5 Murder by Syllabub (30 page)

“The best part is, I’ll have two of my best friends living right next to me.” Elizabeth gave Aunt Mary another big hug. “Are you sure we can’t talk you into staying a little longer? Maybe a lot longer?”

“No.” Aunt Mary got to her feet and looked around at everyone.

Dan had already taken hold of the handle on our suitcase and was headed for the door. I picked up my purse and was right behind him.

“It’s been wonderful,” Aunt Mary said, “at least some parts of it, but I need to go home. I’ve got a rummage sale to put on.”

“I’ve got a police department to run.” Dan headed out the door, suitcase trailing.

I took Aunt Mary by the arm, looked back and smiled. “I’ve got a real estate career to get back on track.” I looked back at Elizabeth, who stood, still holding Petal. I smiled. “And I’ve got a cat to feed.” We went out the door.

Kathleen Delaney
has written four previous Ellen McKenzie Real Estate mysteries, but has never before transported her characters out of California. A number of years ago she visited Colonial Williamsburg and fell in love. Long fascinated with our country’s history, especially the formation years, she knew she wanted to set a story there. Another trip with her brother and sister-in-law solidified the idea that had been rolling around in her head but she needed more information. A phone call to the nice people at Colonial Williamsburg provided her with appointments to visit the kitchen at the Payton Randolph house, where she got her first lesson in hearth cooking and a meeting with the people who manage the almost extinct animal breeds the foundation is working to preserve. A number of books purchased at the wonderful bookstore at the visitor’s center gave her the additional information she needed and the story that was to become
Murder by Syllabub
came into being.

Kathleen lived most of her life in California but now resides in Georgia. She is close to many historical sites, which she has eagerly visited, not only as research for this book but because the east is rich in monuments to the history of our country. Luckily, her grandchildren are more than willing to accompany her on their tours of exploration.

You can find Kathleen on the Web at delaney.camelpress.com.