Weaving The Web: A Cold Hollow Mystery (Cold Hollow Mysteries Book 2) by Emilie J. Howard Page B

Street. Myrna had given him the keys to his new restaurant, and he could hardly wait to check it out. He pulled up in front of it and unlocked the front door, which opened up to a rather spacious front room. It took him all of two seconds to decide this would be the main dining room. A charming fieldstone fireplace ran up one of the walls. It would come in handy in the winter months. Off to the right was a smaller room adequate for a small banquet hall. There were two bathrooms located in the hallway between the two rooms, and he found it was the perfect plan. Returning to the main room, he went in back to find a rather large kitchen area and storage room. Of course, the equipment was antiquated, but he plugged in a few things and found some of it was still in satisfactory condition to save, though the stove and refrigerator would not do. He pulled a pad from his back pocket and began writing down notes. If he threw enough business at the furniture store manager, he was sure the man would break a leg to get Robert what he wanted when he wanted it.
    He went one step further and inspected the ventilation system and smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, chimney, and all of the items the inspectors would check before he could open for business. If he wasn’t mistaken, it was as though the ventilation system had recently been cleaned and the fans degreased. As he walked from room to room, he smiled. The rooms were a bit dark for his liking, but with new light fixtures and some paint on the walls, the place would come to life. He would also have a music system wired in, because he just could not go without it, not to mention the diners would appreciate some soft music playing as they dined.
    As soon as the clock struck nine, Robert crossed the street and went to the furniture store. The manager was at the back, taking off his suit coat, and smiled at Robert. “What can I do for you today?”
    Robert smiled back. “A lot, so buckle up.” He watched the manager rub his hands together and pull out some books as Robert displayed his lists.
     
    ***
     
    Myrna sat at her desk as more chairs were brought in to accommodate the town financial meeting. Chief Hanover sat across from her, rolling a toothpick around in his mouth. Her lips twitched from restraining laughter. “You ate somewhere, didn’t you?”
    He displayed a sly grin. “Yep, I got a fine routine down. I knock on the back door of Robert’s cabin for supper every night. Sometimes I even bring something home for the little lady.”
    Myrna laughed. “So you come to my place for breakfast and lunch, then off to Robert’s for supper?” She knew Robert had not even opened his restaurant yet, but was testing recipes and wanted to make a good impression with the chief.
    He wore a crooked grin. “Life is good, Myrna. Life is goddamned good. Now I only have to tolerate my wife’s cooking two days a week when you guys are closed.”
    She guffawed as the rest of those attending the meeting arrived with files under their arms and took their seats. Artie Lavoie tripped over his own feet and almost dropped his files, but he managed to right himself in time. He was wearing his usual thick glasses, and his eyes appeared positively bulbous behind the lenses. He sat beside his girlfriend, Amanda Borges, smiled, and asked, “What’s so funny, Myrna?”
    Myrna pointed at the chief. “He’s in heaven. Can you believe it? The town curmudgeon is finally happy.”
    Artie leaned forward and squinted at the chief. “You are?”
    The chief snapped back, “Artie, why don’t you get laser surgery to correct your vision so I don’t have to look at your massive bug eyes anymore!”
    Artie sat back, shrugged, and turned back to Myrna. “Well, his mood is certainly unpredictable.”
    Amanda and Myrna were giggling as they opened their individual folders and began the meeting. Hugo Morrissey, the park ranger, was supposed to be there, but he was usually a few minutes late for these things