Free Progressive Dinner Deadly by Elizabeth Spann Craig Page A

haven’t been sleeping well lately, to begin with. Then last night we discovered a murder, I had to drag Georgia out of my house, I woke up at the crack of dawn to serve pancakes this morning—it’s all made me completely exhausted. I’m a little better now that I’ve slept for—oh, only about forty-five minutes. Thanks for your concern.”
    His annoyance had a subduing effect on Myrtle. “Do you need coffee?” she asked meekly. “I could make some for us.”
    Myrtle made a pot of coffee while Miles changed into some jeans and a button down shirt. He eased himself on his leather sofa and asked, ‘So give me an update. How are things going with the investigation this morning? Solved the case yet?”
    Myrtle carefully ignored the trace of sarcasm in his voice. “No, it wasn’t all that interesting this morning. Red didn’t have much information to give me about the case, not that that’s anything new. Or if he had information, he wasn’t sharing any of it. Except he mentioned that Cullen was acting unusually.”
    “Unusually for Cullen or unusual for a regular person?”
    “I guess for either one. The spouse is always suspect number one, you know, so I guess he was angry that the police were treating him as if he might have killed Jill. Then I saw Willow and she looked terrible…”
    “Well, her sister was murdered,” said Miles.
    “….but she says she came back to Jill’s house for some of the leftover barbeque from last night. But I think she was actually there to confront Cullen and was just using the barbeque for an excuse. I bet she’s pegged Cullen for the murderer.”
    “That would make sense,” agreed Miles, “since she’s never liked Cullen.”
    They sipped their coffee for a few minutes in silence.
    “Did I tell you about my new friend?” asked Myrtle.
    “You mean the furry, wild friend? Yes, you mentioned it. How are things going with it?”
    “I think things are about to get even better.” She held up the zippered bag with the cat food. “Elaine gave me some food for her. Although really, she eats like a king. You know how Erma’s squirrel population always spills over into my yard? Wiping out the sunflower seeds in my feeder?”
    Miles nodded.
    “Well now the squirrels are terrified to even tiptoe into my yard. That cat is so fast that the squirrels never know what hit them. ”
    “So this ferocious animal is female?” asked Miles. He pursed his lips doubtfully. “Are you sure about that?”
    “Quite sure. It’s female and tough as nails. Elaine wasn’t kidding when she said these cats aren’t adoptable. It’s quite antisocial and temperamental,” said Myrtle with satisfaction.
    “Isn’t it interesting,” drawled Miles, “how animals can have so much in common with their owners?”
    Miles ramblings were going to bore her again…if she paid attention. Which she had no intention of doing. “I know you were taking a nap and everything, but what do you think about investigating with me?”
    Miles’ face left no doubt what he thought of that idea. “Really, Myrtle…”
    “I know. You’d rather be reading Faulkner. But I could use the help.” She leaned heavily on her cane to remind him of her age and infirmity.
    He sighed. “Help with what?”
    “I’m going to try to catch up with Sherry in a little while. I saw her inside Cullen’s house when I was leaving it today.” Myrtle wiggled her eyebrows at Miles.
    “That’s not so strange, is it? After all, you were over at Cullen’s house. And it sounds like Willow was there. Actually, it sounds like half the book club was over getting barbeque.”
    “Absolutely. We were all at Cullen’s house. Not in Cullen’s house. That’s a big difference in prepositions. Anyway, I think it might be a good idea to touch base with Sherry and see what’s up. You can set a clock by her weekend schedule—she always goes out to garden at two o’clock on Saturdays. She lives right next door to the Caulfields, so maybe she