Read Online The Postman Always Purls Twice by Anne Canadeo - Free Book Online Page B

own experienced security staff who would know how to deal with crazy fans.
    Another knock sounded. Alicia ran to the shop’s front window. “It’s Victor. Rick is with him. I see the car there, too.” Alicia sounded relieved. “I’ll just call and explain what happened. They might want to check the street before you come out.”
    The star nodded. She did seem a little apprehensive about going outside now.
    â€œGood idea,” Suzanne said. “You can’t be too careful these days.”
    â€œNo . . . you can’t,” Jennifer agreed quietly.
    There was an awkward silence while the women waited for the security guards to call back. But a few moments later, Alicia’s phone buzzed and she glanced over at Jennifer.
    â€œHe says it’s fine. They’re waiting on the porch.”
    A look of relief flashed across Jennifer’s lovely features, quickly replaced by one of her trademark brilliant smiles.
    â€œSo sorry for the surprise ending to your meeting. And all this drama.” She rolled her eyes, as if they’d all shared a big joke.
    â€œNo apology necessary. We’re glad there’s no harm done. Thanks again for the invitation to visit the set,” Maggie added.
    â€œYes, hope to see you there.” Jennifer bid them all good night again, departing with her authentic Black Sheep Knitting Shop tote tucked under her arm.
    Alicia quickly said good night as the two women were met at the doorway by a pair of serious-looking security guards. Maggie remembered both of the men; they’d been guarding the gate to her property on Saturday. They escorted the actress and her assistant to a long black limo that waited on the street, right in front of the shop.
    Maggie closed the door and locked it. The rest of the group watched from the window as the limo drove away.
    â€œThat was so weird.” Phoebe shivered. “It really freaked me out.”
    â€œI know what you mean,” Maggie agreed. “I hope they took the roses. I don’t want to carry them out to the trash and be worried they might explode or something.”
    â€œExplode? Why would Jennifer’s adoring fan want to blow her to smithereens?” Lucy asked.
    â€œUnrequited love?” Dana asked mildly.
    Maggie laughed. “Haven’t we all been on the unrequited side at one time or another?”
    â€œThis is different. This isn’t ‘She’s just not into you’ stuff,” Suzanne pointed out. “This is nutcase, super fantasy land, if-I-can’t-have-you-nobody-can caliber. I’d be worried stiff if I were Jennifer Todd.”
    â€œI hope it’s not that serious. But they should report this to the local police, even if they do it quietly. You don’t know what people are capable of these days,” Dana said with concern. “Not that I think that flower arrangement will explode, either.”
    â€œOf course not. That’s silly.” Suzanne glanced out the window again. “But does anyone else smell . . . smoke?”
    Maggie and her friends stared at each other, frozen with fear as Suzanne craned her neck to get a better view out the window.
    â€œYou’re kidding . . . right?” Lucy asked quietly.
    Suzanne turned slowly, her serious expression cracking into a grin. “Sorry, gang. Just goofing on you.”
    â€œSuzanne! You scared us half to death,” Lucy scolded her.
    â€œThat wasn’t funny.” Phoebe still looked worried.
    â€œNo . . . it wasn’t. I’m sorry,” she added more sincerely. “I get it from the kids. I can’t resist teasing you guys. You’re all so gullible.” She shook her head with remorse, though Maggie detected a small smile.
    â€œAre the flowers still out there? Can you at least tell us that?” Maggie asked.
    â€œNo, they’re gone. Victor must have taken them away.”
    â€œReally? I didn’t see