Tomato Basil Murder: Book 7 in The Darling Deli Series Read Online Free

reaching out to shake her hand. She had known that Martha was planning on renting out rooms in her sister Emilia’s old house, and possibly even starting up a bed and breakfast at some point, but she was surprised that her friend had found her first guest so quickly. “How long are you in town for?”
    “Just a few days,” Beverly replied. “I flew in to check up on my boyfriend. I think he’s been seeing another woman. In fact, I just confirmed it.” She pursed her lips, then smiled over at Martha. “Even though this isn’t turning out to be the happiest trip in the world, staying at that gorgeous house is just so much better than staying at one of those terrible little motels on the highway. I’m so glad I found your advertisement online.”
    “And I’m happy my first guest turned out to be so pleasant,” Martha said, returning the smile. “I’ve been nervous about opening my doors up to strangers, but the house just feels too empty when I’m there alone.”
    “You’re braver than I would be,” Moira told her. “I’ve met some pretty frightening people in the past few months. I don’t think I’d be comfortable sharing a house with a stranger. No offense,” she added quickly, turning to Beverly. “You just never know what someone is really like until it’s too late.”
    “That’s very true,” Beverly said. “You never really know what someone is like on the inside.”
    “I think it’s safe to say we’ve all made the mistake of trusting someone we shouldn’t have,” the deli owner said. “All we can do is move on.”
    “Too true,” Martha said. Her eyes wandered over to the blackboard where the day’s special was written, and her gaze brightened. “Tortellini and spinach soup? That sounds delicious. Can I have one of the combos?”
    “Of course. Would you like anything, Beverly?”
    “Oh, well, I really should watch my weight…” She trailed off, clearly mentally debating with herself. “Do you have salads?”
    “We sure do,” Moira told her. “We can make just about anything you want. What are you in the mood for?”
    “Can you make a salad with kale, arugula, and spinach leaves, topped with blue cheese crumbles, dried cranberries, crushed walnuts, and some sort of vinaigrette dressing?”
    “I think we’ve got all of that. Give me just a second—I’ll go get our food. If it’s okay, I’ll join you—I haven’t eaten since about seven this morning,” she told them.
    “Of course,” Beverly said. “And no hurry, I’m completely free until later tonight. It’s wonderful to have a chance to tour such a quaint town.”
    Quaint , Moira thought, amused, as she ducked into the kitchen to get their food. She should see some of the places farther north. It was obvious the blonde woman was used to living in a much more sophisticated urban environment. I hope she enjoys what’s left of her vacation. It’s good to spend some time away from the city. We could all use a break from the hustle and bustle of out busy lives once in a while.

CHAPTER FOUR
    Her early morning routine with Maverick had changed substantially since they had moved into the apartment. There weren’t anymore long, leisurely walks down quiet residential streets since the apartment bordered a busy road and she always seemed to start the dog’s walk just in time for rush hour. Instead, she opted for a quick jog around the apartment complex, which was at least enough to get her heart rate up and to get the dog panting.
    This morning was no different from all the others; they jogged from her apartment door all the way to the office on the other side of the complex, where she said good morning to the woman working the desk and Maverick got his daily treat and pats from the staff. The sharp chlorine scent of the indoor pool filled her nostrils, and Moira promised herself that she would check it out soon. As soon as I have time, she thought. And as soon as I buy a new bathing suit.
    She walked into her apartment