Evelyn David - Sullivan Investigations 02 - Murder Takes the Cake by Evelyn David Read Free Book Online

her undivided attention. And don’t even get me started on my dad. He’s done nothing but put obstacles in the way of my marriage. He doesn’t even pretend to like Josh. Now he’s started complaining about the costs of everything and I never wanted the big wedding in the first place. The whole thing is a massive headache. Eloping is looking better and better to me.”
    “ With that attitude, it’s no wonder someone is trying to kill you. Maybe it’s a family member, tired of listening to your selfish tirades while your mother works her fingers to the bone–”
    “ Mom is planning the wedding she never had. She doesn’t care what–”
    A shrill whistle interrupted the two.
    Rachel removed the fingers from her lips, pleased to rediscover her childhood ability to whistle loud enough to bring home her grandfather’s dogs, as well as her wandering younger brother.
    “ What in God’s name is going on? Is Bridget in danger or just in a really bad mood? Who’s trying to kill her? Why isn’t she under police protection? Does Jeff know about any of this? Remember he’s my boss and he’s not going to like being kept in the dark.” Rachel sighed. “And Mac, haven’t you ever dated before? This showing up with a third person is not standard dating protocol.”
    “ Sorry, next time I’ll bring flowers instead of a spoiled goddaughter.” Mac pushed Rachel gently onto the sofa. “Let’s all calm down. Bridget is exaggerating, which isn’t the first time that’s happened to Miss Sarah Bernhardt here. You know reporters, give them a few strange events and they draw all kinds of connections that might not even exist.”
    Bridget started to object, but Mac held up a warning finger. “You’ve said enough, now I get to talk. Here’s what we’re going to do. Rachel, you order some pizza, with some pepperoni, if you please.”
    “ I don’t like pepperoni,” Bridget mumbled.
    “ Then pick it off, Missy,” Mac answered. “Then we’re going to.…”
    A ringing cell phone interrupted further discussion of the evening plans. After a quick glance at the number, Mac nodded apologetically to the two women, and flipped open his phone.
    “Hey where’s my dog?” Mac grinned.
    Snickers, who ‘d been jostled awake when the two women sat down on the couch, now moved quickly to the kitchen.
    “ Slow down, slow down. What do you mean dead?”
    Rachel and Bridget both started to rise in horror.
    “Whiskey’s fine,” Mac whispered, then turned his attention back to the loud voice on the phone.
    “ Did you call the cops?” After a moment, he added, “Okay, don’t touch anything else. Where exactly are you?”
    Mac dug a pen from his pocket and mimicked writing to Rachel. She handed him a pad.
    “James Monroe Highway in Landon? What in the hell are you doing out there? I don’t care if you thought it needed personal investigating. Right! You know you could have faxed him a contract. You shouldn’t have gone out there alone.…”
    “ Edgar? Edgar is there too?” Mac started pacing in the small living room. “Look, I don’t want to know right now. I’ll be there as fast as I can. What’s the guy’s name again? Brian Crager. Okay, I’m on my way.”
    Mac snapped the phone shut and looked grimly at the women. “Sorry about dinner, but it seems my assistant has decided to earn her junior detective badge. And somehow Edgar Freed is…. Never mind. Bridget, stay here with Rachel and don’t move until I get back.” He gave his goddaughter a fierce look that brooked no argument.
    “ What happened to Brian Crager?” Rachel asked, grabbing her coat.
    “ You know him?”
    Rachel shrugged at his look of surprise. “Landon is close to Warrenton–where my grandparents lived. I’ve known Mr. Crager since I was a teenager. He’d probably be in his sixties now. Retired military. Used to coach football before he took over the family farm. Kind of gruff, but a nice guy.”
    “ Well, apparently somebody didn’t