Fudge-Laced Felonies by Cynthia Hickey Read Free Book Online

we’d know nothing about any of this.” April slurped her drink. “I tried telling Ethan it means we’re supposed to check into this case. He keeps telling me to leave it to Joe. Who, by the way, is looking particularly fine. Anyway, Ethan would have a conniption fit if he knew we were thinking about digging deeper.”
    My heart leaped at the mention of Ethan’s name. “It’d be great if he’d solve this with us.”
    April sat up. “No, it wouldn’t. He’d tell us what to do.”
    “You’re only saying that because he’s your brother.
    Admit it, April. If he wasn’t your brother, you’d think he was hot.” I looked at my friend. “Do you realize we haven’t done this in ages? Hanging out and talking? Getting older really stinks.”
    “We’re not that old. Not quite thirty. But it is fun. I’ve got to be getting home. Let me know if you hear anything.” She lowered her voice. “Or want to go on a stakeout.”
    I grabbed a pillow and tossed it at her. “Get out of here.”
    April bounced from the room, leaving me to my musings. I rested the drink on my stomach. Who should I put on my list of suspects? My mind set itself on the bloody glove. Blue with red flowers. A woman’s glove? Mabel gardened in her spare time. So did Ruby Colville. And so did half the population of Mountain Shadows. I sighed.
    Was there anyone new in town? I’d have to ask Uncle Roy whether he’d had any unfamiliar customers. Maybe I could talk Ethan into taking me to the dance at the community center on Friday night. They were throwing a ballroom dancing night. It’d be fun, plus just about everyone would be there.
    Closing my eyes, I imagined myself floating around the floor in Ethan’s arms. How would I convince him to go? Could I talk him into going as my protector? Play the helpless female? A smile spread across my face. It might work.
    He’d think me an idiot. I slammed my hands on the mattress. The drink tilted, dumping an icy river of chocolate coffee down my side. I screamed and bolted to my feet.
    Footsteps pounded up the stairs. A second later, the man of my dreams barged into the room, worry etched across his face. “Summer?”
    With outstretched hands, I stood and stared aghast into his face. “I spilled my drink.”
    Ethan leaned against the door frame and laughed. “Good thing you’re wearing black.” He glanced toward the bed. “Were you drinking lying down?”
    I pushed past him, choosing not to answer. “What are you doing here anyway? And why are you in my room?” Horror. A glance over my shoulder showed the brown stain across my bed. I glared at Ethan then grabbed his arm to pull him into the hallway.
    “I heard you scream.” He grinned down at me, melting my heart. “Am I your knight in shining armor?”
    If you only knew. “Of course not. I don’t need a knight coming to rescue me. I’m a woman of the millennium.” Oh, but I do need you. I released his arm and stepped back as if stung.
    “Okay, then. Will you do me the honor of going to the dance with me?”
    My mouth gaped open. How’d he know? My traitorous face heated. Had he guessed my feelings for him? “It’s formal.”
    Humor shone in his eyes. “I know. I’m not afraid of dressing like a penguin. Is that a yes?”
    Struggling to appear nonchalant, while inside I danced the salsa, I shrugged. “Yes. No one else has asked me.”
    His smile faded, despite the continuing sparkle in his eyes, and I could’ve kicked myself. “Great. I’ll pick you up at six for dinner. April’s coming with us.”
    “I need to tell you something.” Now seemed as good a time as any to tell him about my falsehood. “Later. When I pick you up.”
    I clapped a hand to my forehead as Ethan made his way down the stairs. No one else had asked me? I groaned. It’s official. I’m a dunce.
    Standing at the top of the stairs, I stared down the carpet runner as Ethan banged out the front door, the screen swinging shut behind him. Seconds later, Aunt