A Murder in Mohair by Anne Canadeo Read Free Book Online

sell.”
    The house sounded sort of hideous to Lucy. But Suzanne had definitely sold worse-sounding properties.
    â€œDid you really mean what you told Cassandra, or were you just baiting her?” Lucy asked.
    â€œOf course I meant it. What salesperson wouldn’t want to read their customer’s mind?” Suzanne laughed. “Do I think she can really read minds? That’s another question.”
    â€œHow about you, Lucy?” Dana asked. “Do you think spirits with special messages for you are hanging out in Edie’s diner, hovering over our table?”
    Dana was partly teasing, Lucy was sure. But partly serious, too.
    Lucy laughed. “No. I don’t know,” she said honestly.
    â€œNo offense, Lucy. But I think Cassandra just sniffed out the weakest link. Dana and I give off alpha energy,” Suzanne added, “and you’re so sweet and nice.”
    â€œI’m an easy mark, is that what you’re trying to say?” Lucy was laughing but also a bit insulted.
    Suzanne shrugged. “If the crystal pendant fits . . .” she said in a tiny voice.
    â€œI don’t know about you guys, but I’m definitely curious. I think we should book a reading with her. All of us, together. That will make it easier to observe her techniques. While she’s focusing on Lucy, for instance, we can figure out her scam.”
    â€œI don’t know. She seems pretty smooth to me. But a reading would be fun. I wouldn’t mind doing it.” Suzanne picked up the card and her phone and stashed both in her purse. “And let’s not forget Maggie and Phoebe.”
    â€œOf course not. I’m sure they’ll want to try it, too,” Lucy said.
    Edie appeared beside the table again. “So, what did you think of that swivel-hipped Svengali?”
    â€œWe’re going to book a group reading, Edie. We want to see what really goes on. Want to join us?” Dana offered.
    â€œI had the same idea. I’m seeing her tonight,” Edie replied.
    â€œShe kept saying that spirits want to talk to me.”
    â€œJust what she said to me,” Lucy cut in. “That must be her standard bait.”
    â€œWell, she also tossed a few tidbits, you might say. Nothing specific. But did set me back on my heels. How does she know this stuff?” Edie looked perplexed a moment, then she resolved again. “But it’s no big trick to toss a lot of stuff at the wall and see what sticks, right? Let’s see if she can keep that up for half an hour, or more. I bet I see through this gal’s game pretty quickly.”
    â€œIf you do, let us know. We won’t call her until tomorrow. No use wasting our money, ladies, right?” Suzanne asked the others.
    â€œI can tell you right now not to waste your money,” Edie replied emphatically. “Though I will say it’s the only thing that’s helped Nora. God knows, she and Richard made the rounds of a hundred therapists, and must have dropped thousands on that trail. Is this really that much different? . . . No offense, Dana,” she quickly added.
    â€œNo offense taken. Though I will say that sessions with a qualified therapist or grief counselor are a lot different than seeing a psychic. It can hardly be compared in the same breath.”
    â€œYes, yes. Of course. I’m just talking off the top of my head.” Edie waved her hand in apology, her bracelets jingling. “The bottom line is I know this woman is up to no good and she’s got my niece wrapped around her little finger. My sister is gone. I’m all the mother Nora has left. I can’t sit by and watch her conned by some charlatan.”
    â€œIt’s sweet that you’re concerned, Edie,” Lucy said. “Nora is lucky to have you. You tell us how it goes. Maybe we’ll visit with Cassandra anyway, and see if we can help you debunk her.”
    â€œI like that word, Lucy. De- bunk