Killing the Carnations (A Heavenly Highland Inn Cozy Mystery) Read Online Free Page A

outer pocket of the suitcase was unzipped and slightly open. She knew it was wrong, but that didn't stop her from tugging the lip of the pocket back enough to peek inside. What she saw was Nicholas' wallet. She was about to run after him when she realized how it would look if she declared she had found his wallet inside his suitcase. She didn't think that would bode well for a second invitation for drinks, or maybe even dinner. Instead she peeked a little further into the pocket. There wasn't much else inside it, aside from a toiletry bag, and what looked like a coin purse. She was going to investigate just a little further, when she heard the knob turning on the door. She jumped back into her chair and picked up her glass of wine just as Nicholas walked back inside. He had a distressed expression and was wiping his hands across his pockets repetitively.
    “ Any luck?” Ida asked, knowing exactly where his wallet was.
    “ I'm afraid not,” he frowned and shook his head. “I swear I'd lose my head if it wasn't screwed on. My wife was always good at keeping track of things for me.”
    “ Your wife?” Ida asked curiously. She hadn't noticed a ring on his finger.
    “ Yes, unfortunately she passed several years ago,” he explained with a hint of grief in his voice. “She was a wonderful woman,” his eyes hung on Ida's features as if there was something about her that reminded him of his late wife.
    “ Well, I think women have a knack for remembering things,” Ida explained with a warm smile. “If I had misplaced my wallet, I would check all my bags. You know I have several different purses, and sometimes I place my wallet in one and forget about it for a few days, then I have no idea where I put it in the first place. So the first thing I do if it comes up missing is to check all of my bags,” she said again. She hoped she wasn't hinting strongly enough to indicate that she might actually know where his wallet was.
    “ I always keep my wallet in my pocket,” he shook his head slightly and then met her eyes again. “But I guess I should check everywhere.”
    As he walked over to his bag, Ida released a quiet sigh of relief.
    “Well, look it is here!” Nicholas announced with joy. “I was just going to start cancelling credit cards! Ida, you truly are my good luck charm,” he announced as he turned around to face her. He held out his hand to her, and she accepted it as she stood up from her chair. He continued to stare deeply into her eyes as he pulled her gently closer. Ida's eyes grew wide as her heart fluttered with excitement.
     
    ***
     
    As Vicky was filing the last of the paperwork from her desk she heard the door between the bar and the lobby open. She looked up, expecting to find a last minute guest to register, what she saw instead was Charleston's fiancée. She was teetering on her high heels and being held up by a large-framed man in a business suit. His cheeks were flushed with exertion and he seemed to be having a hard time keeping her upright on her heels.
    “ Ma'am, are you okay?” Vicky asked as she stepped out from behind the desk to check on her.
    She waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, I had a few too many drinks and the bartender kicked me out,” she sighed. “But luckily this fine gentleman was there to save me,” she smiled seductively at the man who still had her propped up on his arm. “My hero.”
    Vicky was acutely aware that the man was not Charleston.
    “Well, I can help you up to your room if you'd like,” Vicky suggested as she met the woman's eyes.
    “ No, I'll be fine,” she assured Vicky. “I know what Charleston will say, he'll say Amanda, why must you always drink too much wine,” she giggled and then lowered her voice as she whispered to Vicky. “I always tell him it's because I'm marrying you, Charleston,” she laughed wildly and headed unsteadily for the elevator.
    “ Thanks for your help,” Vicky said with a grateful smile to the man who had helped her