Mummified Meringues by Leighann Dobbs Read Free Book Online Page A

but we don’t want to walk in our good shoes,” Ida added.
    “Plus, Ida’s bunion is acting up,” Ruth said and they all chuckled, except Ida, who elbowed Ruth in the ribs.
    “I’m glad you decided to join us today,” Lexy said to Nans as she drove across the parking lot to the road that led to the retirement center’s single family homes.
    “Well, I guess if you guys are going to investigate, I’ll tag along.” Nans half turned so that she could address everyone. “I’m just not sure this case warrants our time. And anyway, it seems cut and dried that it’s the builder. But if the police can’t pinpoint the time of death, then how can they prove it?”
    “I’m not sure about that,” Lexy said. “Cassie told me that Davies was running some tests to figure out when he died.”
    Nans swiveled her head toward Lexy. “Did she say how accurate they can be?”
    “No.”
    “If its within days then that can help, but if its within years, I don’t see how that would be of much use.”
    “Here’s the house right here.” Ruth shoved her hand in-between the front seats, her index finger pointing at a large, Tudor-style house on the right.
    Lexy pulled into the driveway, eyeing the carpet of green grass and perfectly manicured shrubs that were ringed by purple, red and white flowers. It sure did look like Mr. O’Keefe had money, just like Ida had said. The question was … did he get that money from building homes or from something else?
    “I don’t think we’ll find out much here.” Nans stepped out of the car and folded the front seat over for Ida, Ruth and Helen.
    “Why not?” Helen asked. “If he’s the killer, I’m sure he’ll slip up somehow.”
    “That’s right.” Ruth started up the walkway. “Besides, we have a sixth sense for these things. If he’s guilty, we’ll know.”
    They reached the polished oak door and everyone looked toward Nans to take the lead as she usually did. Nans, however, didn’t seem to want to take the lead and got busy studying her nails, so Ida pushed her way to the front of the group and punched the doorbell. “You guys let me do the talking. Just follow my lead.”
    The doorbell chimed and, after a few seconds, the door opened to reveal a pleasant-looking, white-haired gentleman who raised bushy white brows at them. His lips curled in a welcoming smile.  
    “Well, what can I do for you ladies?”
    Ida glanced back at them and Lexy knew what she was thinking—he was acting awfully nice for a cold-blooded killer.
    “We’re neighbors from the retirement center,” Ida said. “We’ve come on a welcoming visit.”
    His brows knit together in confusion. “Really? I’ve been living here for quite some time.”
    “Oh, we know. It takes us a while to get to everyone.” Ida grabbed the bakery box from Lexy and held it up. “We brought cookies from The Cup and Cake downtown. Lexy here is the owner.”
    “Oh. Well, if there are cookies, then please come in.” He pushed the door wide and they all filed into an oak-floored foyer.  
    “I’m Ida and this is Ruth, Helen, Lexy and Mona.” Ida held her hand out.
    “Tom O’Keefe.” Tom favored each of them with a firm handshake, then turned down the hall. “Come on in to the kitchen.”
    Lexy peeked into the rooms as they followed him down the hall. The furnishings were expensive, but tasteful. Not opulent. The rooms were clean. The large kitchen at the back of the house boasted a panoramic view from the top of the hill along with stainless steel appliances, granite counters and an impressive fieldstone fireplace. Tom set the box down on the oversized kitchen island and bent down to rummage in the cabinet.
    “How long have you ladies lived here?” His muffled voice came from inside the cabinet. “I don’t believe I’ve met any of you.”
    “Ruth’s been here for about ten years now. I’ve been here for seven and Helen and Mona have only lived here for a few years,” Ida said. “Lexy is Mona’s