Read Online Honeysuckle Homicide (Trash-to-Treasure Crafting Mystery) by Rose Pressey - Free Book Online Page A

items in my hands. They weren’t too heavy yet.
    When I glanced over I noticed the woman who’ d stolen our parking space. Claire Ann would not be happy when she realized what the woman had done. She had gathered the items Claire Ann had picked up into her arms and made her way over to the woman collecting the money. I watched as she handed her the cash. I had to stop her before it was too late. Where had Claire Ann vanished to? When I spotted Claire Ann at one of the other tables I yelled out to her. She looked up and I pointed in the woman’s direction.
    “Stop her,” Claire Ann yelled.
    What was I supposed to do? The woman had already paid for the items. Technically they were hers now. Plus she was headed toward her car. Claire Ann took off after the woman. I hoped this didn’t end in me breaking up a fight. I took off across the yard toward Claire Ann. My feet slipped on the grass and I wobbled as I tried to keep from falling. I was sure everyone was watching us. The woman once again acted as if she had no idea what was going on, but I was sure that she was quite aware of what she’d done.
    Claire didn’t exactly run after the woman, but she did walk quickly. I caught up to Claire Ann and grabbed her arm. “It’s too late, honey. She’s gone now.”
    The woman had reached her car. She tossed the items in the back seat and climbed behind the wheel of her Buick. As she drove past she looked over at us and smiled.
    “She knew what she was doing all along. I bet she knew she took our parking space too.”
    I patted Claire Ann on the back. “I’m sure she did. Don’t let her ruin your day though.”
    “I hope the stuff she bought is defective.”
    I laughed. “Me too. There is one thing you should be aware of, Claire Ann. Never, ever leave your stuff lying around. I’ve warned you about that before.”
    She released a sign. “Yeah, you told me.”
    When I glanced around I was relieved to see that no one was watching us. The action was over.
    “I’ll pay for the stuff I got and we’ll leave. It’s time for lunch anyway. A big juicy burger will make you feel better,” I said.
    I thought we’d had enough bargain-shopping for the day. The woman collecting the money had no clue what had happened and I didn’t mention it.
    As I draped the bag of items over my arm and turned to leave, I looked to my left. The person staring at me was not who I had expected to see. Connie Dayton was at this sale too. How long had she been there and why was she watching me with that creepy look on her face?
    She stared at me, but didn’t smile or speak. Apparently she was still upset with me. I didn’t know what to do, so I looked away. I would ignore her and maybe I’d never have to see her again. It was a small town, but I’d managed to avoid her up until now.

Chapter Ten
     
    Claire Ann and I had a relaxing lunch at the café. I’d hoped to speak with the same waitress who had been there when Kent and I had stopped in, but she wasn’t working today. I’d have to check back some other time.
    After dropping Claire Ann off, I headed home with my treasures. I hadn’t scored as much as I’d hoped, but the table was a great find. I parked in the driveway and hoisted the table out from the backseat. I envisioned a pretty shade of pink for it and then placing it in one of the guest rooms.
    After setting the table by the front door, I pulled the keys from my pocket and stuck the key in the lock. When I turned it I realized that the lock was already open. That was odd. I knew that I had locked the door when I left. At least I thought I had. Maybe I was wrong.
    It was a little scary to think that I’d left the door unlocked. Honeysuckle was a small town, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t crime. That was evident from the recent murders. I stuffed the keys back in my pocket and carried the table inside.
    I’d just set my purse down by the door when I heard what sounded li ke footsteps. The house was big, so I couldn’t