A Christmas to Dismember by Addison Moore (best desktop ebook reader TXT) 📕

where Jasper and I will sit. We made sure we’d have a full view of just about every face in here. It won’t guarantee I’ll be able to read their minds, but it will definitely up my odds. Jasper is the pro at reading faces. It’ll help him, too.

“She might have been trying to drug him. It’s a valid point.” Jasper offers a sober nod while filling a Styrofoam cup with coffee. “If the guy was off his game, it certainly made it easier on the killer.”

Emmie holds out a platter of sweets between us. “Cookie? Peppermint bark?”

“I’ll never say no to that.” I quickly swipe a snowball dusted with enough powdered sugar to build a snowman with and indulge in the buttery goodness.

“Chocolate chip for me,” Jasper says, plucking one off the tray just as Emmie gasps.

“People are heading this way,” she hisses in a panic. “I’m out of here.” Emmie lands the platter on the table, and just as she skips on out, Georgie escorts in a tall, handsome man with an easy smile and a head full of gray hair.

Georgie holds a hand out my way and the sequins on her red kaftan sparkle like stars. “And this would be the manager at the inn, Bizzy Baker—Wilder. And her husband, Detective Wilder.”

“Ah yes.” The man’s smile broadens. “Joseph Goodyear. I’m Quinn Bennet’s attorney.” He gives an affable nod. “As in present tense. That is, until the conclusion of today’s proceedings.” He strums a warm laugh. “It’s great to meet you, Bizzy. You as well, Detective.”

“Thank you,” I say. “Is it okay that my husband is present? I was hoping he could be here—you know, for emotional support.”

“Absolutely.” He looks to Jasper. “I wouldn’t take anyone off the suspect list just yet. Unfortunately, I’ve seen this play out before. The killer might just be in this very room today.” Quinn always said if he met an untimely demise that we wouldn’t have to look far for the killer. I’d bet money he or she will be right in our midst today. I’ll try to take a stab at who the killer might be myself. I’ve guessed correctly on a few occasions. Let’s see if I can keep my track record going. He nods as he begins to step away.

“Oh, and one more thing.” I hold up my hand in an effort to stop him. “Would you mind extending an invitation to those that show up today to the Cider Cove Christmas Spectacular? It’ll be right here on Main Street tomorrow evening. I know that won’t help with the grief, but in the least they might have a little holiday magic to look forward to.”

“It would be a delight.” He gives a long blink as if to affirm it.

Georgie shudders. “Let’s keep with the happy thoughts. How about I get you a cookie, hot shot? Chocolate chip?” she says those last two words low and throaty, and something tells me those cookies have been her seduction arsenal for quite some time. She leans my way and whispers, “Had I known I’d meet a king today I wouldn’t have done the bad boogey with the pauper the other night.”

Jasper’s lids hood over, and he’s looking at me with that glazed expression he gets right before things get interesting.

“What’s that look for?” I tease.

“Let’s just say that cookie worked up an appetite for something far sweeter.” He lands a quick kiss to my lips. “I think we’re both going to need a break after this.”

“I so agree. Whatever shall we do?”

“The bad boogey,” he says without missing a beat.

“I’ll bring the chocolate chip cookies.”

“You really know how to sweet talk a guy.”

In an instant, the room fills with bodies. Georgie hightails it over to the legal eagle at the front of the room just as Eve French comes in with a modest black silk dress with red rhinestone buttons floating down the front. Her dark hair is pulled back into a bun, and she’s wearing a dark chocolate brown lipstick that I only wish I could get away with.

“Bizzy.” She offers a sorrowful smile. “We meet again.”

“You look great. We have cookies and coffee set out. Please, help yourself.”

“Ooh.” She cranes her head past me. “I think I’ll wait to indulge.” She squints over to the attorney situating himself at the desk. Now there’s the man of the hour. Let’s hope he’s about to hand the keys to the kingdom over today—right in my hands, that is. “Excuse me.” She takes off just as the thick scent of cologne engulfs us, and in steps Arthur Silver.

He looks dapper in a dark suit, his face cleanly shaven.

“If it isn’t the dancer.” He gives a slight bow my way. “Nice to see you again, Bizzy. I suppose this is Quinn’s last hurrah.” His lips twitch as he looks to Eve speaking to Joseph. And there she is looking hotter than ever. Now that Quinn is gone, maybe I’ll finally get my chance. “If you’ll excuse me.” He sheds an easy smile as he heads her way.

“He thinks he’s got a chance with Eve,” I whisper to Jasper, and his chest pumps with a quiet laugh.

“Funny. I was able to read his mind, too.”

The door darkens and in strides Angelica with her blonde hair looking milky in the light and her dark-framed glasses accentuating her warm smile.

“Bizzy, nice to see you again.” She pulls her coat tightly around her.

“Great to see you, too. If you give me your coat, I’ll hang it for you.”

“I’m fine. I have a feeling I’m going to want to make a quick escape.” She shudders as she looks around. “The last time I was at one of these things, my father gave me the finger from the great beyond.”

I grimace without meaning to, and she waves it off.

“I’m fine.” A nervous titter escapes her. “So fine.” She glowers toward Joseph Goodyear. This is your last chance to right all the wrongs, Quinn. Let’s hope I don’t have to wish