Free Cover Story by Erika Chase Page B

was helping Sally-Jo with some of her renos and had gone back home for a tool he needed.”
    â€œIt’s weird, don’t you think . . . two bodies in two days?”
    Mark nodded. “Now don’t go trying to make a connection, because at the moment, there is none. And it’s just one big puzzle.”
    â€œAny other pieces?”
    Mark looked at her a long time before answering. “Now, I know you enjoy reading mysteries and are a naturally curious woman, so I will tell you, but since this has nothing at all to do with you or your book club this time, treat it as strictly information. Okay?”
    â€œFine.”
    â€œOfficer Craig found several twenty-dollar bills in the victim’s pocket.”
    â€œAnd that’s a clue because . . . ?”
    â€œThey’re counterfeit.”
    Lizzie wasn’t sure what to say. Of all the things Mark could have mentioned, that had never occurred to her. She thought about it for a few minutes.
    â€œIs this all coincidence? Molly’s being attacked; the stolen books; Orwell Rivers’s death; and another body found at Bob’s?” she finally asked.
    â€œYou’re forgetting to add the counterfeit to that list.”
    â€œThat’s just too bizarre. How do you think it ties in?”
    Mark shook his head. “Damned if I know. Yet.”
    â€œChanging the subject, just slightly, Molly’s all keen to get on with Teensy’s book launch. Do you think that’s wise? Might they still be in danger?”
    Mark gave it some consideration before answering. “I don’t really know, Lizzie. It appears that Molly’s attackers got what they came for so she should be fine. The murder of the publisher may or may not be tied in to that. And we still don’t know why they wanted the books, but Miz Coldicutt seems convinced she hasn’t written anything damaging or controversial. Have you read it yet?”
    â€œI’ve just started it.”
    â€œWell let me know, and soon, if you find anything, please.”
    â€œWhat about Teensy’s books? I’m going ahead at this point with the planning of the launch and it’s scheduled for the last Sunday of the month. Books are usually an integral part of a launch. Although, I suppose if worse came to worst, we could hold a ‘non-launch’. Actually, that’s not a bad idea.” She sat forward on the couch, warming to the direction her mind was going. “We could have Teensy read some chapters from her manuscript, blow up a huge copy of the cover, which I’m hoping she has, and take orders for the book.” She smiled, pleased with herself.
    Mark chuckled. “I think you may have a future in public relations. Give me another day or so. I’ll make a point of stopping by the DA’s office and try to sort it out.”
    Lizzie smiled. “Thanks, Mark. That would mean a lot to two old friends.”
    â€œIt’s the younger friend I’m trying to impress.”

Chapter Eleven
    I hate mornings. They start so early.
    PLUM SPOOKY
—JANET EVANOVICH
    L izzie was just crawling into bed after spending the rest of the evening following Mark’s visit by reading some more chapters of Teensy’s book and then, for a change of pace, going over last-minute details for Teensy’s launch. Mark had promised to make amends for all his working hours when he could. She’d played around with that notion for a while and wondered what she could do to speed up the solving of the murders. She wondered if the book club could come up with a plan.
    The phone rang and Lizzie glanced at the caller ID before answering it. Andie Mason. An odd hour for her to be calling.
    â€œHey, Andie. What’s up?”
    â€œHey, Lizzie, I’ve got a big favor to ask you.” She sounded out of breath. “It’s a really big one.”
    â€œI need to know what it is before I can answer,” Lizzie said,