Read Online Murder in the Paperback Parlor by Ellery Adams - Free Book Online Page B

hand but then remembered she’d just touched a dead mole with it. She pretended to sneeze. “I’m so sorry,” she said, abashed. “Sometimes I sneeze around the cat.”
    It was a complete lie, but Nigel nodded in understanding. Holding up a notebook, he jerked his head in the direction of the theater. “I’d better go in. Rosamund York’s publicist told me that her boss is making a major announcement tonight. If I miss the big news, then I won’t have an article to sell tomorrow. It was nice to meet you both.”
    As soon as Nigel was gone, Jane cooed and snapped her fingers in hopes of coaxing Muffet Cat into following her to the kitchen. Instead, he sniffed the edge of the carpeted runner where he’d dropped his prize and then narrowed his yellow eyes. “How about some tuna?” Jane asked and the glare instantly vanished. The tip of Muffet Cat’s tail curled like a question mark and he trotted alongside Jane as she entered the servant’s passageway leading to the kitchen.
    After thoroughly scrubbing her hands, Jane removed her jacket and held it upside down over the trashcan. She heard a thud as the mole dropped to the bottom.
    â€œI won’t be wearing that again this evening!”
    Muffet Cat meowed impatiently and Jane gave him a scoop of canned tuna fish. He devoured it greedily. When he was finished, he licked his lips, blinked sleepily, and started to purr.
    â€œI guess you’re ready for bed,” Jane said as he sauntered toward the exit. After accompanying him upstairs, Jane left the cat in the hall outside her aunt and uncle’s apartment. She knew Muffet Cat would scratch on the door until someone let himin. He’d then spend the rest of the night sleeping on Aunt Octavia’s pillow. He adored Aunt Octavia and she adored him right back. She kept the pockets of her housedresses stuffed with kitty treats and always gave him a small bowl of cream at teatime. To show his gratitude, he sat on her lap while she read, snuggled with her at night, and glowered at anyone she disliked.
    With Muffet Cat’s needs met, Jane returned to the theater in time to witness the arrival of the four female novelists. First in line was a stocky woman with mousy brown hair and pink glasses. She waved at the audience and sat on one of the chairs positioned in the center of the dais. Behind her came a tall, willowy woman with a heart-shaped face. To Jane, she looked like a fairy. Next, Rosamund and Georgia strode in. The crowd clapped wildly.
    Sinclair, who was serving as auctioneer, turned on the microphone at the podium and introduced the authors. The stocky woman was Barbara Jewel and her willowy neighbor was Ciara Lovelace. Jane knew their names and recognized their faces from examining the books Eloise had been displaying at Run for Cover for the past month. Jane wished she’d had the chance to read at least one work by all four authors, but she’d only had time to get through Georgia Dupree’s and Rosamund York’s latest novels.
    Sinclair cleared his throat officiously. “Please hold your numbered bidding cards high in the air. Our lovely authoresses have volunteered to exhibit tonight’s items and they’ll help me spot bids as well.” He had to raise his voice to be heard over the animated whispers and excited mutterings coming from the crowd. “Ladies, are we ready to begin?”
    The audience applauded raucously. Jane heard shouts and shrill whistles and smiled in amusement over the enthusiastic demonstration.
    Eloise joined her by the doorway. “If this is what they’re like at the auction, what can we expect at the male cover model contest? The only person who’s keeping their cool is that man who was petting Muffet Cat. Do you think he’ll bid on Regency-style trinkets?”
    Jane noticed Nigel seated at the back of the room. “No, he’s a journalist. He’ll be here all week. Go