The Artful Goddaughter by Melodie Campbell Read Free Book Online Page A

businesses require moving merchandise around. Which is to say, we have a lot of trucks. I have access to most.
    For this adventure, I picked a ten-seater van. It came with the optional upgrade to bulletproof glass, which I wasn’t expecting to need on this occasion.
    When I pulled into the retirement-home lane, they were already waiting. From the van window I caught sight of a sea of gray hair and walkers. A kindly male attendant stood by to help with the loading.
    I shifted the van into Park and came out to greet them.
    â€œBig outing for them,” said the support worker. “Hope they don’t cause you trouble.”
    Trouble? This bunch of elderly dears? I had to smile.
    The attendant stood ready to help them board. I got back in the van to help the unsteady from my end. One by one, the Last Chance Club climbed aboard and found their way to seats.
    â€œWe’re short a few birds,” Jimmy announced as he shuffled by. “Rita can’t make it. She twisted an ankle belly dancing.”
    â€œI warned her,” said Mrs. Bari, who was right behind him. “ Rita, I says, you gotta lay off the pasta .”
    Great-Aunt Rita was sort of ample. The picture of her in a belly-dance costume was not doing a lot for me.
    Mrs. Bari herself was thin and spry, like Jimmy. The usual gray curly hair came with an assortment of face wrinkles.
    She sat herself down on a seat behind me. Jimmy plunked down beside her. This put him within conversation range. So I took the opportunity to ask Jimmy something I’d been wondering about all day.
    â€œOkay, Jimmy. Why speed dating?”
    â€œSweetheart, it has to be fast. Not like we got a lot of time left or anything.”
    I sighed and took my seat. The support worker put the last of the walkers on board. I shifted the van into Drive.
    On the way downtown, I stopped to pick up Nico. He had dressed up for the occasion. Black pants, white dinner jacket and spiffy bow tie.
    â€œChanneling Sinatra tonight?” I said to him.
    â€œDon’t be silly, Gina. I’m Bogie.” He fiddled with the tie and sat down in the tour-guide spot.
    â€œOf course!” I grinned. “The Maltese Falcon. Or, in your case, Parrot.”
    He beamed a smile.
    â€œHi, Jimmy,” he said. “Hi, ladies and gents. All ready for the big event?”
    â€œI’m not a lady,” cried one elderly voice. “And I can prove it.”
    â€œNo!” I yelled. “Wally, do NOT remove your pants on this bus.”
    Luckily, I was driving. I had to keep my eyes on the road.
    â€œHere. See? I’m a guy.”
    â€œOops. Oh dear,” said Nico. “I can see that.”
    â€œCan I see that?” said Mrs. Bari.
    â€œPUT THAT AWAY,” I yelled. “Nico, do something.” I stopped at the red light. It turned green. I started up again.
    Already I was getting bad vibes.
    â€œJimmy, are you sure we can we depend on them?” I asked.
    â€œWere we supposed to wear Depends?” said one.
    â€œI never wear Depends to speed dating. Takes too long to get out of.”
    â€œYou don’t go commando!”
    Gasps all around.
    â€œGertrude, you always were loose,” said one disapproving voice.
    â€œThe loosey bird gets the worm,” said Gertrude, giggling.
    Gack!
    â€œDon’t!” I said to Nico. “Don’t even go there.”
    â€œHow about we sing a song?” Nico said in a rush. “What would you all like to sing?”
    â€œHow about ‘Barnacle Bill the Sailor’?” said Mrs. Bari.
    â€œ Ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall, ninety-nine bottles of beer ,” started Nico frantically.
    The chorus took over after that.
    With relief, I finally pulled into the lane at the side of the art gallery.
    â€œSo we’re all clear on the plan, everyone?”
    Nico preened. “Yup. Gina will park the van. I’ll lead the troops around and manufacture a good distraction. Jimmy can do