Read Online Guidebook to Murder by Lynn Cahoon - Free Book Online Page A

little careful. I lay on the bed, the ceiling fan creaking above me, and listened for other noises that didn’t come until finally, I fell asleep.
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    The sound of my cell phone woke me the next morning. Sun streamed in the window, the lace curtains floating around in the soft summer breeze. I reached over the side of the bed and dug through my purse. “Yes,” I croaked. My eyelids didn’t want to open.
    â€œWake up, sleepyhead. Did you forget all about me?” Aunt Jackie’s voice sounded all cheer and sunshine.
    â€œWhat time is it?” I pulled myself up to a sitting position, my eyes crusted over.
    â€œJust about nine. I’ve had several customers already, all curious about where you are and how you are doing.”
    â€œSorry, I’ll get dressed and walk down,” I said, remembering my Jeep was still at Lille’s.
    â€œNo hurry. I just wanted to make sure that the weekly supply order got placed as you are looking pretty low in the stockroom. And your book supplier called. She’ll be in about one. Do you have a list of what you want? Or can I make my own?”
    â€œThere’s a customer wish list on my desk in the back, but we need more stock. I usually let Marcia present her sales pitch and then we go from there. But if you have some ideas?”
    â€œActually I do. I’ll make up a list. Talking with the customers this morning, I got some great suggestions. I don’t know why you didn’t ask them in the first place. I’ve sold ten books this morning alone.”
    Great, now she was making me look bad. I’d be lucky if any of the townies liked me after her visit. “I’ll be right down.”
    â€œTake your time, dear. I haven’t had this much fun in years.” The line went dead.
    I found a clean pair of jeans in the tote bag I’d tossed in the corner yesterday and pulled them on. I grabbed a T-shirt and headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth and throw on a little makeup.
    Five minutes later, I was on the road, power-walking to my shop. Thoughts of sipping on a double espresso and eating one of Lille’s cinnamon rolls kept my steps quick. Maybe I’d splurge on a mocha with whipped cream. I wasn’t going to fit into any of my jeans by the time this month ended.
    I’d made sure to lock both the front and back doors before I left the house. I checked all the windows to make sure that they were closed and locked, as well. If the door was open when I got back, it wouldn’t be because I forgot to shut it. Then I could call Detective King without feeling like a fool.
    I walked in the shop, surprised to see most of the tables and booths filled. The conversation stopped as soon as I walked through the doors. All glances turned to me. Then the murmurs started back up. As I walked to the counter to greet my aunt, several customers stopped me to express their condolences.
    â€œGood morning, Jill. You look rested,” my aunt greeted me when I finally made my way to the coffee counter.
    â€œI can’t believe how busy we are.” I grabbed an apron from the back and started to tie it behind me.
    â€œNow, what are you doing?” Aunt Jackie stared me down.
    â€œGetting ready to help?”
    â€œYou called me to come all the way down from San Francisco to help you out, and now you think I can’t do it? What, am I too old?”
    â€œI didn’t mean to imply—” My words were cut off by Aunt Jackie’s flailing hands.
    â€œThen take that apron off and just show me what you need to get done this week so that you can get back to fixing up that house of yours and handling the funeral arrangements.” Her gray-green eyes bored into me.
    â€œThanks.” I took the apron off and started a list of the daily chores, deliveries, and books I wanted her to order. Forty minutes later, the list for the week was done. I’d shown her the stockroom, how to work the equipment, and even