5 Deal Killer by Vicki Doudera

Author:Vicki Doudera [Doudera, Vicki]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: mystery, murder, regional fiction, regional mystery, medium-boiled, amateur sleuth, fiction, amateur sleuth novel, mystery novels, murder mystery, real estate
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.
Published: 2014-04-01T04:00:00+00:00

eleven

The outfits, still on their hangers, were wrapped in protective plastic coverings and ready to be transported to Bethany’s parents’ car.

“Are you sure you don’t need a hand?” Vera surveyed the clothes with a quizzical glance.

“That’s okay. I can make a bunch of trips,” Gina said. She picked up one bunch of hangers and contemplated another.

“I don’t mind …”

Gina smiled. “You know, a little help would be great.” She handed her pile to Vera. “Is that too much for you?”

“No, no, it’s fine.”

Gina picked up another bunch and the two started toward her apartment door.

“It may do me good to get some fresh air,” the woman said. She waved an impatient hand in the maid’s direction. “I’m fine, Yvette. Stop scowling at us.” The maid sniffed and retreated to another room. “Honestly! Her attitude can be such a challenge.”

“Why do you put up with it?” Gina asked, shutting the apartment door behind them. A hand flew to her mouth. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that …”

“No, no.” Vera rolled her eyes. “Believe me, I’ve asked myself the same thing.” The elevator doors opened and they entered. “The short answer is that Yvette is my friend. The long answer …” She looked up, her blue eyes brilliant. “The long answer is more complicated. Another time, perhaps.”

Gina was silent. The elevator doors opened and she led Vera slowly to the motor court, where the car was waiting. They spread the garments carefully on the seats and closed the doors.

“It feels like springtime,” Vera said, her voice sounding light and carefree.

“We’ve had a beautiful stretch of weather, starting with that day I saw you in the park wearing your Hitchcock Ingénue outfit.”

“That was the last time I ventured out. Before that, I don’t think I had left the apartment for months.”

“Really? Why? I’d go crazy if I didn’t get outside every day.”

“Maybe that’s been my problem.” She gave a wry look. “It may sound strange, Gina, but it’s very easy to fall into bad habits … destructive habits. Things that can destroy your soul.”

“I suppose. What about on a practical level? If you don’t go out, who gets your eggs, milk, bread? Yvette?”

“Mostly we have them delivered.”

Gina pointed at a delicate dogwood tree just beginning to bloom. “You can’t deliver beauty like that.”

The older woman smiled. “You are wise beyond your years, Gina, and your name suits you well.” Seeing the young woman’s quizzical look, she continued, “Your family name, Trovata. I believe it means ‘found’ in Italian.”

“I think the nuns who scooped me up from the orphanage steps decided it was fitting,” Gina said.

“Interesting. Well, I don’t believe in coincidences,” Vera said. “You were given that name for a reason. I can’t help but marvel at the way you’ve helped me to find myself again, after all these years.”

Gina opened the motor court’s door back into the building. She smiled at Vera, waiting as the woman climbed a step. Vera swayed slightly, as if she was considering her next move, and then, while Gina watched, horrified, crumpled like a blossom in a harsh spring rain.

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