Read Online Ghost in the Polka Dot Bikini: A Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery by Sue Ann Jaffarian - Free Book Online

was chattering about motion pictures. Something about breaking them. My land, that lass can jabber—at least about everything not having to do with Curtis or why she’s dead.”
    Emma gave Phil a quick summary.
    He thought a minute. “Could Tessa have meant breaking into the movies?”
    Emma turned back to the ghost. “Did Tessa say she was in the movies, Granny? Was she an actress?”
    Granny gave the question serious thought. “I just recollect her saying that breaking movies was exciting.”
    Emma whipped out her cell phone and punched the speed dial for Jackie Houchin. Again, she reached only voicemail. “Jackie, on that info I need for Tessa North, also check to see if she might have been an actress. Probably was just starting out in the sixties.”
    After closing the phone, she said, “Good work, Granny. That information could be a very big help.”
    “Humph, glad some of us are working. How long is this holiday of yours anyway?”
    “We’re going home tomorrow morning, Granny.”
    “Good. I’m worried about Archie.”
    Their waitress came by to refresh Emma’s iced tea and Phil’s coffee and to leave their check. Emma waited until she went back inside before speaking again to Granny.
    “Archie? What about him?” Archie was the Scottish Terrier belonging to Emma’s family. He’d been placed in an upscale doggie hotel for the few days Emma was gone. “Is he okay?”
    Phil put down his coffee. “What about Archie?”
    “He’s lonely.” Granny crossed her arms. “It’s not good for him to be cooped up like that while you’re off gallivanting.”
    Emma smiled, more to herself than to Granny. Like her, the dog could see and hear Granny. Emma had learned that most animals could see spirits, though few paid them any mind. But Granny and Archie had developed a close bond. At home, the ghost and the dog played together in the back yard almost every day.
    “Nothing’s wrong with Archie,” Emma told Phil. “Granny misses him is all.”
    “Don’t be ridiculous,” huffed the ghost. “It’s just a silly animal.”
    Phil turned in the direction Emma was looking. “Why don’t you pop in and visit him, Granny? I’m sure he’d like that.”
    Emma shook her head. “Granny’s not allowed,” she explained. “She did that the last time we boarded Archie, and the other animals went nuts. Seems the other dogs wanted to play with Granny, too. The kennel owners had no idea what caused the pandemonium, but they were sure Archie was the root of it. Told us if it happened again, he’d not be welcomed back.”
    Emma turned back to Granny. “I’ll be home tomorrow, Granny. I’m picking Archie up on the way back to the house. Then you two can have a nice long visit.”
    The ghost was not mollified. “Just foolishness, that’s all.” Granny’s scowl deepened before she disappeared.
    “From the look on your face,” Phil said, after taking a deep swallow of coffee, “I’d say we’re alone again.”
    Emma threaded an arm through his and leaned into him. “That we are, and maybe for the rest of the trip if you’re lucky, cowboy.”
    “But?”
    “What but?” Emma looked at him. “Did I add a but?”
    “Not in words, but I can see your mind whirring like a turbine engine. We may be alone physically, but Tessa and her problem are with us mentally. You’re thinking about the movie connection, aren’t you?”
    “Guilty, counselor.” Emma looked out at the sea and sighed. “I just wish I’d brought my laptop.”
    “Had you, I would have thrown it into the ocean. Hell, I’m a lawyer, and I didn’t bring mine.”
    Emma looked sheepish. “I know, but I’d love to take a peek at IMDB.”
    “Okay, I’ll bite. What’s IMDB?”
    “The Internet Movie Database. A website containing information about movies, actors, directors, TV shows—anything and everything put on film.”
    “Won’t Jackie check that site?”
    Emma hemmed and hawed. “Of course she’ll check it,” she finally