EMBELLISHED TO DEATH by Christina Freeburn Read Free Book Online

carpet.
    â€œI got a text…” Marsha fumbled her hand around in her oversized tote bag then withdrew a smartphone. “Some of the cropping ladies have already arrived and are setting up. I need to make sure they’re at the right tables. If people come later and can’t sit with their friends as promised, I’m afraid there will be trouble.”
    â€œIt’s in the briefcase with all of the registrations, and also on the computer. I made sure only four documents are on the computer. Don’t tell me you left the computer in Ohio.”
    â€œNo. I have it. I just couldn’t get into the computer.”
    â€œLet me guess, for some reason you couldn’t remember the password.” Lydia narrow-eyed her partner. “You promised there’d be no drink—”
    â€œYou really think this is a good idea now?” Marsha flung a glare at me. “And for the record, I’m not drinking.”
    It sounded like the car accident wasn’t the only thing encouraging Marsha to head for the ledge. Perfect exit time.
    â€œI need to go set up the store.” I had a particular set up in mind so the attendees had plenty of space to shop and we didn’t encroach into the cropping space. Plus, I didn’t want to be a party to the drama between Marsha and Lydia. I had one potential drama to stop, and listening to them was keeping me from helping Bob find the identity thief.
    The hotel manager walked toward us. “Ms. Clement, I need to speak with you about the retreat account.”
    â€œDo you mind if we go somewhere private?” Lydia smiled at the man. “Croppers have already arrived. I’d rather not discuss business in front of them.”
    The man bounced the back of a clipboard off his palm. “For now, no. I also need to check on the catering for dinner, we can talk in the kitchen area. The kitchen staff won’t arrive for another two hours.”
    For now? My interested piqued. No. No. No. Sometimes I wished I could turn my questioning brain off. I had a criminal to find and I didn’t need to add Lydia’s financial woes onto my list of items to worry about. Of course, her financial troubles might affect Scrap This and might be the result of the thief having found a victim. I’d let Bob know. He could work on that angle. He had sources and ways to get financial information.
    Lydia elbowed Marsha. “Finalize the seating chart while I talk with the manager.”
    Marsha stepped away and rubbed at her side. She watched her business partner and the hotel manager walk away. “I told her I was. Some people hate letting go of any amount of control.”
    â€œWith this being the first retreat you all are putting on, I can see why she’s a little jumpy.” I glanced up and down the hallway. “I saw your abandoned car…”
    Marsha played with the ends of damp hair. “How do you know it was my car?”
    â€œA friend looked at the registration. I gathered up a few items that had fallen onto the road.”
    â€œThanks. Did you get everything out?”
    I shook my head. “My friend and I were afraid to stay there long. Our trailer was creating some rubbernecking.”
    â€œThanks for grabbing what you did. I’ll go get the rest of the stuff right now. I’m sure it’s important.”
    â€œIf you need some help…” I trailed off as Marsha already headed for the door. I couldn’t help but wonder how long it would take Marsha to realize she needed a ride to her car. Oh well, if a partner couldn’t loan you a car, who could?

FOUR

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    â€œFaith, I need a favor. I need your room,” Bob jumped right into his request.
    No finagling. No sweet talk. So, the brothers shared some characteristics. “My room?”
    â€œYes. Your room.” Bob glanced around then drew me to his side. “I have strong reasons to believe the woman I’m looking for will be attending