The Frame-Up (The Golden Arrow Mysteries Book 1) by Meghan Scott Molin

Author:Meghan Scott Molin [Molin, Meghan Scott]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mystery, Romance
ISBN: 9781503904187
Publisher: 47North
Published: 2018-12-01T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 16

The manor sits like a refined older gentleman—elegant, slightly sprawling, with the air of being worn in and relaxed—atop a hill overlooking a private greenbelt outside of LA. On one side, Griffith Observatory looms atop the same scrubby hill looking down on us, and on the other three sides, there isn’t a house to be seen. Deep woods obscure the view of the nearest neighbor, and I contemplate the possibility of them being my favorite movie star.

“Rough place to grow up,” I mutter, climbing out of the sleek dark sedan, a real undercover car this time. No Prius in sight. This is a serious investigation at this point. All it took was a flash of Matteo’s badge in front of the camera on the front gate, and it opened straightaway. Now, a figure in a conservative black suit comes down the stone steps toward us. My parents may be rich, but they aren’t “front gate with a camera, butler at the front door” rich.

In short order, we are escorted inside the spacious foyer, classic and distinguished with checkered black-and-white floors and a large arrangement of flowers. At first glance, it’s the opposite of who I am. I expect to hate this house, to feel the overpolished, stuffy, overpowering feeling of Casey Junior in every room. Instead, it feels oddly like . . . coming home.

There’s an aura. I feel the presence of a man I’ve never met, in this the birthplace of my favorite stories. He’s everywhere. The old-fashioned brass light fixtures that come off as charmingly retro instead of tacky and outdated. A huge bust of a superhero cast in bronze and attached over a doorway like he’s flying through the wall. The row of paintings between that door and the stairs that have the eyes cut out. I assume it’s so someone in the room can look through them—it’s classic comic fodder, kooky as all get out, and I love it. I not only feel Casey Senior’s presence; it’s like the house welcomes me. Sighs with relief that I’ve come. I shove away the thought that Casey Senior’s spirit wants me to solve this case. That’s crazy, right?

It also shows that Casey Junior has not redecorated in the thirty years since his father’s death. I frown, thinking through his impassioned interview. Perhaps this house is the very proof I need to show that Casey Junior really loved his father. Wants his presence to linger.

“Are you coming?” Matteo’s voice comes from the staircase in the foyer.

I realize I’ve been staring around the room and have completely missed all of Matteo’s conversation with the butler.

“Oh, um, yes, of course.”

Matteo turns to follow the butler up a curving staircase—quiet, with a worn and soft red velvety carpet runner. I make my way up the stairs behind him, taking in the house. This is the perfect superhero lair. Comfortable. Impressive. Homey. Huge enough to hide a batcave in the second living room. Heck, Casey Junior even has an Alfred.

“I know what

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