Read Online A Dark and Stormy Knit (Black Sheep Knitting Mystery) by Anne Canadeo - Free Book Online Page B

teacher and had come to be her adviser and mentor. She’d taken several classes with him and hoped to enroll in more.
    Phoebe had returned to Granny’s Parlor with Suzanne, but quickly came toward them. “Professor Healey . . . did you hear what happened to Charlotte?”
    “I did . . . What a shame. She worked so hard for this night. And everyone here is so impressed. I hope she’ll come back. Have you heard from her?”
    Phoebe shook her head. “Not yet . . . I wish she’d send a text or something.”
    “I hope so, too. Professor Finch and I are very concerned. Could you let me know if you hear anything?”
    “I’ll let you know right away. I’ll send you a text or an e-mail,” Phoebe promised.
    He nodded, looking into Phoebe’s eyes. He was not bad-looking, Maggie thought, in a soft, scholarly way. His dark-brown hair was thick and wavy, touched with a few gray strands that lent a distinguished air. He had a full beard, dark-brown eyes, and even features.
    The type who encourages the crushes of female students to pump up his ego? Maybe, she thought. She hoped Phoebe didn’t fall into that category. Those situations never ended well.
    He looked as if he wanted to talk more but was distracted when a woman approached and touched his arm. She didn’t spare a glance at the group but leaned toward him, speaking in an intimate tone. “Dean Klug is here. He’s looking for you.”
    Professor Healey’s eyebrows jumped. He had some explaining to do to the dean, Maggie guessed, about the way Charlotte had run off and the school security had been called. He looked like he dreaded the interview. Understandably.
    “Right. Would you please tell him I’ll be there in a moment . . . dear?” Suddenly remembering his manners he added, “This is one of my students, Phoebe Meyers. And a few of her friends. Ladies, this is my wife, Gena.”
    Gena Healey turned to greet them with a brilliant smile. She was petite, with bright dark eyes and delicate features. Glossy brown hair cut short with long bangs that fell across her eyes. Sort of sexy for a professor’s wife, Maggie thought. But she was polished-looking as well. A black wrap dress, complemented by large, pearl earrings, was a perfect choicefor the occasion and for her slim, lithe figure. She looked like a model—or former model—and at least ten years younger than her well-preserved husband.
    “Enjoying the show?” she asked.
    “Very impressive,” Maggie said.
    “The art department must be proud of their students,” Dana remarked. “The work is very professional . . . especially Charlotte Blackburn’s.”
    “Oh, yes, it is. Outstanding. I wanted so to meet her and congratulate her. But I understand she left early?”
    Maggie cleared her throat. “Yes . . . she did. But she might be back. The instructors should be congratulated, too,” she added graciously, trying to avoid any more gossip about Charlotte.
    “Yes, they should be. Including my husband. The department works very hard to get these results. It’s sort of his glory night, too,” she confided.
    “And well deserved.” Maggie smiled back. She’d only taught at the high school level, but knew how much effort went into this type of event.
    “Well . . . I’d better go find Alex. I’m not sure if he’s looking for the dean . . . or trying to hide from him,” she said with a laugh.
    “We’re going to see the rest of the show. It was nice to meet you,” Dana said.
    “Nice to meet all of you, too . . . and I hope Charlotte is all right and comes back to enjoy the party. Please let us know if you hear anything?”
    “I will. Definitely,” Phoebe promised.
    Once Gena Healey was out of view, Maggie turned to her friends. “I think we’ve done our duty here. Ready to go?”
    Her friends agreed they’d all had enough art appreciation for one night and only glanced at the work of the other artists as they headed out. Maggie didn’t think any other pieces were as