Free Cause for Murder by Betty Sullivan La Pierre Page B

them inside the garden center. I'm sure we have enough to cover the whole front yard."
    Maryann peered into the bed and pointed to a dozen paint cans stacked against the cab. “That says interior paint. You're not going to use that for the outside, are you?"
    "No, I already have those under the porch. The paint shop next door to the garden center was going to dispose of that line of colors to make room for a new batch and the owner asked if I wanted them. Naturally, I accepted. So, if your mom wants us to paint the inside, we can do that too."
    Maryann noticed Richard attentiveness, even though he continued to unload the large rolls. She imagined he'd grasped the gist of the conversation.
    "Oh, Mom sent me out here to tell you she's making fried chicken for you guys and it will be ready in about an hour. She wants to do something to show her appreciation for all you're doing."
    Sam's eyes lit up. “Richard, did you catch that?"
    "Yeah,” he said grinning. “Makes me hungry just thinking about it."
    "Good. I'll leave you alone so you can continue. I'll let you know when the food is ready."
    "Tell your mom, thanks,” Richard said.
    Richard wanted to inform Sam about Maryann's request to keep quiet about being together over the Memorial Day weekend, but realized his monotone voice carried a great distance and he didn't want to risk Maryann overhearing. He decided to wait until they headed home.
    They wet down the soil and Sam filled the rented roller with water. It weighed about eight pounds to the gallon, making it one heavy piece of equipment. They took turns running it over the moistened ground, then worked hard laying the sod. They had about half of it down, when Maryann called from the front door.
    "Food's on."
    Sam patted Richard's shoulder and motioned toward the house. “Time to eat."
    The boys removed their heavy work gloves, brushed off their clothes and stomped on the cement sidewalk to knock off as much dirt as possible from the soles of their boots. Then they washed their hands under the hose and slipped on their tee shirts before heading for the house. When they entered the living room, they both sniffed the air.
    "Oh, man, does that smell delicious,” Sam said.
    Lilly smiled and motioned toward the table set for four. “Sit down. I'll join you as soon as I get the dinner rolls from the oven."
    "Wow, this looks like a feast,” Richard said. “We won't want to work after eating this, we'll need to take time out for a siesta."
    Maryann laughed as she pulled out a chair and sat down. “I think you're right. I'll definitely be stuffed for the rest of the day."
    "They filled their plates and ate in silence for several minutes, until Sam broke the quietness. “Mrs. Parker, this is excellent. Thank you so much."
    Richard nodded. “It's delicious."
    Lilly patted her mouth with a napkin. “Thank you, boys. I'm glad you're enjoying it."
    Sam raised his hand. “Oh, Mrs. Parker, before I forget. The paint shop next to the garden center donated some interior paint and there's plenty for several rooms. If you'd like, we can also paint the inside."
    She smiled. “Oh, my, that would be nice. But you boys are using up your vacation on my house."
    "We don't mind. In fact, we're both glad to help."
    Lilly stared at her plate for a few moments. “I guess you noticed the police were here this morning and you're probably wondering what's happening."
    Maryann dropped her fork and glanced at her mother. “Mom, I doubt the guys are interested in our private life."
    Lilly raised her head and fixed her gaze on Sam. “Your dad is a private investigator and has close contact with Detective Williams. I'm sure he knows there's a question about whether Burke died of natural causes."
    "Uh, I'm not sure what he knows,” Sam stuttered. “He doesn't confide in me about such things."
    She smiled. “Well, I just want you to be prepared while you're here, and see police officers around the house. It's nothing to worry about. They