Unraveled by Maggie Sefton Page A

Lizzie said, her smile showing her dimple.
    Kelly couldn’t help noticing that Lizzie’s color was heightened, her normally rosy cheeks even rosier.
    “I take it you’re working on your book, right, Eustace?” Kelly asked. “Have you conducted any more interviews?”
    Eustace looked up at Kelly, his round face spreading with a smile. “Goodness, yes. I interviewed four gentlemen this week and have four more scheduled for next week. Oh, and while I remember, let me take down your clients’ names and phone numbers. I plan to call them for appointments, too.”
    Kelly settled back in the wooden chair, feeling strange because she didn’t have her knitting with her. Usually when she sat in these chairs, she was knitting with her friends or simply by herself, relaxing in the shop’s tranquil environment.
    “Of course. I’ll give both Housemann and Warner a heads-up that you may be calling. That way you’ll get past the receptionist.” She then recited the phone numbers for both men while Eustace scribbled them down in his notebook. It was larger than Peterson’s, Kelly noticed.
    “He’s been in Greeley and Loveland in addition to Fort Connor,” Lizzie affirmed, her bright blue eyes alight.
    “Whom did you interview in Greeley? Macafée? He’s a nice guy and has been able to stay in business through this whole downturn.”
    “As a matter of fact, I did speak with him. It turns out he and I share some distant relatives in Oklahoma and Texas.” Eustace chuckled. “He was also more than forthcoming about some of the, uh, outlaws in the business. Several have been driven out, but others have thrived, according to Macafée.”
    “I’ve met him at a couple of those large developer meetings. He seems to know everybody in the real estate and development world here in northern Colorado,” Kelly said.
    “He was a great source of information. And, thanks to Curt’s influence, I’ve made appointments with several energy developers as well.”
    Eustace removed his rimless glasses and started cleaning them with his white shirt. Kelly had observed Eustace always wore a dress shirt with cuff links. Even when he was at Jayleen’s barbeque. An old-fashioned gentleman.
    “Everyone I’ve spoken to so far has been so very cooperative,” Eustace continued. “They’ve found time in their schedules for me to interview them. Some have even taken me out to see their properties, which provided me a chance to take pictures.” Eustace picked up the larger spiral-bound notebook beside his laptop. “I take copious notes. They’ve all been most forthcoming.”
    Lizzie looked at Eustace with what looked to Kelly to be an adoring gaze. “Yes, he’s been very busy with his book.”
    Kelly couldn’t resist. “Well, it seems Eustace hasn’t been too busy to see you, Lizzie,” she said with a smile. “I’ve noticed you two working here at the shop several times.”
    Lizzie flushed a deep rose at Kelly’s comment, dimpling both cheeks. Eustace, however, looked over at Lizzie with a fond expression on his round face. His cheeks a little pink, too, Kelly noticed. That accentuated the silver hair that ringed his head in fringe and gave Eustace a cherubic look.
    “Visiting with Lizzie is the perfect accompaniment to my day spent with hard-driving, profit-focused businessmen,” Eustace said, reaching over to pat Lizzie’s hand. “Who knew I’d find such a delightful and charming companion in the midst of a yarn shop.” He chuckled. “Life has surprises for us, doesn’t it?”
    “Indeed, so, Eustace,” Kelly agreed, unable to miss his use of the word “companion.” Kelly noticed Lizzie hadn’t missed it, either. Her adoring expression turned more rapturous. Life definitely held surprises, and Kelly was glad a good one landed in the lap of such a sweet spinster and retired schoolteacher.
    She was about to add something when Burt entered the room. “All right, everyone. It’s five minutes to closing time tonight. If