“Don’t forget the apocalypse believers,” Roger called from the kitchen, where he assisted Anita in dishing out bowls of matzo ball soup. “Those freaks don’t care about religion. They just rant on about the end of days.”
Marla tilted her head. “You’re right, there’s a larger component to this than I’d first realized. I’ve been doing more reading on the topic. The Rapture prophecy may be a religious aspect of a greater movement. Have you heard of Preppers? They’re survivalists who believe in disaster preparedness to the extreme. Three to four million believers live in the U.S. alone. They’re afraid of everything from a natural disaster, to a worldwide flu pandemic, to economic collapse and war in the Middle East.”
“I’m not surprised after Katrina and the Asian tsunami and Superstorm Sandy,” Dalton said.
“Don’t forget the earthquake in Haiti,” Jill added. “But there will always be unpredictable events in the world.”
“True, so why not look on the bright side instead?” Dalton leaned forward. “I saw a TV show recently about genetic research regarding the flu virus. This virus needs two specific proteins to propagate. In order to produce the second one, messenger RNA goes through a process called splicing.”
“What does that mean?” Marla’s brow wrinkled. This was getting too technical for her. She supposed learning about science boosted Dalton’s crime-solving skills.
“During splicing, two ends of the long molecule join together, while the intervening segment is discarded. One of these splicing sites may offer an opportunity as a switch. If it can be turned off, the two sites won’t be able to come together. Thus, the virus can be stopped from spreading.”
“It sounds ingenious, but who knows how far away such a solution might be?” Marla spread her hands. “In the meantime, Preppers are training in self-defense and first aid; stockpiling survival gear, weapons, and food supplies; and are even building secret retreats and bunkers. Books, TV shows, podcasts, and blogs offer advice, same as for the Rapture movement. The bad thing is when it inspires fanaticism that hurts others.” She leaned back in her chair, having said her piece.
“In Alan Krabber’s case,” said Dalton, “his attitude was caused by a woman who jilted him. And learning he’d had a son who was raised by another man must have added fuel to the fire.”
“What’s happening with Ethan and the windows?” Marla asked.
“Based on the information I provided, Gene is threatening a class-action lawsuit unless Ethan works with Beamis to replace the faulty parts. I think Ethan will probably settle. It’ll cost him less for replacements than for attorney fees.”
“What’s going to happen to this community regarding the archaeological study, Dad?” Brianna broke off a piece of matzo and bit into it.
“Ron Cloakman offered to donate a tract of land in one corner for a museum to commemorate the site’s heritage. I hear that Herb is advising his tribe to accept the proposal.”
“It’s a reasonable offer, and one that respects each party.” Marla hoped both sides accepted this solution so building could resume. She bent her head, ignoring the pang in her neck. “It’s terrible that Cherry had to die because Angela was afraid she might give away her role in the ministry.”
“At least Cherry’s kids won’t find out how their mother fictionalized her research sources at the university. That’ll be kept under wraps.” Dalton leaned back as Charlene, who’d risen to help, started serving the soup course.
Marla gave a nod of gratitude to her sister-in-law. Used to being on the move, this lack of mobility frustrated her.
“Who threw Spooks down the pit, Marla?” Arnie asked, stroking his dark moustache. He and Jill had contributed the desserts, as promised. “Did that Indian guy do it to find more evidence of an ancestral burial ground?”
“Herb said it wasn’t him. We’re assuming Cherry dug the holes in Alan’s yard, looking for more bones to submit to her lab. She must have panicked when Spooks ran back there.”
A pause in conversation ensued while everyone enjoyed Anita’s soup contribution. Marla loved her mother’s soft matzo balls.
“Your kids are growing up so fast,” she told Arnie with an affectionate smile. “Speaking of children, did I tell you guys that Tally wants me to hold a baby shower for her?” She groaned in mock distress. “I don’t have the slightest idea of what to do.”
“I’ll be glad to help,” Kate said with a broad grin as tiny crinkles appeared beside her hazel eyes. She exchanged a bemused glance with Marla’s mother.
“Count me in,” Anita said. “Maybe this will inspire you to think about babies, bubula.” She gave a conspiratorial wink at her mechutonesteh— relative through marriage—across the table.
“All right, you two.” Marla waved her spoon. “Don’t get any ideas. I like things just the way they are.”
“Hey, Dad,” Brianna said, dipping her hard-boiled egg in salt water before eating it like Marla had done. “I noticed the fence and stone pathway are gone next door.”
Dalton cast Marla a triumphant smile. “That’s right. Byrd took care of it this morning. He’s having that hole in the yard filled in as well. I believe he’s keeping the old guy’s boat, though.”
“By the way,” Marla said, “did Dalton tell you he’s been offered a new position as vice president of security at Royal Oaks?” She beamed at him with pride.
Dalton squared his shoulders. “It’s a responsibility I won’t take lightly. Never mind the security guard issue and community watch. I’m going to call for other changes as well.”
“Like what?” Marla said. Was the political animal in him surfacing again?
“For one thing, we should obtain sealed bids for all major projects, and these bids should be opened in front of the entire Board. That way, one individual can’t have the chance to make a deal on the side.”
“That sounds reasonable.”
