Cursed by the Corpse: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel by Lisa Manifold

Author:Lisa Manifold [Manifold, Lisa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: mystery, paranormal, cozy mystery
Amazon: B0BB8J4JZN
Goodreads: 61208736
Publisher: Ocean Top Press
Published: 2022-08-30T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

The next morning, I was up early. Given that I’d eaten far too much chicken last night, and way too many mashed potatoes, it was surprising, but when I opened my eyes and saw the sun shining in, I wanted nothing more than to get in the shower and get the day started.

I also knew that my conversation with Detective Harrison was not over. For whatever reason, he hadn’t pushed me to answer him yesterday. Normally, you’d think that would be a relief, but it wasn’t.

I knew that he’d return to the conversation. Without a doubt. However, there was no need borrowing trouble before it showed up, so I put the accusation and Detective Harrison aside, and went down to start my life as it would be from now on.

I was already in the office when Gerald and Alicia came in together.

“This is a surprise,” Gerald said.

“A pleasant one, I hope?” I asked.

“Absolutely, doll,” he replied. He walked to me and gave me a one-armed hug and a kiss.

Alicia beamed. “You look like your old self.”

“Well, I think I can say she’s gone, but the person who is here isn’t bad,” I said, smiling at her.

Alicia’s smile faltered. “Oh, shit. I didn’t mean—”

I laughed. “It’s fine. Stop fussing! If anything, I owe you two a huge thanks. You’ve kept things going, kept people from bothering me too much, and kept the lights on. Lord knows when I last looked at a bill.”

“Of course, we did.” Gerald sat down in one of the chairs in front of the desk.

Alicia stayed standing.

“What are your plans now?” Gerald asked, threading his hands across his stomach, and looking up at me.

“Well, I can’t retire and be a lady of leisure.”

“Are you sure about that?” Alicia sat down now, frowning. “I know Norm had life insurance.” Then she stopped. “Oh, jeez. Sorry. Not to get in your business.”

I held up a hand. “Okay, look. You two are family. You are welcome in my business unless I explicitly tell you to stay out. Norm did have life insurance, although…” I stopped. “I haven’t heard anything about it yet.”

Alicia’s cheeks pinked. “I sent in the death certificate.”

“You did?” I was surprised. “I’m glad. I hadn’t even thought about it.”

“I didn’t want you to be short,” she said, her cheeks getting pinker.

“That was kind,” I said.

“What was kind?” Sissy came in.

“Alicia sent in Norm’s death cert to the insurance company.”

“Good girl,” Sissy smiled at Alicia. “Janey always said you were like a daughter. Just the sort of thing a daughter would do.”

Alicia’s cheeks went red.

“And you were all nervous,” Gerald said, reaching over to pat Alicia’s hand. Then he looked back to me. “So you’re going to keep the business going? The floral business, too?”

I nodded. “I’m keeping it all going. There’s no reason why I shouldn’t. I think we can do it with the four of us. If we need more, we’ll hire someone when we get to that point.” The idea of bringing anyone else in didn’t feel good, like an itch I couldn’t reach.

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