An Appointment With Murder by Jennifer L. Jennings;John Simon Read Free Book Online Page B

said. “She was Beth’s housemate.”
    We all shook hands. I remembered Beth mentioning that she shared a house with a young woman about her age. Melissa was stunning, which was why I had figured her to be the girlfriend.
    “We’re so sorry for your loss,” I said, and immediately regretted my choice of words. I should have said something more personal.
    “Thank you. She’ll be dearly missed,” he said, inclining his head.
    I nodded back, not knowing what else to say.
    “I hope you ladies will join us after the service for refreshments.” He indicated an adjoining room, patted me on the shoulder, and excused himself.
    Melissa’s eyes followed Max as he joined a nearby group of women, then she turned back to us and smiled. “So, you’re the Sarah Beth worked for?”
    “Yes.”
    “Beth had such nice things to say about you.” Melissa tilted her head to one side as she continued. “She told me you were the best boss she’d ever worked for.”
    “Really? That’s so nice. She was such a sweetheart. I never had a moment’s regret about hiring her. She was the best thing to happen to my business in a long time.” Shaking my head and looking down at my feet, I added, “She was so excited about her impending marriage. It just breaks my heart.”
    “Mine, too,” Melissa commiserated. “The house feels so empty without her.”
    “Melissa, it’s probably not the best time to talk about this,” I began, biting my lip, “but did you happen to know her fiancé very well?” Her facial expression didn’t change, but her body seemed to tense slightly.
    “Oh, I didn’t really get to know him that well. He seemed alright.” She began looking around the room, and I got the feeling she’d rather not discuss him. Probably a good idea.
    “I’m surprised he’s not here today,” I said anyway.
    “Excuse me, I need to use the ladies’,” Melissa said suddenly. “It was so nice to meet you both.” A faint smell of tangy perfume lingered in the wake of her hasty retreat.
    Gabby looked at me with a crooked smile. “Okay. That was a little weird.”
    “It was my fault. I should have kept my big mouth shut.”
    Gabby and I took seats at the back as the service began. A reverend said all the things one would expect a reverend to say in that way reverends have of suggesting that they knew the deceased personally. Perhaps he did. Max put on a brave front, maintaining his composure almost to the end of a touching eulogy. When he finally broke down at the very end, even Gabby had a tough time controlling herself, a rare thing to behold. As people began to filter out, I suggested that we wait, hoping to have a moment alone with Max. But the opportunity never presented itself.
    “Okay, Gabby,” I finally said, “let’s head out. I know you have clients this afternoon. I’ll drop you at the office.”
    We slowly made our way outside. As we rounded the corner of the building on the way to the car, I noticed, out of the corner of my eye, a solitary figure. Looking over, I saw Jacob, standing alone, one hand stuffed in the pocket of his black hoody, the other hovering near his mouth holding a cigarette.
    “Gabby, go on to the car,” I said softly. “I’ll be there in a minute.”
    Jacob didn’t seem to see me at first. His head was lowered as if he was inspecting his shoes.
    “Why are you standing out here, Jacob? The service just ended.” His unshaven face was gaunt, and he smelled of alcohol.
    “Hey,” Jacob said, looking up, his voice barely audible.
    “I’m so sorry about Beth,” I said, stopping a few feet from him. The conversation with Max the day before kept me from going up to him and hugging him. There was no reason for me to be afraid, but, still, I felt a little nervous being alone with him.
    He nodded and wiped his eyes.
    We stood there, awkwardly, without speaking. It was obvious he had nothing more to say.
    “Jacob, what’s going on? Why does Beth’s brother think you had something to do