Murder Checks Out by Victoria Gilbert

Author:Victoria Gilbert
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CROOKED LANE BOOKS

Chapter Fifteen

My mother-in-law, Fiona Muir, arrived early Sunday afternoon.

As Richard dragged her overly large suitcase up to Ella’s bedroom, Fiona greeted Nicky and Ella, displaying a level of affection she’d never shown me. Or her son, come to think of it.

I stood back, amused by Fiona’s willingness to be pulled to the Christmas tree, one twin clutching each hand. As Ella and Nicky chattered about the ornaments they’d created, Fiona made appreciative noises.

Richard stepped up behind me. “Is this the same woman who never attended any of my dance performances until just a few years ago?” he whispered in my ear.

“I guess it’s true what they say—being a grandparent is a completely different thing than being a parent,” I replied, keeping my voice low.

As Fiona bent over with her head close to Ella’s and Nicky’s, her dark locks, pulled back into a smooth chignon, blended with the twins’. I was sure she dyed her hair to remove any traces of gray, especially since she was always telling me that I’d look much younger if I colored mine.

Richard placed his hands on either side of my waist. “It doesn’t hurt that they resemble her. I think she enjoys having little mini-me’s.”

I leaned back against his chest. “You look just like her. That didn’t seem to help in your case.”

“No. But the years have obviously mellowed her.” Richard hugged me against him for a second before dropping his hands to his sides. “And she doesn’t have to worry about other people’s opinions so much. If the twins don’t turn out perfect, she can always blame us.”

“As I’m sure she will,” I said, turning to face him. “Now, don’t you need to get to the theater? I know you have a major technical rehearsal this afternoon.”

“Into the evening, I’m afraid.” Richard tipped up my chin with his forefinger. “Sorry to leave you to deal with everything, but you’re right—I do need to go.” He leaned in and brushed my lips with a kiss. “Try not to murder her before I get back.”

I wrinkled my nose at him. “I won’t. I’ll wait for you to return so you can provide an alibi.”

Richard laughed, which made Fiona straighten and turn to face us. “You have rehearsals today, I suppose, Richard?”

“As always,” he replied, stepping around me and strolling over to the coat-tree near the front door. “Fortunately, the kids aren’t needed today, so you can spend some quality time with them.”

“We’re going to make cookies!” Nicky said.

“That’s nice.” I caught Fiona’s eye. “I may or may not have all the ingredients you need. But since you’ll be here with Ella and Nicky, I can always run out to the grocery store to pick up supplies.”

Fiona pointed to a plastic bag she’d set on one of our side tables. “Oh, don’t worry. I thought that might be the case, so I brought my own ingredients.”

“Hey, Ella and Nicky, get over here,” Richard said as he tugged on his coat. “I’ll probably be late getting home, so give me a hug and a kiss now in case you’re already asleep when I get back.

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