Darlene Franklin - Dressed for Death 03 - Paint Me a Murder

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Book: Read Darlene Franklin - Dressed for Death 03 - Paint Me a Murder for Free Online
Authors: Darlene Franklin
Tags: Mystery: Christian - Cozy - Amateur Sleuth - Oklahoma
Dina.
    “I expect Jenna’s getting ready for work. She usually goes in about the same time I open my store.” The chief didn’t need to know she had spent the night out of town. I hoped he would take the hint. If I didn’t leave soon, I wouldn’t have time to stop by Gaynor Goodies before I opened up shop.
    “The funny thing is, Jenna is not answering her phone. She doesn’t appear to be at home. It would be bad if we had two missing persons.”
    Ouch. I didn’t like the implication that Jenna had gone somewhere with Brad. “I’m sure she’ll be in her office later. You can catch her there.” I couldn’t tell Reiner where Jenna had spent the night if I wanted to. She hadn’t told me the name of the motel where she was headed, although I could guess.
    “Our staff meeting is scheduled for 9:30.” Audie offered the information, saving me from further explanation. “I’ll call if she doesn’t make an appearance.” Glancing at the mutinous look on my face, he rose to his feet. “If there is nothing more. . .”
    Reiner checked his notes and scowled, before he stood up to leave. “Give me a call if you remember anything else.”
    “Of course.” I shut the door behind him and leaned against it. A visit from the police before the day had hardly started set my nerves on edge. I was glad I had decided to wear a vintage maternity tank top, from the ’70s, for the day. Between my anxiety level and the day’s heat, I had already worked up a sweat in spite of the cool clothing.
    “Have some tea.” Audie handed me a glass of herbal peach tea, my favorite since the doctor had restricted my caffeine intake. “And take a seat.” We settled next to each other on the couch.
    I took a long swallow.
    “Tell me where Jenna is.”
    “You heard what I told the Chief. I don’t know.”
    Audie gave me a sideways look that said don’t try and fool with me.
    “I don’t know—exactly. Jenna took off for a hotel last night. She might have gone to Stroud, but she didn’t tell me. She wanted time to think.”
    Gilda chose that moment to poke her head out of the kitchen. “Those sisters of yours.” She shook her head in disgust, somehow every curl remaining perfectly in place. She patted my arm. “If you want my opinion. . .”
    I don’t.
    “You’re the best of the lot.” She grabbed my tea glass before I could finish my drink.
    Oh, boy .
     
     

6
     
    The rest of the Larry Grace story has never been established beyond doubt. Locals assumed he was an accomplice of the bank robbers, but his guilt was never proven. He arrived in Grace Gulch on August 7, the day following the robbery, for a brief visit with his brother Bob. The Graces never divulged what happened during that visit; what is known is that Larry never again returned to the Circle G. The rumor quickly spread that Larry was persona non grata at the family ranch because of his involvement in the robbery.
    From A History of Grace Gulch
     
    Wednesday, September 13
    I gritted my teeth against Gilda’s implied criticism of my sisters and instead pasted a smile on my face. “We’ve always been the Wilde sisters, all right. My marriage to Audie hasn’t changed that.”
    Audie chuckled at the old joke. “‘Experience is one thing you can't get for nothing.’ And I wouldn’t change a minute of my experiences with any one of you.” Trust my husband to come up with a quote from Oscar Wilde to diffuse the tension in the room. My forced smile relaxed into a small grin.
    “I never did understand why you quote that horrible man.” Gilda looked over her glasses. “You do know about his. . . personal preferences. . . don’t you?”
    Audie laughed out loud. “Of course I do. I certainly don’t advocate that anyone follow his example, but you can’t deny he had a brilliant wit.” He sobered. “I often wonder what could have been, if Wilde had known the Lord. Imagine that talent used for God’s glory.” He sighed.
    “Wilde again.” Gilda sniffed, but

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