A Vintage To Die For (Violet Vineyard Murder Mysteries Book 2) by JM Harvey Read Free Book Online Page A

restaurant owners trust him. They—”
    “Wasn’t personal! I know why you're doing this! Armand Rivincita has been trying to buy my vines for two years and, with your help, he just might get them at a foreclosure auction!” Jorge put a hand on her forearm but she jerked free.
    Blake laughed at that, but the chuckle was forced. “Armand is a great customer and a great friend, but I have nothing to do with what he buys or doesn't. I sell his wine, that's all I—”
    Angela was done listening; she snatched up her empty glass, shot out of her chair and threw the glass at Blake. It went over my right shoulder, splattering my dress with a drizzle of wine drops, then collided with Blake's forehead with a wooden ‘Thunk!’
    Blake went over backward, a dazed expression in his eyes. But she wasn't done with him; she snatched up a butter knife and was cocking her arm to throw it when Hunter grabbed her wrist. But she didn’t want to let it go. In the struggle for it, Angela clipped the table’s wobbly leg and it toppled, spilling halibut, chicken, wine glasses, dishes, and cutlery onto the grass.
    I was too stunned to do anything but stare as Hunter finally wrested the knife out of her hand. He tucked the dull blade into his back pocket, but he didn’t let go of Angela, who was staring daggers at Blake.
    Everyone was looking now, and I couldn’t blame them. My first crush party was turning into a battle royale. All we needed was some costumes and a wrestling ring.
    Blake got slowly to his feet, his hand on his forehead. Star Crossed’s executive staff was having a very rough day.
    “Are you all right?” I asked, as I stood and glanced at the lump fast rising on his forehead. I would need another ice towel.
    “I'm fine,” he said, looking around at the faces turned his way, obviously embarrassed. He tried on a smile. “No harm done.” But his knees looked wobbly and his eyes were unfocused.
    Jorge was the only one still seated. Nonchalantly, he took up his empty glass and filled it. He was taking a swallow when Hunter barked at him.
    “Jorge! It's time for you to call a cab.”
    “Yup,” Jorge said, and grinned. “I guess it is.” He finished the wine and stood. “Come on, Angela, let's get out of here.” He glanced at me and hesitated, a flush climbing his cheeks. “I’m sorry about dumping all that crap at your party, Claire,” he said.
    I nodded and gave him a tentative smile. I had known Jorge a long time. I didn’t want any hard feelings - even if he had acted like a jerk.
    Angela said nothing as she turned hard on her heel and stalked across the lawn, her head held high, her gait steady despite the gallon of wine she had consumed. Jorge trailed in her wake, waving sheepishly at friends and neighbors.
    I watched
them go, then turned to Blake
    “Let’s get some ice for your head,” I told him as I took his elbow. I led him to the house, though I was starting to think of it as the infirmary.

Chapter 6
     
     
    Dimitri was still lying on the sofa with Alexandra in attendance. They were locked in a whispered conversation, so I led Blake to the tasting room and fetched another tea towel and wrapped it around a handful of ice.
    Blake sat on a bench at one of the two rustic-looking tables. They aren’t very comfortable, which is exactly the point. Give a tourist a cozy sofa, a glass of wine, and a beautiful view and they’ll stay for hours. Blake took the compress and sat with his back to the table, leaning back against it. He closed his eyes, the cloth pressed to his forehead. I headed for the hall door.
    “Damn that man,” he said, his eyes pinched closed. “His mouth is going to run us straight out of business.”
    I hesitated in the doorway, unable to resist the urge to pry. “The comments he made did seem a little shortsighted,” I said diplomatically.
    Blake snorted. “The arrogant bastard was actually proud of the piece!” he said, lowering the towel to glare up at me. “But that's the