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

in years the memory was bittersweet.
    The park was deserted at this time of year. Camping is only permitted in May through September. Reaching down to release Twinkie's leash she said holding up one finger. “Now listen you can't run off so be a good boy.” He danced and whined with excitement.
    They started up the trail. Twinkie brought her a stick and she tossed it up ahead. He would grab it and bring it back, all wet and slobbery but he was having fun. The sun drifted through the trees and the fresh air helped to clear her head.
    Ethan called her last night and explained that since she and Daniel agreed on everything the divorce papers had been filed. It shouldn't take long for the divorce to be final and she could move on with her life. She felt a little sad but also a little relieved that it wouldn't take long. Starting over was scary and also a little exciting at the same time.
    Twinkie lost interest in playing fetch and started digging about twenty feet away. Snorting and tossing dirt everywhere. She decided to sit and rest on a log. There was still something bothering her about Florence Hardy's murder. It was like she was forgetting something and it was nagging in the back of her mind trying to surface. Pulling her bottle of water out of her jacket pocket she took a drink. Replaying all the evidence over and over in her mind.
    She shook her head in frustration and stood up. Amanda started to walk over to where the dog was digging, but hearing voices coming from a clearing she turned to see who it was. Adam and Molly was arguing. “I don't understand?” She whined.
    “I told you it's too soon.” He returned.
    “But I love you and I want to be with you.” She took a few steps closer to him.
    “Just give me a little more time.” He reached up and caressed the side of her face. “Once my sister gets convicted she'll be disinherited which means more money for us. Then we can get married and you can shout about our love to the world.”
    “But what about Priscilla?” She asked snaking her arms around his neck.
    “She can be controlled.” Adam shrugged lightly kissing her lips.
    “Are you sure? What about Carl he's a wild card.” Molly sounded concerned.
    “If he becomes a problem we will deal with him just like we did mother.” He smiled before leaning his head forward and kissing her. 
    “That's It!” Her brain screamed. Adam was there that day at the vet clinic. I ran right into him she thought to herself. He must have stole the phenobarbital then. I've got to get out of here. Every fiber of her being screamed. Quickly turning Amanda stepped on a large branch breaking it into with a loud snap.
    She could hear Adam's deep voice say “Did you hear that?”
    Grabbing Twinkie by the collar she gave it a jerk and demanded. “Got to Go... Now!” The fear in her voice motivated the large Saint Bernard because he turned and followed her down the trail. Running as fast as she could she fished her cell phone out of her pocket and called Nana.
    “Hello,” Came Margaret voice from the other end.
    “Nana, I know who killed Florence it was Adam and Molly and their chasing me.” Amanda's words came out breathlessly.
    “What?” Margaret screamed putting the phone on speaker.
    “Call the police!” She was gulping air with each word. “Their going to kill me!”
    “Freckles, I'm coming! I will call the police just stay on the line.” Henry demanded.
    “Okay” She huffed and began to silently pray.
    “She's at the park, Henry! Hurry!” Amanda could hear the panic in her grandmother's voice.
    Panic and fear ran through her as she heard footsteps growing closer with each step. Her lungs were burning with each breath. Finally she burst out into the bright sunlight she could see her red bike calling to her. Just a little bit farther, she told herself.
    Suddenly a large hand attached itself to her long blonde hair  pulling her backwards, causing both her and Adam to crash to the ground. She let out a loud