Free Death in Dahlonega (A Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery Book 1) by Deborah Malone Page B

best to convince me that I was wrong, but it wasn’t working. “Dee Dee, there’s something in my gut. I just can’t put my finger on it. To see him talking with Sueleigh adds fuel to the fire. Some coincidence if you ask me. Come on; let’s buy a ticket for the carriage ride. I’m going to find out one way or the other what he’s up to.”

Chapter Seventeen
    When the carriage turned the corner, we were next in line. I glanced over at Dee Dee. “Close your mouth before a fly takes up residence in there.”
    I knew what caused her laxity of the jaw. Even from a distance, I had to work hard to avert my stare and avoid taking in the whole picture. I knew why Tatum fell hard for Sueleigh. In fact, I could understand why any breathing male, regardless of age, might be attracted to her. A tight pale lavender sweater accentuated the largest set of manmade boobs I’d ever seen.
    She wore her long, fiery red hair flowing down her back. Enough make up covered her face to qualify for a walking advertisement. No doubt, many a head had turned to get a second look at the combination of ample chest, red hair, and painted face.
    “She’ll never have to worry about falling flat on her face.” Dee Dee chuckled at her bad joke.
    “Shhhh! Act natural. Here she comes.”
    Next thing I knew, Sueleigh Dalton looked our way. She pulled the reins back and a beautiful brown and white horse came to a stop. “Hi. You ladies ready?”
    “Sure. Come on Dee Dee.” I grabbed her and guided her to the back seat, and then I turned to Sueleigh and asked her if I could sit up front. “I’ve always wanted to sit up front with the driver.”
    “I don’t usually let riders up front. It could be dangerous; if there’s an accident, somebody might file a law suit because they fell off the wagon,” she laughed.
    I didn’t want to miss a chance to get up close and personal with a suspect, so I blurted out what I hoped would entice her to break the rules. “What if I told you I’m interested in interviewing you for a magazine article? I write for Georgia By the Way , and I’m working on an article about Gold Rush Days. I’d like my assistant to take your picture. There’s a good chance it could make the cover.”
    She whooshed her hair behind her back. “In that case, I don’t think it would hurt this one time. Come on up.” She eyed my cane with a quizzical expression. “Do you need me to help you up?”
    “I think I can make it if you give me a hand.” With a little grunting and groaning, Sueleigh managed to pull me up beside her. With a flick of the reins and a ‘giddy up,’ we started on our way.
    “The man riding with you looked familiar. Does he work at the inn?”
    “Oh, that’s Leroy Roberts, the owner’s nephew. He’s a friend of mine. We go back a long way. As a matter of fact, we went to school together. We were discussing the murder of John Tatum. I guess you’ve heard about it?” She raised painted eyebrows in question. She pulled on a rein and the horse turned down a back street.
    “Yes, we have. What did you discuss about the murder?”
    Sueleigh emitted a high-pitched scream, making the horses ears flick back and forth. “Oh my Gosh!” she exclaimed. “I know who you are. You’re the lady that killed John.”
    “That’s not true,” I said. I turned around to see if Dee Dee had heard. She seemed oblivious as she watched the scenery. I gave her one of my most charming smiles and continued.
    “What I mean is, it wasn’t anyone I know. My friend Dee Dee has, however, been questioned by the sheriff about the murder of your ex-boyfriend.”
    “How did you know he was my ex-boyfriend?” She narrowed her gaze and pulled back on the leather straps. The horse slowed. For a minute, I thought she might stop and order us out.
    “Okay.” I held my hands up in surrender. “I really am a reporter, and I’m working on a story about Gold Rush Days, but I’m also trying to help my best friend. I’ve been asking