If the Shoe Kills Read Online Free Page A

the ruffians Josh had railed about in each of the business meetings since he’d arrived. “You can’t be serious.” Josh pointed a finger at me. “If one thing goes missing . . .”
    â€œLook, man, I’m not a thief. Just unemployed.” Kyle held his hands out to his sides. “You can frisk me before I leave each day. I need this placement. And I dig old stuff. My pops put a bunch of this stuff out in the garage before they put him in a home.”
    Josh’s bargain radar went off, and even I could see the wheels turning in his mind. “We’ll work something out. Come on in, Kyle.”
    Amy stood out on the steps of City Hall and welcomed her intern, Cat, with open arms. The small girl who couldn’t be much older than nineteen peeked back at me, eyes wide when Amy led her, chattering, into the building. I waved, and a couple of the group members chuckled.
    A few more stops, and I had three left. The Glass Slipper, South Cove Bed-and-Breakfast, and South Cove winery. As we passed by The Glass Slipper, I tried the door. Locked.
    Mindy, the woman assigned to the shop, glanced at me. “I can wait here.”
    â€œWhy don’t you walk with us? I’d like the company.” I peered into the shop window but couldn’t see anyone or any movement. “I’m sure Marie’s just running late.”
    â€œIf you think it will be okay. I don’t want to get in trouble.” Mindy was the oldest of the group, close to fifty if my guess was correct. I wondered how she’d gotten into the training class. None of my business, I chided myself.
    â€œCome on, I’ll talk to Marie if she’s upset. You were here on time, she wasn’t.” I smiled and put my hand on her shoulder. “Besides, it’s a nice walk to the winery.”
    We stopped at South Cove Bed-and-Breakfast, where Bill Simmons along with his wife, Mary, waited on the porch to meet their charge. The young woman whom we dropped off had been greeted like she was returning home from a long trip rather than starting a job. That was the thing I loved about South Cove: most people were warm and welcoming. Maybe it was their nature or they just knew the benefits of being friendly in a tourist town.
    The three of us walked up the hill to Darla’s. She met us at the barn where she started tours and where on weekends, she usually hosted a band and wine tastings. The woman was still steaming.
    â€œI can’t believe Marvin pulled this stunt.” She shoved a broom at the man who was her intern. “Go into the barn and sweep out the floor.”
    â€œYes, ma’am.” The man’s drawl was deeply Southern. I hadn’t heard him speak one word on our walking trip. I raised my hand to stop him.
    â€œHey, Matt? Where are you from?”
    He grinned. “Georgia, ma’am. Followed a girl out here to the land of sunshine and never wanted to leave.”
    Darla watched him walk into the barn. She shrugged. “Could be worse, I guess. At least he’s easy on the eyes.”
    Mindy laughed. “He’s the sweetest thing. He had the entire bus rolling during the trip here. He’s quite the comedian.”
    â€œWell, I could use some humor around here. Today’s been kind of a downer.” Darla shook her head. “I guess I shouldn’t complain, at least she’s letting me help. But, Jill, you don’t know what she wants to do.”
    I didn’t want to ask. “It’s bad?”
    â€œNo, it’s amazing. I wanted her idea to be horrible, but if she can pull this off, it might be the best festival we’ve ever had.” Darla groaned. A voice called from the barn.
    â€œMa’am, did you know you had something on the stove?” Matt’s deep voice called out from the barn.
    â€œCrap, I have chili warming up.” Darla turned and trotted back to the barn, leaving us alone in the driveway.
    Mindy and I turned back to