A Doula to Die For by Bonnie Hardy

Author:Bonnie Hardy
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781954995123
Publisher: Barbra Hardy

25

VIVIENNE ROSE

Viv stepped into her house. She'd regained her composure and steady stomach on the drive back. Rex and Sutton had agreed to come over in a few minutes. She called out, "Tamara?"

When her friend didn't answer, she put her purse on the table and sighed. I wanted to include her in our sleuthing group. I guess she's not here yet.

She felt her gut tighten and then realized why. Don't panic. It's not like the last time. Tamara must be here somewhere. When she didn't see her in the living room or kitchen, Viv felt renewed worry. It wasn't until she found three baskets of bright red strawberries on the counter that she relaxed. Tamara's been here and gone to bed.

When she returned to the kitchen she noticed a piece of paper tucked under the corner of one of the strawberry baskets. Viv read: “I got these earlier for our breakfast. I fed Miss Kitty her dinner. Let's catch up in the morning?”

She took a minute to empty the strawberries into a colander and rinse them under water from the faucet. Then she dried her hands and walked across the living room toward the hallway. One glance at the closed door convinced her that Tamara must be asleep in the guest room.

Kicking off her sandals in her bedroom, she looked at herself in the mirror, noting a smudge of mascara under her left eye. Applying coconut oil, she swiped with a tissue.

She turned away from the mirror and spotted Miss Kitty curled into a ball on the bed. The cat looked up, blinked, and then snuggled back to where she was. "I have company coming over. I won't be late," she told her.

Back in the kitchen Viv put together a tray of crackers, cheese, and olives on her charcuterie board. As she arranged the food she considered what had happened in the casino. I wonder what Sutton's photos will reveal?

Pulling a wicker basket from the shelf, she tucked a variety of crackers in a spiral pattern inside. Then she remembered the smoked salmon she kept in the refrigerator.

Arranging the salmon on the charcuterie board, she stepped back to take in the presentation.

"Meow." Miss Kitty stood at her feet.

"You want salmon?" Viv took a small bit from her tray and offered it to the cat.

When she didn't offer a second bite, Miss Kitty yowled louder, "Meow!"

"Nope, you aren't getting any more. You have to wait for breakfast."

Miss Kitty spun around, twitching her tail indignantly. Then a slight knock came from the door. Viv walked around the kitchen island, heading to the living room.

She looked in the peephole. Rex stood outside holding out a six-pack of IPAs in one hand. He was alone. She opened the door.

"I brought you these," he said, stepping past her.

"I have snacks," Viv added.

"Will I provide the entertainment?" Rex asked in his performer voice.

Viv giggled. "It's like you are always on. How is that for you?"

"Oh, honey," he said. "This isn't on. Just you wait. You will see me in all kinds of situations that will make your head spin.

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