The Corpse in the Gazebo by Debra Sennefelder

Author:Debra Sennefelder [Sennefelder, Debra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2021-05-26T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

During the drive back to her house, Hope’s mind churned over possibilities of what had caused the fallout between Gary and Birdie. Had Birdie strayed so far off course that she got involved with drugs? Hope had seen firsthand how addiction was affecting Ethan’s family. Her mind was still turning over thoughts about Gary, his lie, and the Oliff family estrangement as she entered her kitchen. She unloaded her tote off her shoulder and quickly lavished an impatient Bigelow with kisses on the head before greeting Josie.

“In the mood for some good news?” Josie asked from her seat at the table. She’d arrived while Hope was at Emily’s House and let herself in with her new house key. While Hope had been out snooping around, Josie had edited two videos, scheduled three blog posts, and updated the landing page for Hope’s blogger coaching program. The clients she was currently working with were a small group of beta users who got a discount.

Hope rested her hands on the island’s counter. “I am definitely in the mood for some good news. Bring it on.”

“Traffic is way up. Everywhere.” Josie beamed with excitement while Hope sulked. “What’s wrong?”

“I think I know the reason why, and it’s not a good one.” Hope walked to the refrigerator and took out a pitcher of iced tea. After she poured a glass, she joined Josie at the table and filled her in on the viral video.

“You’re right. It’s not a good reason for increased traffic. All those people are like the ones who drive by accident scenes and gawk.”

Yep, that pretty much summed up the situation Hope was in now. She avoided checking her emails because she was certain there was one from her agent. At some point, though, she had to touch base with Laurel. She should also be prepared to be fired as a client.

Hope sipped her tea and filled Josie in on her conversation with Gary. “I wish he’d shared what happened.”

“Guess it must have been pretty darn serious for them not to talk for two decades.” Josie’s mouth gaped. “Maybe she committed a crime. Like a robbery and someone got hurt. Or maybe she was high and got into a car accident and killed someone.”

“Do you think Birdie was in prison?”

Josie shrugged. “Anything is possible. Perhaps she was so private because she didn’t want to talk about her past. If she was in prison, she probably spent a lot of time in the prison library. Maybe that’s why she liked hanging out at the Jefferson Library.”

Hope smiled. “You might be right. If she was in prison.”

“Not everyone chooses the right life path.” Josie shrugged. “What do you plan to do now?”

“I have a coaching call in thirty minutes.”

“No. I mean about the murder.”

Hope finished her drink. “I’d like to know what caused the falling out between Gary and Birdie. There was something Avery said that has me curious about Ted and the center.”

“What did she say?”

Hope hesitated to answer. If she were off base, she could do harm to Ted and the center’s reputation.

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