Read Wicked Beginning: An Ivy Morgan Mystery Books 1-3 for Free Online Page B

him by surprise. He knew very well who the man visiting Ivy Morgan was. It was the only man Ivy ever allowed to spend time with her these days. Maxwell Morgan was a former football stud and a genuinely nice guy. He was boisterous, and he worked his way through Shadow Lake’s female population faster than any one man should be allowed to do. He was also loyal to his sister, and the idea of her finding a dead body on her property would naturally send him into a tailspin.
    Max’s appearance at Ivy’s house wasn’t cause for concern. Jack’s nose being out of joint because he thought Max was Ivy’s boyfriend was interesting, though. Brian decided to continue the charade. “I’m not sure how long they’ve been together,” he said. “I just know they’re close. Up until now I thought it was platonic.”
    “It’s definitely not platonic,” Jack said, inadvertently scowling.
    “How do you know that?”
    “They were … flirting.”
    “Define flirting.”
    “They were talking in the yard and he chased her down and grabbed her and swung her around,” Jack said. “If that’s not flirting, I don’t know what it is. There’s no other explanation.”
    There was one. “Well, I’ll track it down,” Brian said. “While I’m handling that, why don’t you run out to Morgan’s Nursery and ask Ivy to look at the photos. She still might be able to identify the symbols.”
    Jack blanched. “Can’t you do that?”
    “I’m working on identifying the victim,” he said. “I’m also handling the Max situation. You can do a little work.”
    Jack scowled, hating that his earlier jab was being thrown right back at him. “I’ll do a little more work on the computer first,” he said. “I’m not ready to give up.”
    “Suit yourself,” Brian said, waiting until his back was turned to roll his eyes. “When you get tired of banging your head against a brick wall, though, you should know Ivy spends most of her time in the afternoon in the greenhouse.”
    “Thanks for the tip.”
    “You’re welcome.”
     
    TWO HOURS later Jack was ready to admit defeat. He’d been clicking through an endless stream of websites promoting themselves as “one stop shops” of the pagan variety. Not one of them had the symbols he was looking for. He was ready to give in and visit Ivy Morgan. He didn’t care how uncomfortable their interaction would be.
    Now he just had to find a way to gracefully exit without Brian making fun of him. When Jack lifted his eyes he found Brian studying him.
    “Are you ready to go see Ivy now?”
    Jack sighed. “I don’t have a lot of choice in the matter, do I?”
    “There’s always a choice, son,” Brian said.
    Then how come it doesn’t feel that way? Jack ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “I guess I’m going out to the nursery.”
    “I think that’s a solid idea.” Brian turned his attention back to the file, feigning seriousness. The smile tugging at the corner of his mouth gave him away, though.
    “You’re loving this, aren’t you?”
    “I’m loving it a little,” Brian admitted. “I … .”
    Whatever else he was going to say was cut short when the door to the small detectives’ office pushed open and Ava made her way in. She had a bright smile on her face and a pie platter in her hands.
    Jack shifted in his chair, confused as his gaze bounced between Brian and Ava. What is going on here?
    “Hello, gentleman,” Ava said, beaming. “How are you this fine spring day?”
    “Working,” Brian said, not bothering to hide his scowl.
    Ava ignored him. “How are you, Jack? Are you lonely yet? I’m betting you are. It must be hard not to know anyone in our small hamlet.”
    “I’m actually quite busy,” Jack said.
    “Oh, really? Doing what?”
    “Well, I’m working on my house,” Jack said. “There’s a lot that needs to be done. I’m unpacking. Oh, and there’s the murder that popped up yesterday afternoon.”
    Jack couldn’t explain his immediate dislike for