Free A Crossword to Die For by Nero Blanc

Belle’s knee a gentle pat. After another pause, she resumed her tale. “… aside from waiting for the realtor to find a buyer for Father’s condo, the only unfinished business is reconnecting with this Woody character—Horace Llewellen. I assume he’ll want to obtain the purchase papers to Wooden Shoe .”
    â€œNot having any papers doesn’t seemed to have slowed him down for the last four years. Maybe the yacht broker was right in suggesting that Woody and your dad completed another type of transfer transaction. It’s easy enough for me to check that with the Coast Guard and the state of Florida. Certainly seems simpler than chasing Woody down.”
    â€œMmmm …” Belle nodded as Rosco sped down Route 93, following the signs for THE CAPE . “I hadn’t considered that possibility. I guess that’s why Woody didn’t mention the boat when he stopped by … Unless he was too shocked by Father’s death to think clearly.”
    â€œMy supposition—without ever having met your dad—is that he was too fastidious a person to leave loose ends behind.”
    â€œHe didn’t know he was going to die, Rosco.”
    â€œThat’s true … But I don’t imagine he would have been comfortable with someone other than himself piloting an expensive boat—without having previously relinquished all claims to ownership. For one thing, there’s a matter of insurance: in particular, liability insurance. If anyone sustained a serious injury—”
    Belle interrupted. “You’re right. I never considered that. Father was definitely not a casual person. So, I guess I’ve seen the last of Mr. Horace Llewellen …” She turned pensive, and her spine sagged as though in regret, then straightened again as she returned the memory to the unknown and mysterious past where it belonged. “How’s your new case going?” she finally said.
    â€œA mess,” was Rosco’s tight-lipped reply. “How I ever got into investigating maritime fraud is beyond me. I don’t even like boats.”
    Belle smiled at him. “Except this Mr. Tommy Lipton’s … and the one we were married on.”
    Rosco raised his eyebrows but didn’t speak.
    â€œYou didn’t turn remotely green, and you know it! In fact, I think you secretly loved being at sea … Starting today, I’m going to begin angling for a vacation on a cruise ship. The Caribbean … the Mediterranean—”
    â€œIt sounds to me as though you missed your chance for foreign travel when you were in Sanibel—”
    â€œWith you, dopey!” Belle laughed again while Rosco’s tone grew serious again.
    â€œI should have gone to Florida with you, Belle …”
    â€œIt’s okay, Rosco. It is; But you can fly down with me when we sell the apartment, how’s that?”
    â€œI missed you, that’s all.”
    â€œI missed you, too,” was her peaceful response.
    The phone was ringing as Belle stepped through their front door. Simultaneously, Kit started in on her signature combination bark-and-joy-filled whimper, and a Global Delivery truck pulled into the drive. Belle reached for the phone while tousling Kit’s velvety brown ears; and Rosco stepped back outside to receive the shipment from Florida. When he returned, he saw Belle rolling her eyes while mouthing “Sara” and continuing to stroke the delighted Kit.
    â€œNo, the flight wasn’t delayed, Sara. It was just that the traffic—well, you know Boston—I don’t think they’re ever going to finish that darn roadway … Of course, he picked me up in his Jeep … No, it’s a good car, Sara, it is … I know. I know … But Rosco wouldn’t drive it if he didn’t believe … Yes, I know high speeds can—”
    Cut off again by the emphatic—some might say, bossy—older woman, Belle