Pecan Pies and Homicides by Ellery Adams Read Free Book Online Page A

the center of a vat of garlic mashed potatoes. “I used my gift to memorize all of the titles of the books in the Gaynors’ library. That always makes me hungry. Grab some chow and then I’ll fill you in while we’re eating. And before you say another word, I got the book. So let’s relax and pretend that we’re at a party, okay?”
    â€œYou’re awesome,” Ella Mae said, feeling a thrill of relief mixed with excitement. “Now that I know you have the book, I’m suddenly starving.”
    Minutes later, she sat across from Suzy with her own laden plate. Taking a bite of the beef tenderloin, Ella Mae gasped. “Wow, this Cognac sauce is good.”
    Suzy speared a piece of turkey. “This has a delicious cider glaze. I’m loading up on the main course because there’s no way the desserts are worth the calories. After all, you didn’t make them.”
    Ella Mae glanced at the dessert table. “I don’t know. Those red velvet cupcakes and the warm chocolate bread pudding don’t look too shabby. But I don’t want to stick around long enough to sample either. I want to read that book. How did you get Loralyn to part with it?”
    â€œI just asked to borrow a few volumes from her library. Specifically, I told her that I’d like to read books written by her relatives because I wanted to get to know her family better. It’s the truth,” she added, loading her fork with mashed potatoes. “I’m very intrigued by both the LeFayes and the Gaynors. Talk about your colorful histories. No work of fiction could compare to a war dating back to Arthurian times.”
    At that moment, Eira’s dance partner entered the room. He paused, looked around, and left again. There was such misery in his glance that Ella Mae’s eyes followed him as he strode from the room, his hands clenched.
    Suzy noticed him too. “He must be really upset. And yet he was so happy a little while ago. Did you see the way he and that pretty blonde danced together?”
    Ella Mae nodded. “I did, and though the man who just stormed out of here might have been having the time of his life, I don’t think the blonde’s husband was pleased.” She went on to share her observations of both Eira and Robert. “The man’s a bully,” she said after she was finished. “I’m worried about Eira.”
    â€œAfter we eat, I’ll introduce myself to her. It sounds like she could use a friend or two, especially since she’s joining our community.”
    â€œShe’s not the only one who needs a friend.” Ella Mae explained her plan to open up Partridge Hill to the displaced Tennesseans.
    Suzy smiled in approval. “Hey, I’ve got a spare bedroom. Count me in. Who knows? Maybe Eira’s handsome dance partner has a brother.”
    Once they were done eating, the two women didn’t linger for long. Ella Mae couldn’t find Eira and she was impatient to get home and spend the rest of the night reading
Lake Lore of the Americas
. Loralyn was on the dance floor when she and Suzy decided to leave, so they thanked Opal for her hospitality and drove back to Partridge Hill. The moment Ella Mae put the Jeep in park, Suzy handed her a thin book with a dark blue cover. “Call me tomorrow, okay? I’ll be on tenterhooks waiting to hear about what you discover in these pages.”
    Ella Mae gave Suzy a quick hug and promised to talk to her first thing in the morning. She then rushed inside, gave Chewy half a dozen kisses and twice as many treats, and changed into pajamas. She’d just hung her dress in the closet when the phone rang.
    â€œWell, Cinderella. How was the ball?” Reba asked.
    â€œI didn’t meet a prince, but Suzy got the book we were after. And Reba, I learned some awful news about another grove.” She told Reba everything she’d learned at the party. “I need you to get in touch