Free CnC 4 A Harvest of Bones by Yasmine Galenorn Page B

happens.”
    He pulled out a bandana from his back pocket and wiped his nose. The chill air was making it run. “What do you want to do about dinner tonight?”
    “I’ll pick up some takeout on the way home,” I called over my shoulder as I hurried down the drive, back to my yard where I climbed into my Mountaineer.
    As I put the car into reverse and pulled out of the driveway I could see Randa, out on the roof, staring over the railing I’d had installed when we first moved in so she could sky-watch the night away in safety. She lifted one hand in half-salute when I blew a kiss at her, looking forlorn. As I tooled off down the street, I murmured a quiet prayer to the universe. The only thing I really wanted for my birthday was a little extra time so I could devote it to everybody who needed my attention. Some days, there was never enough of me to go around.
     
     
    IN THE ALMOST three years that I’d been running the Chintz ’n China Tea Room, it had changed. Not only had I updated the paint job and the shelf liners, but I’d upgraded my tearoom furniture after a thief trashed everything that wasn’t bolted down during a major act of vandalism earlier in the year. After a brief bout with self-pity and anger, I dug in, refurbished the shop, restocked with better inventory, and installed a security alarm system.
    We were set for autumn, with displays of Brown Betty teapots and delicate porcelain pots in the shape of pumpkins and onions. The windows were filled with silk autumn leaves and elk antler sheds that Jimbo had found out in the woods. Earthen brown baskets rested, filled to the brim with tea and crackers and honey. Bobble-head jack-o’-lanterns nestled side by side with beautiful witches dangling on crescent moons. I had even managed to find long garlands of apple-shaped lights and bordered the windows with them.
    The display tables and every piece of china in the place sparkled, and my heart swelled. I loved my store and treasured both Lana and Cinnamon, who always followed through, uncomplaining. As I glanced around the room, I saw Cinnamon finishing up with Purdy Anderson, a colorful and influential member of Chiqetaw’s matronly society.
    “How are my two favorite ladies today?” I slipped up to the counter next to Purdy, who patted my arm.
    “I’m so glad to see you, Emerald. You realize we miss you here, but I hope you’re enjoying your vacation.”
    I just gave her a warm smile and nodded. Purdy was a notorious gossip and I knew better than to say anything I didn’t want spread all over town. She picked up her shopping bags and wandered out of the store. Cinnamon sighed and rubbed her head.
    “Hey, Emerald. Things are fine, before you ask. The weekend’s been busy. A lot of foot traffic and a lot of sales. The weather seems to be driving people indoors.”
    I glanced in the tearoom. Maeve was waiting for me at a table in the corner. The rest of the alcove was packed.
    “That’s good news. We can always use the extra money. Looks nice in here, by the way. I’m going to go chat with Maeve for a bit. Cinnamon? Is something wrong?” I saw the sparkle of a tear in one eye and she looked strained, like she’d been holding her breath. “What’s going on?”
    She sniffed, then blew her nose with a tissue. “Oh, Emerald, I just found out that my boyfriend is getting out of jail early.”
    I blinked, not certain what to say. Her boyfriend was a rock-bottom jerk who had managed to get himself tossed in the slammer several times. My opinion of him was about as low as it could get. The man had three children to take care of, yet he had decided the best way to do that was to rob a convenience store. When Cinnamon first came to work for me, he was on trial and I’d wanted to go over to the jail and smack him upside the head.
    Cinnamon lived with her mother, who watched her babies while she worked her butt off for me and went to night school to get her degree in accounting. I just wished the girl