Sarah Woods Mystery Series (1-6) Boxed Set by Jennifer L. Jennings Read Free Book Online Page B

9:45 p.m. “ Boy, it’s tempting,” I said, manufacturing what was intended to be a wicked smile. “Maybe another time.”  
    Gabby laughed. “You don’t know what you’re missing,” she said, grabbing her coat.
    It was early, but I probably should have gone home. Truth was, though, I was feeling a little restless. Between the general excitement of the day and my botched attempt at playing private eye, the adrenaline was still flowing. The business with Lindy had really gotten me riled up. I felt like I was onto something big. But I had to make a decision. Was I going to divulge what I’d learned to the police?
    With no one at home to cook for, I decided to stay and have dinner by myself. A heaping plate of nachos sounded good. And what the hell, I ordered another margarita, too.
     
     

 
    Chapter 10
    Tuesday, November 9
     
     
    Coombs Funeral Home was at the south end of town across from the park. As we walked in, Gabby and I found ourselves among a hundred or so people. So much for a private service. This was a full house. People were milling around in groups, speaking in hushed tones. Soft, melancholy music was playing in the background. I scanned the room, leaned in close to Gabby, and whispered; “I don’t see Jacob anywhere.”
    “ Hmm. Maybe he wasn’t invited,” she mused.  
    My eyes made another circuit of the room and I spotted Max standing next to a large framed photo of Beth smiling and leaning against a tree. An urn rested on a pedestal next to the photo. Max was talking with a young woman I assumed to be his girlfriend.  She wore a navy blue dress, and her short, dark hair reminded me of Demi Moore’s in the movie Ghost. I took Gabby’s arm and we made our way through the crowd. As we approached the couple, Max turned and smiled.  
    “ Sarah, so nice of you to come.” He leaned down and air kissed my cheek.
    I introduced him to Gabby, whose cheek was treated to the same, sweet gesture. Gabby shot me a quick glance. The guy was a charmer, for sure. Max then introduced the young woman.  
    “ This is Melissa Foley,” he said. “She was Beth’s housemate.”  
    We all shook hands. I remembered Beth mentioning that she shared a house with a young woman about her age. Melissa was stunning, which was why I had figured her to be the girlfriend.  
    “ We’re so sorry for your loss,” I said, and immediately regretted my choice of words. I should have said something more personal.  
    “ Thank you. She’ll be dearly missed,” he said, inclining his head.  
    I nodded back, not knowing what else to say.
    “ I hope you ladies will join us after the service for refreshments.” He indicated an adjoining room, patted me on the shoulder, and excused himself.  
    Melissa’s eyes followed Max as he joined a nearby group of women, then she turned back to us and smiled. “So, you’re the Sarah Beth worked for?”
    “ Yes.”
    “ Beth had such nice things to say about you.” Melissa tilted her head to one side as she continued. “She told me you were the best boss she’d ever worked for.”
    “ Really? That’s so nice. She was such a sweetheart. I never had a moment’s regret about hiring her. She was the best thing to happen to my business in a long time.” Shaking my head and looking down at my feet, I added, “She was so excited about her impending marriage. It just breaks my heart.”  
    “ Mine, too,” Melissa commiserated. “The house feels so empty without her.”  
    “ Melissa, it’s probably not the best time to talk about this,” I began, biting my lip, “but did you happen to know her fiancé very well?” Her facial expression didn’t change, but her body seemed to tense slightly.  
    “ Oh, I didn’t really get to know him that well. He seemed alright.” She began looking around the room, and I got the feeling she’d rather not discuss him. Probably a good idea.  
    “ I’m surprised he’s not here today,” I said anyway.  
    “ Excuse