Murder and the Masterpiece by Rosie Sams

Author:Rosie Sams [Sams, Rosie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: SweetBookHub.com
Published: 2019-10-20T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Claudia pulled in a breath and jumped back after she opened her door. “Melody, what are you doing here?”

Eyeing the two suitcases at Claudia’s feet, Melody asked, “Leaving so soon?”

The woman shifted uneasily from one foot to the other. “I had only planned to stay here for a few days. How did you know which room to find me in?”

“Well, the receptionist was forthcoming with the information because she’s under the impression that I was sent by the sheriff.” Melody felt a twinge of guilt for the little fib. “The sheriff called to ensure that you didn’t check out.”

Dark eyes widening, Claudia gasped. “What?” Peering anxiously into the hall, she practically dragged Melody inside. “What are you talking about, Melody? The sheriff?”

Smudge waddled inside, and Melody closed the door. “Calm down, Claudia. The police just want to question you again.”

“I don’t see what for,” the woman huffed. “I told them everything I know, and I’m going to miss my flight.”

“Why not stay until Byron’s murderer is found?”

She threw her hands up. “I thought the crazy guy who attacked Byron last night did it, and I have to get home to start making plans for his funeral.”

“I wondered if you were in such a hurry… because you have something to hide.”

Claudia went silent and completely still. Both women stared at each other, Claudia’s eyes blazed with fury and Melody’s with challenge. Finally, the silence broke.

“Whatever you’re implying is completely false,” Claudia asserted. “I had nothing to do with Byron’s murder. I admit, contrary to what I told the police, I... I did see him this morning. But, I sought him out at the gallery to talk to him. We exchanged heated words, and I stormed off to get back here to pack. He was very much alive when I left him, I assure you.”

Though Melody was unconvinced, she sighed. “Do you remember what I told you last night, Claudia? About being able to talk to me? I meant every word. If there’s something you want to get off your chest…”

“How dare you?!” Claudia’s defenses were back up. “Did you come here to get a confession so your crazy friend will be let off the hook? I told you, I didn’t do it.” Jaws clenched and fists balled, she growled, “Get out of my way, Melody. I’m leaving.”

“You won’t be able to check out until the sheriff gets here.”

“Yeah? Watch me.” When Claudia charged forward, Smudge blocked her path and let out a warning growl.

Clutching her chest, Claudia stopped in her tracks in front of the tiny dog who was trying hard to look tough, but only managed to look really cute. “Goodness, she isn’t going to attack, is she? Call her off!”

“If this is what it takes to keep you here until the sheriff gets here, no can do,” Melody huffed.

In a move that shocked Melody, Claudia stomped one foot and then sank to her knees. Melody watched wide-eyed as the woman burst into tears. Seeing that the tears were genuine, Melody groaned.

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