Murderous Muffins by Lois Lavrisa Read Free Book Online Page B

that.”
    “So I’m thinking there is a reason you want us to pretend that we know each other instead of us all disclosing that we’re paying tenants.”
    He was the devil dressed in cute dimples. My jaw clenched as my heart sped up. I felt like a rat trapped in a corner by a hungry cat.
    “I don’t think that you want anyone out there to know what is going on in here .” He waved his hand in a circular motion.
    Damn him. He had me over a barrel. Jerk. “Fine. What do you want to know?”
    He chortled. “Hey, it’s not like I want to know their life history. Just a few details.”
    “Like what?”
    “Maybe just their names and occupations. Like who is that young couple staying here?”
    Why did I feel as though I’d just walked into a lion’s den with a hunk of raw meat? I answered, “Frank and Lily. She’s a student at Savannah College of Art and Design, and he’s at South University getting his PA degree.”
    Xavier flexed his arm. “And a muscle degree, too.”
    I grinned. “Frank’s involved in body building.”
    “He has the build for that.” Xavier smirked. “Now what about that man who sings all the time?”
    “Mr. Phong.”
    “What do you know about him?”
    “Not much.” And sadly that was the truth. He had lived with me almost a year, and I didn’t know that much about him. My parents and Hattie would be ashamed; it seemed that anyone they’d met became lifelong friends. In my defense, he kept to himself, and didn’t know English very well, making it difficult to get acquainted with him.
    “I think he works at that new business on Bay called Souza something. He does some type of janitorial work for them a few hours a day.” I paused. “Hey, don’t you work there also? I remember reading it on your application.”
    “Yes, but does he have a second job or other outside activities?” Xavier furrowed his brow. “Does he bring anything home with him?”
    Purposely avoiding eye contact, I gazed at a spot on the floor. “Like cleaning supplies and brooms? No.”
    Xavier cleared his throat. “Let me reword that. Does he say anything to you about his work?”
    My eyes widened. “Pardon me, but I will not answer that. It’s a little personal. And I think that is the end of what I’m willing to share with you.”
    He held his hand up, palm facing me. “Yes. Of course. I just want to make sure that when anyone asks me about you and your relatives that I sound informed. And I want to make sure I can honor your request to keep your secret.”
    Was he threatening me? Cad! “Of course, you are welcome to do what you need to do. I have four other inquiries on your room. So, if this makes you uncomfortable in any way, please know I will give you a full refund.”
    Xavier’s wide smile accentuated his dimples. “Now, now, Bezu. I certainly want us to be friends. I think you may have misunderstood me.”
    My insides were boiling with rage. “No. I think I read you loud and clear.”
    It was too late and I was too tired to do anything about him tonight, but tomorrow morning, I was kicking him to the curb.

Chapter Five
     
    After Xavier left the kitchen, I did the dishes. From under the sink, I pulled out a green glass bottle containing Ant-B-Gone. I went into the upstairs hallway and sprinkled some poison along the floorboard where I had seen the ants. I stomped on the floorboard to see if they would come out.
    Lily and Frank exited their room. Frank’s Atlas Gym tank top worked well with his sweatpants and his gym bag—his usual ensemble. Lily wore a tight, low-cut, black sequin top and a miniskirt with four-inch stilettos.
    I said, “I hope I didn’t disturb you.”
    “No. Not at all,” Lily said.
    “Miss Bezu, you’re not the problem. It’s that Oriental idiot.” Frank jammed a fist toward Mr. Phong’s door.
    “I’m working on that.” I screwed the top back on the bottle and put it in my pocket. “Listen, give me a little time. I’m sure that I can silence Mr.