Hiding From Death (A Darcy Sweet Cozy Mystery #6) by K.J. Emrick

answered.  “Darcy, promise me you’ll be safe.”
                  “I promise,” she said. 
                  He didn’t look like he believed her, but the words apparently satisfied him for now.  They laid down under the blankets, his feet playing with hers.  There would be time enough tomorrow to figure out the mystery of Izzy McIntosh.

Chapter Five
     
                  The next morning Jon woke up before Darcy and left a note for her on the table.  He promised to call her as soon as he had the photographs from the State Police, and left a very personal message about last night that had Darcy blushing again.
                  The walk into town was a brisk one, with the temperature dropping back down overnight.  Winter was supposed to be gone.  In Misty Hollow, it was settling back in.
                  Laura Lannis’ house was dark as Darcy passed by.  She didn’t want to go there again until she knew more about what had happened in Cider Hill.  She didn’t want to spook Laura…or whoever she may be.
                  Darcy had skipped breakfast at home so she could have it at the Bean There Bakery and Café instead.  A coffee and a muffin from Helen’s café was one of her favorite treats.  She saw her sister Grace inside through the window, already at the counter to order something.  Helen was working there this morning, her graying hair up in a ponytail that made her seem younger than she was.
                  The warmth inside the café was definitely welcome.  Darcy unzipped her coat as she went up to stand next to Grace.  “Hi Grace.  Good morning, Helen.”
                  “What’s good about it?” Grace snapped at her.  There was a scowl on her face.  “We’ve got stolen cars and all sorts of crime taking place in this town and the best I can do is get coffee and muffins!”
                  Darcy was surprised at her sister’s tone but Helen just smiled at Darcy and winked.  “Your sister is feeling out of sorts this morning, Darcy.  Not uncommon, I think, in women with her, um, condition.”
                  Grace put a hand to her belly and sighed, rolling her eyes.  “I’m sorry, Darcy.  I’ve been irritable all morning.  I’m not even sure why.  Poor Aaron probably thinks I hate him.”
                  From behind the counter Helen produced a folded paper bag and a styrofoam cup with steam coming out the little hole in its plastic lid.  “I’m sure Aaron understands, Grace.  Men have tolerated their wives during pregnancy since the beginning of time, because they know you’re giving them the greatest gift.  Don’t worry about him.  Kiss him when you go home tonight, tell him you love him, and you’ll see.”
                  Darcy saw the way Helen smiled as she wiped her hands on her white apron and turned to look back over her shoulder at the double swinging doors that led to the kitchen area.  Darcy smiled, too.  There was a new man in Helen’s life, a man she had hired to work here as a cook.  It was obvious there was a lot more to it than that, and Darcy was happy for Helen that she had found love again.
                  Helen saw Darcy looking at her and her cheeks colored just a little.  “Well.  What can I get you today, Darcy?”
                  “Just a coffee and a blueberry muffin, please.  Grace, do you have time to sit down and have breakfast with me here?”
                  Grace shrugged.  “Why not?  It’s not like I have anything to do back at the office except shuffle papers.”
                  The way she said it made Darcy laugh, and then Grace was laughing with her, telling her to stop it this was serious, but laughing still.  They sat with their muffins and talked for a while, and it felt good to have that time