s just so darn comfortable to shoot.”
    Belly’s disgruntled look made Rory want to smile. “That it is. Benelli really managed to soften up the recoil on that gun. Do you want the plain black or engraved silver receiver?”
    â€œSince when have I ever wanted my guns fancy?” Belly demanded.
    Amused, Rory held up her hands. “Okay! Plain black receiver it is, then. Just for the record, though, there’s nothing wrong with liking shiny things.”
    Belly made a rude noise before changing the subject. “Nice shot.”
    Since her brain was focused on guns, Belly’s comment confused her until the other woman pointed toward the coyote’s photo still displayed on the computer screen.
    â€œOh!” Rory said. “Right. It wasn’t the predator I was hoping to photograph, but it is a pretty nice wildlife picture, isn’t it?”
    â€œWere you hoping to catch a mugshot of whoever’s been lurking around here?”
    Rory stared at the coroner, frowning. “How did you know?”
    â€œPlease.” Belly rolled her eyes. “First off, this is Simpson. Everyone knows everything. And second, I’m me. And I know even more about everything than the average Simpson resident.”
    Blowing out a frustrated breath, Rory leaned back on her stool and rubbed her eyes. “I’ve lived here all my life. Why am I surprised to find out that everyone’s in my business?”
    â€œBecause,” Belly answered, although Rory had intended it to be a hypothetical question, “you’ve never been what I’d call a participating member of the Simpson community. Since you leave everyone else alone, you figure they’ll leave you alone, too. There’s your mistake. Being all mysterious just adds to your allure.”
    â€œMy allure?”
    â€œWith the gossips.” The corners of Belly’s mouth twitched. “And possibly a certain fireman.”
    Rory gaped at the other woman. “What? How did…? I can’t believe…” With a groan, she tipped her head back and closed her eyes. “Is there any way you could use your powers of gossip for good and report back that there is nothing—I repeat, absolutely nothing—going on between me and Ian Walsh?”
    â€œWell…” When Belly trailed off, Rory opened her eyes and looked at the coroner. “You could throw in the silver receiver for the price of the plain black one.”
    Her eyes narrowing, Rory stared at Belly for several seconds. “Half.”
    â€œDeal.” By the way Belly was grinning, she would’ve taken a quarter.
    â€œFor that,” Rory said, her voice stern, “you will quash all rumors about any type of relationship between me and Ian.”
    â€œGot it.” With a businesslike nod, Belly reached a hand over the counter.
    After shaking the other woman’s hand firmly, Rory closed the coyote picture so she could pull up the special order form for the shotgun.
    â€œSo who’s been tramping around here at night?” Belly asked.
    Rory shrugged, her focus on the screen. “No idea. I was hoping to catch a shot of his face, but I got Wile E. Coyote instead.”
    With a grunt, Belly