Pecan Pies and Homicides by Ellery Adams

dishonest, and if this man were Pinocchio, a dozen birds would be perched along the length of his nose!”
    â€œI’m going to call Eira’s friend Jenny in a little while. I don’t know if her coffee shop is open on Sundays, but I have to contact her. I bet she’s heard all the dirt on Robert Morgan.”
    Verena wished her luck and then hung up, no doubt eager to get her hands on a tray full of warm cinnamon rolls. Ella Mae poured herself some coffee and began to fry bacon strips. While the bacon was sizzling, she opened her laptop and looked up coffee shops in Oak Knoll. There was only one. It was called Lulu’s Lattes and was open seven days a week.
    â€œA man could get used to waking up to this,” Hugh said when he came into the kitchen. “You, looking beautiful, and bacon.”
    Ella Mae glanced down at her bathrobe and laughed. “You don’t have very high standards, do you?”
    â€œThe highest.” Hugh crossed the room and kissed her. The kiss was light, but Ella Mae felt a spark of heat against her lips. She pulled away, ostensibly to save the bacon from burning. Cracking eggs into a bowl, she asked Hugh to pour two glasses of orange juice and set the table.
    â€œI thought I felt the bed lurch to one side last night.” Hugh opened the refrigerator and peered inside. “Did Dante crush you?”
    â€œI couldn’t feel my legs, but he kept me warm.”
    Hugh frowned. “Hey, now. That’s my job.”
    â€œNo, your job is to find the orange juice,” she teased.
    They shared a leisurely breakfast, while watching the dogs through the window. Chewy and Dante were playing a game of tag on the lawn. They barked noisily and raced back and forth over the frost-covered grass, their exhalations drifting into the air like puffs of smoke.
    â€œI’m going to have tenants in Partridge Hill,” Ella Mae told Hugh. “I hope they all like dogs.”
    Hugh gestured at the main house with a piece of bacon. “You’re letting strangers move in? Why?”
    Ella Mae shrugged. “Mom won’t be back until spring. Maybe even later. She doesn’t want the house to sit empty in the meantime.” She made herself smile. “It’ll be nice to see lights on at Partridge Hill during the long winter nights. And the renters can help with the housework. I have enough trouble keeping my own place clean.”
    Hugh examined his empty plate. “Speaking of messes, I’d better get down to Canine to Five and take care of the one we made. If my staff sees what I left behind, you and I will be the topic of conversation at every water cooler in Havenwood on Monday.” He collected the dirty dishes and carried them to the sink. After washing everything by hand, he refilled Ella Mae’s coffee mug. “What are you doing today?”
    Ella Mae pointed at the newspaper. “After I read this, I’m going to create the menu for The Charmed Pie Shoppe booth at the winter carnival. Is the fire department sponsoring an activity again this year?”
    â€œWe’re responsible for the bonfire and the Polar Plunge. Someone usually comes close to having a heart attack after they dive into the lake, but it’s one of those events that raises tons of money so we keep doing it. I overheard your uncle saying that he has over a hundred pledges already.” Hugh put on his coat. “Is Havenwood’s mayor a good swimmer?”
    Ella Mae got up and walked him to the door. “Not really. If Uncle Buddy’s taking the plunge, you’d better be dressed in a wetsuit and have a defibrillator on hand.”
    Hugh didn’t seem concerned. “I don’t really get cold in the water. Must be my alien DNA.” He kissed her on the cheek. “After I clean up Canine to Five, I’m going to try to solve our mystery, Ella Mae. Starting today, I plan to check out every Internet site that so much as hints at our