Read In Hot Water for Free Online

you have an extra. You’ve gotten me hooked on the things. There must be ten cases of them at the firehouse.”
    “I don’t like to run out.” She took two cans of Coke from the refrigerator.
    “That stuff is addictive,” Eric commented. “Coffee’s better for you. It’s natural.”
    Stella paused a moment, as she always did when Eric spoke and someone else was present. She always expected other people to hear him too. It had never happened, but she was always surprised by it.
    When John didn’t ask who else was speaking, she went on. “I hope you have some good news for me about the cabin.”
    They both sat on the brown leather sofa that was worn as smooth as butter from years of use. It had belonged to Eric, as had the rest of the furniture in the cabin. Stella hadn’t brought any of her furniture back from Chicago when she’d decided to settle here.
    “I suppose it all depends on what you think is good news,” John said. “I was able to charge Bob Floyd with disorderly conduct. Anyone else I would’ve charged with assault on an officer too. He took a few swings at me, but that’s not gonna stick.”
    Stella digested his words. “So he owns the property?”
    “He signed the papers with the real estate company yesterday. You know the town has been trying to sell the land and the cabin. No one was sure if you were coming back from Chicago.”
    “I know. I didn’t think about it. Everyone’s told me that it’s been for sale or rent for years with no takers.”
    “He’ll have to give you ninety days to get your stuff out. You’ve got that long to buy it from him, I guess. Like I said—good news and bad news.”
    She sipped her Coke, thinking about it. “Can’t the town council change their mind about selling the property since I’m staying on as fire chief?”
    “Your guess would be as good as mine. I suppose it might be possible, but don’t forget that Nay Albert will vote with Bob. Probably the mayor will too. You might be able to win over Willy Jenkins and Danielle Peterson. That still puts you short on votes.”
    Stella thought it was possible that Mayor Wando might be willing to listen to her argument about selling her the log cabin. He liked to do whatever he could to keep the fire brigade happy. The other two council members, Willy and Danielle, might be convinced to vote her way.
    Willy Jenkins owned Beau’s Bar and Grill. They were sort of friendly. Danielle Peterson was a retired schoolteacher from Nashville who would definitely side with Stella. Her biggest problem with small-town life was a lack of services. She loved the fire brigade.
    “It’s worth a try.”
    John scanned the small cabin. “I can’t figure why you care if you stay here. I know it’s close to the firehouse, but there are newer, nicer houses just as close. Wouldn’t you rather live somewhere more modern? I’m sure the town would help you with that.”
    A cool breeze swept through the cabin, making the antler chandelier sway and papers fall to the floor from the table. There were no windows or doors open.
    “Tell him to mind his own business,” Eric said.
    “I like it here.” She ignored her roommate’s outburst of “ghostly power.” “It’s quaint, and sturdy.”
    John shrugged. “It could use something to keep the draft out. I think I’ve heard you complain about the shower always running low on hot water too.”
    “Well, a few repairs here and there.” Stella wanted to change the subject before Eric showed off again.
    “Anyway, that’s what you’re up against. You could always ask your grandfather to intervene. I’m sure he’d be able to persuade Bob to sell you the place. I don’t like to think what you’d have to promise him for the favor. Or maybe the old man asked Bob to take care of the problem for him. He’s wanted you to move into the mansion with him since you got here.”
    Stella knew she had to consider the source. John hated her grandfather. He blamed his alcoholic father’s