Read Murder for Bid for Free Online

your shop,” I answered, skirting her question.
    “Yes, she came in all the time. Such a nice woman. What a shame.”
    “A shame,” I reiterated. “I can’t even imagine what Richard will do without her.”
    The sales woman began pointlessly straightening stacks of sweaters. “I can’t stop thinking about it,” she began. “Of course, I shouldn’t really say anything. I’m not supposed to discuss any member’s private business.” She shook her head. “Poor Amanda … it’s so awful.”
    “Just horrible,” I paused before prodding more. “I just can’t help but feel for him, that’s all. He feels guilty because he was here golfing the day it happened.”
    “He told you that?”
    “It’s all so sad,” I said, avoiding a complete lie.
    The sales woman heaved a sigh of pity. “I saw him that day. He seemed so … well, you know, normal. Scary, isn’t it? Just think, you’re going about your normal routine, happy or whatever, and then out of the blue a tragedy strikes and changes your whole life.”
    I shook my head in a slow, sad agreement. The woman didn’t need much encouragement to continue.
    “And Jason said that he’d had one of his best rounds of the season.”
    I was lost. “Jason? Jason who?”
    The woman’s eyes narrowed.
    I tried to cover my goof, “Oh, sure. I know who you’re talking about. Jason, I’ve met him. He’s a nice guy … a great golfer,” I gushed.
    She wasn’t buying it. “I can’t say that I’ve seen you around here before.” Her tone had turned chilly.
    “I’m new here,” I responded quickly.
    “Who’s your sponsor?”
    “My sponsor?” Did this lady think I was an Alcoholics Anonymous member?
    Suddenly her mood shifted. “Have you decided on a color?” she asked curtly.
    I saw no need to linger; apparently, she had figured me out. “I’ve changed my mind, thank you.”
    “You’ve changed your mind?” The woman took a few steps in my direction. “You know, I was just getting ready to return a call to Larry. You know Larry, right?”
    I shook my head. She was in my face now. In fact, our noses were so close we could almost do an Eskimo kiss.
    “ Laaaary,” she replied slowly. “The head of security. Now which color did you want, so I can wrap that up for you and you can be on your way?” Again, her sweet tone returned as she gestured like a game show girl toward the table of sweater sets.
    I feebly picked up a red set in my size, “This one.”
    “Oh, good choice,” she cooed. Maybe some shorts to go with it? What’s your size?”
    I whispered my size and watched her pick out a pair of shorts. With my head down, I followed her like a scolded puppy, to the cash register.
    “That’ll be two hundred and twenty nine dollars,” she said.
    Two hundred and twenty-nine dollars? That was more than I had ever spent on clothing in my life!
    I started to balk, but the snake slid her hand across the counter and placed it right next to a multi-line phone eyeing me with an ‘I-double-dare-you’ stare.
    I took out my credit card. “You must work on commission.”
    “You got it,” she retorted victoriously.
    After being extorted out of a week’s worth of pay, I headed out to the hallway, my mind still spinning from my purchase. I only hoped that I’d be able to sell the outfit on-line and recoup some of the cost.
    I made my way down the hall and into the bar. Surprisingly enough, there were quite a few patrons drinking liquor, even though it was barely past noon. I sat on a high-back stool, parked my bag of ill-gotten booty on the counter, and tilted my head to the bartender. “Bloody Mary, please.” That sounded cool, even though I couldn’t stand the taste. What I really wanted was a glass of Chianti. I just didn’t trust myself to get started.
    I began rummaging for some money.
    “That won’t be necessary, Miss. Just give me your name.”
    “Oh, I’ll just pay cash.”
    The bartender looked perplexed. “I’m sorry, we can’t accept