Vi Agra Falls by Mary Daheim Read Free Book Online Page A

understand what all the rush is about. It’s a Sunday, after all.”
    Carl took the tennis ball from Tulip and threw it in the direction of the hedge. “If they’re going to remodel, they probably want to start while the weather’s still good.”
    â€œI suppose,” Judith said. “No matter when they start working,it’ll have an impact on Hillside Manor. I wouldn’t feel right about taking reservations without telling potential guests that there’s major construction going on just two doors away. I’m already getting requests for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons.”
    Tulip came tearing out from under the hedge. Sweetums was in pursuit, his big plume of a tail waving like a battle banner. The dog leaped into Carl’s lap. The cat stopped just short of where Judith was standing.
    â€œKnock it off,” she shouted at Sweetums. “Sorry,” she murmured to Carl and Arlene. “You know what this wretched cat is like. He has no manners.”
    â€œWe’re used to him,” Carl said dryly. “Like my lovely wife,” he added with a twinkle in his blue eyes, “he doesn’t show his age.”
    â€œNo,” Judith agreed as Sweetums engaged in a stare-down with Tulip. “He’s certainly old enough.” She sighed. “I’d better take him home. Let me know as soon as you find out anything more about what’s going on with Vivian and Company.”
    Arlene nodded vaguely, distracted by the cowering Tulip. “You know I will. Find out. And let you know.”
    But July turned into August before there was news from Arlene or anyone else. And when the new development occurred, it came via Judith’s computer.
    â€œI got a reservation request just now from someone named Marva Lou Buss in Broken Bow, Oklahoma,” she informed Joe as he returned late Wednesday afternoon from reporting to one of his corporate clients. “That can’t be a coincidence, can it?”
    Joe grimaced. “Probably not. When does Marva Lou Buss plan to come to town?”
    â€œNext Monday, with an open-ended departure,” Judith said, pointing at the computer screen. “Two people. I can fit them inuntil Friday. We’re already full for the weekends in August and the first two weeks of September. What do you think?”
    Joe loosened the royal blue tie he’d worn to his meeting. “About what?”
    â€œAbout whether or not this Marva Lou is married to Frankie, Billy Buss’s brother,” Judith explained. “Remember, I told you that Vivian inherited all of Potsy Buss’s money. Billy and Frankie were left out of the will.”
    Joe unbuttoned his pale blue short-sleeved shirt. “So? What does that have to do with them paying a visit? The B&B would be a logical place for them to stay.”
    Judith frowned. “I don’t like it. It makes me nervous.”
    â€œIt shouldn’t,” Joe said, taking a can of beer out of the fridge. “Do you want me to ask Vivian about Marva Lou?”
    Judith turned pleading dark eyes on her husband. “Would you?”
    â€œSure,” he replied. “I’ll do it after dinner. Right now I’m going to drink this beer, take a shower, and change. It must be close to ninety outside. Did you ever get a quote on air-conditioning this place?”
    Judith looked rueful. “No. I meant to, but I keep hoping it’ll cool off. It seems like such a big expense for our usually short bouts of hot weather. The fans you installed in all the bedroom windows help.”
    Help, however, was not coming from Herself. Joe went to see his ex a little after seven but returned almost immediately. “Adelita Vasquez told me that Mr. and Mrs. Buss have gone on an evening cruise to try out Mr. B’s new yacht. I wonder if it’s bigger than the QE2. ” He cocked his head, listening for any guest activity following the six o’clock