Murder Under the Covered Bridge (25 page)

“It's just that we are so blessed, Francine.”

“We truly are.”

“I never thought that at this age I'd have so many opportunities. I remember when my husband died, I thought life might be over. I still miss him, but life goes on. Thanks to your friendship, and that of Alice, Mary Ruth, Joy, and all the people who've come into our lives, I see so many good things ahead.”

“Who would have thought our Sixty Lists would have produced such a sensation?”

“It's God working in all things to bring about good. I'm sorry that the Roseville Bridge burned and that your cousin died. In some ways I almost feel responsible since we wouldn't have been there if it hadn't been for the pinup calendar on my bucket list.”

“But in the end you've touched the lives of a lot of people, Charlotte. And Mary Ruth's successes at Food Network and Joy's on
Good Morning America
have inspired a lot of seniors to try new things. Alice managed to check the séance off her list, but more importantly she's realized she needs and wants Larry back in her life. It's like a miracle.”

“Not like, it
is
a miracle. You didn't come out too bad, either. You inherited the ranch from Zed. I just hope you don't have the problem he had with people searching for treasure on the property.”

“It was Marcy's doing, but going public with the story about William's idea for merchandising the spring has put it in the category of Pluto Water, the mineral waters they sell down in French Lick. There's only so much room for those kinds of novelties, and Jonathan and I won't participate in them. I think the matter's settled. But we are going to build a new cabin there. It'll be a nice retreat for us. For all of us.”

Charlotte took a sip of tea. “What kind of tea you have made this week?”

“I'm still experimenting with some herbals I found in Zed's greenhouse. How do you like it?”

“It's nice. Has a bit of metallic taste, though.”

“Is it bad?”

“No, but don't look so surprised. It's the same taste I've mentioned every week.”

Francine demurred. “Let's change subjects. How's your knee doing? You seem to be walking better.”

“It's the funniest thing. I don't have nearly the pain I used to. My physical therapist is excited. The new exercises he found to strengthen the muscles around the artificial knee seem to be working.”

“Then let's celebrate with a piece of pie. Just a sliver. I'm sure it's cool enough to serve.”

And that's just what they did.

the end

About the Authors

Elizabeth Perona is the father/daughter writing team of Tony Perona and Liz Dombrosky. Tony is the author of the Nick Bertetto mystery series and the standalone thriller
The Final Mayan Prophecy
(with Paul Skorich) and co-editor and contributor to the anthologies
Racing Can Be Murder
and
Hoosier Hoops and Hijinks
. He is a member of Mystery Writers of America and has served the organization as a member of the Board of Directors and as Treasurer. He is also a member of Sisters in Crime.

Liz Dombrosky graduated from Ball State University in the Honors College with a degree in teaching. She is currently a
stay-at
-home mom.
Murder Under the Covered Bridge
is her second novel.