Choreographed Crime (Miss Demeanor 3) Read Online Free

difficult to swallow.”
    “So you believe he had a reason to overdose?”
    “He had a heart that beat irregularly. He hid the fact from everyone but Charles, Clarissa and me. I think perhaps he realized after that stumble he might falter during a performance. It is better to leave the stage at the height of your glory as I did.”
    “But he had other options. Teaching, for one.”
    “He was not always practical in his desires.” Edward started to stand.
    “One more thing. Earlier you said Charles knew about the heart condition. Is that Charles Vinton?”
    “Yes.”
    “I understand Vinton made a threat.”
    “What kind of threat?” Edward stood erect.
    “He reportedly said he’d do whatever it took to be a principal dancer. I wonder if that includes getting rid of a principal who is in his way.”
    “I hadn’t thought about that. I suppose Charlie could be viewed as impulsive.” He headed toward the door.
    Maile stood up and followed him down the hallway. “Thank you for your time.”
    “Ms. Kuhiwinui? If you must keep up the pursuit, please use discretion. The ballet company is made up of a group of artisans who are quite sensitive.”
    Maile nodded. She felt as though the headmaster had just scolded her.
    She felt hungry and decided to navigate her way over to the food truck and see what Lama could tell her about this guy. He seemed pretty friendly with Berwin when she watched them interact the day before.
    Chapter Six

    Lama blew out a big breath when he saw Maile approach. “Howzit?”
    “Good. And again, mahalo for the poke and beer. Absolutely delicious.”
    “Do you want a loco today?”
    “Not today. I need information and maybe a teriyaki burger with slaw.” She tilted her head and added, “Today I pay or I won’t come back.”
    “Shoots. I’ll take the money, then.” Lama fixed her sandwich and slaw and handed it through the service counter. “Mind if I join you as long as I don’t have anyone in line?”
    “I hoped you would. I really do want to ask you some questions.”
    “And I want to give you some answers.” His grin filled his face.
    After they sat down at the picnic table, Maile asked, “How well do you know Edward Berwin?”
    “Whoa. Back up. Why are you asking questions about my customers?”
    “I guess I never told you what I do for a living, did I?”
    “I guess not. Are you a cop?”
    “No. I was. Now I’m a private investigator.”
    “What are you investigating?”
    “Floriano Garcia’s death. I interviewed Mr. Berwin today and thought you might be able to enlighten me about him.”
    “Is that why you started to come around the food truck?” Lama should’ve known. She seemed too good to be true.
    “No. That’s not the way it happened. Floriano’s mother hired me for this case after I had lunch yesterday. It just so happens I remembered Berwin ordered food and chatted with you while I ate.”
    “What do you want to know, because I don’t want to be a narc. The folks from the ballet are some of my best customers.”
    “I understand. I just want to find out if there’s a possibility that someone murdered Floriano. There’s some evidence that points in that direction.”
    “Then why not go the police with the evidence?”
    “Floriano’s mother already did and they didn’t believe her. So, I wondered if you’ve ever heard anyone from the ballet make a threat against Floriano.”
    Lama started to pace around the picnic table. He thought about conversations he’d had with Edward and Clarissa and decided nothing they’d said could be construed as threatening. “I can’t think of anything.”
    “If you do, will you tell me?”
    “Maybe. I don’t know. Excuse me.” Lama walked back to the food truck to take care of the couple who approached.
    He needed to walk away from Maile anyway.
    ****
    Maile knew how it looked to Lama—a detective sucked up to get information. As soon as his customers left, she walked back over to the truck.
    “Lama? Look,