Laughed ’Til He Died by Carolyn Hart Read Free Book Online Page B

ongoing battle. “Maybe a little more salmon.” She picked up the cat and carried her, green eyes gleaming, to the coffee bar. She spooned out additional food. “Did they say what kind of mysteries?”
    Behind the counter, Ingrid expertly whipped out two cappuccinos with an extra dollop of whipped cream for Annie. The coffee bar featured mugs decorated with mystery titles. “Famous.” Her tone was laconic. She handed Annie a mug emblazoned with Rehearsals for Murder by E. X. Ferrars. For herself, she chose Peril Ahead by John Creasey.
    “No more said than done. I assume they are buying the books from us?”
    At Ingrid’s nod, Annie rattled off, “ The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The Circular Staircase, The Murder of Rog— ”
    The phone rang. With a glance at Caller ID, Annie broke off to answer. “Hi, Laurel.”
    Her mother-in-law’s husky voice thrummed sadness, like a low guitar chord. “The situation is desperate.” There was indistinguishable noise in the background.
    Annie sat up straight, cappuccino and famous mysteries forgotten. “Where are you?” Annie envisioned flames spiraling skyward or an armed intruder and Laurel locked in a closet.
    “Where hearts overflow and all things are known. Oh, if it weren’t so sad, I would suggest this motto be emblazoned on the plate glass of beauty shops everywhere.” In a more practical voice, she added, “At Beatrice’s.” Beatrice Kingsley’s beauty shop had been on Main Street, if not since time immemorial, for a good long while. “Annie, I have discovered Jean’s heartbreak…”
     
    M AX WELCOMED THE coolness of his office after the sweltering mugginess at the Haven. He felt somber, wishing he could have better helped Darren and Freddy as they struggled with sorrow. As for Click’s presence in the nature preserve, that might always remain unexplained. Max was pleased there seemed to be no likelihood Click had been involved in any way with drugs. His fear for the Haven could be dismissed. But Jean Hughes’s problem remained. There was a chance he might be able to make a big difference.
    His intercom buzzed. “Got what you asked for. File name Prentice.”
    “Thanks, Barb.” Max swung to his computer, clicked the file.
    PAULINE PRENTICE
    Retired English teacher. Single. Sixty-three. A native of Charleston who came to the island as a young teacher and never left. She lives quietly, though reputed to be well-to-do. Local gossip has it that she inherited several million dollars from her late brother, a Chicago lawyer who never married. Henny Brawley taught with her and says Pauline is the epitome of rectitude, charming in certain milieus, especially those favoring demitasses and antimacassars, and totally lacking in humor, commenting once that Mark Twain seemed to champion disrespect for authority. Duh.
    Max grinned, attributing the editorial comment to Barb.
    On the Haven board, Pauline serves with an attitude of noblesse oblige. Her reaction to Jean Hughes’s appointment has been one of disdain. Henny Brawley believes Booth engineered Jean’s appointment not only for the convenience of having his mistress on the island but with the express purpose of irritating Pauline, who clearly finds him boorish. Pauline treats Wagner civilly but coolly.
    Max frowned. He thought the chances of Larry Gilbert supporting Jean lukewarm at best. As for Pauline Prentice, she’d opposed the original appointment. Why would she change her mind?
    Max reread the dossier. He pulled the phone near and tapped a number.
    Henny Brawley answered on the first ring.
    Max gave a silent thank-you for cell phones. Most people were never out of touch.
    “Hey, Max.” Henny’s voice was warm. “I’ve had a lot of calls in support for Jean.”
    “That’s great, but, as you know, it comes down to five votes. Tell me about Pauline Prentice and rectitude.”
    Henny spoke with thought and deliberation, concluding: “…Always fair. There’s a chance.”
    “Thanks, Henny. See