Read Death among the Roses: a Melanie Hart Mystery (Melanie Hart Cozy Mysteries Book 1) for Free Online

room was useful and tasteful and appeared to have cost her top dollar. Colors were crisp. The atmosphere formal. Ushering me into the kitchen now, she nodded toward a chair, and I sat
    Copper highlights from the overhead lighting glinted off her messy tresses. Dark circles showed beneath her hazel eyes. I doubted she’d gotten any rest since I last saw her. But then for that matter, neither had I.
    “Just think,” she said, “if things had gone as planned tonight, we'd be dancing and dining and having a blast. Instead, we're moping around here.” She glanced about the space, her face a vision of distaste. She returned her attention to her duties and poured us each a coffee. “Anyway, what’s up?” she asked setting a mug in front of me.
    “I think you might have had a valid point earlier.”
    “About what?” Ginger asked, sinking into her seat.
    “About our investigating Gary’s murder.”
    Her face broke into a happy grin. Her expression was so infectious, I even found myself smiling in return.
    She lifted her coffee mug and toasted us. “Oh, goody. You and me working together. This is going to be a blast.”
    “That’s hardly how I’d describe it. Gary’s dead. There’s a killer on the loose. This is serious business we’re about to embark on.”
    My friend’s brows drew into a puzzled frown. “So, why the change of heart?”
    I expelled a lungful of air. “I stopped by Cordelia’s house on the way home from the church. She’s in a world of pain.”
    Ginger scoffed. “Yeah, tell me something I don’t already know.”
    “Then, when I had dinner with Josh and Tony Stepich tonight, I realized Gary’s death really does revolve around our world, the people we know. Gossford’s a good lawman….” Ginger opened her mouth to protest. I raised a hand to cut her off. “But as you noted, he’s at least thirty years older than we are. He doesn’t understand us or our friends or our ins and outs. Now, do you want to know what I learned?”
    She nodded. “Do I!”
    “Apparently, Stepich misbehaved somehow at the bachelor party.”
    Ginger stared at me in disbelief. “Now, there’s a news flash. Most men do. It’s what those things are for. Get men too near a wedding, and they need something to put them out of their misery.”
    I shrugged. I doubted it was that straight forward. “Anyway Stepich’s behavior was so extreme it captured Bella’s attention.”
    “Bella, huh? And you know this how?”
    “She made a comment at the restaurant tonight.”
    “So what did Tony do?”
    “Bella didn’t say. But Stepich’s face turned thirteen shades of red when she mentioned remembering him from the party.”
    “So you figure we need to find out what happened?”
    “It wouldn’t hurt. It might be nothing. On the other hand, if we uncovered something it would be more than we currently know.”
    Ginger gave me an appraising glance. “I’m friends with Julie Croft. She’s a waitress out at Bella’s. Julie might have a handle on what happened.”
    “Do you think she’d talk to us?”
    “She might. I’ll give her a call.” Ginger rose from the table, crossed the room, and pulled a phone book from a kitchen drawer. She dialed, listened briefly, then said, “Julie, how ya doing? Listen, I’ve got a question or two I’d like to drop on you. Could you possibly meet with me sometime tomorrow?”
    After a brief silence, Ginger flicked a glance my way. “In the morning? At Howies?” She looked askance at me.
    I nodded.
    “Okay then. Ten’s fine?” Ginger’s gaze again sought mine.
    I nodded.
    “Look, is it okay if I bring Melanie Hart along with me?”
    I held my breath.
    “Nah, she’s not looking for something to put in the newspaper. This is strictly between you and me and her.”
    Ginger turned to me and gave me a thumbs up.
    I assumed all systems were go and did a happy dance inside.
    “Good,” Ginger said, smiling. “We’ll see you tomorrow at Howies.”
    I sat back in my chair,