Read Online 04 Once Upon a Thriller by Carolyn Keene - Free Book Online Page B

Saturday. You had two other young women with you. I’m so very sorry Rick and I didn’t come out to help you. I truly regret it. It’s just that—well, we’ve had people stalk us from Moon Lake in the past, and we’re never sure who to trust.”
    Lacey wrung her hands nervously, then said, “We did call the sheriff, but there’s still no excuse for our not coming out there ourselves to make sure you were okay.”
    I was stunned. That Lacey—Cecilia—was so honest and forthcoming took me by surprise. Could this truly be someone masterminding a local crime spree?
    â€œThank you, Mrs. Brown,” I answered. “Luckily, we were just drenched to the bone, shaken up somewhat, but nothing more serious.”
    â€œWhy don’t we sit down and make ourselves comfortable,” she replied, and I followed her into a warm and comfortable living room, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake. We settled in on an overstuffed couch.
    â€œWe were not stalking you, but we did hear that this is where Lacey O’Brien lives. And when you and I had our run-in in town, I had no idea you were Lacey O’Brien.”
    I paused and then admitted, “I’m not here about our run-in this morning, though. I’m here because I’d like to interview you for an article I’m writing for the River Heights Bugle .”
    Again, Lacey looked embarrassed. “I see it wasn’t hard for you to connect the dots about who I am. I’m so sorry, but I don’t grant any interviews about my work,” she explained. “I made a decision many years ago not to allow interviews, so now I’m afraid I’m stuck. If I make an exception for one paper, the floodgates would open. I hope you understand.”
    Once again, she seemed genuinely sorry.
    â€œThe story isn’t about your writing,” I said. “It’s actually about a number of crimes that have taken place around Avondale this weekend.”
    â€œWhat does that have to do with me?” she asked, looking me squarely in the eyes.
    Truth time. I was a little nervous to directly confront Lacey and was hoping she wasn’t currently writing a mystery entitled Murder at Moon Lake , but I had to take the chance. I probably should have looped in Sheriff Garrison and Ian, but I kind of knew they wouldn’t approve of what I was doing.
    â€œMy article reports the ways the perpetrator of the crimes is stealing ideas from your books— Burned and Framed . The police and the fire department have determined that the bookstore fire started due to wiring in an old chandelier that had been tampered with—exactly like what happened in Burned . And besides Mr. Tate, you’re the only one with a key to the gallery’s back room and easy access to the statue. I’m afraid that you’re at the top of my suspect list.”
    Lacey paled. And then grew angry.
    â€œThat’s awful,” she said. “And, frankly, I resent your accusations. However, for your information, I was home the morning of the fire—Paige called me to tell me about it. I certainly couldn’t be two places at once!”
    She went on heatedly, “There is no way I could be your culprit.”
    I exhaled. What a relief.
    â€œNow I’m the one to apologize, Lacey. But I hope you understand that I had to play my hunch,” I said.
    There was somewhat of an awkward silence before I spoke again.
    â€œIt’s quite possible then that you’re being framed.”
    â€œMe, framed?” She laughed lightly, and I realized it was the first time I had seen her smile. But then she paused as though trying to determine whether she should reveal something.
    â€œAbout ten years ago a big fan of my work called me every day. He figured out where I lived and trailed me around town for a number of weeks. He was basically harmless, but I ended up getting a restraining order because it was very