Quarrelsome Quartz by Mildred Abbott

Author:Mildred Abbott [Abbott, Mildred]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wings of Ink Publications, LLC
Published: 2018-07-28T23:00:00+00:00

“My wife is going to be so mad that she missed this. But it’s her own fault that her hair appointments take so long.” Marcus Gonzales clapped his hands excitedly as he approached our tables at Habanero’s—we had two of them, the eight adults at one, the four kids nearby. He looked down at Barry’s steaming plate of cheese enchiladas and gave an apologetic wince as he pulled out his cell phone. “I hate to do this since you all were just served, but I didn’t know you were here. Do you mind if I get some pictures?”

“Absolutely. I never turn down a photo opportunity.” Barry grinned up at Marcus as he wiped tortilla chip crumbs off his tie-dyed tank top. “How would you like me?”

Marcus looked flummoxed but finally gave a shrug. “Well, I was actually meaning a photo with Miss Verona”—he pointed at Zelda—“but a group shot would be fine.”

From her place beside Zelda, Verona stiffened. “Why do you want a picture with me?”

Marcus’s eyes narrowed as he looked back and forth between the twins and then realized his mistake. “It’s not every day we have an accused murderer in the restaurant. I’d like to have your picture hanging on the wall with the other celebrities that have come in.”

Verona grimaced. “I’m not a celebrity. And I’m not a murderer.”

“Oh, I know.” Marcus sounded disappointed. “That’s why I said accused. But still, very exciting. That’s the closest we’ve gotten in here.”

“Now that’s just silly, Marcus.” Barry scooted his brightly painted chair back and stood. “Estes Park has had a whole rash of murders lately. I’m certain plenty of those murderers have eaten in here.” He refocused on our two tables and gestured for us to join him. “Well, come on. We don’t want to disappoint the man. Or let our food get cold.”

“Dad, I really don’t think—”

Barry cut off Verona. “We’re here to celebrate. Might as well document it with photographic proof.” He turned back to Marcus. “Sorry we don’t have the entire family here. Percival and Gary are down in Denver at an estate sale. They obviously didn’t know in advance that Wolf was going to be arrested today and clear Verona’s name.”

Marcus brightened once more. “Wolf was arrested for the murder?”

Barry nodded. “Just this morning. You didn’t hear?”

He shook his head. “No, but you’re right. He has eaten in here.” His smile broadened, then faded quickly. “But I didn’t get a picture with him.”

“Well, you’re getting a good one now. So perk up.” Barry patted Marcus’s shoulder, then gestured toward the wall with a painted rainforest motif. “All right everyone—Phyllis, girls, kids, let’s look pretty.”

Mom and the younger two kids hurried over cheerfully, while the rest of us cast begrudging glances at each other.

As we started to arrange ourselves, Barry angled back at the table. “Katie get over here.”

She looked uncertain. “He just wanted the family.”

“Actually, he just wanted Verona.” Zelda sounded a touch jealous.

Barry ignored her and waved Katie over. “How many times do we have to tell you, darling, you are family.

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