Gossamer Ghost Read Online Free Page B

“It’s okay.”
    â€œAlthough this whole scene is really
not
okay,” Carmela mumbled.
    â€œOh my gosh, who’s gonna tell that poor girl what happened?” Ava asked in a loud whisper. “Who’s gonna break the bad news to her?”
    Everyone in the room fell silent as they looked toward Babcock.
    â€œI will,” said Babcock, stepping past them to head off Mavis. “I suppose it’s up to me.”
    But Mavis had already caught sight of the black plastic body bag lying atop the metal gurney. She flew through the shop, her frizzy brown hair flying out behind her, her face red, and her slightly plump form jiggling like crazy.
    â€œOh no!” Mavis cried. “Please no! Don’t tell me . . .”
    â€œI’m very sorry,” Babcock said in a respectful tone of voice. “There appears to have been a break-in and possible robbery. In the ensuing struggle Mr. Joubert was stabbed.” He said it straight out, with no wasted words.
    Mavis was utterly stunned. “Stabbed, you say? Stabbed to death?” Words failed her for a few moments, and then she said, “You’re saying he’s . . . dead?” Her voice rose in a plaintive squeak.
    â€œI’m afraid so,” said Babcock.
    â€œI need to see him,” said Mavis, elbowing and fighting to push past everyone. “Please!”
    This time Carmela, Babcock, Ava, and the entire crime-scene team tried to block her path.
    â€œI wouldn’t recommend it,” said Babcock, trying to grab Mavis’s arm and halt her progress. “Unfortunately Mr. Joubert sustained several rather severe injuries. Um, disfiguring injuries.”
    But Mavis remained firm. “No. I have to see him.” Her eyes blazed and had grown to the size of saucers as she glanced from one person to another. Mavis seemed so freaked out that Carmela wasn’t even sure if the woman recognized her.
    â€œMaybe just a little peek?” said Ava.
    Babcock looked unhappy.
    Carmela, sensing a kind of standoff, put an arm around Mavis’s shoulders and led her slowly toward the gurney. “Could you . . . ?” she said to Charlie. She motioned with her right hand. “Unzip it just . . . ?”
    Charlie slid the zipper down six inches, allowing a partial view of Joubert’s face.
    Mavis’s mouth opened and closed like a dying fish and tears streamed down her face. “Oh no, it’s really him.”
    Charlie zipped the bag back up as Mavis fumbled in her pocket for a hanky.
    â€œWe need to ask you some questions,” said Babcock.
    â€œReally,” said Carmela, who was still trying to comfort Mavis. “Can’t they wait until tomorrow?”
    â€œI suppose,” said Babcock.
    Mavis sniffled loudly and gazed at Carmela. “Carmela,” she said.
    â€œYes,” said Carmela.
    â€œWho would do this?” Mavis cried. “You know that Marcus was . . .
everything
to me.”
    â€œI know that,” said Carmela, trying to console her.
    â€œHe was kind and sweet and gentle,” Mavis went on. “Such a dear, dear man!”
    Ava, who was never comfortable with tears, said, “Well, he wasn’t exactly Mr. Warmth.” She thought for a minute. “Or even Mr. Personality.”
    â€œMiss Sweet,” said Babcock. “Were you working here today?”
    Mavis shook her head sadly. “No, Friday’s my day off. Maybe if I had been here . . .” More tears leaked out. “This wouldn’t . . .”
    â€œWe’re going to need to know about next of kin,” said Babcock.
    â€œThere really isn’t anyone,” Mavis sobbed. “Well, maybe a sister.”
    Babcock gave a nod to the crime-scene team and they slowly rolled the gurney through the store and out the front door. Carmela saw this tragic scene drawing to a close and felt terrible for Mavis. The woman