Read Online The Final Tap by Amanda Flower - Free Book Online Page A

This is none of your concern.”
    I placed my hands on my hips. “It’s most definitely my concern. I’m responsible for everything that happens on Barton Farm, and Gavin is my employee.”
    Gavin scowled at his father. “Don’t worry, Kelsey. He was just leaving.”
    Webber glared at Gavin. “I’ll leave when I’m ready.”
    â€œDad, the Farm is closed, and you shouldn’t be here. Like you said, we should talk about this when I get home. I’m almost done here, and I can tell you what the police said.”
    â€œThe police?” Webber barked.
    I glanced at Hayden, who was watching the argument with rapt attention.
    â€œPlease keep your voices down. I don’t want my son to overhear this conversation.” I gave them both a stern look. “The police were here today and questioned my employees. We were the last ones to see Beeson alive.” I kept a close eye on Webber’s reaction.
    Webber looked at this son, looking genuinely concerned for the first time. “Did the police talk to you?” he asked.
    Gavin sighed. “Yes.”
    â€œWhat did you tell them?”
    â€œWhat they wanted to know. The detective already knew about the argument I had with Conrad at the last Sap and Spile meeting.”
    Webber ran his hand through his hair. “You shouldn’t have said a word until we spoke to a lawyer.”
    â€œA lawyer? Dad, do you think I killed Conrad?”
    â€œNo, of course I don’t, but a lawyer will stop you from saying anything stupid—like you did at the last meeting when you got into that argument with him.”
    Even to my ears, Webber’s denial that he suspected his son wasn’t that convincing. Clearly, Gavin picked up on the doubt because he said, “Dad, I still have work to do. I’ll see you at home.”
    Webber clenched his jaw. “Fine. Come straight home after you’re finished here. We have much to discuss before the meeting tonight.”
    Gavin went back into the sugarhouse without another word.
    Webber marched away from the sugarhouse, and I followed him. “Mr. Elliot?”
    He turned when he reached the pebbled path but didn’t slow down. “What is it?’
    â€œI know you’re worried about Gavin. I am too.”
    â€œPlease, you’re just his boss. Don’t pretend you know my son.”
    I stepped back as if he’d slapped me.
    As a parting shot, he added, “And don’t come to the meeting tonight. You aren’t wanted.” He stomped down the path.
    I let him go, but I was more determined than ever to be at the Sap and Spile meeting.
    Gavin stepped out of the sugarhouse, closing and padlocking the door behind him. He waved to Hayden, who was still playing tag with Tiffin in the trees, before walking over to me. “I’m sorry about my dad barging in like that. He’s worried. That’s all. I wasn’t the easiest kid to raise. He did it on his own. My mom walked out when I was in preschool.”
    â€œOh, Gavin, I’m sorry.”
    He shrugged. “It is what it is. Just don’t be angry with my dad for stomping in here, okay?”
    â€œHe and I can make up at the Sap and Spile meeting tonight,” I said.
    Gavin shook his head like I hadn’t understood a word he’d just said. “Kelsey, you can’t come to the meeting. It’s for members only.”
    â€œThey can make an exception under the circumstances, don’t you think?”
    â€œYou don’t know these people.” He zipped up his coat.
    â€œWhat time is the meeting?” I asked.
    He sighed. “Seven, and the only reason I’m telling you is because I know you’ll come no matter what. But what are you going to do about Hayden? He can’t come. No kids allowed. The men at Sap and Spile take the business of maple sugaring very seriously.”
    â€œLet me worry about Hayden,” I said, hoping my father