By the Book (A Gracie Andersen Mystery 2) Read Online Free Page A

properties for her. Terry was renting the cottage from Alice Harris, so maybe there’ll be some insurance to help.”
    “Don’t count on the insurance, but, if I know Mrs. Minders, she’ll have a replacement house in no time.”
    Gracie laughed in agreement. Her intrepid pastor’s wife was known to perform a miracle or two when it came to taking care of people.
    “Let’s go in the house and get warm.” She stomped her feet for warmth and hugged herself.
    “Fine by me. I’m glad I’ll be off the roads tonight. There’s another storm coming in off Lake Erie.”
    Wyoming County lay in the snowbelt of Western New York and enjoyed lake effect snow from both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, depending on which way the winds decided to blow.
    “Just great. I think I’ll send Cheryl and Marian home early. Go on in the house, and I’ll tell them to finish up and leave in the next hour.”
     
    The house smelled delicious and homey. Gracie had thrown a beef stew together in the crockpot after the kennel’s morning rush. The aroma of rich beef gravy made her stomach growl.
    Marc had one more report for Terry to sign, and they spoke in low tones in the living room, while Gracie adjusted the stew’s seasonings. She’d stir up some cornbread when the kennel closed, and they’d be set for the evening. Terry appeared a little better than in the morning, but the look of resignation on her face caused Gracie’s stomach to tighten. It was like Terry had no fight left and had already accepted her fate. The poor woman was alone, homeless, and had lost most of her worldly possessions. What a disaster for her! Maybe Terry had family or friends that could give her some support. None had been mentioned yet.
    "Always help your neighbor," a voice in her head admonished. "Yes, Mother," she said to herself. Where should she go from here though ?
     
     
     
     

Chapter Three
     
    The snow began in earnest after Gracie and Terry finished eating the hearty stew and cornbread. The wind picked up, howling and battering the white flakes into blinding whiteouts. Gracie could hardly see the kennel from the kitchen window when stronger gusts of wind surged. She decided to do one last bed check on her kennel guests before settling in to talk with her houseguest. Satisfied that her charges were snug and happy for the night, Gracie punched in the code for the security alarm and fought her way back to the house through the swirling snow. The wind chill was well below zero, and the warmth of the house was instant relief.
    Gracie had dug out some clothes for Terry earlier in the day. She’d come up with some sweaters and jeans. They were a little big, well, maybe a little baggy on the trimmer woman, but weren’t too bad. Gracie’s mother, Theresa Clark, had stopped by at lunch time and insisted on taking Terry to Warsaw to pick up socks, boots, shoes, and underwear. At least Terry had a few basic supplies that were her own.
    Gracie stirred hot chocolate mix into two large mugs of steaming water and carried them into the living room. A crackling fire in the fieldstone fireplace made the room toasty. Terry was watching the local news on Channel 13. There was a brief report on the fire, but no names were mentioned. Gracie saw a frown on the woman’s face as she stared at the screen.
    “Weird to see a report about yourself, isn’t it?” Gracie set the mugs on the large coffee table and sank onto the deep cushions of the sofa.
    “Kind of, I guess. I’m just glad no names were mentioned. I really don’t like the attention.”
    “I understand. Of course, you’re a celebrity in Deer Creek now.”
    “I was hoping to be just the quiet librarian and enjoy small town life here.”
    “That probably won’t happen for a while.”
    The conversation turned to the details of the fire and what was lost. She’d had the presence of mind to grab her purse, so Terry had her wallet and cell phone. Her laptop had been in the car and that was OK.
    “How’s Alice