Amy Phipps - Amanda Blakemore 01 - A Bazaar Murder by Amy Phipps Page A

taking a seat next to her on the couch.
    “I don't know. I never got to trace the money trail before she tossed me out. Adam said he would find out and get my job back but nothing ever came of it.” Wiping her eyes she grabbed Amanda hands and pleaded. “I swear I never took a dime of the Hardy's money and I didn't murder Florence. You have to believe me.”  Connie pleaded.
    Amanda looked into her eyes and saw the hurt of being betrayed by her friend. Deep down she knew that Connie Marks didn't kill Florence.
    “I believe you.” Amanda hugged her tight thinking if Connie didn't do it than who did?
 

             
     
    Chapter 10
     
    Amanda awoke the next morning with bright yellow eyes staring at her. Ghost was perched on her pillow taking almost all of it as his own. Slowly she rubbed her eyes after, of course rubbing his head first, which started his engine purring making her smile. Laughing as she got up out of bed “You can have my pillow. I've got to take a shower.” He meowed his contentment with her decision as he stretched out to cover the entire pillow.
    The entire time she was getting ready for her day she continued to have the same feeling as yesterday that she was forgetting something. Her room was still a mess with paint cans and supplies scattered around the room. Taking even longer to find her shoes because they seemed to have disappeared in all the mess.
    She heard the loud clicking noise of Twinkies paws coming up the steps. He pushed the door open with his nose and snorted. Amanda was on her hands and knees reaching for her shoes from under her bed. Raising her head Twinkie decided to cover her face with sloppy dog kisses. “You only love me for my Twinkies.” She laughed rubbing him behind his ears. “How about we grab something to eat, and then I got a surprise for you.” She said pulling her shoes on and then headed downstairs.
    Margaret was in the kitchen putting bacon and eggs on plates. “Good morning.”
    “I see Dr. Winters dropped off Twinkie a little early.” Amanda mentioned taking a seat at the table.
    “Yeah, he got called in early,  with an emergency.” She handed a plate to Amanda and tossed Twinkie a piece of bacon.
    “I hope everything is all right.” She said buttering a piece of toast.
    “I'm sure everything will be fine.” Margaret sat down and started eating. “What have you got planned for today.”
    They decided the night before to take the day off from painting. “I found a bike in the garage when I was putting some of my boxes out there the other day, so I thought I would take Twinkie for a bike ride over to the park and go for a hike down by the Falls. I remember going there with Dad when I was little.”
    “Your Dad used to love the Falls and that old bike has just been collecting dust for years. So I think that's a wonderful idea. Maybe you can wear this begging monster out so he will stop packing off all our painting supplies.” She laughed tossing him another piece of bacon.
    “I can't find my black tennis shoes. I think he ate them.” Shaking her head at the dog. “If you did eat them I wouldn't want to be you when they decide to come out.” Twinkie whined and licked his lips.
    “Let's go!” She laughed as she grabbed the leash and her jacket then headed for the front door.
    The weather was wonderful the sun was shinning it was still cool but she could feel spring trying to surface. As they made their way throughout town, people waved and Twinkie stopped here and there to sniff at some trees. They moved slowly to enjoy the air and sunshine.
    Parking her bike next to a large oak tree she grabbed her bottle of water out of the basket. Taking a drink she surveyed the park. There was an area set up with picnic tables and benches over looking the lake. She could see the Falls in the distance, feel the damp cool breeze blowing against her cheeks. Remembering a time when she and her dad would camp here. She hasn't thought of those times