Murder Turns the Page by Thea Cambert

Author:Thea Cambert [Cambert, Thea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Summer Prescott Books
Published: 2020-12-01T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

By seven-thirty that evening, a nice crowd had gathered at Joe’s. Attendants were buying books at The Paper Owl and bringing them into the coffee shop for the authors’ autographs, Owen was passing out a variety of delectable Shakespearean treats, and featured writers were doing short readings from their latest books, and mixing and mingling with readers, fans, and aspiring authors.

“We have to do this festival every year! It’s been amazing so far,” said Owen. “Well—except for the murder part, I mean.”

“I agree,” said Alice. “I’d love to do a mystery-lovers book fest in the fall as well.”

“Just think,” said Franny. “By the next festival, you’ll have a new little niece or nephew to tote along!”

“I’m going to be the best uncle the world has ever known,” said Owen who, although he wasn’t technically a member of the Maguire family, had basically been adopted by Alice’s parents some time ago. It never ceased to surprise her when her dad would casually mention how he and Owen had gone bird watching over the weekend, or when her mother talked about what fun she and Owen had had baking cookies the other day. In fact, Granny Maguire and Owen had taken dancing lessons together, and could put everyone else to shame with their foxtrot, their cha-cha, and their very impressive rendition of the elusive Viennese waltz.

“Just don’t spoil the little guy—or girl,” said Franny with a laugh. “Ooh!”

Ben appeared at Franny’s side as if by magic. “What do you mean, ‘ooh’?”

“Just a little kick in the ribs,” said Franny, patting her husband’s arm. “Look! There’s Saladin Raeve.”

“Ooh!” said Ben, and he pushed through the crowd to meet Saladin and thank him for the book.

“Check it out,” said Owen in a low voice as he refilled his tray of warden pies and marzipan bites. “Saladin’s got a new lady on his arm.”

“Addy?” asked Franny, peering around Owen’s shoulder. “What makes you think they’re an item?”

“Oh I don’t know,” said Owen, rolling his eyes. “Maybe the goofy grin on Saladin’s face. Or the fact that they’re holding hands. Really, Franny. Do people stop noticing these things once they’re married?”

“No, they do not,” said Franny. “But now that you mention it, they do look pretty cozy.”

After a short visit with Ben, the two sat down at a table for two tucked into the corner.

“Oh yeah,” said Alice. “They’re definitely a couple.”

“But I thought Addy was with Lawrence,” said Franny.

“She was—or so it appeared,” said Owen.

“Let’s causally stroll over there and get a closer look,” said Alice.

“No need. He’s coming this way,” said Owen.

Saladin came over to the counter, a broad smile on his face.

“Hello, you three,” he said. “What a great idea, to have a coffeehouse chat. This place is great. I love this town! Maybe I’ll move here someday.”

“We’d love that!” said Alice with a laugh. “Blue Valley is the best hometown on earth in my humble opinion.”

“I can see why you think that. It has everything. Mountains. A lake. Excellent coffee and food.

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