Becklaw's Murder Mystery Tour (Jo Anderson Series) by Dane McCaslin Read Free Book Online Page A

realized. The woman really had a talent for that sort of thing.
    ‘Come sit down and have a cup of coffee with me,’ invited Miss Bea, leading the trio over to the table. They lined up on the same side as Joe had; maybe in Manchester, they didn’t segregate as much as we did in the South. I saw that LJ’s beefy hands had moved across the table toward Leslie, and that the newcomers had spotted it. This seemed to give them the impetus to begin flirting with Leslie while ignoring me, and I could picture the closeness of the cast evaporating into thin air.
    Miss Bea picked this up as well, because she suddenly stood up, marched to the end of the table, and directed us to move down toward her ‘with the regular actors on my left and the local talent on my right.’ We moved as we were told to do, and LJ’s face seemed to smooth out a bit as he settled into his accustomed place next to Leslie. Derek sat on the other side of her, and I smiled inwardly. Our boys had closed ranks against the intruders.
    ‘All right, we’re still waiting on a couple more to get here, but I’ll get started with your parts in this.’ She nodded at Andy, Bert, and Julian.
    She then proceeded to outline the plot of the story, describe their characters and the parts they would play, and talk a bit about what she intended the outcome to be audience participation-wise.
    ‘We’ve already performed this and have worked out some kinks in the storyline. Hopefully we’ve gotten them all, but if not, we’ll modify as we go. I want the audience to be able to have two or three characters to look at as the murderer; that’ll make it a bit tougher to guess, which will keep them interested.’ Miss Bea turned to Derek. ‘Did you remember to pick up those cigars?’
    ‘Sure did, Miss Bea. I got the cheapest, so they won’t be super mellow, but at least we’ll have the ambience.’ He grinned at the locals. ‘Hope you boys smoke.’
    ‘I sure do,’ piped up Julian. He was the quietest of the bunch. ‘I smoke, too,’ added Andy. ‘But not Bert here.’
    Bert nodded, his face solemn. ‘Gave it up three years ago.’
    ‘OK, that’s taken care of. Leslie, we got a few more sizes for the local girls, right?’ Miss Bea looked down the table at Leslie.
    ‘Yes, Miss Bea. I’m prepared for whatever size … for all possibilities.’ She grinned at me. We were both thinking about that conversation back in Copper.
    I was aware of the door opening once more, and looked over my shoulder to see two gals in their mid-twenties or thereabouts walking into the restaurant. Andy jumped up right away.
    ‘Josie. Lily. Nice to see you two. Are you a part of this play as well?’ He bussed each young woman’s proffered cheek, lingering a bit longer with Josie. Hmm. I wasn’t sure that we needed another couple here on the tour with us.
    Lily headed for the table, pausing shyly before choosing a spot next to Julian. She had a sweet face graced with brilliant blue eyes, a lipsticked mouth that smiled at each person in turn, and dimples deep enough to sink a finger in. ‘I’m so excited to do this, you have no idea!’ she exclaimed. ‘When Skinny Joe came to the library and told me about this, I couldn’t believe my luck.’ She beamed at Miss Bea. ‘Thanks, ma’am, for letting me join your troupe.’
    Miss Bea smiled back. ‘Call me Miss Bea, Lily. And I’m delighted that you were able to join us. Leslie, could you take a moment and tell Lily what she’ll be doing?’
    ‘Sure thing, Miss Bea.’ Leslie got up from the table, motioning Lily to follow. They settled into chairs near the front door, and I could see Leslie rattling on about the part, and Lily’s earnest manner as she listened and asked questions.
    By this time, Josie had made it over to the table, very much aware of the effect she was having on the male occupants. Her face was as pretty as Lily’s but there was something harder in her eyes and in the way she looked each person over. I