Read Online Trick or Deceit by Shelley Freydont - Free Book Online Page B

said. “Before someone comes. I had a party of six waiting for my assistant to make their Monster Mocha Macchiatos. They’re on their way here next.”
    â€œWell,” Dolly continued. “Some people, not me mind you . . .”
    â€œGo on . . .”
    â€œSome people say that Lucille caused Janine’s divorce.”
    â€œLucille Foster?” Liv asked. The woman hadn’t struck Liv as the town vixen.
    â€œNo one would ever say anything. Carson is well respected in this town.” Dolly pursed her lips.
    BeBe snorted. “Plus he owns mortgages on everything that isn’t held by First Celebration Bank. Not to mention a bunch of money that he’s invested for anyone with two pennies to rub together.”
    â€œWait,” Liv said. “How did his wife cause Janine’s divorce?”
    The front door opened; the little bell that welcomed newcomers made the three women jump apart. Like three co-conspirators. Or witches in a Shakespeare play.
    Dolly grimaced before moving behind the counter and smiling at the newcomers. “May I help you?”
    BeBe and Liv waved good-bye and walked next door to the Buttercup Coffee Exchange, passing six coffee-cup-wielding tourists on their way. The coffee bar was empty except for Quincy Hinks, owner of the Bookworm, taking his morning break. He was bent over a hardcover book, oblivious to the world and the grinning skeleton that was sharing his table.
    He didn’t even look up when Whiskey, recognizing his favorite cat’s roommate, trotted over and sniffed Quincy’s shoes.
    BeBe held up a finger to Penny Newland, who was working part time at the coffee bar, and pulled Liv around into the back room.
    â€œI heard that Janine’s husband and Lucille were having an affair, and Janine found out about it. Janine and Lucille evidently had been best friends before that. I don’t have any details. That’s just what I heard. I didn’t know them, but from what I’ve heard . . .” BeBe lowered her voice. “Well, Carson may be well respected as a man and an investor, but I heard he was a pretty boring husband. So Lucille looked elsewhere.” BeBe smothered a laugh.
    â€œThat’s interesting, but I don’t see how it could have anything to do with the vandalism.”
    â€œMe, neither. Not exactly a killing offense.” BeBe frowned. “Plus it was years ago. Well, let’s get your order. I have to get back to work.”
    So did Liv. It had taken her a good twenty minutes to make the three-block walk from her house to the Buttercup, and she still had a whole block of shops to go.
    â€œI know Mocha Macchiato isn’t your thing,” BeBe said. “Want to give Witches Brew a try? Just a dash of licorice.”
    â€œBeBe,” Liv said.
    BeBe huffed. “I know, double-shot latte, no whip cream, no cinnamon. Don’t you ever want to expand you horizons?”
    â€œYes, just not with coffee.”
    BeBe had just finished steaming the milk for Liv’s latte, when Dolly ran into the coffee bar. “Fred just called. The police picked up Ernie Bolton for questioning.”
    â€œIt was inevitable,” Liv said, though she was surprised they’d moved this fast. “He seems the most probable culprit for the vandalism.”
    â€œBut murder, Liv?”
    A cold shiver ran up Liv’s spine and she gripped Whiskey’s leash a little tighter. “Did Fred say they thought it was murder?”
    â€œNo, but what else could it be?”
    â€œI think we should just wait and see. Now I have to run, Ted will be screaming for sustenance.” And she still had to make it down the rest of the block.
    She took the cardboard tray with Ted’s tea and her no-frills latte in the other hand.
    BeBe ran to open the door. “Let us know the minute you learn anything.”
    â€œYou, too.” Liv looked out the door. Coast clear. What were the