Death in the Casino: Target Practice Mysteries 5 by Nikki Haverstock Read Free Book Online

pulled Moo in close. We weaved through the crowd, dodging the bows that many people were carrying. It was an obstacle course of bow limbs, stabilizers, and sights sticking out in every direction. People turned and moved with no awareness of how their equipment swung into my path. I ducked as a carbon side rod almost took off my head.
    The floor was concrete, and as we rounded a corner, I realized that it was actually the top floor of a large arena. We moved around a bar, and rows and rows of plastic, fold-down seats were visible. The far half of the seating was covered by advertising from various archery companies. The floor of the arena had green, fake plastic grass and targets along the far side.
    I wandered over to the railing behind the top row of seats.
    Mary fell in step next to me as Loggin walked over to the Andersson Archery booth. "Pretty cool, huh?" She gestured down to the shooting venue below.
    "Who shoots down there?" I imagined being down there with crowds of people in the stands, watching my every move and shot. The thought made my stomach flip over.
    "Who do you think? Who gets all the money and attention?"
    "The pro compound men?" I guessed.
    "You got it in one. It's pretty cool though. The whole crowd hangs on every shot."
    "Di, get over here."
    I turned around to see Loggin waving me over. I recognized a few men around him from the Westmound Summit. They were employees of Andersson Archery. Thankfully I had spent my Christmas break memorizing the employee lists from the various Westmound companies.
    I greeted everyone that I recognized, then Loggin rattled off introductions to a handful of people, men and women that I hadn't met but were wearing Andersson Archery jerseys. I smiled and shook hands but failed to retain any of the names. They looked at me eagerly, waiting for me to say something.
    I was befuddled by the attention and unclear on what was expected of me. I nervously twisted Moo's leash in my hand. "This is Moo. I'm wishing you all the best this weekend."
    Everyone smiled. I was relieved that I had guessed at the right thing to say.
    A few people greeted Moo, and a woman stepped forward to speak to me. Her first name was embroidered on her chest above a long list of sponsors. More likely it was her pro name, since Terrier was hardly a common name.
    "You as well. I hear that you are shooting in the recurve division." She smoothly edged between me and the group, focusing my attention on her.
    I was relieved to be able to focus on one person and could appreciate the deft move. "Yes, I am. I haven't been back shooting for too long. This tournament is something."
    "First time?" She shifted her weight, blocking a man who had scooted forward to join us.
    I hid a chuckle at the strategy. "Yes."
    "If you need anything, let me know. And we should grab a drink while you're here. I would love to pick your brain."
    "Oh, I..." I couldn't possibly imagine what she wanted to know or why she was so interested when the memory of Moose's conversation helped connect a few dots. I looked at Mary then Loggin for help.
    Loggin struggled to hide a smile but stepped over. "We'll see what we can work out. Di has a lot of responsibilities this weekend."
    Eyes swung over to him, and it was my turn to hide a smile. I didn't have much to do besides shoot for a few hours a day and solve a murder while assuring Loggin that no one was out to get him. Wait; there was one other thing that was a priority. I scanned the crowd, and my heart flipped when I saw Liam heading in our direction.
    Customers in the booth pushed through the group I was standing with, and I took the opportunity to follow them toward Liam. We locked eyes. Even when people stepped between us, the second they passed, he was still looking right at me.
    Moo tugged at the leash to get to Liam. I was just as eager, and we closed the distance. When I was finally in front of him, I was at a loss for words. "Hi."
    "Want to grab some food?"
    I leaned in closer and opened