Free Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore by Rose Pressey Page B

to sign.
    â€œHi,” I said.
    She quirked an eyebrow. “Hello.”
    â€œI just have a few questions for you.”
    She glanced over to see if security was still there. Why did everyone think I was a threat to their safety?
    â€œI need to ask about Hannah O’Neil and Melanie Lee. Melanie told you not to use Hannah in your shows? Is that true?” Out of the corner of my eye I watched to make sure security wasn’t headed my way.
    â€œWell, that’s a strange question. But yes, she had told me not to use her. She said she would try to sabotage my show. I couldn’t deal with anything like that, so I decided not to use her. I told other designers too.”
    â€œWow, so it wasn’t a rumor. That would be a reason for Hannah to be upset,” Charlotte said.
    â€œI heard what happened to Melanie and I’m glad that I didn’t use Hannah.” Meira played with the pen in her hand.
    â€œWell, thanks for the information.”
    â€œYou’re welcome.” She looked at me confused. “You didn’t want me to sign a book?”
    I rummaged around in my purse and pulled out a used envelope. She frowned as she looked down at the wrinkled up paper. Finally she scribbled her name.
    â€œThanks,” I said as I grabbed the envelope and turned to leave.
    I took Charlotte by the handbags on the way out. We drooled over the purses while Sam yawned. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci all had bags on display.
    â€œWe need to go, ladies.” He waved us on.
    â€œWe should visit Hannah in jail again,” Sam said as I unlocked the Buick.
    My experience talking with Hannah the first time hadn’t been that pleasant, so I wasn’t looking forward to doing it again. Besides, Hannah hadn’t given much information the first time. She still had her less than pleasant disposition.
    â€œMaybe I will consider it,” I said as I started the car.
    â€œYou know, if it wasn’t for your new lawyer friend, you probably wouldn’t have gotten to talk with Hannah,” Charlotte said.
    Sam leaned forward in the middle of the backseat, propping his arms against the leather front seat. “It is all about the connections. Don’t worry, Cookie, I will help you be a good detective.”
    Once back on the highway, I pointed the Buick toward Sugar Creek. “You have to remember, Sam, I’m not a professional detective. I’ll probably make a few mistakes along the way.”

Chapter 12
    Sam’s Surefire Sleuthing Pointer

    Don’t be too paranoid.
The suspect may not have seen you
peeking in their window
or watching them with the binoculars.
    Â 
    Â 
    After a long day at work, I was headed home. My comfy bed was calling my name. After a long bath, of course.
    â€œYou know what you need to do?” Sam asked from the backseat.
    I tapped my fingers against the steering wheel as we waited at a red light. “What’s that?” I was almost afraid to ask what the ghosts would come up with next.
    â€œYou need to go to the assistant. She would have been the closest to Melanie.”
    â€œShe would have the most details.” Charlotte smiled.
    The light turned green and I hit the gas. The Buick hummed down the street. “You know, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think you’re both on to something.”
    When I glanced in the rearview mirror, Sam beamed. I was happy that he was getting to use his private investigator skills.
    â€œYou know she lives in Savannah though. That means we can’t go right now.”
    Sam and Charlotte nodded in unison. I can’t believe how easy they were to get along with as long as they thought I was doing what they wanted.
    â€œWe’ll have to go in the morning. I’ll ask Heather if she wants to go on a road trip.”
    â€œWe’ll leave first thing in the morning,” Charlotte said with excitement in her voice.
    Once I was home and settled into my favorite