Read Online A Killer Stitch by Maggie Sefton - Free Book Online Page A

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    Picking up the gray and white alpaca scarf in her lap, Kelly began to knit while her mind sifted through everything Burt had said about Derek Cooper’s death. A crime of passion. It had to be. A violent argument taking a nasty turn into murder. A little shiver ran through her, recalling what Jennifer had said about Diane and Derek’s many fights. The last argument sounded pretty violent. Diane tried to attack Derek, threatening him. That on its own looked bad. Then Diane lied to the police about her whereabouts that night, when there were plenty of witnesses ready to contradict her story. Not good, not good at all.
    Not knowing Diane personally, Kelly didn’t know how to feel about Diane. But she did know Jennifer, and Kelly trusted Jennifer’s judgment. Jennifer might be a free-spirited party girl, but she was also smart and an extremely shrewd observer of people. Had Jennifer’s friendship with Diane blinded her keen vision in this situation?
    Too many questions buzzed inside Kelly’s head now, darting around like summer mosquitoes. So much so, she decided the only way to clear her head would be to return to her client account files. Nothing like numbers to restore order.
    She shoved the woolen scarf into her bag and rose to leave, when Curt Stackhouse strode into the room. Tall, burly, and silver-haired, Curt was the image of a Colorado rancher, his face weathered from years outside with herds of cattle, flocks of sheep, and riding the range.
    â€œNot so fast, Kelly. That computer work can wait,” Curt announced as he pulled up the chair beside her, setting his Stetson on the table.
    â€œHey, Curt. You’re reading my mind again,” Kelly said as she plopped her bag back on the floor. Curt was here to talk, she could tell. Next to client account files, she couldn’t think of anything that cleared her head faster than hearing details of the Wyoming ranch she inherited when her cousin Martha died.
    â€œFirst, let me tell you how sorry I am you didn’t get that canyon property, Kelly. I could tell you had your heart set on it.”
    â€œThanks, Curt. I guess this kind of changes our plans, right?”
    Curt rested one leg on his knee. “Kelly, I’ve decided to proceed with the same plans, only go a little slower. There’s no need for us to sell what’s left of the herd right away. We’ve already reduced it to a manageable size. And we can take our time selling that fine ranch house. Now we can wait for the right buyers and the right prices for both. I’m sure you’ll agree that’s a wiser decision.”
    â€œI trust your judgment implicitly, Curt. Whatever you think best. I certainly won’t be needing a lot of cash right away like before.”
    â€œWell, I figure it’s only a matter of time before you find another canyon place that tickles your fancy. Who knows? You may find someplace this spring. And in case you find a place sooner, we’ll proceed with our original plan.”
    â€œWith the private investors, right?”
    Curt nodded. “That way, you’ll have time to sell the ranch and herd for a good price.”
    â€œWell, it’s certainly an option, but I don’t think I’ll even be looking until the springtime, Curt. Meanwhile, Jennifer plans to keep an eagle eye on the mountain listings, just in case.”
    â€œHey, looky here,” Jayleen’s voice called out from the adjoining room. She strode toward them, boots tapping a quick staccato. “I was hoping to see you folks.”
    â€œHow’re the plans for the children’s party going?” Kelly greeted her, noticing snowflakes on Jayleen’s denim jacket. She glanced outside. Tiny flakes drifted down. Tennis would be chilly tonight. Hopefully she and Steve would lose quickly to Megan and her partner, so they could head to dinner to warm up.
    Jayleen tossed her cowboy hat to the table, grabbed a chair, and straddled