Back in Black by Julie Mulhern

Author:Julie Mulhern [Mulhern, Julie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: J & M Press

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Brnng, Brnng.

I glared at the phone, as if it were responsible for someone calling before I’d finished my first post-morning-swim cup of coffee.

Brnng, brnng.

Are you going to answer that? Mr. Coffee’s tone was curious, not judgmental. If I let the machine pick up, he wouldn’t think any less of me.

Brnng, brn—

I snatched the receiver off its cradle. “Hello.”

“Ellison, it’s Kay on the line.”

I forced warmth into my voice. “Good morning.” I sipped my coffee and waited for her to explain why she was calling so early. Several seconds passed in silence. She wasn’t speaking, but her silence felt heavy—whatever she wanted, she was afraid I’d say no.

The vase of Gerber daisies on the kitchen island caught my eye. As expected, Aggie had religiously changed the water in the vase. The flowers from Kay’s luncheon were still vibrant.

“The police are going to release the body, and I don’t know what to do,” Kay said, her voice breaking. Althea. She wanted help with Althea. “I’ve been up all night worrying.”

“Did Althea leave any instructions?” I asked, though I doubted it. People in their forties didn’t usually expect to die.

“I need to look. Would you go to the house with me? Please?”

“The police said it’s okay to enter her house?”

“They did.”

“Then I’ll go with you.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

I raked my fingers through my hair, wondering what I’d gotten myself into. “When do you want to go?”

“This morning, if you’re free.”

I glanced at the clock. I needed a shower, the dogs needed a walk, and Lord only knew what Grace needed. “Ten o’clock.”

“I’ll pick you up.”

“Fine. See you then.”

I hung up the phone, sighing. I didn’t really want to do this, but I would—because Kay needed me.

Why didn’t she call Libba? Mr. Coffee’s amused tone cut through my self-pitying thoughts.

Sorting through a dead woman’s belongings in search of funeral instructions wasn’t something you called just anyone for. Especially not Libba. Burial or cremation? What should she be buried in? Actually, Libba would be good at that part. What hymns at the service? Who would give the eulogy? If you asked me, planning a funeral was almost as much work as planning a wedding.

But I’d offered to help, so I’d be combing through Althea’s desk or nightstand soon enough.

You’re a good friend. And, it won’t be as bad as you think. I promise. Mr. Coffee always knew how to lighten my mood.

Woof, woof. The dogs barked at the back door, demanding to be let in.

I opened it, and Finn barreled past me. Max, sensing my stress, lingered. He pressed against my legs, allowing me to stroke his silky ears. I needed that.

He wriggled with happiness when Anarchy, who was dressed and ready for work, joined us in the kitchen, dropping a quick kiss on my cheek. “Who was on the phone?”

“Kay. She wants me to go to Althea’s with her. She thinks Althea may have left funeral instructions.”

He searched my face. “You don’t want to go.”

“Not particularly.”

“Uniforms have already been through the house.

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