Free Homicide by Hamlet (Cozy Mystery) Book #3 (Chubby Chicks Club Cozy Mystery Series) by Lois Lavrisa

do?” I asked.
    He reclined in his chair. “Well, it’s not up to me, but I think we should finish it out for the sake of the students. Return to business as usual.”
    “But there’s nothing usual about a dead body. And besides, a team lost their supervisor,” I said.
    “You’re right. But Priscilla’s team is far enough along that we could assign a new adult leader, or let the team compete without one. It’d be their choice, and still be within the competition rules.”
    “I guess you’re right.” I played with my beer can. “What about the crime scene?”
    Gerald looked down at the table. “What about it?”
    “I assume that we can’t use the backstage area. That’s where my team has their set, backdrop and props and, well, everything. They won’t be able to perform without them.” I bit my lip. “I’m sure detectives have to dust for fingerprints, and collect any evidence they might find.”
    “That’s wrapped up. The police, forensics, whomever needed to do what they needed to do—they’re all done. You have full access to backstage, and your set.”
    I had to get my inquiries back to the actual crime. “I’m going to assume, I need to get another skull.” I wanted to study his body language to see any hint that he might be nervous or upset. I’d be jittery if I killed someone, and they point-blank asked me about the weapon I used to commit the crime.
    He shifted in his chair. “Yes, I heard Priscilla was killed with that.” After drinking his beer, he coughed. “I’m sure that we can get you another.”
    “Poor lady. I just can’t imagine why anyone would want to kill her. Can you?” As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted it. I was helpless in the house alone with him. On my granite countertop was a wooden block with knives, really sharp knives.
    He could easily kill me. Dang it. My kitchen was a veritable room of potential weapons. On the other hand, I enjoyed spending time with him—we had a comfortable camaraderie. Yet, maybe I didn’t know him at all.
    If I continued to think like this I’d drive myself nuts.
    “Thanks for the beer. But it’s getting late, and I should go. I’ll see you in the morning.” Gerald stood and pushed his chair in. “So, you up for dinner tomorrow night at my house?”
    Was this a set up? Did he know that I knew about the note? “Your house?” My question came out as a shriek.
    “You just sounded like I asked you to go to the city dump. Don’t you want to come over to my place?”
    I let out a nervous giggle. “How about a restaurant instead?”
    He reached out and touched my arm. “Are you afraid to be alone with me?”
    I forced a laugh. “Of course not. We’ve been alone dozens of times.”
    “Yes, we have. And you have to admit, I’ve behaved like a gentleman every time. Although you make that difficult, because you’re so adorable.” He winked at me.
    Heat suffused my face and I had to avert my gaze.
    “So dinner at my place?” He asked.
    “Yeah, sure,” I muttered. Why did I feel like a schoolgirl with an infatuation on the popular cute boy? Then, I berated myself. Yes, he had killer looks, but he could also be a real killer.
    “I wanted to make your favorite meal, shrimp and grits,” he said as we walked to the front door. “But, if for any reason, you’re uncomfortable, then that’s fine. I’ll be disappointed, but I’ll understand.”
    As I opened the door I said, “Well then, your house it is. Oh, and I have to ask again, can you think of anyone who would’ve wanted Priscilla dead?”
    He leaned over and kissed my cheek before he left.
    I held my hand to my face, as though I could actually feel his warm soft kiss.
    Gerald never answered my question.

Chapter Ten
     
    At 7:30 the next morning, I headed over to campus. Instead of getting a good night’s sleep, I had tossed and turned thinking of all that had happened. Nothing made sense.
    “Good morning, Annie Mae,” Bezu said as I entered the theater