Bones & Boxes: a Hetty Fox Cozy Mystery (Hetty Fox Cozy Mysteries Book 1) by Anna Drake

coffee, but there’s something comforting about sitting in a kitchen with a steaming cup of coffee to hand. Tea would do just as well. I’m basically happy as long as I have some sort of caffeine nearby.
    I glanced around the pleasant room. Sunshine streamed in through three large, south-facing windows. My son-in-law and I might not always agree on life or how to live it, but there was no question about his being a good provider. The home my grandchildren were growing up in was large and comfortable and well maintained. Since it was part of what was one of  the fanciest neighborhoods in Hendricksville, I assumed Tom Hubbard lived well too.
    I crossed to the table and sat. Of course, given the size of our town, the fancy neighborhood wasn’t very large. It consisted mostly of two blocks of old Victorian houses which had been refurbished, keeping their ancient charms and introducing modern comforts.
    I’d only taken a few sips of coffee, before Megan returned to the room. “Yes, he’s down for a while,” she said as she crossed to the coffee maker.
    “He’s a good boy.”
    “No argument.” She refilled her mug. “It used to take me ages to get Hugh to take naps.”
    “He’s a delightful child, too.” He was three years older than  his brother. And I had a feeling his ego was still a bit bruised with a sibling now added into his life. “Speaking of Hugh, where is he?”
    “Enjoying a play date at his friend Kevin’s house.”
    “That’s nice.”
    Megan nodded and smiled. “I know.” She joined me at the table. “So how’s Blackie coming along?”
    “Much better. He hasn’t coughed up a hairball in a week.”
    “I’m glad to hear it. Now, what’s this about wanting information on a neighbor?”
    “His name’s Tom Hubbard. Do you know him?”
    “Sure. First, he lives right across from us. And second, in a town this small, most of us know each other. Why in the world are you interested in him?”
    “It’s a long story and not very exciting.” I saw no benefit in telling Megan that I was out to catch a killer. I was fairly certain she wouldn’t approve.
    Megan shrugged. “Okay, for what it’s worth. I know he works at First Federal Bank. His wife’s name is Alice. They have two children. One is at college, the other is a high school junior, I believe. As far as I know he doesn’t beat his dog or throw wild parties. Will that do?”
    “Speaking of parties, do the neighbors seem to like him?”
    “I haven’t exactly polled them to find out.” Her eyes narrowed. “Mom, what are you up to?”
    “Nothing. I met him at Carrie Flynt’s funeral today. He made it a point to come over and introduce himself to me, pointing out that he was a neighbor of yours. I guess I wondered how he even knew about me?” Of course, I hadn’t concerned myself with that question until just now. But it was as good a lie as any.
    “That seems a bit suspicious of you,” she answered, raising an eyebrow. “As I said, it’s a small town. It could be so simple as he saw you coming here. I mean, he lives right across the street”
    “Maybe,” I said, but I remained unconvinced.
    Megan paused with her coffee cup halfway to her lips. “It’s the murder, isn’t it? Mom, you’re not doing anything foolish, are you?”
    “Oh good grief. I moved halfway across the state for your peace of mind. I feel like a fish out of water knowing so few people here. I thought you might be able to fill me in on the guy. There’s no need to make more out of this than it is.”
    Megan sighed. “I know you. Nothing is ever that simple. Besides, you know how I worry about you.”
    “I do. But I’m only in my sixties. That’s the new forty today. When I turn ninety... then you can worry about me.”
    “Right, and when you turn ninety,  you’ll tell me it’s the new fifty. I know how this works.”
     
    ***
     
    Even with a ghost hanging out there, I was glad to arrive home that day. I stuffed my coat into the closet and ran