Dead Without Glory by Diane Bator

Author:Diane Bator
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.

Chapter 12

After Marion returned from an early coffee run to Café Beanz the next morning, she hugged Gilda good-bye. “Make sure you stay around other people as much as possible today. Call my cell if you need anything. I’ll stop by after work later, okay?”

“Sure. Thanks.” Gilda swallowed hard. “I mean, thanks for being here. I thought I’d lose it last night when I saw the mess. I’d hoped the first time was a fluke, but…”

“But you still think someone’s looking for something Charlie hid here,” Marion finished.

Her chin quivered. “Don’t you?”

“Big time. The police did dust for prints and talked to your neighbors,” Marion reminded her. “Why don’t you take it easy today? Go to the beach and read a trashy novel.”

Gilda smiled. Sitting still was the last thing she wanted to do. She needed to get to the bottom of things. Soon. “That’s a great idea. Maybe I’ll grab a latte and a new book. I haven’t been to the bookstore in ages.”

“Good to hear.” Marion gave her another hug. “Then that’s what I’m going to tell myself you’re doing today. In reality, I know you’ll go to the school and stick your nose where it doesn’t belong, and I’m okay with that.” She held up a hand. “Just don’t tick off the guy with the sharp swords. He’s gorgeous, but boy is he scary.”

“I’m with Mick, remember,” she said just as Mick emerged from the bathroom, his hair wet and uncombed.

“Uh-huh. Lucky girl.” Marion backed toward the front door. “And Mick knows I’m counting on him to keep you out of trouble today.”

“Yes, I do. Don’t worry, I will.” He fastened her sling around Gilda’s neck and elbow then placed a hand on her shoulder. “First, Gary and I have a meeting with acquaintances who may have information about what’s going on.”

Marion narrowed her eyes. “You’re ditching her already? I haven’t even left yet.”

“What do you mean?” Gilda asked. “Information about what?”

Mick waved to Gary and held up an index finger. “Charlie did things other people, mostly those in the legal professions, didn’t approved of. I want to find out exactly what he was up to and who he was messing with this time.”

“Uh-huh.” Gilda scowled. “Who’s getting in trouble now?”

“Ha, ha. I have a legitimate reason and I know the right people to ask.” Mick kissed her. “You’re just nosy, Sherlock. I’m afraid to ask, but what are you two doing today?”

“I’m off to work,” Marion said.

“Oh.” He frowned. “I’d hoped you could take the day off to take care of Gilda.”

Gilda snorted. “Why are you two acting like my parents? I can take care of myself.”

Marion sighed. “I can stop by at lunch to check on her then come back after work. I’ll even bring comfort food for dinner. Probably pizza or fried chicken.”

Gilda sighed in resignation. “And I’ve got some cleaning to do.”

“Leave it for later.” She waved a hand. “I’ll give you a hand and we’ll take care of everything. Go to the beach, sit in the sunshine, and read a trashy novel.

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