Read Online Family Case of Murder by Vanessa Gray Bartal - Free Book Online

remembered that she left her scarf in her room, but the monkey appeared to have retired for the night, so it was okay.
    “Oh good, you’re here. I was just getting ready to hand out assignments,” Aunt Enid said.
    “Assignments?” Lacy repeated.
    “Didn’t anyone tell you?” Robert asked, an impish smile firmly in place. “Aunt Enid planned this weekend as a murder mystery. A murder mystery bridal shower. Isn’t that great, honey?” He put his arm around Riley’s shoulders and gave them a squeeze. Riley gave him a weak smile in return.
    “Hildy is handing you a piece of paper with your assigned role written on it,” Enid said. “Everyone’s identity will be kept a secret except for two people: Hildy will be playing the part of the victim, and, since we have an actual police officer in our midst, he’ll be playing the part of the inspector.”
    Hildy reached into a bag and pulled out a cape, deerstalker cap, pipe, and magnifying glass, shoving them into Jason’s unsuspecting fingers. Jason looked down at the items, looked back at Lacy, and spoke.
    “The team is dead; I hate you.”
     
     

Chapter 8
     
     
                “C’mon, this’ll be good practice for when you’re a detective,” Lacy said.
    “Yes, because it’s exactly the same.”
    She crept closer, resting her palm on his stomach. “It could be fun.”
    “I’m not saying ‘The game’s afoot, Watson,’ ever. So don’t ask.”
    “How did you know I was going to?” she said.
    “I just did. What did you get?” He tried to peer at her piece of paper, but she shielded it against her chest.
    “I haven’t checked yet, and you’re not supposed to look. That’s cheating.” She hid it in her hands and turned away from him to take a peek. The first words screamed at her in all caps, and she actually shuddered. “MURDERER.” Creepy, she thought, reading on. “You kill the maid at dawn, before the rest of the household wakes, by bashing her head with an andiron. She stole your fortune, and this is your revenge.” It went on to list several clues that Lacy was supposed to try and drop into everyday conversation with the rest of the group.
    “The game will begin when you least expect it,” Aunt Enid said. “I’m going to bed so I can be well rested for the festivities. Happy hunting,” she added, tipping her head toward Jason.
    He gave her a grim smile in return and she took her leave.
    “Oh, I think this is trays fun,” Rita enthused.
    “You would, mindless hag,” Bob snapped.
    “Shouldn’t you be swabbing the deck somewhere, Gilligan?” Rita yelled as they sat side by side on the couch. She turned to the rest of the group with a smile. “Aunt Enid has such a joy de viver, don’t you think, dear?” She addressed this question to Riley who didn’t know quite what to do with it.
    “She’s certainly creative,” Riley said. She sank to a chair and Robert moved to stand beside her.
    Sue’s lips moved, emitting the strange humming sound that was faintly reminiscent of a car with a dead battery, struggling to turn over.
    “I couldn’t agree with you more, Sue,” Chuck said. Lacy wondered if he actually had any idea what his wife said, or if he had developed a system of innocuous platitudes. “This is ridiculous. I mean, Gregor had to miss work for this.” All eyes turned to Gregor who stared dazedly at the game in his hand. “And we’re supposed to be celebrating Robert and Riley, not playing some stupid game.” He shot to his feet and grabbed what remained of Gregor’s sixty-four-ounce soda.
    “Hey,” Gregor said, lamely reaching for the drink, his arm waddle flapping madly back and forth.
    “A toast,” Chuck said. “To Robert and Riley. May they have many years of marital bliss and be as happy as,” he paused, glancing at Bob and Rita and then at Sue, “as happy as they can be.”
    “Hear, hear,” Bob said. Rita beamed and Sue’s lips moved in what was either more words or an extended