Free The Puzzle Lady vs. the Sudoku Lady by Parnell Hall

think it’s an accident. You want a drink?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œYou’re not old enough, are you?”
    â€œI just don’t want a drink.”
    â€œSo what’s your story?”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œCome on. Young girl like you. Hanging out with your aunt. Doesn’t seem like much of a vacation.”
    â€œIt’s not a vacation.”
    â€œWhat is it?”
    â€œIt’s a trip to America.”
    â€œYeah, but it’s not much fun. No kids your age.”
    Michiko stuck out her chin. “I’m not a kid.”
    â€œOf course not. But you’re not an old lady, either. What are you doing here?”
    â€œHaving dinner.”
    â€œNow you’re being silly. What are you doing in Bakerhaven? Not exactly a prime vacation spot. Unless you’re a rabid antique collector. Are you a rabid antique collector?”
    â€œYou are teasing me.”
    â€œYes, and you love it. Gotta be a break from looking out for your aunt. What’s her trouble? She drinks? Does drugs? Picks up teenage boys?”

    â€œThat is not nice.”
    â€œThe boys like it.”
    â€œYou are being silly again.”
    â€œYou’re being evasive. Why do you travel with your aunt? Is she your legal guardian?”
    Michiko frowned. “What do you mean?”
    â€œDo you have parents?”
    â€œEveryone has parents.”
    â€œAre your parents alive?”
    â€œYes, of course.”
    â€œNo ‘of course’ about it. People die. Sometimes they get killed. Like Mrs. Fielding.”
    â€œDo you think she was killed?”
    â€œWhat do you think?”
    â€œYou ask a lot of questions.”
    â€œI always do when women try to pick me up in bars.”
    Michiko’s mouth fell open. “I am not trying to pick you up.”
    â€œOf course not. You just happened to come in here. You’re not having a drink. You’ve already ordered dinner. Your prime rib’s probably sitting there getting cold. You’re not trying to pick me up at all.”
    â€œYou are rude.”
    â€œOf course I am. If I was nice, you wouldn’t like me.”
    â€œWhy do you say such silly things?”
    â€œYou have parents in Japan and you came here with your aunt, but it wasn’t for fun because you’re not having any. I keep thinking you’re along to keep her out of trouble.”
    â€œYou are wrong.”
    â€œIs her English bad? Do you have to interpret for her?”
    â€œMichiko!”
    Their heads turned.

    Minami stood in the archway to the dining room. Arms out, face stern, yards of silk making her look like a predatory bird. “What are you doing? Our food is at the table. You are not. Instead, you are here. Is this not the young man from the mall? How dare you, sir! My niece is but a child.”
    â€œMi-na-mi!” Michiko whined.
    â€œNo more!” Minami pointed imperiously. “Go!”
    Michiko glared at her aunt and, tossing her head, sulked and pouted her way from the room.
    â€œLeave my niece alone. She is under age.”
    â€œHow old is she?”
    â€œThat is not your concern.”
    â€œShe was telling me why you need her here. I thought it might be to interpret, but you speak very well. Is it to keep you out of jail?”
    It seemed to Dennis that Minami’s eyes flicked. She glared at him then turned to go.
    â€œDid you know Mrs. Fielding had a boyfriend?”
    Minami stopped.
    Dennis grinned. “You must not have, since he hadn’t seen you yet.”
    She turned back. “What are you talking about?”
    â€œThe Puzzle Lady’s already seen him. Can the Sudoku Lady be far behind? Only thing is, she thought I followed you there. Like I have no skills of my own. So, you’re behind her. And she’s behind me. And the cops haven’t got a clue. They’re behind all of us.”
    â€œWho is this man?”
    â€œAh, now you’re interested? I thought