Free Hearty Homestyle Murder: Book 9 in The Darling Deli Series by Patti Benning Page B

coming in the house like that,” she said sternly. “I’d better go see if I can find that hose that Ben’s always using to water the plants. You’ll still be wet, but at least you won’t be muddy.”
    By the time Candice pulled up the driveway, Maverick was clean and starting to dry in the sun, and Moira was just beginning work on Keeva. The German shepherd’s ears perked up and he watched Candice’s car. She could tell the moment he realized who it was because he gave a soft whine and his tail started swishing back and forth, spraying tiny droplets of water across her front porch.
    “Thanks for letting me come and do laundry,” Candice said as she got out of the car. She reached down to pet Maverick, who had rushed over to greet her, then recoiled as she touched his fur. “Eww, why is he all wet? Did they roll in something?”
    “They were just in the stream,” she assured her daughter. “I forgot it was all muddy down there. I had to hose them off so they didn’t get the house dirty.” She released Keeva, who gave a swift shake, sending water flying in all directions before bouncing off to chase Maverick around the yard.
    Chuckling, Moira said, “I’ll put them in the backyard while they dry. You can head in and start doing your laundry, if you’d like. I made some creamy potato and bacon soup for lunch, it’ll only take me a few minutes to heat it up.”
    A few minutes later they were sitting across the table from each other with bowls of the homemade soup in front of them. The hum of the washing machine could be heard from the mudroom, and every once in a while one of the dogs, who were still too wet to come into the house, would press their nose against the kitchen window that looked out into the back yard.
    “I think they’re jealous that we’re eating without them,” Candice said as Maverick stared at them from outside.
    “They’re both a bit spoiled,” Moira admitted. “They know they get leftovers. But they’re very well behaved for the most part. Maverick is going to miss Keeva when her owner picks her up.”
    “So she called you?” her daughter asked. “It’s really the right person?”
    “Yes. She even emailed me pictures of Keeva, so I’m certain that she’s really the owner. I’m going to be very sad to see her go, but I’m glad that everything is turning out right for both Chelsea, that’s the owner, and Keeva. It sounds like she really loves her.” She had no doubt that the dog would be going back to a good home. Maybe she would think about getting a second dog of her own in the future, once things slowed down a bit at the deli. Or maybe not, she thought. I did promise Martha I would watch Diamond whenever she went away from business. That will be like having a second dog, part time. I don’t think I have the time or energy to raise a puppy right now anyway.
    “That’s good. I hope she sends you pictures once she picks Keeva up and gets her settled in back at her house. I’ve been thinking of getting a pet myself, but I don’t have the time for a dog. Maybe I’ll go with a cat. I’ll just have to come over here and visit Maverick if I want to see a dog.”
    “You know you’re welcome any time, sweetie,” Moira told her. “You can even come over if I’m not here. You know where the spare key is.”
    “I’m sure I’ll take you up on that offer eventually. So how’s stuff going at the deli? I feel like I haven’t been there in ages. I kind of miss working there sometimes and hanging out with Darrin and Dante and everyone. This soup is really good, by the way.”
    “Thanks. I need to go shopping—I was kind of running low on ingredients when I made it. And as far as how things at the deli are going… well, I told you about the graffiti on the windows, of course. Someone came back last night, but ran away as soon at the security lights came on. The cameras barely caught him, but I’m pretty sure there was a can of spray paint in his hand. I gave the