Til Dirt Do Us Part (A Local Foods Mystery) Read Online Free

shoulder and started clapping. Others near her clapped, too.
    Cam turned to see what the commotion was. Jake loomed in the entrance to the tent. She stood and clapped as she crossed the tent to stand next to him.
    Jake removed his toque and bowed with a flourish as the space quieted.
    “Everybody, this is Jake Ericsson, chef at The Market, who cooked all your food tonight,” Cam said. The applause started up again.
    After a few moments, Jake held up his hand. “Please. It looks like you enjoyed your meal. We couldn’t have done it without Farmer Cam’s superb produce.” He put his right arm around her shoulders and squeezed a little too hard.
    Another round of applause started up, despite Cam’s efforts with both hands to tamp it down.
    When it subsided, Jake spoke. “For dessert”—he gestured at Ellie and Ashley, who had started delivering small plates to each diner—“we have a pumpkin-crisp cheesecake. And next time you dine at The Market, let your waitperson know you were at this event and I’ll try to get out front to say hello.” He released Cam and leaned toward her. “What’s with you and that Bobby character?” he whispered.
    “Nothing.” Cam frowned at him. “What do you mean?”
    “I saw him drooling over you. You’d better make up your mind who you want.” He turned away and began to greet the guests.
    Cam took a deep breath and let it out. The jealous streak she’d seen in Jake last spring was back. Why did life have to be so complicated? She decided she’d earned a glass of wine, and made her way to the vineyard’s table. Irene arrived at the same time. They both selected a glass of the pear dessert wine. Irene pulled her shawl closer around her. The fall of darkness had cooled the air considerably. Cam inhaled, catching the damp scent of fertile soil that rose up after sunset.
    “Wonderful event, Cameron.” Irene held her glass up. “Congratulations.”
    Cam clinked hers and thanked the older woman. “So did I understand you want to buy the Old Town Hall?”
    Irene pursed her lips. “I have made the town an offer. I can’t believe your Mr. Ames opposes the sale. Westbury needs me.” She sniffed. Gone was the sad smile and affection for small animals. The imperious Irene Burr was back.
    “Hey, great dinner, fazendeira. ” Lucinda DaSilva elbowed Cam with a smile. “Irene, how are you?”
    Irene blinked several times and replied that she was well.
    “How do you know each other?” Cam asked, looking from one to the other.
    “I clean house for her. I didn’t tell you that?” The Brazilian frowned with a smile.
    As Cam shook her head, she felt a tap on her shoulder.
    “Excuse me, Cam. We’re heading out,” Sim said. Bobby perched on the edge of the table behind her, gazing anywhere except toward Irene.
    “So soon?” Cam smiled at Sim.
    “Yeah. Hey, bring your truck down anytime,” Sim said. “I’ll take good care of it for you.”
    Irene gave a little snort and looked amused.
    “Listen, Ms. Burr.” Sim’s voice boiled. “Have you ever, ever had a problem with my work? Your Jaguar runs like a real wildcat, and it’s all my doing.”
    “You’re not a Jaguar-trained technician is my only point.” Irene raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms, the glass of wine now in the crook of her elbow.
    “It’s an engine. A foreign engine. I speak its language. That’s all I need to know. Oh, and by the way? Ever hear of computers? Anything I don’t know, I have at my fingertips.” Sim planted her feet in a wide stance and folded her arms. “If you don’t like my work, feel free to drive twenty miles down to the dealership and let them take your money.”
    Bobby pulled at Sim’s sleeve. “We gotta run. Good night, everybody.”
    Irene nodded and turned away. Sim stared after Irene. Her face was so red, Cam thought she could see flames coming from her ears.
    “I’m going to get her, one way or the other,” Sim muttered.
    As Wes walked by, he snorted. “Take a