Murder in the Paperback Parlor by Ellery Adams Read Free Book Online Page B

it’s true,” Sue was saying to Ms. York.
    The romance writer smiled prettily. “I never tire of hearing how Venus has had a positive impact on women. She’s touched people across the globe, even in this delightful little hamlet.” Ms. York gestured at her companion. “This is Taylor Birch, my publicist. I believe she has a few items to review with you. Do you mind if I pop up to my room while she handles the sundry details? I was so inspired during the drive here that I want to jot down some ideas before they flit away like butterflies.”
    Jane stepped forward and introduced herself to Rosamund and Taylor. “I’ll grab your key posthaste, Ms. York. I’m sure you’d like some time to yourself before your fans arrive.”
    â€œYou understand me completely,” Rosamund said gratefully.
    She doesn’t act like a diva,
Jane thought as she removed the brass key to the Romance and Roses Suite from the key case. “Here you are. Room 402. This is one of our tower rooms. It commands breathtaking views of the mountains and will hopefully continue to inspire you. Billy will see to your bags. Please don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.”
    â€œThank you, but I doubt I’ll have the chance,” Rosamund replied. “Taylor always seems to know what I need before I do.” She laughed gaily and then turned to find herself face-to-face with Georgia Dupree.
    â€œHello, Rosamund. It’s lovely to see you again.” Georgia’s tone was cordial but noticeably cool.
    â€œWhen I saw someone with flaming red hair getting out of the car behind us, I knew it had to be you!” Rosamund kissed the air next to Georgia’s cheeks. The display was rather phony and Georgia didn’t seem to know how to respond.“It’s been ages since we were at an event together. You’ll have to catch me up on your recent, ah, career developments. I don’t even know what you’ve published recently.”
    Jane wondered if Rosamund honestly didn’t take note of what her competition was doing or if she was merely trying to belittle Georgia by pretending that she didn’t pay attention to her work.
    Judging by how quickly Georgia’s forced grin faded, she’d taken Rosamund’s comment as a slight.
    â€œI’m just writing away. There’s always a deadline looming.” Georgia tried to sound breezy but failed. Her voice was low and husky and reminded Jane of Katharine Hepburn’s. But the comparison ended there. The romance writer lacked Hepburn’s natural poise and commanding bearing. She had a nervous energy about her that put Jane on edge.
    â€œYes. Deadlines.” Rosamund was already looking over Georgia’s head toward the center of the lobby where the elevator banks were located. “If you’d excuse—”
    â€œActually, I’m doing something exciting at
this
event,” Georgia quickly added, flicking a lock of red hair off her shoulder. “I’m going to unveil the cover of the forthcoming Fitzroy Fortune novel,
The Lady and the Highwayman
. And during tonight’s auction to benefit the Literacy Society, one lucky fan will win the chance to name the male lead.”
    A shadow of cruelty surfaced in Rosamund’s green eyes like a leviathan rising from the depths of a dark sea. “That
is
exciting. I hope the fans will still have enough enthusiasm—and enough
cash
—left to bid on the item I’m offering. In exchange for a monetary donation to the literacy fund, each and every lady will receive an advanced reading copy of the first novel in my new series. If they thought Venus was groundbreaking, wait until they meet Eros, my sexy, domineering, too-much-to-handle hero. He’s going to turn Regency’s high society upside down!”
    Georgia was gaping. “You brought that many ARCs to give away?”
    Rosamund shrugged. “When you’re one of