Murder in the Milk Case Read Online Free Page B

she was a moody fifteen-year-old, using up her daily store of friendly conversation on the telephone with Julie Snyder, Lee Ann’s daughter.
    Sam watched everyone with bright eyes, distracted from planning Hammie’s funeral. I was sure her active mind was already mulling over all the possible reasons for her mother’s sudden notoriety. She slipped a chubby hand into mine and put her mouth next to my ear. “Mommy, what is he talking about?”
    Before I could answer, the back door opened again and in walked Max. His black hair, graying slightly at his temples, ruffled from the wind, gave him the casual appearance of a wealthy man just in from yachting—something his mother implied he’d do on a regular basis if it weren’t for me. As far as she was concerned, I was too much of a redneck and too young to be a good wife for Max.
    He put a small plastic bag on the counter.
    Sammie ran to him. “Daddy! We’re going to have a funeral!”
    “Dad, did you hear the cool news about Mom?” Tommy said.
    Karen just stared at all of us in turn with her mouth quirked in a slight sneer.
    Max fielded the questions and a physical assault on his knees by Sammie with his usual aplomb.
    “That’s why I’m home early.” He picked Sammie up and hugged her.
    “What about Mommy?” she asked.
    “Your mommy is the best,” Max said, kissing Sammie’s cheek.
    “Dad, did you hear about the—” Tommy began.
    “I heard.” Max looked at me. “Did you start dinner yet, honey?”
    “You mean you want to eat tonight?” I joked while I tried to remember what was in the freezer.
    Tommy’s body vibrated with the energy only teenage boys emanate. “Yeah, but did you—”
    “Why don’t all of you decide what kind of pizza you’d like, call in the order, and go pick it up?” Over Sammie’s head, Max put his finger to his lips. Tommy’s eyes widened, and he nodded. Max wanted to wait to tell Sammie about her mother’s misadventures. He kissed Sam’s cheek and put her down. Then he pulled out his wallet and handed Tommy some twenties. “Let’s talk about everything when you get home. Oh, and grab Charlie, too. He’s probably watching television.”
    “I don’t want to go,” Karen grumbled.
    Max fixed her with a level stare. “Go anyway.”
    As the kids trooped from the kitchen, I met Max’s gaze. He closed the distance between us before I could blink, reached for my hands, and lifted me to my feet, enclosing me in a hug. The lingering crisp scent of the aftershave he’d put on that morning smelled good. For a moment, I tried to forget everything but the feel of his body against mine and his arms wrapped tightly around me.
    “There is something to be said for the old days when a man could lock his wife away for safekeeping,” he murmured in my hair.
    “Very funny,” I said into his shirt.
    “I brought you something.” He backed up, smiled, and went back to the counter for the bag, pulled out a little box, and handed it to me with a kiss. “I was saving this for Easter, but I know this was a hard day, so I want you to have it now.”
    I opened the box and found a tiny gold cross on a braided gold chain. “Oh, Max, it’s beautiful.” I blinked back tears.
    “It’s to remind you of our first date.”
    We had our first date after church on Easter Sunday.
    “Thank you, honey,” I whispered. I pulled the delicate necklace from the box, thinking how much I didn’t deserve the gift.
    He helped me put it on. I turned around so he could see it. Then I looked up at him.
    Worry creased the brows above his green eyes. “I sent all the kids away so we could talk. Are you sure you’re okay?”
    “Yes.” I tried to ignore the feeling of apprehension in my stomach. Now that Jim Bob was dead, did I really have to say anything? Perhaps the past could stay in the past. I wrapped my arms around Max again and lifted my face. He kissed me, an activity that I usually enjoy more than just about anything else in the world. I almost