Free Red Julie (An Olivia Miller Mystery Book 2) by J A Whiting

all the work in order to ingratiate herself with the wealthy. She was always in everyone’s business, especially those with some cash. Olivia and Brad braced themselves.
    “As you know…or maybe you don’t,” Magdalene began her spiel. “We are raising funds for the York Hospital and this year we are planning a ball as the fundraiser. We are hoping that businesspeople in town might feel the urge to donate something for the silent auction…a gift certificate or an item of worth.” She paused to take a deep breath. The sparkling diamond hanging from her silver necklace was like a ship rising up and down on the waves of her heaving chest. “Oh, this heat does not agree with me.” She dabbed at her brow with a handkerchief.
    “Can I get you a cold drink?’ Brad offered. She dismissed him with a wave of her hand. Two of her chubby fingers were encircled with bands of platinum cradling huge diamonds that flashed in the sunlight. There was no stopping her speech once she got going.
    “In addition, we are asking all businesspeople to attend the ball as a show of unity,” Magdalene went on. “There will be a small charge to business owners of one hundred dollars each to attend, of course. Much less than the cost to the general public. It will be quite the gala and you should feel very fortunate to be able to take part at such reduced cost to you…and your donation to the silent auction is good advertising for your businesses. It’s win-win all around. I know I can count on you both.” She batted her eyes.
    “Olivia, you will be re-opening Aggie’s shop, wont you?” she asked, and did not wait for a reply. “Aggie put so much love into that shop, it would be a sin not to honor her by keeping it open this summer.” She rummaged through her oversized bag, searching for her clipboard.
    “Oh, yes, I’m sorry for your loss,” Magdalene managed, not looking up. She paused in the search through her bag and straightened up, a fake smile on her face. “What are you planning to do with the house?” she asked sweetly.
    “Live in it,” Olivia answered flatly.
    “I understand you are going to law school,” Magdalene said. “I know how expensive that will be. I could get you a good price for the house, even though it needs a good deal of updating.” She prattled on. “Nevertheless, the location is what it has going for it and the lot is a decent size. We could also market it as a tear-down. Someone could build a lovely home there.”
    “No.” Olivia was seething. How does Magdalene know if the house needed updating? And how does she know I’m going to law school?
    “I can make you a very wealthy young lady. You won’t have time to come up here with your studies and all. The house will be a burden. And for heaven’s sakes, Olivia, once you graduate, you certainly won’t be practicing law in this area. You’ll be living in a city.”
    Olivia was silent.
    “You think about it,” Magdalene told her. “We’ll talk again. Oh, here it is.” She yanked the clipboard out of the bag and brandished it in front them. “Here are all of the shop owners who will be taking part so far.” She handed the clipboard to Brad. “Please sign that you will be attending. And here,” she indicated with a pudgy finger, “here is where you state the amount you will be pledging.” She tapped the page.
    Brad and Olivia looked at the list.
    “We are expecting one hundred percent participation,” she announced.
    Brad cleared his throat and signed the page.
    “Excellent!” Magdalene exclaimed. “Now Olivia,” she said.
    Brad handed the clipboard to Olivia.
    “I’m not sure…” Olivia began.
    “Nonsense. You are Aggie’s heir. You have a responsibility,” Magdalene clucked.
    Olivia sighed. She signed and handed it back.
    “Wonderful!” Magdalene said. She put the clipboard back into her bag. “The town always comes together for a good cause. We will send your invitations to you shortly.” She started away, and