Nun But The Brave (A Giulia Driscoll Mystery Book 3) by Alice Loweecey Read Free Book Online Page B

will hire you no matter what.”
    Giulia typed it all up.
    “A female police detective showed up here a couple of months ago,” he continued. “She wore authority like Dracula’s cape. We didn’t get along.” A short laugh. “She looked real disappointed when I told her I hadn’t seen Josie in weeks and we were still friends after our breakup.”
    His watch beeped. “I have to leave for work. Here’s why I think Josie was offed by a stranger: Nobody argued with Josie. I mean, not ever. The only disagreements we had were over gun versus bow hunting and those were more like professional debates. Josie gave a crap about people. She listened to you when you talked. She didn’t give you half an ear while she thought up what she was going to say next.” He knocked more dirt off the trowel and walked between the houses to the front garden. Giulia pretended she didn’t recognize his power game, saved her document, and followed him.
    “Before you get any ideas, remember what I said: Our breakup was mutual. Our work schedules didn’t match, and I like a woman who’s more assertive in bed.” He glanced at a teenager walking two poodles and texting at the same time. “Who’s paying you? Her sister? Tell her if she wants to do something useful, she should set up a cooking scholarship in Josie’s name. She would’ve liked that.”

Eleven

      
    At eight thirty Wednesday morning, the Nunmobile entered Sunset Shores’ circular driveway. Diane had described Sunset Shores as a huge complex of buildings. Apparently Diane indulged in the occasional understatement.
    Sunset Shores was a miniature city. A four-story apartment building faced the street. Along the left and right sides of the driveway, rows of single-story condos. As she drove farther around the circle, a smaller building came into view. Its manicured gardens with wide flagged paths were enclosed by a tall wrought-iron fence. The driveway curved in front of the fence and branched into ten handicapped parking spots. Giulia continued past those to another branch behind the back of the main apartment building with forty empty parking spots.
    The double entrance doors slid open on their own. Frosty air enveloped her. Talk about winter in the middle of summer. The air-conditioning here would keep polar bears comfortable. A few steps farther into the lobby and her nose inhaled a complex mix of bacon, coffee, flowery air freshener, and disinfectant. The sand-colored wallpaper complemented the carpet design of primary shapes in maroon, navy, and mustard.
    The clatter of silverware and buzz of multiple conversations came from a huge dining room on her right. On her left, she noted a craft boutique and four unisex bathrooms. Facing her, a receptionist more than twice Giulia’s age sat at a kidney-shaped desk crocheting a baby blanket.
    “Good morning,” Giulia said. “I’d like to speak with Milo Chapers, please.”
    The receptionist set down her crochet project. “May I have your name?”
    “Giulia Driscoll.”
    “One moment. I’ll see if he’s in his office.” She picked up the phone, but instead of speaking into it waved it at a thin, balding man coming out of the dining room. “Mr. Chapers, you have a visitor.”
    He squinted at Giulia. “Can it wait? We’re near the end of the breakfast rush.” He vanished through a swinging door down the hall.
    The receptionist changed a brief frown in his direction into a smile at Giulia. “You can have a seat in the visitor’s lounge.” She pointed to a doorway next to the craft storefront.
    Giulia made it halfway there when a plump old woman blocked her way with a metal cane.
    “Mary Ellen, why aren’t you in school?” She scowled at Giulia’s…clothes? hair? makeup?
    After a moment’s hesitation, Giulia said, “We have today off.”
    The cane thumped a dark blue circle on the rug. “Schools mollycoddle you kids these days. You need more homework, not more days off.” She pulled a lace-edged