Terry Odell - Mapleton 01 - Deadly Secrets Read Free Page A

guess that’s my cue,” Justin said, heading for the kitchen.
    The second paramedic intercepted him, a gentle hand on his shoulder. “She’s in good hands,” he said. “She’s known Davey since he was a baby. He loves her like family.”
    Justin stared into the cool blue eyes of the paramedic. “To me, she is family.” He shrugged away.
    Justin arranged glasses and the pitcher of lemonade on one of Oma’s serving trays. As he peeled the plastic off the platter of cookies, he heard the paramedic’s radio squawk. He stopped what he was doing and rushed to the living room. Davey and his partner were fitting everything into their kit, concerned expressions on their faces.
    “What’s wrong with her?” Justin asked.
    “Nothing,” Davey said. “BP is normal, pulse is strong, respirations good, lungs clear.”
    Oma gave her head an indignant shake. “As I told you.”
    “It’s another call,” the partner said. “We’ve got to go.”
    “You and Tommy can’t stay long enough for a nosh?” Oma asked. “Or Sam can put them in a bag for you.”
    “Sorry,” Davey said. “Emergency.”
    “Is she all right?” Justin asked. “Shouldn’t you take her to the hospital?”
    “I don’t think that’s necessary.” Davey patted Oma’s hand, but shifted his gaze to Justin’s grandfather. “Mr. Kretzer, make sure she calls her doctor.”
    “I’ll do it myself,” Opa shot a no-nonsense glare at Oma and levered himself from the couch.
    Justin followed the paramedics out the door, gripping the porch rail while they loaded the ambulance and sped away, lights flashing and sirens blaring. He stood there a long moment, taking slow, deep breaths. He released the wooden rail, giving it a solid whack before turning for the house.
    He spun at the sound of an approaching car. A silver Chevy Cobalt peeled into the driveway, stirring up a whirlwind of leaves and dirt. The door opened and a frantic woman raced up the porch. She rushed into the house as if he didn’t exist. “Rose! Sam!”
    “Excuse me? Ma’am!” He hurried after her.
    Still ignoring him, she beelined to the sofa where Oma sat. “Oh, Rose. Where’s Sam?” Her head swiveled as she searched the room. “The ambulance. Is it Sam?”
    Did everyone in this damn town know his grandparents? Stupid question. Not only knew them, but cared about them. The slightest incident seemed to bring them out of the woodwork. But how had this woman gotten here so fast? He cleared his throat and strode across the room.
    “Excuse me? Ma’am?” he repeated. “They’re fine. Now, would you mind telling me who you are, and what you’re doing here?”
    For the first time, she seemed aware of his presence. “I could say the same of you,” she said. She took a seat on the sofa and drew Oma into an embrace, apparently back to ignoring him.

 
###
 
    Megan inhaled Rose’s citrus scent, the familiar 47-11 perfume engulfing her in comfort. “You’re okay? Sam, too?” Feeling Rose tense beneath her arms, she eased up on the bear hug.
    Rose pushed away, squinting at her. “Meggie? Is that you?” She twisted toward the kitchen. “Sam! Come out here. Little Meggie’s home.” She returned her gaze to Megan. “Have you eaten?”
    Megan smiled at the familiar greeting. Usually uttered before “Hello.”
    Sam shuffled through the doorway, adjusting his glasses. “ Mein Gott , Meggie doll. It is you.”
    Tears sprang to Megan’s eyes and she blinked them away. When had Sam gotten so old ? Where was the spring in his step? Rose, too. When she’d hugged her, Megan had been afraid she might crack one of Rose’s ribs. Guilt washed over her. No job was worth abandoning the ones you loved. She jumped up and rushed over to hug Sam. “I wanted to surprise you.” No need to mention it had taken a call from Angie to get her here.
    “This calls for a celebration,” Rose said. “Meggie and Justin. Both home together.”
    Megan studied the man in the room. If he was Justin,