Caught Dead Handed by Carol J. Perry

Author:Carol J. Perry [Perry, Carol J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Published: 2014-06-29T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 23

I pulled the Buick into the dark, silent garage, grabbed my costume and a canvas bag stuffed with camera equipment, a few of Ariel’s books, and another of Ariel’s DVDs. I hurried toward the house, glad to see floodlights illuminating the courtyard. I’d given Janice the tickets to the Witches Ball and reminded Marty to see that the flower arrangement had enough water. I was quite sure I hadn’t forgotten anything.

As I’d guessed, Aunt Ibby had produced a good-looking wheeled carry-on case, had filled a plastic bag with travel-size necessities, and had placed neatly folded jeans, T-shirts, and underwear on my bed.

“This reminds me of how you used to get me ready for summer camp,” I told her as I added a pair of shorts, a bathing suit, and a sleeveless blouse to the pile. “I almost expected to see name labels sewn into my panties.”

Despite O’Ryan batting at each item I put into the bag, I was packed, dressed, and ready with an hour to spare before George Valen was due to pick me up.

“Time for coffee before you leave?”

“Always,” I said. “I need the caffeine.”

A few minutes over coffee would give me a chance to remind her to be cautious while I was away, without explaining the strange, tarot-related reasons I had for worrying about her. Instead, I blamed O’Ryan’s near abduction. After all, some creep in camouflage was still out there somewhere and knew where we lived.

“Don’t you worry about us for a minute, Maralee,” she said. “I’ve already arranged for an alarm security company to install everything we need to protect ourselves.”

“I should have known you’d be way ahead of me. You always were.”

She looked pleased. “Probably should have done it a long time ago. An old lady like me, living alone in this big old house, needs someone watching over her besides God and the angels. The alarm men will be here today.”

“I’m glad. But you do have someone besides the angels. Me.”

“I know. And that’s a great blessing.”

A plaintive meow from O’Ryan made us both laugh.

“Yes, O’Ryan. You’re a fine watch cat!”

At 4:25 a.m. I stood by the front door, ready to dash outside as soon as I spotted George’s car. He was right on time. A quick peck on the cheek for Aunt Ibby and a pat on the head for O’Ryan and I was on my way. George put the carry-on into the backseat. I climbed into the front, my handbag forming a separation of sorts between me and the driver.

“Got everything?” He smiled his nice smile.

“I hope so. This was quite the hurry-up affair.”

“I know. You’ll get used to it if you hang around the station for long. Got your boarding pass?”

I reached into the side pocket of the handbag. “Check,” I said, then laughed aloud when I realized that Aunt Ibby had tucked a couple of granola bars in with the paperwork.

“What?”

“Oh, it’s just my aunt.” I pulled out one of the bars. “Look at this. Sometimes I wonder if she still thinks I’m six years old.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.