A Devious Lot (Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries Book 5) by Ellery Adams, Parker Riggs

looking for them,” Molly huffed.
    Clara sighed. “I know you don’t,” she said. “But I’m your mother, and I reserve the right to worry about you.”
    “Fine, you can worry about me. Is that all you have to say?”
    “No, that’s not all. Lombardi stopped by the Treasure Trove yesterday, asking after you and Matt. He thought you did a wonderful job organizing your wedding, despite being in the middle of a murder investigation at the time. He particularly enjoyed the reception.”
    “Of course he did,” Molly said. “He took a pretty young girl as his date.”
    “What’s this? You sound jealous,” Clara said.
    “Why would I be jealous?”
    “We both know Lombardi has a crush on you, and I think secretly, you like it.”
    “That’s ridiculous, Ma. I admit, he may have had a tiny crush on me when we first met, but I set him straight and that was that.”
    “I’ve seen the way he looks at you, when he thinks no one else is looking.”
    Molly frowned. “Lombardi is my friend, and he’s become Matt’s friend, too.”
    “Well, as his friend, I suggest you encourage this new relationship. He needs to look for available, and greener, pastures.”
    “Why? It will never last because he doesn’t learn. He dates the same woman every time. Linda’s just another in a long line of stick-thin blonds with big boobs and no brains.”
    “Her name is Lena.”
    “Whatever. She’s too young for him.”
    “She’s not too young,” Clara said. “And she’s not brainless. She’s a grad student at the University of Vermont.”
    “Good for her.”
    “You’re being very unkind,” Clara said. “Lombardi deserves a good woman in his life, and someone intelligent, like Lena. When you get home, you should invite them to go out with you and Matt.”
    Molly groaned out loud. “You want us to double-date with Lombardi and his latest fling?”
    “He respects your opinion, and Matt’s. You can both be a good influence on him. He’s too old to be a bachelor.”
    “Says you,” Molly said. “I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation. Is this what you wanted to talk to me about in private?” She shook her head, as if her mother could see her. She’d been a little worried lately that her mother was treating Lombardi like the son she’d never had. Every time she made a large meal, she set some aside to give him. “Lombardi’s a grown man,” Molly went on. “He can do whatever he wants with his life. You’re not his mother, and I’m not his dating agency.” She loved her mother, respected her opinion, but she was done talking about Lombardi. “Make your plane reservation and send me an email when you get the confirmation. And Ma?”
    “Yes, dear?”
    “Get some sleep.”

Chapter 8
     
    It was almost noon when Molly walked to the village alone. The sky was eggshell blue, and a stiff breeze stirred up dried leaves, giving off that sweet dusty smell that always made her think of fall football games, hot dogs, and hot chocolate that burned the roof of her mouth. The High Street seemed quiet, the park was empty. She stopped first at Bits & Pieces, but the lights were off, and the door seemed genuinely locked. She checked her watch. They should have opened two hours ago. She wondered if Boyle was mistaken about Giles’s lack of emotion. If he was in shock about Tiffany’s death, his absence that morning could be a result of his being too distraught to work. Or maybe he didn’t care that she was dead, but was worried sick that Penelope was missing.
    The Lion’s Head Pub was across the street. Molly pushed through the door and was amazed to find it so modern. She was guilty of holding a preconceived concept of British pubs. She thought they should all be dark with cozy nooks and low wood-beamed ceilings. The Lion’s Head Pub was open and airy. The bar, tables, and booths were made of light teak wood. A few of the tables and one booth were occupied. A thin young woman in jeans and a vintage