Scarlet Oaks and the Serial Caller by Michaela James

Author:Michaela James [James, Michaela]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: humor, sleuths, suspense, radio dj, heroine, mystery
ISBN: 9780982840924
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Determined to keep her spirits up, Scarlet walked into the radio station with a backpack full of necessities. Her staple thermos, leftover goodies from the high tea, a framed photograph of Niles and Tom holding a significantly smaller Prudence, a flashlight, a bar of soap, and a man’s thick gray sock.

It had been a couple of weeks since she’d packed the flashlight and soap in a sock. They were heavy, and besides, she was under twenty-four-hour surveillance now. But, something, probably just the fact Sylvia was lying on a far-off beach, made Scarlet grab them on her way out the door.

Forced by the weight of her backpack to take the stairs a little slower, Scarlet considered the words spoken between Gary and his disgruntled lady friend. You just keep talking and never shut up. Scarlet couldn’t seem to shake from her consciousness, the fact she’d very recently heard this same complaint.

Reaching the sanctity of her studio, Scarlet placed her framed photo just behind the mic and then debated whether to eat something now or pace herself to keep the comfort food coming.

Nervous and jittery, she almost fell off the high stool when her cell phone rang.

“How’s my favorite girl?” came Niles’ soothing inquiry.

Bemused by the feeling of tears stinging her eyes, Scarlet took a breath. “She’s just fine. How are my favorite boys?”

“We’ve got you on speaker,” Niles and Tom returned in chorus.

Tom, who sounded as if he were munching on something, began, “Scarlet, you’ve never seen so much snow. And cold, I don’t know why anyone ever leaves the house.”

Laughing, Niles added, “Boston is so beautiful, though, Scar. We’re bringing you next time.”

Maddeningly, Scarlet’s tears reappeared. “I’d love that. How’s Uncle Victor doing?”

Still chewing, Tom replied, “He’s got years to him yet; we were duped, the guy’s healthier than me.”

“That may be a slight exaggeration,” Niles interrupted, “but he is a hoot, that old man can entertain a room like nobody’s business.”

Scarlet reached for a little princess cake. “I’m glad you two are having fun.”

Tom’s tone became serious. “We hate being so far away from you with, with … well, we just miss you, Scarlet.”

Determined not to let the tears win, Scarlet voiced, “I miss you too, but I’m fine. I even went on a date this afternoon.”

“With James?” Tom enquired.

“No. With Gary. You remember we met for a meal in Italian town.”

Sounding as if he’d just moved closer to the phone, Niles said, “Of course, we remember. He was a little too keen, though, wasn’t he? Asking you to go away with him scuba diving or something.”

Hoping the following statement was true, Scarlet said, “I think my rather hurried departure today may have curbed his enthusiasm.”

“Oh, do tell,” Tom said with mischief in his voice.

Taking a minute to remember the correct sequence of events, Scarlet began,

“He called really early this morning …”

“Scar, are you okay?” Niles asked when Scarlet’s voice faded off into the abyss.

Heart racing and beads of sweat forming on her top lip, Scarlet replied, “I never gave Gary my phone number.

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