The Hen of the Baskervilles(102)

“That actually sounds rather practical,” the chief said.

I nodded agreement.

“It’s better than practical,” Molly said. “It’s brilliant! I get the money I need to pay all my bills—and probably enough to make some improvements to the farm that will let me produce more cheese at a lower unit cost, so fulfilling all those orders will be a breeze. Everybody wins.”

“It does sound like a win-win,” I said.

“And speaking of winning,” Molly said. “Wish me luck—the cheese judging is this morning. At ten, in fact, so I should run.”

“Is it almost ten?” I started flipping through my notebook for my schedule. “I think there’s someplace I should be at ten.”

The door opened.

“Mommy!” It was Jamie. “Daddy says come help Grouchy and Chicky win their ribbons.”

Outside, I could see Michael and Josh, each holding a llama halter. Groucho and Chico had been washed and brushed and were holding their heads high as if well aware that they were the two handsomest llamas at the fair.

“I knew there was something I should be doing,” I said. “The llama conformation contest is also at ten. Chief, if that guy shows up here with the buses before it’s over, give Randall a call. I’m going to go watch our llamas win their ribbons.”