Free Dead Hot Shot (Loon Lake Fishing Mysteries) by Victoria Houston

his sofa — to men temporarily down on their luck. This was a good thing except some were so peculiar in their appearance that they could frighten young children. Or alarm a retired dentist who had difficulty dining with people possessing less than ten teeth. The turkey was enticing but.
    Osborne locked eyes with Lew as they assessed the risk. “Sure,” said Lew after a moment, “after all, it is Thanksgiving. If you don’t mind trucking over that turkey, I’m happy to include your friend — but only one, right?”
    “Only one, I promise. And I’ll make gravy at your place.”
    As Ray tripped back down the stairs, Osborne said, “I hope it is only one — he’s said that before and shown up with a gaggle.”
    “Oh, what the hell,” said Lew with a chuckle of surrender, “this day has been bizarre from the get go.”
    • • •
    As they walked around to the front of the house, they were startled to see a van drive through the circle and pull up next to an entrance on the side of the house. A slightly overweight woman in tan slacks and a black ski jacket jumped out. She had a square, friendly face and wore her long red hair pulled back into a ponytail. She looked familiar to Osborne but he couldn’t think of her name.
    Whoever she was, she was so intent on what she was doing that she didn’t notice Lew and Osborne standing less than fifty feet away. Sliding back the side door of the van, she pulled out a small dolly, which she yanked into shape before reaching back into the van.
    “Excuse me — ” said Lew, stepping forward.
    Startled, the woman jerked around. “Ohmygosh you scared me!”
    “I’m sorry,” said Lew, “but visitors aren’t allowed at the moment.”
    “Oh,” said the woman with a wave of her hand and a cheery smile, “I’m not a visitor, I’m the caterer. I’ve got the Reeces’ Thanksgiving dinner here. Oh, Dr. Osborne!” The surprise in her voice escalated.
    She thrust a hand towards Osborne. “Karen Gilley. I was your daughter Mallory’s Girl Scout leader and my mom and dad were patients of yours — my maiden name was Carlson. Ruth and Gil Carlson, do you remember them? They both passed a couple years ago.”
    “Sure,” said Osborne. “I knew them from St. Mary’s, too.” Of course, now he remembered. Karen turned her friendly eyes back to Lew only to have it dawn on her that she was talking to a police officer. She threw a questioning look at Osborne, the smile fading. “What — ”
    “There’s been an incident and we’re conducting an investigation,” said Lew, showing her badge. “Lewellyn Ferris, Loon Lake Chief of Police and I’m afraid the family is sequestered.”
    “Yes, Chief Ferris, I certainly know who you are. Oh, well, in that case may I just tell Mrs. Reece I’m here? She gets furious if I’m late.”
    “Karen,” said Lew, her tone cautious, “Mrs. Reece is deceased. It happened earlier today but in consideration of the family’s need to notify close relatives, her death won’t be officially reported until later. Now I need you to keep this news in confidence and not mention it to anyone until tomorrow morning. Agreed?”
    “Yes, oh yes, of course.” The friendly eyes turned worried, preoccupied.
    “Karen,” said Osborne, seeing the concern on her face. “I’m sure Chief Ferris can arrange for you to complete this delivery.” “It’s not that. Oh, I feel terrible. This is such a selfish thought.” “What is it?” said Lew.
    Karen looked sheepish as she said, “I’m just wondering if I’m going to get paid is all. Mr. Reece gave me a check last night but it covered only half of what they owe me counting today’s order and another one she hasn’t paid me for. Oh,” she paused, “so that’s why he paid me. I wondered ‘cause she doesn’t usually let him write checks. At least not the checks for catering.” With an embarrassed wave of one hand, Karen said, “Forget it — I’m ashamed of myself for thinking this way when