Free 10 Lethal Black Dress by Ellen Byerrum Page B

Eye wasn’t
making much profit, if any. Lacey didn’t think she could switch to something
like broadcast journalism, even though she had the cheekbones for it. Her heart
would never be in it. Of course, there was her P.I. registration, for which she
had worked harder than she expected. Could she switch careers? Would Vic give
her a job as an investigator? Could they be a twenty-first century Nick and
Nora Charles? She liked that image. Minus Asta the dog, of course.
    “We can get the ring,” she said at last. “I’d like that.”
Lacey was grateful he hadn’t simply surprised her with one. What if she hated
it? She wanted to select the setting herself. After all, she planned to wear it
for the rest of her life. She wanted to love it.
    Vic’s mother Nadine Donovan had already mentioned the “family
jewels” from which any potential daughter-in-law would be welcome to choose.
She knew there was at least one diamond that would be perfect. Well over a
carat, a healthy size without being gaudy. Okay, maybe just a little gaudy.
    “Is the diamond all right?” A frown creased Vic’s forehead.
The stone had already been taken out of the worn platinum solitaire setting.
“It belonged to my grandmother. It worked for her. She was married for over
fifty years.”
    Lacey laughed. He almost never betrayed fear, but he was
worried she might object to his grandmother’s gem?
    “It’s a wonderful stone.”
    “It’s not like it’s a chip or anything. It’s a respectable
diamond.”
    “Hush.” She squeezed his hand.
    “I’ve wanted you for such a long time.”
    “Me too.”
    For so many people in the world, it was hard to find love.
Lacey thought of Courtney Wallace, so young and ambitious. Now she was dead.
Lacey leaned across the table to kiss Vic.
    “Let’s go ring shopping,” he murmured. “Can we do it this
week?”
    “I’ll ask Mac for a day off.” Vic looked like he was ready to
go shopping right that minute.
    “Good. We’re going to Baltimore.”
    “Baltimore? Why Baltimore?” she asked.
    “I know a guy there, a diamond specialist. Friend of the
family. And we won’t run the risk of running into anyone you know and freaking you
out. I understand how emotional this ring thing is for you.”
    “I’m not that bad.”
    “Says the woman who wanted to have a secret engagement.”
    “It’s been a busy time. And complicated.” Lacey didn’t want
to admit he was right. Wearing a ring was a public declaration. She wasn’t
ready for it. Until now.
    “I know you didn’t want to step on Stella’s wedding. But she
and Nigel are off on their honeymoon. It’s the perfect time for us to do this.”
    Her cell beeped. It was a text from Brooke, which she read
aloud to Vic. “ ‘What happened re: Wallace? Theories? Need to investigate! CALL
ME NOW.’ ”
    Lacey put her phone away with a sigh. “Let’s run away, Vic.
Couldn’t we just elope?”

 
    CHAPTER 7
     
    “I don’t know why she’s dead, if that’s
what you mean,” Lacey told Brooke later that afternoon.
    “Maybe she really was a wicked witch, and the champagne
melted her,” Brooke offered.
    “Maybe you and Damon can rip the lid off wicked witches in
the Washington media. Uncover a coven meeting at the Press Club. You’ll have
fun.”
    “With so many flying monkeys in this town, we’ll never find
them all.”
    They spoke on the phone as Lacey was walking home from lunch
along the Potomac River. Vic had departed for his office to catch up on paperwork.
She breathed in the May day. The warm air cuddled her. She adored Old Town, even
though the Alexandria City Council was trying to destroy the picturesque waterfront
and turn it into an exclusive millionaire’s club.
    “Well, witch or no witch, Courtney is dead and I’m sure you’ll be investigating,” Brooke said.
    “Fashion reporter here. Remember? Not on the investigative
beat. Or the conspiracy beat.”
    “I’ve heard that tune before.”
    “You have too much faith in me,