The Comrades: A International Murder Mystery (Heaven Murder Mysteries Book 19)

Every woman knows when your man gives you flowers three days in a row, and buys expensive dinners at a top shelf restaurant they want something. So it was that on the third evening of Derek cooking sirloins and agreeing to watch a chick flick on television I knew something was afoot.

“What do you want that you need my permission for?” I asked as we sat with double chocolate mousse at the kitchen table.

He looked sheepish and took a deep breath. “Well actually Paul, Randy and Ben have a little trip planned up to Moose Lake, to do a bit of hunting.” he looked sheepish.

“And you’re invited to join them?” I asked and put on my jilted woman face on.

“Yeah, sort of.” he confessed. “It’s only for five days, and it’s good team building for the guys.” he added and smiled.

“Team building?” I asked. “I thought you four were already a team?”

“We are, I mean as far as the department goes, they’re the main men. You told me to rely more on my team and lower my stress level.” he had already morphed into his puppy eyed expression and I half expected him to get on his knees and beg.

“Okay, go. You have my permission, when is this team building trip to take place? I asked and picked up the plates.

“They want to leave day after tomorrow.” he said and collected the plates from my hands. That way we’ll be back for work on Monday.

I nodded and said “So James get stuck with running the department while you’re away team building?”

“He’s more than ready to take on that responsibility. And Sally is there to handle the phones. Paul has already set the schedules up for extra coverage. I’ve even let the mayor know that the guys will be out of town for the week.”

I reached up and gave him a hug. “Have a great time oh great white hunter.” I said and kissed him hard.

The smile on his face was huge. “I’ve already asked Beatrice to stay over while I’m gone so it won’t change your schedule at the shop.” another hard kiss. “You’re wonderful!” he said and pulled out his cell phone.

I shook my head and took a deep breath. It was only the second time in nearly three years that Derek had wanted to take a vacation and he couldn’t have picked a better crew to go with. He had called Paul and the two men talked for several minutes about things that I had no interest in learning.

So on Sunday evening. Beatrice moved into the spare bedroom and Derek packed his items into Paul’s van. Paul was back just before dawn with Randy and Ben in the back seat and the rear of the van piled high with all the gear. Derek gave me a long kiss to the cat calls of the three men before climbing into the front seat. I took a deep breath and considered everything I could get done in the house with him gone.

Moose Lake is a hundred twenty plus miles north west of Heaven and sits in a remote area of Macon County and is known for being home to turkey and other small game. During season it attracts hunters seeking bear or deer. I wasn’t sure how much hunting would actually get done but I was positive that a lot of good conversation and beer would be on the agenda.

“So did they all get off this morning?” Helen asked as we ate corn muffins and gulped down rich Colombian coffee.

“Oh yeah, they were on the road before sunrise.” I said and chuckled. “Derek really, really worked at getting permission. I shouldn’t have made it so hard for him.”

“Feeling guilty?” she asked.

“Heck no!” I giggled. “It got me some great food and three bunches of roses.” I replied and refilled my cup.

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