Read Online Murder at Redwood Cove by Janet Finsilver - Free Book Online

community.”
    â€œIt’s a small town. We’re all here together when the tourists are gone.” Suzie sat at my table. “I’m sorry I had to leave yesterday before you got back. Issues at the hotel. I stopped by to see if you need anything.”
    â€œNo problem. I’d like to find out what Bob was doing on Monday. It’ll help me step into his shoes and understand this job better.” I reached for my coffee. “Did you see him that day?”
    â€œI did. Hey, why don’t we talk about it over lunch, and I can introduce you to one of the locals’ favorite spots to eat, Noah’s Place.”
    â€œSounds wonderful.”
    â€œWe can circle through town, and I’ll show you a couple of places your guests might like to visit.”
    â€œI’d love to.” I didn’t know how long I’d be managing the place, but it made sense to learn more about Redwood Cove.
    â€œWill eleven work?”
    â€œThat’s fine.”
    â€œSee you then.” Suzie waved her way out the door.
    I read over my notes. Productive morning. I’d met the rest of the staff, made an appointment for three thirty with Phil Xanthis to sample new wines, and acquainted myself with the other suppliers Bob used. I’d called the hospital and found out Bob’s wife had been taken off the intensive care list. Some good news for a change. I still had an hour before meeting Suzie. Time to write the report.
    Helen came in with a load of napkin-covered baskets on a cart and put them on the counter, between the working area and the kitchen. “Good morning.” She began taking dirty dishes out of the baskets.
    â€œLet me help.” Bob’s wife had assisted with some of the chores, according to her job description. Her absence meant more work for Helen.
    â€œThanks, but I can manage.” Helen started putting breakfast dishes into the dishwasher. “I’m sure you have a lot to do.”
    â€œI need to get a few things done, but there’s time for that later.” I admired the cheerful blue and white pattern on the dishes as I unloaded the containers. “Thanks for the breakfast you left outside the room. The almond croissant melted in my mouth.”
    â€œI’m glad you enjoyed it.”
    â€œWhere did you get it?”
    â€œI bake all the pastries from scratch.”
    â€œThat takes a lot of skill. I know, having tried it once. Once being the operative word there.”
    Helen laughed. “I’d be happy to show you how.”
    â€œI might take you up on that.” I emptied the last basket. “Right now it’s report time.”
    We both looked around as a quick series of knocks on the door interrupted us.
    Helen waved in a stout man in a chef’s tunic. “Kelly, I’d like you to meet Jason Whitcomb.”
    â€œHi, Jason. I’m Kelly Jackson, interim manager.” I held out my hand, and Jason clasped it with a warm, moist grip and exercised my arm with energetic shakes.
    â€œGlad to meet you.” He put a box on the counter. “Helen, wait until you see what I brought.”
    â€œJason and I love to bake and share recipes and ideas. He’s been working on some creations for the chocolate and wine festival.”
    Jason appeared young, in spite of the streaks of gray hair at his temples. He had cheeks like apples—round and rosy. I figured many a mother was tempted to reach out and pinch them.
    He grabbed a card out of his pocket and handed it to me. “I work in a restaurant in San Francisco on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. I bake for the Ralston Hotel Thursdays through Sundays. I’m building a catering business during the time I have between my shifts at the restaurant.”
    â€œGood to know you’re available.” I read the information on his card.
    â€œYeah. As soon as I’m making enough money, I want to move up here full-time.” With a gleam in his eye, he