Read The Return of the Fallen Angels Book Club (A Hollis Morgan Mystery 3) for Free Online Page B

in his office.”
    Miller wrinkled his forehead. “I never saw any either. I guess he wanted to keep his personal life private. He only had that stupid cat poster. It had a pocket in the back where he stuffed all his career acknowledgments and certificates. He didn’t want those in view either.” He shook his head. “I’ve known him longer than any of you, and he never mentioned a family.”
    “Would you want former residents of the prison population to know about your family?” Richard said. “I can understand his reasoning.”
    Hollis looked up at the ceiling, remembering the extent to which Richard had gone to hide his own background.
    “The police always check out the relatives first.” Gene, done reading, took off his glasses. “They look for a family dispute. His family would have known about his schedule.”
    “Geesh, I’m still getting used to the fact that he had a family,” Miller murmured.
    “When’s the funeral?” Rena asked.
    “No funeral. It’s a memorial, set for this coming Wednesday.” Gene took out another few pages of paper and passed them around the table. “Here’s the article in the Herald .”
    Richard tossed the paper onto the table. “Well that’s it then. There’s nothing for us to do except attend the memorial. Can I get a ride with somebody?”
    “Sure, Richard, you can ride with me.” Miller folded the paper into a series of squares. “I’ll pick you up in front of the main library.”
    “Hollis, do you and Rena want to ride with me?” Gene packed up his backpack.
    Rena raised her hand.
    “Sure, sure.” Hollis folded her hands together. “By then the police might have caught the killer. I’ve asked a friend who used to work for the police to see what he could find out about the status of the case, so we’ll see what comes up.” She paused. “Er … hey you guys, what about our book club? What about starting it up again?”
    Richard took a deep breath and let it out slowly, and Miller’s right leg bounced restlessly up and down.
    Miller spoke first. “Yeah, I’d be willing to try it out. But I’m not willing to get the books. Gene, your paper gets books. Couldn’t you tap that resource?”
    Gene nodded. “The advance reader copies go to the review section, but we also purchase published books at a discount. I know the paper has a few copies to give away. I can buy any extra books we need. So, to answer your question, yes, I can supply the books.”
    “I’d be willing to start up again,” Rena said. “I haven’t read nearly as much as when we were together. I guess I need the pressure of knowing we’re going to have a discussion about it.”
    Hollis looked over at Richard. “Well?”
    “Sure, why not? But no Saturdays. I can only do Wednesday or Thursday nights.”
    Gene moved toward the door. “Let’s meet on Thursday, the week after the memorial.”
    After agreeing on the time, everyone walked out into the lobby.
    Rena waited in the hall for Hollis to turn off the lights.
    “You think Jeffrey would be happy to see us together again?”
    Hollis gave her a sad smile. “Knowing Jeffrey, he’d be happier to see us staying out of prison.”

 
    Chapter 7
    T he wind carried chilling fog across the Bay, making insidious snake-like pathways between the gravestones. Mourners wrapped in overcoats and scarves lined up on either side of the mound of dirt. Some dabbed at their eyes with tissues, others looked as if they wished they could be anywhere else but there. Everyone looked somber.
    Hollis and Rena stood closest to the casket at the far end of the gatherers. Richard, Miller, and Gene stood behind them.
    “Is there anyone who would like to speak before we proceed?” The minister kept shifting from foot to foot. It looked as if it was all he could do to keep his teeth from chattering. His cassock waved gently with the wind.
    Hollis looked around. There were about thirty of them gathered. Women outnumbered men, but not by much. She looked over at