Death Crashes the Party Read Online Free Page B

of big-box stores. We have only one vacant building at the moment. Of course, the theater next door to Sweet Deal Realty used to be a grand movie palace once upon a time. These days its grandeur is a little shabby around the edges, and it’s used by the town’s community theater group and for local dance recitals and gospel singings. But at least it hasn’t been torn down.
    What was formerly a good-sized furniture center on the other side of the square is now a storefront church, and the fancy hat shop I remember from my childhood is now a thrift shop. But we still have a diner and a bakery and a drugstore and a beauty salon and other businesses that keep our little downtown area teeming with people during the day, until they roll up the sidewalks at about 6:00 p.m.
    I went upstairs and sat down at my desk in the 1950s-era building, with its green-tiled floor and paneled walls, which are painted white. After going over my notes for the Erdmans’ party, I phoned the band and the caterer to confirm the date and time and to go over details.
    As a party planner, I absolutely depend on a cadre of professionals, from caterers to musicians, from florists to magicians. And I depend just as much on my part-time, as-needed employees, who help me pull it all together, especially Holly Renfrew, assistant extraordinaire.
    Wilson Washington, manager and trombonist with the Dixieland band I had hired for the Erdmans’ party, confirmed the details and asked me to e-mail him a map to the Erdmans’ house.
    â€œThe van’s got GPS, but I don’t trust it. Sometimes it acts crazy, you know?”
    â€œYes, I’ve had that experience on occasion, where the GPS voice keeps saying, ‘Recalculating,’ over and over. And if you do have any problems, you have my cell number. Feel free to call me anytime,” I said.
    Hiring Washington’s Ragtime Band for the party was a real coup. They’re top-notch and get booked months in advance. Before Hurricane Katrina, the band was based in New Orleans. They moved to Memphis after the devastating storm and eventually decided to stay.
    I finally broke down and phoned Mrs. Erdman. I was starting to get worried that she had gone so long without calling me. I was surprised when she picked up on the first ring.
    â€œRose, is that you?”
    â€œUh, n-no, ma’am,” I stuttered. “This is Liv McKay.”
    â€œOh, Liv, I’m sorry. I’m expecting a call from my sister. Why are you calling?”
    â€œI just wanted to touch base. I haven’t talked to you since . . .” I paused before adding, “Monday.”
    â€œYes, that was quite a shock,” she said. “And what a strange coincidence that both those young men worked for your husband. Don’t you think?”
    I wasn’t sure what she was trying to imply.
    â€œIt’s been quite a shock for Larry Joe and his dad, that’s for certain,” I said.
    â€œYes, I’m sure. Well, hopefully, the sheriff will arrest someone soon, so we can all move on with our lives,” she said.
    â€œOne of your guests called about a costume fitting. I told her I was certain you would go ahead with the party, not wanting to disappoint your friends. You do want to proceed with the party?”
    â€œWhy, yes, of course,” she said, sounding put out. “Those unfortunate boys have nothing to do with us. I can’t imagine why anyone would leave them in our garage, can you?”
    Again, I wasn’t sure just what she was implying, but I could feel the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
    â€œNo, Mrs. Erdman. I really can’t imagine.”
    â€œWell, I really can’t talk right now, Liv. I’ll call you if I think of anything,” she said before hanging up abruptly. It chafed me that Mrs. Erdman seemed to imply that my family could have somehow been involved in the murders. But this is a small town, and I knew the dead men’s