To Have and to Kill by Mary Jane Clark Read Free Book Online Page B

in black-and-white. Being photographed by Martha Killeen was like being asked to step into a work of art.
    Piper could only imagine what the bidding would be later for the photo session. She knew that this wasn’t going to be her chance to step in front of Killeen’s lens, but there was nothing wrong with fantasies.
    T he diamond bracelet rested on a black velvet pillow. Piper stared at it with no particular longing. Jewelry wasn’t her thing.
    “Beautiful, isn’t it?”
    Piper looked up at the middle-aged man who stood next to her.
    “If you’re into that,” she answered.
    The man raised his eyebrows. “And you’re not?” he asked.
    Piper shrugged dismissively. “I’d rather have a Prius.”
    “You could have two of them for what that bracelet’s worth,” said the man.
    Piper smiled. “Think the bracelet will bring that kind of money tonight?”
    “I’m counting on it. I’m Arthur Walden.”
    It took Piper a second to make the connection. “Oh, Walden’s Jewelers.”
    “Right.”
    “I’m Piper Donovan.” She held out her hand. “Sorry about the comment.”
    He shook her hand perfunctorily. “No problem. To each his own.”
    “I’m a friend of Glenna’s,” said Piper. “You’re Casey’s brother?”
    “That’s right.”
    Arthur Walden was an older, heavier version of his brother, also fair-skinned and blue-eyed, but Arthur’s blond hair was combed over from one ear to the other in a vain attempt to camouflage his receding hairline.
    “I have to admit, that was a gorgeous ring Casey gave Glenna,” said Piper. “I’m guessing it came from Walden’s.”
    “Of course,” said Arthur.
    “It must be nice going to work every day, surrounded by such extraordinary things.”
    “It’s been the family business for three generations,” said Arthur. “But Casey never really developed a passion for it. He’s more interested in astronomy and the stars than in anything sparkling in our jewelry cases.”
    “Not for long, I heard,” said Piper. “Glenna told me he’s planning on getting more involved at Walden’s.”
    Arthur’s face showed no emotion, but his voice betrayed annoyance. “Now that he’s going to be a family man, all of a sudden Casey is a lot more interested in what’s happening in the business. You’ll excuse me, won’t you?” he said abruptly. “I have to go find my wife.”

Chapter 13
    T he caterers were set up in a room at the back of the mansion, which was now the student cafeteria. Long tables were covered with sparkling glassware, trays of finger foods, and cases of wine. The waiters scurried in and out, depositing empty trays and exchanging them for full ones prepared by the kitchen staff.
    Jessie Terhune walked into the room, her mouth set in a tight line. She observed the organized chaos, wanting every single aspect of the evening to go right. Certainly not out of any desire to see the event, organized by the lovebirds, do well; she would relish seeing Glenna Brooks and Casey Walden crestfallen and embarrassed. But Jessie’s department, the drama department, stood to benefit from every dollar raised this evening. At least, that had been the theory of it when she and Casey had originally talked last summer about having the auction. Now, there was talk that the drama department was only going to get a small slice of the proceeds and the rest would go to scholarships. Fetching a pitcher of water for the auctioneer, Jessie reflected on how quickly life could change. Just a few months ago, she and Casey were spending long days on Main Beach in East Hampton, lying in the sun, eating lobster rolls, and walking along the ocean’s edge. Three generations of Waldens had enjoyed their summers on the eastern shore of Long Island in a sprawling shingled “cottage” with a garden full of rambling roses and bushy hydrangeas. Jessie had anticipated that her first summer there would not be her last.
    One afternoon, as they walked up the beach in August, Jessie told Casey