A Dead End (A Saints & Strangers Cozy Mystery Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

swiped a few items from the set for you,” he said with a casual air. “You deserve a few keepsakes.”
    Kit walked over to the mantle and opened the lid.
    “Oh Jordan, you shouldn’t have.” She pulled a roll of yellow crime scene tape from the box.
    “I thought you might want to decorate with it,” he said. “Or bring it with you to your mother’s house in case WASP-y tensions run high.”
    “When tensions run high, we reach for the decanter, not the kitchen knife.” She set aside the tape and peered back into the box. “No way, you did not steal this for me.”
    “Am I your best friend or what?”
    Kit removed a gas mask that she’d worn in season two of Fool’s Gold . She pulled the mask over her head and held up the phone.
    “Luke, I am your father,” she breathed heavily, doing her best Darth Vader impression. She turned the phone around and snapped her photo before turning back to Jordan.
    “Emmy nominee Kit Wilder, ladies and gentleman,” he said in his best announcer voice. “Post it now so I can leave a snarky comment.”
    Kit swiped her way to Instagram and posted the photo with the caption — ‘A new role as a Dalek or DIY in my new house. You decide.’
    Kit removed the mask and placed it back in the box. “Thanks, Jordan. I think I will wear it during the sanding process.” She took a good look at the oak floorboards. It was going to be a tough job, but she knew the floors would be beautiful when they were finished. She liked the idea of restoring the room to its former glory. As far as Kit was concerned, Ernie Ludwig didn’t give the house the respect it deserved.
    “Edit the Dalek part. Most of your followers won’t get the reference,” he told her.
    “Dr. Who is iconic,” she insisted.
    “To you and me, maybe. Not to the masses.”
    “Am I supposed to fill the gaps before or after I sand?” Kit asked, spying a crack between boards.
    “Um, definitely the kind of thing you should know before you start,” Jordan pointed out. “How big is the gap? If it’s not big enough to lose a foot in, you might want to leave it. Gaps in the floorboards add character.”
    Kit crossed the room to inspect the flooring. “I don’t think I want to leave this one. It ruins the look.” She crouched down and held the phone so that Jordan could see.
    “I see what you mean,” he said. “It actually looks like somebody pulled it up but didn’t put it back properly.” He clapped his hands giddily. “You should take a peek. Maybe someone hid money there. People did that in days of yore.”
    “I don’t think last century qualifies as days of yore.” Either way, Kit doubted that Ernie hid any money there. From what the neighbors said, he didn’t have any money to hide.
    “No, those were the days of yawn, except the Eighties. That decade is epic.”
    “Hold on a sec,” Kit said. “Let me grab my hammer.”
    Jordan laughed. “I love hearing you utter statements like that. It’s surreal.”
    Kit stuck out her tongue before retrieving the hammer from the nearby toolbox. She used the curved end to pull up the crooked floorboard.
    “Wow, brute strength,” Jordan remarked. “You’ve still got it, babe.”
    “I’m going to hang up on you,” Kit threatened.
    “And ruin the suspense? I’ll be good. I promise.”
    Kit eased the board from its secure position so as not to damage it further. “What on earth…” She peered down at the disturbing contents.
    “Is it gold?” Jordan asked eagerly. “ Fool’s Gold ,” he added, chuckling to himself.
    “Definitely not gold of any kind,” Kit replied, holding the phone over the opening. Jordan’s shriek of terror pierced her eardrum.
    “Great Mother of Pearl,” Jordan gasped. “Please tell me it’s a chew toy for a Rhodesian Ridgeback.”
    Kit stared at the well-preserved bones. “If only.” She’d need to pull up more floorboards to uncover the rest of the skeleton. She placed the phone next to her knee and picked up the hammer.