Free Killer Run by Lynn Cahoon

to beef up his college fund.
    Waving good-bye as he left the parking lot, I glanced back at the beach to see if Darla needed help breaking down the booths. I saw her at the finish line, still handing out medals and slips with completion times. There was still a line at Lille’s booth, and a small band had set up on the beach, playing festive music. The area was crowded with people enjoying the day as well enjoying completing the event. If there hadn’t been a dead body on the path, I would have called this a successful first Mission Walk for South Cove.
    Now it was all about the cleanup. I walked over to Darla’s booth and sat with my feet up, waiting to be put to work.
    Three hours later, I was at home, my feet up on the coffee table and a book in my hand. Emma lay next to me, and her gentle snores were causing my own eyes to droop. Finally, I gave in and curled up on the couch for a short nap.
    The ringing phone woke me. I grabbed my cell. “Hello?”
    â€œCan you take me to the hospital to visit Josh?” My aunt sounded as tired as I felt.
    I sat up, stretching my free arm and yawning. “Sure. When do you want to go?”
    â€œNow, I guess. I’ll buy us dinner in Bakerstown. I’m not feeling like cooking tonight.”
    I glanced at the clock; it was almost six. “I didn’t realize they would keep him overnight for something like this.” I wanted to say the word “trivial,” but I didn’t want Aunt Jackie to drive herself so it didn’t pay to try to upset her.
    â€œIt’s not the race thing. They’re worried about his overall health. Apparently, the man is diabetic and he didn’t even know.” Jackie tsk ed over the phone. “He needs to lose weight obviously, but the man is hooked on candy. I’ve already gone over to his apartment and dumped out all the junk food. We need to stop at the store on the way back so I can restock with fresh fruit and vegetables.”
    â€œI’m sure he’ll appreciate that.” I grabbed my keys and let Emma out. I’d be back before it got too dark, but Emma liked being outside. Well, she really liked eating my sofa pillows, but I’d tried to break her of the habit by limiting her time alone with the off-limits treat.
    As I pulled away from my house, Esmeralda’s driveway was filled, and there were a few cars parked on the side of the street, as well. She had said her calendar was busy, but this was crazy. The good thing about my neighbor’s in-home business, the clientele was polite and respectful. I think they were scared of the woman’s power. No matter the reason, even with a large number of clients visiting on the weekends, I rarely noticed people coming and going unless I happened to be outside working in the front yard or running with Emma.
    Tonight, getting out of my driveway was a little tricky, as I couldn’t see around a large Ram truck parked on my side of the road. But I inched my way out, rolling down the window to try to listen for oncoming cars, and when I determined it was clear, I pulled out onto the road to South Cove.
    My phone rang as I hit town, and I answered using my in-car Bluetooth. “Hey, what’s going on?”
    Greg’s voice boomed through the car. “I’m just checking in. I’m still in Bakerstown at Doc Ames’s place. Don’t think I’ll be over tonight.”
    â€œKind of figured that. I’m taking Aunt Jackie into town to visit Josh. I guess they’re holding him over for a night. He’s diabetic.” I pulled into the parking lot behind the coffee shop.
    â€œI could have told you that and I’m not a doctor.” Greg chuckled. “But I guess it was news to Josh?”
    â€œApparently. I’m sure I’ll hear the whole story when we visit. Aunt Jackie’s already cleared out all the candy and stuff out of his apartment. I’m sure we’ll be seeing him in his