A Gala Event by Sheila Connolly Read Free Book Online Page B

generation thinks differently.”
    â€œMeg, I’m only ten years younger than you—that’s not a generation. But we’re coming from different places, I guess—and I’m not talking about countries.”
    â€œI think I know what you mean.” Meg sighed. “My mother’s generation was all riled up about feminism and equality. I support those in principle, but I can’t see that a whole lot has changed since her day. Women still make less money than men, in the same jobs. And men still get the better-paying, more important jobs.”
    â€œSo what’s the point of getting married?”
    â€œCommitment, I guess. Believing in something—or someone—and standing up and working for it. Maybe it’s not for everybody, but that’s our choice. What about you and Michael?”
    â€œApples and oranges,” Bree said tersely.
    Meg was wondering whether this was the time to broach the subject of living arrangements, but then her phone rang: Gail. She answered quickly.
    â€œGail, are you all right? Have they found him?”
    â€œI’m okay, I think. No, I haven’t heard from Art or anyone else.”
    â€œDo you need something? I’d be happy to help out.”
    â€œWhat I could use is some company. My husband is treating me like I might break if he looks cross-eyed at me, and we still haven’t said anything to the kids. He said he’d keep them busy today. Listen, Meg, I hate to ask this, but could you take me to the Historical Society and hang out with me for a bit?”
    â€œYou sure you want to go back there? So soon after . . . And it’s still got to be a mess . . .” Meg fumbled for words.
    â€œYou mean all that blood? Meg, I’m not a fainting violet. Most of it ended up on me, anyway, and on that slicer, and Art took that away. But right now I figure it’s like getting thrown from a horse—you’ve got to get right back on.”
    â€œGail, have you ever ridden a horse?” Meg asked.
    â€œNo, but I subscribe to the theory. Will you come?”
    â€œOf course I will. I’ll pick you up and drive you over. And if you chicken out, I’ll turn around and take you home. Or to lunch. Up to you.”
    â€œThanks, Meg. I’ll owe you one.”
    â€œSee you in fifteen,” Meg replied firmly, and hung up. She turned to Bree. “You heard all that?”
    â€œYeah. Good for Gail—it takes guts to face your demons.I guess she must really care about the place. You go ahead—I can handle stuff here. And I told you I’d be out tonight.”
    â€œYeah, yeah, I know: whoopie. Along with crime solving and wedding planning. My, aren’t we busy people?”
    â€œYou got that right,” Bree said. “I’ll see you when I see you.”
    Meg ran upstairs, swapped her jeans for a better pair, and set off to Gail’s house. Gail was sitting on her front stoop waiting, and she stood up when Meg arrived. Meg leaned across the front and opened the door for her. “You look a heck of a lot better than you did the last time I saw you,” she said, as Gail settled into her seat and fastened her seat belt.
    â€œIt’s amazing what a long, hot shower will do for you. I feel bad—I think I overreacted when I saw that guy. I mean, he looked harmless enough. I never even gave him a chance to talk—I just lashed out.”
    â€œDon’t beat yourself up. It was late, and dark, and he startled you. You defended yourself.” Meg pulled out of the driveway, then turned the car toward town.
    â€œI wish they’d find him. I hate this not knowing.”
    Even if the worst case turns out to be true?
Meg wondered, but didn’t say to Gail. “Well, now that Seth has joined the hunt, I’m sure they will,” she said lightly.
    â€œSeth sure does know this town,” Gail commented. “I don’t know what Granford would do