Read Diane Greenwood Muir - Bellingwood 05 - Life Between the Lines for Free Online Page B

had stolen a priceless vase and large amount of cash when they were stationed in Iraq. Two others from their unit were also looking for the vase and money and had killed Harry Bern, who had just begun working as the custodian at Sycamore House. When Polly discovered the vase in the hay loft, Eliseo had come to her rescue when the two former soldiers tried to steal it from her. Just as she and Eliseo were getting the two men under control, Ken Wallers and his team arrived on the scene and ensured everyone was safely dealt with.
    The two men shook hands and Ken asked, “How is that old place coming along? Are you getting it fixed up?”
    “I’m nearly finished,” Eliseo said. “Henry asked his friend, Len Specek, to help me with the cupboards in the kitchen. Once those go in, that room will be done.”
    Eliseo was living in the house Harry Bern had been renting. The landlord had agreed to let him live there rent free for a year. In return, Eliseo provided the labor to renovate the home which had been torn to pieces by the two men who were searching for the vase and cash. To Polly, the mess seemed daunting, but Eliseo had dug in and was creating a nice home for himself.
    “It’s good to see you,” Ken said and left the office.
    Eliseo took the vacated seat and turned worried eyes toward Polly. “What’s going on?”
    “I don’t know. I found it when I came down this morning.” She shook her head. “You haven’t seen any other signs of vandalism around here, have you?”
    “No.” He thought for a moment and then repeated himself, “No. I haven’t seen anything. When can I clean it up?”
    “Ken is returning with a camera and then we can do whatever we want. I’ve already talked to Henry. He wants you to call him before you start.”
    “The kids are going to be here in a little bit. Do you still want to go out riding?”
    “I hate to take that away from them and I’d hate for Demi to be left home because I’m feeling sorry for myself.” She looked down at the desk and then back up at him. “The vandals won’t come back during the day, will they?”
    “Polly, anyone who does something like this relies on the cover of darkness. They’re cowards. If you want to go riding with us, you should. Let Demi carry you for a while. This has been a tough couple of days for you.”
    “I didn’t get to the barn yesterday.”
    “That’s okay, but those beasts have a lot to give you when things are falling apart. Come on. Let’s head down.”
    “You’re right. Ken doesn’t need me.” She stood up and took a deep breath, releasing it through her nose. “I’m ready.”
    They walked through the building and out the side door into the covered walkway. There were only two guests in this addition, but it felt good to have the rooms used. Polly couldn’t believe she was really an innkeeper. All of those years she’d spent in college and working as a librarian in Boston had prepared her for quite a bit, but not for this.
    She put her hand on Eliseo’s back. “I don’t tell you thank you enough for all you do here. I really appreciate you.”
    “I appreciate the work, Polly.”
    She stopped him and pulled him into a hug. “No, really. I’m so glad you are here.”
    He stiffened and then hugged her back. “I am too. You’ve given me a pretty wonderful life.”
    She released him and they left the covered walkway and headed for the barn. “I’ve given you a job. You’ve made a life here. I don’t know how you get everything done. Lydia told me a couple of weeks ago that Mrs. Mulberry said you cleaned out her pond and then you promised to clean her gutters before winter.”
    “She’s a nice lady. She feeds me pie. Each time I see her, she has pie for me. I have to work like this or I wouldn’t be able to walk!”
    They were laughing as they opened the doors to the barn.
    “Good morning, everyone,” Polly called. She heard movement and watched as the horses came to life. Nan’s head was first out of