A Taste of Magic (A Sugarcomb Lake Cozy Mystery Book 1) by Alaine Allister Read Free Book Online Page B

that’s Adam Burke.  He’s Jed Black’s business partner.  I dealt with him once or twice years ago when I needed to do some retirement planning,” the man confided.  “He’s a nice guy, and knows a thing or two about money.  If you ever need investment advice, he’s your man!  Tell him I sent you!” he added, without actually introducing himself.
    “I’ll remember that,” Clarissa said politely.  If only she had money to invest!
    The man and Clarissa made idle small talk for a few minutes before she snapped a few quick photos and decided to leave.  The conversation she had overheard in the street was still eating away at her.  She decided if she was going to be a reporter again, then she would have to be fearless and perhaps even a little pushy.
    But she wanted to do so in as nice a way as possible, so she stopped by the local bakery first.  Showing up unannounced at a grieving widow’s house seemed less despicable when freshly baked apple pie was involved, didn’t it? 
     

Chapter 05
    Clarissa made her way up the front walk slowly.  The Black residence was massive – it was easily one of the biggest, ritziest houses in town.  The landscaping was minimal but immaculate, and off to the left was a four car garage.  Clarissa also had it on good authority that there was a massive swimming pool in the backyard.
    It was a lifestyle the small town reporter would only ever be able to dream of. 
    “You are not a bad person,” Clarissa whispered to herself as she neared the front door.  Her conscience had suddenly and rather inconveniently made her fear that what she was doing was completely inappropriate. 
    She knew she had a lot of nerve showing up at Bonnie Black’s mansion the day after her husband was murdered.  It was a private time for mourning.  Who was she turning up there uninvited?  It wasn’t as though she was a friend or family member.
    But on the other hand, there didn’t appear to be any other cars parked nearby.  Clarissa had expected the house to be full of people there to offer their condolences.  Maybe that was taking place elsewhere, she reasoned.  Maybe Bonnie wasn’t even home.
    She rang the doorbell, not really expecting an answer.
    When no one came to the door, she set the pie down on the porch, intending to leave it there.
    That was when the door flung open.
    “You’re not the pizza guy!” a raspy female voice exclaimed in surprise.
    Clarissa looked up to see Bonnie Black standing there.  Though Clarissa didn’t know her personally, she had seen her standing dutifully by her husband’s side at press conferences countless times.  But she barely even recognized the attractive forty-something year old woman.
    Bonnie Black had always been the epitome of put together.  She normally had her brunette hair swept back in a sophisticated chignon and her makeup was immaculate.  And then there was her wardrobe!  It was, simply put, to die for.  In a way, Bonnie was sort of like a small town celebrity.  She was glamorous and classy and never seemed to wear the same outfit twice.
    But today she was unrecognizable. 
    Today Bonnie was wearing a long pink fuzzy housecoat.  A cigarette hung out of the corner of her mouth and her eye makeup was smeared.  She held an open bottle of red wine in one hand.  She clearly hadn’t been expecting company and was in no state to entertain guests. 
    Actually, she seemed rather drunk.
    “I’m sorry, I just wanted to uh...bring you this,” Clarissa said, holding out the delicious smelling apple pie.  “I wanted to, you know, offer my condolences.  But I’m sure you’re busy and I’m interrupting,” she added hastily.  “I should be going.”
    “Do I look busy?” Bonnie slurred.  “Come in,” she ordered.
    And that was how Clarissa found herself standing in Bonnie Black’s magnificent home.
    “This house is incredible!” Clarissa couldn’t help but exclaim.  “Look at this kitchen!” she breathed, trying to