Weaving The Web: A Cold Hollow Mystery (Cold Hollow Mysteries Book 2) by Emilie J. Howard Page B

passenger’s seat, slid into the driver’s seat, and started the engine. She had one more stop before returning home. She had to check on Robert Collins.
    The nursery was located at the beginning of town, near the farms and orchards. She took a left, drove a while down a dirt road, and came upon the house. Carla Macy was standing outside on the front porch when she arrived. She wore a lightweight jacket, muck boots, and jeans. Myrna pulled in and got out of her vehicle. She approached Carla as she descended the stairs to meet up with her. Carla said, “I didn’t expect you so soon. Our greenhouses are not operational yet.”
    Myrna shook her head. “I just came to find out how your new staff member is working out.”
    Carla giggled. “Well, first off, he had to calm me down this morning and get a stray cat out of the machine shed. Since then, he’s been working hard. I can hear the roar of the machines’ engines from inside the house, and it’s like music to my ears.”
    Myrna smiled. “The cat will be good to have around here. I’m glad to hear Robert’s working hard, which reminds me. You’ll be in need of mulch for the landscaping aspect of your business. I’ll have to get a hold of our forest ranger. If I’m not mistaken, he’s already toppling trees and shredding them for you.”
    “What’s his name? I would appreciate it, because I didn’t know how to get any delivered all the way here. I’m so used to things being easily accessible, but living here is proving to be a challenge.”
    Myrna patted her arm. “His name is Hugo Morrissey. You’ll get to meet him soon, and don’t be too put off by his gruff nature. He grunts his replies a lot, but deep down, he’s a teddy bear if he likes you. You’ll get used to this town. Just give it a chance. We’re pretty self-sufficient.”
    Carla’s eyes went wide. “I’m starting to see that.”
    They walked to the machine shed together and went inside. They noticed Robert had grease and oil stains all over his face and clothes. Myrna chuckled. “I forgot to warn you, Robert. It’s a filthy job.”
    He approached them and wiped his face down with a rag. “Now you tell me. Is there anywhere I can buy a mechanic’s outfit or something? I don’t want to keep ruining my clothes.”
    Myrna explained, “Yep. They sell them in the back of the men’s clothing store.”
    He extended his arm out over the shed. “I know you’re checking up on me, but so far, so good. I have half of the machines in good running condition, and after a bite to eat, I’ll finish the rest before three o’clock.” He glanced at Carla. “I should be able to help in the greenhouses a lot sooner than next week. I wanted to ask you if you grew herbs for cooking.”
    Carla smiled. “Of course I do! They are essential when growing vegetables. Do you cook?”
    Robert stepped back. “Do I cook? I could be the top chef in America if I set my mind to it.”
    Myrna moaned, “Perhaps I should have given you a job in a restaurant instead?”
    He shook his head. “I’ve seen your restaurants. I wouldn’t want to work in them. I plan on opening one of my own someday.”
    Myrna’s eyebrows arched. This guy was confident and sure of himself. She suspected as soon as his parole was over, he would buy a building and open his own restaurant. The question was, was his cooking any good? She decided to put him to the test.
    “I’ll tell you what, Robert. We’re having a big Fourth of July celebration at the town beach this year. Why don’t you set up a food stand, keep your prices low, and prove to the town you can cook. I’m sorry, but sometimes women find it hard to believe.”
    He pointed at her. “It’s a deal. I will admit, I’m lousy at baking, but cook? Oh, I’ll have people drooling just from the smell.”
    Carla peeked at Myrna and smirked. The bet was on, and the women looked forward to it. She bid them good-bye and promised Carla she would return in a few weeks. She asked