Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 90472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
“I’m good, Sally, everything is good, no need for worries,” my dad assured her while I kept my smile to myself.
My mom smiled. “I’m so glad to hear that.”
“Sit and enjoy breakfast with Pepper and Ian. I will talk with you later,” my dad said and gave Ian a nod which he returned.
It was nice my dad entrusted Ian to stay and see that all remained good, but even after all the years of marriage, my dad underestimated his wife.
“In a moment, dear,” my mom said sweetly. “Mayor Barrett, Mayor Barrett,” she called out, waving him over.
And the fool walked over to her.
“Sally!” my dad warned in a whisper.
“You can go, Warren. I’m going to have a nice talk with Mayor Barrett,” my mom instructed my dad as if he were a pupil and she the teacher.
My dad turned a pleading look on me for help, and I set my smile free.
My dad shook his head and did the wise thing. He kissed my mom on the cheek, turned, and as he passed the mayor, he said, “You’re on your own.”
“Mrs. Madison, you look lovely as ever,” Mayor Barrett said with a huge smile and didn’t bother to notice how quiet the diner had turned.
“How kind of you, Mayor,” my mom said, smiling. “I am sure everyone enjoyed your interview with Gail this morning. It held me captivated.”
The mayor’s grin grew, and he nodded his thanks, the fool never realizing what was coming.
“But I must say, James, your father would have been very disappointed in you for blaming one of his officers of failure on a case that all the officers on the force at that time worked so diligently to solve. Your father never berated his officers in front of anyone. He was always proud of them, defended them, worked beside them with pride. He was not only a good sheriff, but a decent and kind man.”
The mayor’s mouth hung open, staring at my mom.
“And I believe the people of Willow Lake want the same from you as their mayor,” my mom said.
The diner broke out in applause.
“Run for mayor, Sally,” someone called out.
And a chorus of “I’ll vote for you,” rang out.
My mom smiled and raised her hand to quiet everyone. “I appreciate the trust and support, but I’m sure Mayor Barrett will do right by those in his sheriff’s department from now on. Won’t you, Mayor?”
Mayor Barrett scanned the waiting faces and quickly said, “Of course, Mrs. Madison, and my dad would be pleased you reminded me of his good character.”
My mom laid her hand on the mayor’s arm. “Then make sure that you make him proud so I don’t have to run for mayor and win.”
I never saw anyone look so relieved to hear his cell phone ring.
“I have to take this. Good seeing everyone,” Mayor Barrett called out and waved as he sped out of the diner with lightning speed.
Another round of applause followed, and my mom sat.
“I think he’ll do the right thing now,” she said, “though I don’t think your dad will be happy about me saying I would run for mayor.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” Zelda said. “And breakfast is on me, Sally, and don’t bother to argue. You filled the whole place this morning and more will be coming in to hear about the incident firsthand.”
“That was remarkable, Mrs. Madison,” Ian said. “I have never seen someone handle themselves as well as you did under such difficult circumstances. You should run for mayor.”
My mom was right. My dad was not going to be happy when he heard that.
“Enough of all that nasty stuff, let’s enjoy breakfast,” my mom said, never one to dwell on the negative. “Have you been to Yesterday’s Treasures, the secondhand shop that opened on Main Street a few weeks ago?”
“Not yet,” I said.
“I enjoy secondhand shops,” Ian said. “I’ve found some great books in such shops.”
“I love book hunting,” my mom said. “I was also thinking that with you cleaning out the attic you may want to take some things you don’t want there. Some items Kate purchases outright and others she takes on consignment.”
Of course, my mom was already on a first name basis with the owner.
“I don’t know if I could bear getting rid of any of my aunt Effie’s things,” I admitted. Besides, I would worry that I missed a note or two she tucked inside something for me to find.”
“I don’t blame you. Your aunt has some beautiful things,” my mom said.
“By any chance, Mrs. Madison, would you know if Aunt Effie met Hemmingway?” Ian asked.
Perfect timing to slip that in and I was glad that he did, since I was curious.
My mom nodded. “She did meet him at a party, I believe. He was quite taken with her, but how wouldn’t he be? She was such a beauty. Anyway, I remember her telling me they were engaged in conversation for a good portion of the evening. But then your aunt knew how to stroke a man’s ego… get him talking about himself and he would think you the most wonderful woman in the world, never realizing the woman was in command of the conversation. I believe he told her it was an evening he would never forget or something like that.”