Flossed (Alex Harris Mystery Series) by Elaine Macko Read Free Book Online Page B

forget sometimes we’re grownups.”
    “Make an effort. That hurt,” I pouted and then laughed knowing how ridiculous I must look.
    “What else are we going to do today besides eat croissants and chocolate?” Sam asked.
    I sighed. “I’m sure there’s another museum, actually a whole slew of them, but we did that yesterday. I do want to go to Bruges, but I think we best wait for the men. And I want to go to Antwerp and look at diamonds. I never did get an engagement ring. But I guess I need John for that, too. Cherbourg in France is on my list. I would love to see some of the beaches of World War II fame, but I have a feeling we won’t get there this trip,” I said. “There’s just so much to do, but actually, I’d like to talk with Wanda about what I overheard on Saturday.”
    “I wondered how long it would take you to get around to murder.”
    “Aren’t you curious? I mean, we’re in Europe, for goodness sake, the site of all those Miss Marple movies.”
    “That’s England. This is Belgium. Though I think they have their own sleuth, Hercule Poirot or something,” Sam said. “Both are Agatha Christie so I guess it’s the same. Belgians have their very own fictional character named Maigret.”
    “Fine. Then I can be Madam Maigret.”
    “You know, Madam, this is not Indian Cove where you have your very own police detective to get you out of trouble. The Belgian authorities might not be so understanding at having an American poking her nose into their investigation. We might get arrested and have our passports confiscated and then we’ll be stuck here.” Sam took the last bite of her croissant and licked her fingers. “On second thought, I might be able to get used to living here. I wonder if they serve these things in prison. Lead on, Madam Maigret!”

 
     
    Chapter 10
     
     
    A half hour later I sat behind the wheel of the little Escort. The thought of Sam driving in Belgium with priority to the right and speed limits resembling the Indy 500, took away any apprehension I had about driving in a foreign country.
    In no time at all and with no mishaps, we found ourselves in front of Wanda’s house. The pink plastic flamingos were still on the lawn where they had been the first time we came to the house. Wanda had explained it was an “Ohio” thing and it made her feel less homesick.
    “Do you think we should have called first?” Sam asked.
    “Probably, but I don’t think she’ll mind. If I know anything about finding a body or having one in close proximity, and I do, I would imagine right about now she’ll be very happy indeed to see us.”
    I parked the little car in the gravel driveway and we went to ring the bell.
    “Alex. Sam. Oh, no! Did I forget something? Was I taking you out today?” Wanda asked all aflutter.
    “No. No. Not at all.” I patted Wanda’s gloved hand in an attempt to calm her down. “We thought you might need some company today.”
    Wanda gave a relieved sigh. “How nice. Come in. I couldn’t sleep very well and I’ve been up since dawn so some company would be nice. I got most of the after-party clean up done yesterday but I didn’t have the nerve to go into the bathroom and besides, the police were here most of the day doing God knows what. They said they were done, so I guess I can clean in there today.” Wanda rubbed her hands together making a squeaking noise with the gloves. “I feel so responsible.”
    “You. But why?” I asked. “It wasn’t your fault in any way.”
    “It’s the bathroom, you see.”
    I ran a hand through my short hair. I had had it cut and professionally highlighted for the wedding and with all the running around we were doing, I was thankful, for once in my life, it was short and easy to care for. “Well, no, I don’t see, Wanda. What does the bathroom have to do with anything other than being the scene of the crime?”
    “I insisted, I mean really insisted we take this house because of the bathrooms.”
    I cut my eyes to