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

family.”
    â€œYou never did.”
    â€œYeah, but I’m the exception that proves the rule. It would be easier if Sherry wasn’t trying to stop me.”
    â€œYou want me to persuade Sherry to let you move out?”
    â€œIs that a problem?”
    â€œSherry’s a difficult person to persuade.”
    â€œTell me about it. The point is, if you could ease off urging me to stay, without actually appearing to be siding with me against her—”
    â€œGood God, did you manipulate all your ex-husbands?”
    â€œCome on, wouldn’t you like to be rid of me?”
    â€œYou kind of grow on people.”
    â€œGreat.” Cora jerked her thumb. “You sure the Sushi Lady isn’t up there going through your files?”

    â€œI thought it was Sudoku Lady.”
    â€œI know what it is. Is she doing it?”
    â€œWhy would she be?”
    â€œSee what you’ve got on Steve Preston.”
    â€œWhat about Steve Preston?”
    â€œHe appears to have had a relationship with the deceased.”
    â€œYou’re kidding.”
    â€œYou didn’t have that either? Wow, it’s great to be ahead of everybody. Except Dennis, of course.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œYeah. Good news. He’s not poking around Sherry. He’s poking around the crime.”
    â€œWho’s the witness?”
    â€œPromise you won’t write it?”
    â€œWrite it? It sounds like fifth-hand information. Damn it, what’s Dennis still doing in town?”
    â€œTalk to his lawyer. On second thought, that’s not such a good idea either. Anyway, I’d like to know if Dennis tipped our Japanese friend off. That’s assuming he didn’t follow her in the first place. Which I would not like at all, because it would mean she was ahead of me. Bad enough it’s just Dennis.”
    Aaron looked at her suspiciously. “You’re always keeping me away from Dennis. Now you’re throwing him in my face. Why?”
    â€œNo reason. But you might pay me back for the heads-up.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œI’d kind of like to know if Sudoku-face is being interviewed or going through the files on Mrs. Fielding’s lover.”
    â€œDid you follow her here? Was the whole wanting-to-talk-tome-about-moving-out bit just a ruse?”
    â€œNot at all. It’s a legitimate concern. But as a reporter, aren’t you interested in whether Minami is actually up there doing research?”

    Aaron exhaled sharply, turned, and stalked off back to the paper.
    He was out in five minutes.
    â€œWell?” Cora said.
    â€œShe’s in Freddie’s office. She’s doing the interview. She isn’t going through the files.”
    â€œOh.”
    Aaron cocked his head.
    â€œHer niece is.”
    â€œReally?”
    â€œIt doesn’t have to mean anything. She’s probably just a nosy teenager.”
    â€œYeah, maybe. Where’s Zombie Agent?”
    â€œSitting in on the interview. I get the impression he’s trying to run things.”
    Cora grimaced. “That can’t be good.”
    Aaron shrugged. “Come on. How could it possibly matter?”

Chapter 20
    DUELING DETECTIVES: THE SUDOKU LADY VS. THE PUZZLE LADY
    Underneath the banner headline in the Bakerhaven Gazette were two pictures: Minami in full geisha regalia, and Cora Felton holding up a box of Granville Grains Post Toasties.

    The Sudoku Lady versus the Puzzle Lady? It sounds like a comic book, but it might be a reality. Minami, the internationally famous Sudoku Lady, has come all the way from Japan to challenge Cora Felton, Bakerhaven’s own Puzzle Lady, to a duel.
    Charming, polite, and respectful, Minami had nothing but kind words for her American counterpart, but her agent, Irving Swartzman, was less reticent. “Minami is not some American
ripoff. She’s the real deal. A genuine Japanese Sudoku Lady. Always has been. Always will be. Not some