Free Deadly Vintage: A Molly Doyle Mystery by Elaine Flinn

Daniel’s maybe.”
    “Well, get in line, Molly. There’re a few people ahead of you who’d like to kill Todd. By the way, that little to-do was the highlight of the evening. Even my father thought so. And that is saying a whole lot. In fact, he said to be sure to invite you to his birthday party on Sunday. It’s at my house in the Highlands. No fancy dress. It’s a barbeque.” Patting Randall on the shoulder, she added, “He especially would love to have you come, too. Daria already has her invite, so I’ll expect you all.”
    “I won’t be able to make it, Carla,” Daria said. “I’ve got to go up to the City to interview chefs. Julio is returning to Florence in a few weeks. Give your dad a kiss for me.”
    “We’ll miss you. But business comes before pleasure, right?” Turning to leave, she said, “It goes without saying, no gifts. The man has everything he wants.” She paused, then added, “Except a son-in-law he likes.” She gave them a wave. “Ciao!”
    “How the hell does she manage?” Molly asked.
    Randall snorted, “Just don’t say, ‘Men,’ okay? Like we’re all bastards.”
    Daria leaned over and pinched his cheek. “Oh, not you! You’re just a sweetheart.”
    Molly laughed. “Yeah, right.” When she saw Randall squint, she said, “I mean it, okay? You’re a prince. I tell everyone I know that.”
    Randall rose. “Sure you do.” He winked at Daria. “She lies well, doesn’t she? But hey, it comes with the job. Antiques dealers are all—”
    “Don’t say it,” Molly said.
    Randall hitched up his slacks, turned to scan the shop, then said, “Okay. I won’t say it. Shop looks good.” He meandered down the main aisle, and then stopped in front of a ship model. “Nice work.” He glanced at the tag, and then nodded. “Good price. I’ll think about it. You sure it’s The America, the racing yacht?”
    “I double-checked. There’s a picture of it in Miller’s,” Molly said. “If you really want it, better grab it now. A man was in the other day and he was interested.”
    Randall winked at Daria. “There she goes. Right into her dealer spiel. I hate hard sells, don’t you?”
    “It’s the truth! But go away, Randall. Please?” Molly said. “Go catch a bad guy, or something.”
    Randall was facing her now. “That’s why I’m here.” He walked to the door, then turned. “Watch your back, Molly. Jessop isn’t going to take what you did to him lying down. His type can’t handle public humiliation You still got me on your speed dial?”
    Molly’s jaw dropped. “You’re serious?”
    When Randall just looked at her, she said, “Uh, yes. You’re there.”
    “Good. Keep your cell with you.”
    After Randall left, Daria said, “He’s right, Molly. Be careful.”
    “I can’t believe Todd Jessop would do anything stupid.” Then she remembered Carla’s bruised face the other night. “But I’ll be careful.”
    “We still on for dinner tonight?” Daria asked. “Roast duck, risotto and mushrooms?”
    Molly smiled. “I’m never going to learn how to cook if I keep taking advantage of your hospitality.”
    “Just find me more silver. You can always learn later.” Picking up her bag, she said, ”Got to go. Got a new waiter to check out. Seven, okay?”
    “We’ll be there. Oh, Bitsy is coming in on Saturday, so Emma and I will hit the garage sales. Silver will be my top priority.”
     
    At quarter to seven that night Emma was still on the computer. “Hey, we’ve got to go,” Molly said.
    They raced down the stairs and headed into the alley where Molly’s El Camino was parked. Molly did a double-take when she reached the door. The entire side of the pickup looked as if someone had run a key across it. And not just once, but several times. Emma saw her face, and said, “Wait until you see this side. The new paint job is history.”
    Molly went around to where Emma stood. “I don’t believe it. This is Carmel. These things don’t happen