Read Online Murder by Yew by Suzanne Young - Free Book Online

from the nearby University of Rhode Island, already knew many people in the area and spent most days on the golf course with his old cronies. So far, except for her art instructor and fellow classmates, Edna knew only the wives of Albert’s friends. Once she established herself, however, she would take care of her own social calendar.
    Glancing at the clock, Edna was shocked to see how long she had been daydreaming. She would have to hurry if she were to dress and make coffee before the cleaners arrived. This week, as previously arranged, they were starting a half hour early because the owner, Beverly Lewis, had plans for the weekend. She had wanted to cancel, but Edna persuaded them to come for a couple of hours. She was hosting the bimonthly art class on Saturday afternoon and needed help getting the house ready.
    The Housekeeper Helpers were on time, as usual, walking into the kitchen from the mudroom just as Edna finished rinsing out her coffee cup. Although pleasant enough, Beverly Lewis was a tough-looking woman in her late forties. Of medium height and somewhat overweight, she wore loose khaki slacks and a pink, short-sleeved overblouse that did nothing for her splotchy complexion. Junie Williams was large-boned, and at just shy of six feet, she was several inches taller than her boss. Edna thought the teenager would be more attractive if she stood up straight and tied her stringy brown hair back from her face.
    According to what Tuck had confided to Edna, Beverly had moved to town last fall, advertising reliable housecleaning. She had hired a local girl to work for her and, rumor was, paid her well. Leslie Anne Williams, known as Junie practically from birth, had been fresh out of high school with no particular skills or ambitions. Her family had been delighted with the change in her, happy that Junie had discovered something she enjoyed.
    Helen Tucker had also filled Edna in on Junie’s family. The Williamses, mostly fishermen, had lived in the area for several generations. They were a large, boisterous and popular family. Beverly had picked well. Thanks mostly to Junie’s family’s connections and referrals, Housekeeper Helpers had all the business they could handle. Of course, it boosted business considerably when Muriel Shaeffer, long-suffering housecleaner for several prominent people in the area, retired and moved to Florida last spring.
    Housekeeper Helpers consisted of only the two women, although many people wondered why Beverly didn’t expand, since she had a page-long waiting list. When questioned, she always replied, “You want somethin’ done right, you gotta do it yerself.”
    “ Good morning,” Edna said, wiping her hands on a small towel. “I want to thank you again for postponing your plans for me. If it weren’t for my art class coming tomorrow …”
    “ A good customer like you, we’re always glad to help,” Beverly interrupted, putting down her pail and resting on a mop handle. “How’s your husband likin’ his trip?”
    “ Just fine, thank you.” Remembering something else Tuck had told her, Edna said, “I hear your brother is starting a handyman business in town.” She felt a pang of disloyalty for Tom but was glad Norm Wilkins would have competition.
    “ That’s right. If you have anything you need done around here, I can send him over.” Beverly put the mop aside and lifted the pail to fill it at the kitchen sink. “Shoes is a good worker,” she said over her shoulder.
    “ Shoes? I thought his name was David.”
    For some reason, Beverly found this remark extremely funny. She laid one hand on the counter as she bent over with laughter. When she had finally caught her breath and straightened, she said, “Yeah, I forget some don’t know him by his nickname. Well, that’s a long story.” She paused and chuckled, shaking her head before going on. “I don’t mean to stand here jawin’ about my family while there’s work to do.” Her actions made Edna even more