Read Money Can Be Deadly (Sage Gardens Cozy Mystery Book 2) for Free Online Page A

Understand?” She met Samantha's eyes across their glasses of wine.
    “Yes, I do. But why?” Samantha frowned.
    “Trust me, Samantha, getting involved would be the worst thing that you could do now.” She took the last bite of her salad. “Be glad that someone took the backpack.”
    “But, what about Simon?” Samantha asked. “Am I supposed to just let him rot in jail?”
    “He wouldn't be the first, and he won't be the last, besides I’m sure the police will discover the truth.” Jo finished her wine. “This is not a crusade you should make your own, Samantha. It’s too dangerous when drugs are involved. Don't say I didn't warn you. Thanks for lunch.”
    She stood up from the table. Samantha looked up at her with a mixture of confusion and a hint of anger. She had expected Jo of all people to understand. Jail was a horrible place for an innocent person. But then Jo hadn't exactly been innocent. She had been an infamous cat burglar that had given the police the run around for many years. Maybe that was why she didn't feel sympathy for Simon.
    “You're welcome,” Samantha finally spoke very quietly. She didn't stand up from the table. She didn't show Jo to the door. She felt as if all of the wind had faded from her sails.
    “Remember what I said, Sam,” Jo said. She stepped out the door and closed it behind her.
    Alone once more Samantha wondered if her friends were right. Should she stay out of it? Her stubborn nature told her not to. But her stubborn nature had gotten her into plenty of messes before. Samantha finished her lunch and then sprawled out on the couch. She decided to take Eddy's advice and at least try to rest a little. She yawned as she stretched out. When she closed her eyes she saw an image of the backpack floating in the water.
     

Chapter Five
     
    Samantha woke up to her phone ringing. She shifted uncomfortably on the couch. She had finally fallen asleep in an awkward position and it was difficult for her to sit up at first. She fumbled on the coffee table for her cell phone. As she answered she didn't even take the time to check the caller ID.
    “Hello?” she mumbled.
    “Samantha, I need you to come over.”
    “Who is this?” Samantha asked groggily. She blinked a few times to try to get her mind to focus.
    “It's Eddy,” he sounded a little insulted.
    “Oh sorry, Eddy, I was napping. What did you need?” She wiped her hand across her eyes and yawned.
    “I need you to come over. I want to show you something.”
    “Okay, I'll be there in a few minutes.” Samantha hung up the phone. She felt fairly groggy still. “That wine must have really done its work.” She shook her head and stood up. As she got her balance she wondered what Eddy might have to show her. She was sure it was about the case. She grabbed her purse and slid her shoes on. She was out the door before she could even think about the state of her hair or her wrinkled clothing. She realized that she must have slept for a few solid hours as the sun was beginning to set.
    In the twilight, Samantha noticed that there weren't any other residents of Sage Gardens out walking around. Normally in the warmer weather there were people everywhere on the grounds. It seemed as if they had all been scared off by the news of the murder. Even with a man in custody they were being more cautious. Samantha understood why. It was easy to feel vulnerable when age had begun to limit your ability to defend yourself.
    Samantha often found herself off balance when she used to have very sure footing. As she walked towards Eddy's villa, she heard a splash in the water near her. Her stomach tightened. Just the reminder that the water was there was enough to bring back all the stress of the morning. She had been able to sleep away some of her thoughts about the murder, but now they all came flooding back. She remembered Jo's warning about what she was getting herself involved in. Samantha frowned and quickened her pace towards Eddy's villa.
    As