Read Online Up in Smoke by Charlene Weir - Free Book Online

on to the dog who kept lunging at Bernie Quaid as though she wanted to rip him apart.
    â€œPlease,” Bernie said. “Just make an appearance. Step in, look around, say hi to Eva. I’ll bring you right back.”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œLook, I know I’m bugging you. That’s the last thing I want, but I’ll probably get fired, if you don’t come.”
    She let disbelief leak into her impatience.
    He raised his right hand. “God’s honest truth.”
    â€œI’m sorry about the loss of your job, but I’ve spent all day with past lives and I’m wiped. Go away.” She started to close the door.
    â€œFood,” he called through the crack.
    Her resolve weakened.
    â€œGreat food. And anything you want to drink and my undying gratitude and—”
    The second mention of food roused an awareness of hunger she didn’t know she had. “I’m going to let you in. If the dog doesn’t eat you while I’m trying to find something to wear, I’ll go.”
    â€œDeal,” he said. “Dogs love me.” He started in and the dog leaped for his throat. Dragging it back, toenails scraping on the wooden floor, she let Bernie in, settled the dog by the fireplace and told Bernie she’d only be a minute.
    She took a quick shower, put on a long black wool skirt and a long-sleeved gold top with a scoop neck. In the living room, Bernie sat frozen in a wing chair, the dog at his elbow growling softly, waiting for an excuse to grab his throat.
    â€œWe can go now,” she said when he didn’t stir.
    â€œYour dog won’t let me move.” To illustrate, he started to lean forward, the dog’s upper lip curled and the growl got more intense.
    Cass grabbed its collar and told Bernie to go outside, she’d follow. He rose slowly. The dog hadn’t wanted to let him in and she didn’t want to see him go. She kept suspicious eyes on him as he opened the door and went out.
    In the car, Cass asked Bernie how he knew Eva.
    â€œJust met her two hours ago.” And that was all the explanation she got. He mentioned the vastness of the sky, how bright the stars looked, how close the sliver of moon seemed and how different the landscape was than he’d expected, totally flat, not these small hills.
    Parking anywhere near Eva’s house was impossible. Every feasible niche and some that weren’t had a vehicle in it.
    â€œHow many people did she invite?” Cass asked.
    Bernie drove slowly past the house.
    â€œReporters?” What the hell? She counted at least five reporters in front, a couple with technicians armed with minicams. Grouped on the sidewalk, they talked among themselves and sipped from steaming paper cups.
    Bernie made a U-turn and pulled into Eva’s driveway. The reporters surged toward the car. When she stepped out, they drifted back, obviously realizing she was nobody. Arm on her back, as though afraid she might make a run for it, Bernie walked her to the door.
    â€œYou’re finally here!” Eva gave Cass a fat smacking kiss on the cheek. “I was beginning to think you’d copped out on me. Or fell head over heels and decided on a night of romance with Bernie.” Eva had to shout to be heard above the din. Brown hair sleeked back, eyes bright, looking very festive in a long filmy salmon dress, she squeezed Cass in a hug. “It’s so great you’re back!”
    â€œEva?” someone shouted from the kitchen.
    â€œBe right there!” she yelled and turned back to Cass. “There’s so much I have to tell you that—”
    â€œEva!”
    She took in a long breath of air. “I’ve really got to see what this problem is. Everything’s in the dining room. Help yourself.”
    Cass had to flatten herself against the wall to squeeze past the closely packed bodies. At first glance, Cass didn’t see anyone she recognized. Where were all those old friends