Dead Woman Crossing J.R. Adler (early reader chapter books txt) 📖

Kimberley scrunched up her face and watched him. He looked back once, but quickly turned away as soon as their eyes met. He didn’t seem like he was on a call, she thought. It looked more like an excuse to not talk to her. Wyatt had been like that with her since she arrived, and she wasn’t sure why he’d been so taciturn. He almost seemed to be going out of his way to avoid her. Kimberley shook her head and walked toward the cottage, hoping she’d get answers out of Emily at dinner.

19

Dressed in dark blue jeans and a black top, Kimberley walked up the steps of the oversized farmhouse. She considered going right in like she was family, and she basically was, but she didn’t feel that way yet. Emily had been welcoming, but Wyatt’s coldness made her wary. Instead, she knocked on the screen door. It was old and wobbly, so it banged against the door frame louder than she had intended.

“Come in,” Emily yelled from inside.

Kimberley hesitated for a moment as she hadn’t been in the home yet, which she found odd. After all, she’d been living on the property for nearly a week. But she did as Emily asked and walked into the farmhouse. Inside, a large wooden staircase went to the upstairs, with a hallway beside it heading back into the home. Kimberley peeked her head to the right where there was a large front room with a couple of couches and chairs all set around a wide coffee table. The design was simple, mostly whites and blues with tan hardwood walls and floors, which appeared to be original to the home’s creation. Very stylish for a simple farmhouse. To the left was the living room. It looked similar to the front room, except all the furniture was facing a large-screen television in the far corner. She slipped off her shoes.

Jack and Tom came thundering down the stairs, little Jack two steps behind Tom. They were all smiles, dressed in pajamas and slippers.

“Hi, Aunt Kimberley,” Tom said as he reached the bottom of the stairs.

Kimberley’s eyes went wide hearing the word “Aunt” in front of her name. Emily must have told the boys to call her that.

“Aunt Kimberley, when is Jessica gonna be strong enough to stay home on the farm with us?” Jack asked, still coming down the stairs.

Tom ran to her, wrapping his arms around her waist for a hug. Jack joined in the hug as soon as his feet hit the landing. It was unexpected. Kimberley patted the boys back.

“Just a few years, and then I’m sure she’ll be too strong for daycare,” Kimberley said with a smile as they pulled away.

Emily peaked her head out from down the hallway. “You two be good for Grandma,” she warned.

“We’re always good,” Tom said with a grin.

“Yeah, Mommy. I’m gooder than Tom,” Jack said.

“No, I am.”

“No, me.”

“Neither of you are being good right now. Now get over to your grandma’s. She’s expecting you.” Emily shooed them off.

“Bye, Mom. Bye, Aunt Kimberley,” Tom said, throwing open the screen door and running down the steps of the porch.

“Bye, Mommy. Bye, Aunt Kimberley.” Jack took off after him.

“Thank goodness they’re gone,” Emily said with a smile. “Come on.” She beckoned with her hand, disappearing back into the kitchen.

Kimberley walked down the hallway, following the strong, aromatic smell of pepper and garlic. The hallway led right into the kitchen and dining room, appearing to be the only thing that had been updated in the home. It was large and spacious, with a white-tile backsplash above the wooden countertops. An island sat in the middle and a rectangle table large enough to seat ten was placed in the center of the open-concept dining room and kitchen.

Emily stood at the island counter, a floral apron wrapped around her. Her hair was tied back, and her lips were pink and had a sheen, like she had just applied lip gloss. She smiled widely at Kimberley and walked around the counter to give her a hug.

“I’m glad we could do this,” Emily said, embracing Kimberley’s stiff body.

She wasn’t used to people hugging her, and it caught her off guard. But she still managed to give a sort of half hug, half pat on the back.

“Let me get you a drink.” Emily walked to a cupboard next to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of red wine. “You like merlot?”

“I’m not picky,” Kimberley said, looking around the kitchen.

There were already two place settings at the table, and she knew dinner was almost ready. She could smell it as soon as she walked in. She wasn’t sure what Emily had cooked, but whatever it was, she was sure it was delicious. In the little bit of time Kimberley had known Emily, she had already picked up on the fact that Emily was a perfectionist.

Emily uncorked the bottle and poured two wine glasses, emptying the bottle between the both of them.

“Here you are.” She handed the overfilled glass to Kimberley.

She took it carefully so as not to spill.

“Cheers.” Emily held her glass up. “To new friends.”

They clinked the glasses together and took a drink. Kimberley finished her sip, while Emily guzzled a third of the glass.

“Why don’t you have a seat. Food is just about ready.”

“Can I help with anything?”

“Sure, uncork another bottle of wine for the table.”

Kimberley thought she was kidding for a second, but quickly realized she wasn’t when Emily arched an eyebrow. She grabbed another bottle of wine from the cabinet, uncorked it and set it on the table. Emily opened the oven, pulling out a perfectly cooked roast surrounded by carrots, green beans, and cut-up potatoes. It looked as though it should have been photographed for a cookbook. Kimberley gave a small smile, expecting nothing less from this old-fashioned housewife.

Within ten minutes, they were sitting at the dining-room table with plates of warm food in front of them and freshly