If the Shoe Kills by Lynn Cahoon Read Free Book Online Page A

I’ve got a couple of bottles from the trip Justin and I took last weekend to Napa.”
    â€œNeither. I’m fine.” I leaned back into my chair. “I do need a favor, though.”
    â€œAnything.”
    â€œI want you to take a stained-glass class with me.”
    The line was so quiet, I thought I must have lost her. I pulled the phone away from my ear and glanced at the display; no, it said we were still connected. “Amy?”
    â€œI’m here. Just not what I thought you’d ask.” She was quiet again. “Is everything okay? I mean, a stained-glass class? Doesn’t seem like your kind of thing.”
    â€œI can be crafty,” I protested.
    And my friend laughed. Not a polite chuckle, but a big, uncontrollable laugh where your eyes tear up and tears roll down your face. If we’d been together, I would have smacked her, just for good measure.
    â€œHa, ha.” I interrupted. “If you’re done making fun of me, will you do it? I’d ask Sadie, but with the holidays coming up, she’s swamped with baking.”
    Amy sniffed, and I could imagine her wiping the moisture from her eyes. “You couldn’t pay me to stay away.”
    â€œTomorrow night at seven at The Glass Slipper. I’ll call Marie and sign us up first thing in the morning.” I paused. “Thanks, Amy.”
    â€œI don’t know what you’re looking for, but I’d follow you almost anywhere to help you find it, you know. We’re buds.”
    â€œAnd you’re totally taking pictures of this, aren’t you?”
    â€œDamn right.” She clicked off the phone.
    Tomorrow I would be a Crafty Cathy and take a stained-glass workshop to make my own Christmas ornaments. And maybe in the process I could prove who Marie Jones really was, one way or the other.
    If anyone found out I was taking one of Marie’s classes, I’d be laughed out of the room. Everyone knew that I was too klutzy to be crafty. This secret spy thing was hell on my reputation.

CHAPTER 5
    T he tables were filled with chatting women. Everyone seem to know each other. Except Amy and me. We were at our own table near the back. A woman at the table in front of us turned and stuck out her hand. “I’m Leslie Talman. I don’t believe we’ve met before. Did you just join the class?”
    I took her hand and the woman squeezed, causing me to squeak. When she let go, I managed to whimper, “I’m Jill Gardner. I own Coffee, Books, and More across the street.” I pointed to the right. “This is my friend, Amy Newman.”
    Amy smiled and waved, avoiding Leslie’s grip. “We’re so excited to take Marie’s class. Have you taken a glass class before?”
    â€œTons. I swear, Marie should give me a frequent customer loyalty card. I’ve even brought her new students from the bank where I work. I don’t think there’s one teller who hasn’t taken the introduction class.” Leslie pointed to a woman standing near the coffeepot. “That’s Anne, she’s a vault teller. The manager’s girlfriend is even taking this class.”
    â€œMarie must love you.” I smiled as Leslie blushed just a bit.
    â€œI can’t help it if I’m addicted to the craft. My husband’s home watching a football game. Or a rerun.” Leslie nodded to the coffee. “You want some coffee before we start?”
    â€œI’m good.” I watched as the heavyset woman walked away, her bright yellow T-shirt stretching to cover her midriff. A hand touched my arm, and I turned to see Mindy standing next to me. “How’s your night going? You and Marie getting along?”
    Mindy grinned and nodded. “She’s great. We sat together and she showed me the ornament we’re making tonight. Then she had me make one all on my own. I can’t believe how patient she was with me. And the angel looks beautiful. Marie says