I set my cup on the counter, look down at it. “I’m sure you’re right.”

She continues wiping the counter with a little too much vigor. “Such things aren’t spoken of here.”

I add a trace of hurt to my voice. “I hope I didn’t offend you. I was curious—”

“Not here,” she hisses.

My cop’s antennae cranks up. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve got to get back to work now, Kate.”

“But…”

“You’ll have to get your biscuits another time.” Sliding the condiment tray aside, she wipes beneath it. “Probably best if you just left.”

*   *   *

I stand outside the door of The Dutch Kitchen for a minute, trying to figure out what just happened inside. Only two options make sense. Either Mary knows the men on snowmobiles and didn’t appreciate my going to the bishop, or she knew the man in the kitchen was listening to our conversation and didn’t want to speak openly in front of him. But in either case, why?

I puzzle over the odd exchange as I start toward The Calico Country Store. Hopefully, I haven’t alienated her and decide I’ll try to make good with her tomorrow.

I’m surprised and pleased to see the quilt shop bustling with activity. Like yesterday, I’m greeted by the homey aromas of lavender and yeast bread. I spy a platter of sliced bread on the counter. I snag a piece and nibble the crust as I make my way to rear of the store to check on the status of the quilts I left. I find Laura Hershberger using a telescoping retriever pole to snag a crib quilt from its place on the wall. Next to her a woman in a red leather jacket and matching boots watches.

“That’s a pretty one,” I say to no one in particular.

The woman in the jacket glances at me and offers a toothy smile. “I’m buying it for my grandbaby.”

The portly man standing next to her bends slightly and makes eye contact with me. “She’s our first,” he tells me. “Just a week old, so our daughter will get a lot of use out of this one.”

I offer a smile. “The quilts are made to swaddle as many babies as a mother and father wishes to have.”

The woman looks delighted by the notion.

Laura Hershberger retrieves the quilt and steps down from the short ladder upon which she’d been standing. “The double wedding ring pattern has always been my favorite.”

“And the pink and blue is perfect for a little boy or a girl,” I add.

Laura hands the quilt to the woman in the red jacket. The woman holds it up, beaming, and actually rubs the thing against her cheek. “Oh, I love it. And Christine will, too. I don’t care how much it costs.”