“We should periodically check the pricing on goods and services to make sure no one is taking advantage of us. And we can require two signatures on expenses over a certain limit.”
“Hopefully, the rest of the Board members will agree with you.”
“More importantly, this neighborhood can go back to being a peaceful community.”
“Amen to that.” Marla paused, approaching a sensitive topic. “How did Detective Minnetti react to your solving the case?”
“You mean, to your solving the case? Kat and I are still adjusting to our partnership, but the road will get smoother. She isn’t quite accepting of your role yet, though.” Dalton smiled at her in the special way he had just for her.
A coil of warmth permeated her body, making her wish she was whole again. But she’d have plenty of time to show him her love and to enjoy her extended family.
“I have some advice for you. I should have mentioned it sooner. It’s valid for everyone.” Dalton’s gaze swept the company and then settled on her.
“What’s that?” She stared into his smoky gray eyes, feeling a swell of affection.
“Hereafter, vary your routine. Angela got to you because you followed the same route with the dogs every day at the same time. Be more unpredictable.”
She nodded, appreciating his wisdom and his concern. Dragging her gaze from him, Marla glanced at each person around the table. Her heart burst with joy.
Being together with her loved ones was all that mattered. Life was short, and no matter what might come around the corner, people should live each moment to the fullest. Being fearful of the future, like the apocalypse followers, took away from the present. The here and now was what counted.
She lifted her wine glass in a toast. “L’chaim.” To life.
“And to our next adventure,” Dalton said, clinking her glass.
“What adventure? I just want to get back to normal.”
“And you will. That’s why I planned a few months ahead. I hope you can clear your schedule.”
She stared at him. “For what?”
He winked. “Our hone
ymoon. It’s about time we took one, don’t you think?”
MARLA’S RECIPES
* * *
CHICKEN SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE
16 oz. cooked spaghetti, vermicelli, or angel hair pasta
9 oz. package Perdue Original Roasted Chicken Breast Short Cuts
16 oz. package frozen peas and carrots
2 cans Healthy Request cream of chicken soup
1 small jar pimento, drained
1 cup grated cheddar cheese, divided
Combine all ingredients in a greased 9 × 12 baking dish, reserving some grated cheddar to sprinkle on top. Bake at 350 degrees until browned and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Serves 6–8.
POT ROAST
3 to 4 pound flat cut brisket
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 large yellow onion, sliced
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. mustard
1/4 cup Marsala wine
In a Dutch oven on top of the stove, brown meat in 2 Tbsp. oil on both sides. Add sliced onions. Blend together other ingredients in a bowl and pour over meat. Cover and simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until meat is very tender. Add water to moisten pot as needed during the cooking process. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then thinly slice meat across the grain.
ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH MUSHROOMS
2 cups large grained couscous
Low-sodium chicken broth
8 oz. fresh gourmet mushroom blend, coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tsp. fresh thyme
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix together mushrooms, garlic, olive oil and thyme, and spread in aluminum foil–lined baking pan sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, cook couscous in chicken broth according to package directions. When done, stir in mushroom mixture and Worcestershire sauce and serve hot.
SALMON CROQUETTES
1 large can salmon or 2 small cans, drained and flaked
Egg Beaters
Garlic powder
Plain bread crumbs
Cooking oil
Add salmon to large bowl. Pour in enough Egg Beaters to moisten. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder and a toss of plain bread crumbs. Mix thoroughly. Form into patties. Fry in cooking oil in large skillet until browned on both sides.
BRISKET WITH DRIED PLUMS
3 1/2 lb. flat cut beef brisket
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 medium onions, sliced
1 cup beef broth
1/4 cup Marsala wine
3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
3 Tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup pitted dried plums (prunes)
2 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled
1 cup dried apricots
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Trim fat off brisket. Heat oil in heavy Dutch oven and add meat, browning on both sides. Remove brisket. Add onions and sauté until wilted, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, mix beef broth, Marsala wine, vinegar, honey, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon in a bowl.
Put brisket on top of onions in pot. Pour broth mixture over meat. Cover and bake for 2 hours. Then add sweet potatoes, cut into chunks. Scatter on dried fruit. Cover and bake for 1 more hour or until meat is tender.
Transfer meat to cutting board, and spoon out fruit with slotted spoon. Cut meat thinly across the grain. Serve with fruit and pan juices.
For more recipes, please visit Nancy’s website: http://nancyjcohen.com.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
* * *
Nancy J. Cohen is an award-winning author who writes romance and mysteries. Her humorous Bad Hair Day series features hairdresser Marla Vail, who solves crimes with wit and style under the sultry Florida sun. Several of these titles have made the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association best-seller list. Nancy’s imaginative romances have also proven popular with fans. Her books in this genre have won the HOLT Medallion and Best Romantic SciFi/Fantasy at The Romance Reviews. Active in the writing community and a featured speaker at libraries and conferences, Nancy is listed in Contemporary Authors, Poets & Writers, and Who’s Who in U.S.Writers, Editors, & Poets. When she’s not busy writing, Nancy enjoys reading, fine dining, cruising, and outlet shopping. She likes hearing from readers. Please contact her at [email protected] or http://nancyjcohen.com.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Acknowledgments
Cast of Characters
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Marla’s Recipes
About the Author
11 Hanging by a Hair Page 26
