For His Name's Sake (Psalm 23 Mysteries) by Debbie Viguié Read Free Book Online Page B

pace.
    “And you’re the old one,” Cindy said, cringing and hoping that it hadn’t come out sounding catty.
    If it had Veronica either didn’t notice or didn’t mind. She lifted her eyes and looked around. “Wow, this place is killer. Throw up some cobwebs, a coffin in the basement, and you’d have a fit lair for Dracula.”
    “What do you think we plan to do for next Halloween?” Geanie asked brightly as she hugged Veronica. Veronica clearly wasn’t the hugging type but she seemed to tolerate it alright.
    “One day, I’m going to have a place like this. Only bigger,” Melissa said.
    Cindy was taken aback. It was quite possibly one of the rudest things the other girl could have said.
    “Good luck with that,” Geanie said, her voice teasing as she hugged Veronica.
    Cindy bit her tongue before she could say something snide. It was not her place to defend Geanie, or Joseph, or his house. It wasn’t her place to judge Geanie’s choice of bridesmaids either.
    “Let’s adjourn to the study where we’ve got some work to do,” she said instead. “Joseph was kind enough to have Togo’s send some deli platters.”
    Togo’s was by far the best sandwich shop in the area and Cindy had been thrilled with Joseph’s choice. She’d been even more thrilled with the fact that he’d come up with the idea on his own. She’d always known the man had great taste. After all, he was marrying Geanie.
    “You’re the one that keeps finding dead bodies, aren’t you?” Veronica asked as Cindy lead the way to the study.
    “Yeah, that would be me,” Cindy said, taken aback by the question.
    “That must be so...killer.”
    “It’s downright terrible, a nightmare, in fact,” Cindy said. “I wouldn’t wish the experience on anyone,” she added fervently.
    “Chill. I’m just trying to put the name with the face. And I think it’s cool that you like solve mysteries and stuff.”
    Cindy took a deep breath, regretting the fact that she’d strong-armed both women into coming over to help. She was starting to think she would have been a lot happier not having to deal with either of them until the bachelorette party.
    “Thanks. I will admit that solving puzzles and riddles can be...exciting.” She hated to admit it, especially to Veronica, but it was true. Suddenly she was even more eager to get Gerald called back as she thought about it. Even though she had a lot to deal with in the here and now, solving the mystery of Paul was going to be satisfying, especially since there was no way it could get her killed.
    They made it into the study. The deli platters were set up on one table. There were some mini sandwiches along with cold cuts and fresh bread to build their own. There was also a couple dozen cans of soda chilling in a large cooler and a tray of chocolate chip cookies and brownies.
    “I’ve made a sign for the occasion,” Geanie said with a smirk. She showed it to them. It read No Boys Allowed.
    Cindy laughed. “Well, that’s rather specific.”
    “Just wanted to make sure everyone was clear on this point,” Geanie said with a laugh. She affixed it to the outside of the heavy wooden door before closing it. “There, now we won’t be disturbed and we can work in freedom and peace.”
    They loaded up paper plates with food and sat down on the plush velvet couches to eat.
    “I could get used to this,” Veronica said at one point, stroking the red velvet.
    “Very old school. Classic. I like it,” Melissa said.
    “I just think it’s comfy,” Geanie said around a mouthful of salami and cheese sandwich.
    “And just think, in a few days, this will all be yours,” Veronica said.
    “Must be nice to marry rich,” Melissa joked.
    Cindy cringed inwardly as Geanie went completely still. She finished chewing and then very carefully said, “I would love Joseph and marry him even if he didn’t have a cent to his name.”
    “Sure you would, but all this can’t hurt,” Veronica said.
    Geanie turned pale.