Free Nun of That (A Deadly Habit Cozy Mystery, Book 1) by Morgana Best Page A

me.” Gemma smirked in challenge at Janet.
    “Absolutely not.” Janet sniffed, and glanced around the place. “I might end up with those awful lamps. Honestly, Gemma, let me recommend a decorator.”
    “And have my place look like it was attacked by a bleach factory? No thanks.” Gemma shook her head. “I'll save you the money and come decorate for you sometime. Give your place some character.”
    I thought now was a good time to interrupt. “Anyway. This weekend?” I asked hopefully.
    “For what? Your date?” Gemma shot me a blank stare of confusion.
    “Wait, I thought they weren't dating?” Janet looked between us.
    I sighed. “The stakeout. Nuns? Convent?” Had they really gotten so distracted by talk about Adam and the decorators, that had they forgotten? Or were they teasing me?
    “Oh, sure.” Janet pulled out her planner and gave it a glance. “I’m completely free actually, so it’s perfect timing. Just let me know what’s best for you.”
    “I have an early morning meeting at the courthouse; otherwise I'm free,” Gemma added agreeably. “Is the reporter going to be there too?”
    “Not this time.” I shook my head. “But if we find anything, I'll tell him.”
    “Over dinner,” Gemma added. “Not a hamburger, either. Something nice.”
    “There’s that new restaurant that’s serving all organic produce,” Janet said helpfully.
    “I said someplace nice .” Gemma waved off Janet's idea with a shake of her head and a grimace. “A romantic dinner is not a spinach shake.”
    I was exasperated. “We're solving a mystery,” I reminded them.
    “Yes we are.” Janet's eyes shone with excitement.
    “The Case of the Clueless Lovebirds,” Gemma said.
    “The Mystery of the Hot, Wandering Reporter,” Janet chimed in.
    I groaned. Of all the times for these two to get along and work together.
     

Chapter Eleven .
     
    We were in Gemma’s BMW speeding toward the convent. I was nervous, whereas Gemma and Janet appeared to be excited. Janet was less excited, however, when we took a detour down a tiny lane that ran to the base of the hill overlooking the convent.
    “Watch the walled garden the whole time, and see what they do,” I said, as Janet hopped from the car, binoculars in hand. I watched with envy as she sprinted up the hill with ease. Perhaps there was something to eating ghastly-tasting, healthy food, after all.
    Gemma turned the car around, and soon we were back on the lonely road leading to the convent. “Now, what are we looking for exactly?” Gemma asked me again.
    I shook my head. “We’ve been over this a hundred times; just look for anything suspicious, anything at all. The main thing is that I’m hoping the other nuns do something when the Reverend Mother is busy with us.”
    “Yes, and I told you a hundred times not to get your hopes up. What are they likely to do? And why would they do it in the walled garden? I think you’re clutching at straws, Rose.” She shook her head, and cut the engine. “Besides, this is costing me a hundred dollars, and it won’t be a tax deduction.”
    “I’m sorry,” I said in a small voice.
    Gemma shrugged, and hurried off as fast as she could in her stilettos, while I walked after her.
    As I rang the ancient bell, a shiver ran up my spine as the sound echoed. “It’s like being in a horror movie,” Gemma whispered, and I glared at her.
    The bell was followed by a sound that sounded like an alarm, the same sound I had heard on my previous visit to the convent.
    Sister Maria duly opened the door. “Rose Tyler,” she said, unable to mask the look of surprise on her face.
    “No, it’s Rose Taylor,” I said. “Rose Tyler used to be on Dr. Who.” How did she know my name anyway? I thought I’d only introduced myself as Rose on my last visit. “And this is my friend, Gemma Farrentina,” I added. “She would like to make a donation. Gemma, this is Sister Maria of, um, of…”
    “Sister Maria of Saint Leonard,” she said,