Murder in the Master by Judy L Murray

Author:Judy L Murray [Judy L Murray]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Level Best Books
Published: 2021-09-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Two

By seven a.m., Shawn was on his way back to Baltimore for a hearing. Lizzie was already drinking coffee on the deck when Helen wandered into the kitchen.

“How’d you sleep?” Lizzie called to her.

“Better than I have all week. I always sleep better when you’re home.”

“What’s on the agenda today? Shawn gave me strict instructions to keep you out of trouble. He wasn’t happy about Matt cornering you. I think we could do a little sleuthing together before I head back to BTB. What do you think? Can I be your George or is she already assigned to someone else?” Lizzie flapped her eyelashes at her mother.

Helen laughed. “Actually, I have Susan filling that role already, although it’s not going very well for her.” She raised an eyebrow. “I was thinking I could use you for some subterfuge. I have an appointment with a client at ten-thirty. How do you feel about giving Audrey’s hairdresser another visit for me? See if you can get some more local dirt on her. When I got my manicure, I found out Melanie has a standing appointment at ten on Saturdays. We’ll go in. I’ll point out Melanie then leave. I could meet you at noon for lunch at Port Anne Yacht Club as a reward.”

Lizzie’s face lit up. “Sounds like an assignment for Nora Charles. She’s definitely my kind of P.I. Pedicures, tilted hats, and dry martini lunches!”

Helen nodded approval. “I’m good with that. Who doesn’t love Nora’s style? Or her smarts.”

* * *

A little before ten, the two wandered into Cut Above. Helen sat down with the manicurist she met before. In minutes, she could hear Lizzie chatting it up with the stylists nearby. A woman walked in, and Helen recognized the redhead as Melanie. Lizzie caught her mother’s eye and shifted into actress mode. She grabbed a magazine, tucked her Louis Vuitton handbag under her arm, and slid into a pedicure chair next to Melanie. She flashed a smile and introduced herself. “Hi. I’m Nora!”

Melanie scrutinized her up and down then started chatting. Clearly, she was curious about the fashionable new blonde in town. A half-hour later, Helen finished her manicure, paid her bill, and left her daughter to her assignment. If anyone could get Melanie to open up, she could. Helen laughed to herself. ‘Whoops! I meant Nora.’

At twelve-fifteen Lizzie walked into PAYC. She collapsed with a dramatic fling into the chair across from Helen and reached for her menu. Her face was flushed with excitement. She ordered a dirty martini in honor of Nora.

“You obviously found out something worthwhile. You look like you’re going to burst.”

“Mom, Melanie is such a skank. I can’t tell you!” she whispered. Her wide, expressive blue eyes came from her father. “I actually started feeling sorry for Audrey after meeting her so-called friend. Melanie couldn’t hide her dislike for Al or her contempt for her. She didn’t even try.”

“Really? Melanie acts like Audrey’s protector. She’s made it a full-time job.”

“You’re right. She also thinks Audrey is a fool, in no uncertain terms.

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