Free A Sprinkle of Magic (A Sugarcomb Lake Cozy Mystery Book 4) by Alaine Allister Page B

is all kinds of messed up.  I don’t suppose you’re estranged from your father, either.  You probably have a perfect family,” he predicted, seeming equal parts sad and envious. 
    “No family is perfect,” Parker said quietly.  “You have to take the good with the bad.  I have a great sister, but my father isn’t so easy to get along with.”  He thought for a moment.  Then, apparently wanting to lift Vinnie’s spirits, he said, “I take it your aunt is okay, though?”
    “Yeah, she’s alright,” Vinnie shrugged.  “She left me a voicemail telling me she was sorry to hear about my father.  I didn’t return her call.  I’m not sure I will…I don’t really know what to say to her.  To tell you the truth, I was surprised she called me.”
    “Why?”
    “I haven’t spoken to anyone in the family in a really long time,” he admitted.  “We didn’t exactly part ways on good terms.  My father and I never saw eye to eye, and my sister was always his favorite.  The last time I saw my dad, I punched him out.”
    That got Clarissa’s attention.  Vinnie had punched his father out?  So he didn’t just have a bad temper; he was also prone to being violent.  She sat up straighter.  She and Parker exchanged A Look behind Vinnie’s back. 
    Clarissa was, in fact, so focused on her eavesdropping that she nearly forgot to slip the truth serum into Vinnie’s drink.  It wasn’t until Vinnie motioned for the bartender to come over that she remembered what she needed to do.
    “Two more beers,” Vinnie said, slurring his words ever so slightly.
    “Right away,” the bartender replied.
    “My father’s funeral is tomorrow,” Vinnie told Parker.
    “I’m sorry for your loss.”
    Vinnie shrugged.  “My father was a jerk.  But I still feel like I should go pay my respects, you know?  But the way my sister was talking, it sounds like she doesn’t want me there.  I’m half expecting her to have me thrown out if I do show up.”
    The bartender set two beers down in front of Vinnie.  But he was so busy ranting that he didn’t seem to even notice.  His body was turned toward Parker – and away from Clarissa.  The perfect opportunity had presented itself!
    She quickly pulled the truth serum from her purse. 
    Its consistency was that of fine, white powder.  It would probably dissolve rather quickly in liquid.  She glanced over her shoulder to make sure nobody was watching her.  Then she carefully dumped the magic potion into one of the beers.
    Phew!  It was done! 
    Clarissa hurriedly deposited the now-empty canister into her handbag.  She looked around and was relieved to see that nobody seemed to be paying any attention to her.  Her mission had been carried out, and it had gone off without a hitch! 
    Feeling very proud of herself for being so stealthy, Clarissa took a few deep, calming breaths.  Then she turned her attention back to the conversation her boyfriend was having with Vinnie Moreno.
    “Should I try to go to the funeral?” Vinnie wondered aloud.
    “That’s a tough call,” Parker replied.  “All I can say is if you do decide to go, you should try to keep the peace.  Don’t get into it with your sister, not there.  It’s already a stressful time for everyone.  The last thing you want or need is for things to get ugly.”
    Vinnie mulled that over for a second and then nodded.  “You’re right, man.  Hey, thanks for listening.  You’re alright, you know that?”  He picked up both of the beers he had ordered.  “Here,” he said, thrusting one of them toward Parker. “Drink up.”
    Parker looked like he was going to protest.  But then he seemed to think better of it.  Clarissa could tell he didn’t want to offend Vinnie.  So he politely accepted the beer and took a swig. 
    Vinnie, meanwhile, was scanning the bar.
    “There are some good looking ladies in here,” he drunkenly declared.
    “Mmhmm,” Parker murmured, taking another sip of the beer Vinnie