Page 5 of June's First Murder
Later that afternoon, she and her grandmother sat on the wraparound porch with iced tea, watching the sun set over the trees in the backyard. Pippi sprawled across Sara Lee's feet. Mister Smee perched on the porch railing, his enormous eyes tracking a moth with predatory interest.
They sat, both lost in their own thoughts. Lightningbugs were just starting to appear, blinking in the gathering dusk.
"What did you think about Petunia today?" Sara Lee finally asked. "She seemed really worried."
Nana June's expression grew thoughtful. "Families can bring out the best and worst in people. I imagine having Raymond here dredges up old hurts for both her and the judge."
Curiosity filled her. "Did you know him?"
"Years ago. He was about your parents' age, but not in their class. He was always such a sweet child..." Nana June paused, seeming to choose her words carefully. "But by the time he was an adult, he seemed to… struggle. Against himself, mostly. Against his brother's shadow. Some people carry bitterness like a badge of honor, and Raymond was one of those."
"Do you think he'll cause trouble?"
Her grandmother lifted her shoulders in a slight shrug, then adjusted her glasses. "I hope not. But hope isn't the same as certainty." Nana June sipped her tea. "We'll just have to wait and see."
They went inside and made a simple dinner of comfort food that tasted like every childhood evening Sara Lee could remember. They ate at the kitchen table with the windows open, listening to the crickets begin their evening chorus.
"Are you and Barb ready for tomorrow?" Nana June asked, collecting their plates.
"I think so. Barb and I have everything organized. Iced coffee, lemon bars, and a lot of caffeine to keep us going." She turned to peer at her grandmother moreclosely. “What about you? You’re not working too hard, are you?”
“My goodness, no. I know to sit down when tired, but the activity and seeing everyone will be delightful.” Nana June tilted her head. "And you’ll have lunch with Carl."
Grinning, Sara Lee nodded.
Her grandmother smiled, her whole face lighting up. "I think spending time with you would be a balm to anyone’s soul."
That night, Sara Lee lay in her upstairs bedroom. Tomorrow would be the First of June Festival. Meadowlark Creek would celebrate summer's arrival the way it had for many years. Tomorrow, she'd serve coffee with her best friend and have lunch with a sweet man who made her smile.
Tomorrow would be perfect.
She fell asleep to the sound of Mister Smee’s purring from the foot of her bed, certain that everything would be fine.
She had no way of knowing that tomorrow, everything would change.
3
SARA LEE
Sara Lee woke early to sunshine streaming through her bedroom window and Mister Smee's weight warm against her legs. The First of June Festival morning dawned bright with just a few fluffy white clouds in the brilliant blue sky. It was the kind of Virginia morning that made most people excited for the upcoming summer fun.
She quickly dressed in shorts, paired with a light blue T-shirt that Barb had given her, complete with the coffee shop logo printed on the front. She added a sweater, knowing it would be ditched as soon as she started hauling books and coffee supplies while working outdoors. Downstairs, she found Nana June already up, wearing khaki capris and a purple Meadowlark Creek Library T-shirt, her silver hair curling softly and brushed back.
“Good morning,” Sara Lee greeted, kissing her grandmother’s cheek. They sat at the kitchen table,quickly eating a simple breakfast of yogurt and fruit. Soon, they rinsed their plates and got ready to leave.
"Big day," her grandmother said, pouring coffee into a travel mug for Sara Lee.
"The biggest. Barb's been planning this for months." Sara Lee accepted the mug gratefully. "Are you ready for the book sale?"
"Everything's organized and priced. Diane called to say she’ll be there early to help finish setting up." Nana June's expression grew thoughtful. "She seemed nervous, but I assumed it was just festival jitters since she’s in charge.”
Sara Lee remembered Diane's pale face yesterday when Petunia mentioned Raymond. She almost mentioned what she noticed, then decided it was probably nothing. People get anxious before big events. Diane’s actions probably didn't mean anything.
"I'm glad I insisted that Barb’s booth be next to the library. I’ll be able to help you if needed since her mom will be there, too," Sara Lee promised. She grinned, adding, "Try not to sell all the good mysteries before I get there."
"No promises,” Nana June laughed.
Sara Lee grabbed her canvas bag and headed out into the perfect morning. She was going early since the coffee booth would be the first stop for many people. The whole town hummed with anticipation. Vendors were setting up booths in the park and along Main Street. The smell of funnel cakes and barbecue already perfumed the air, even though the festival wouldn't officially open for another two hours.
