Less-than-Innocent Invitation Read Online Free Page A

asked.
    â€œYeah. Jake outbid Christine, who is now his fiancée.”
    â€œReally?” She frowned. “Why would he do that? Was he trying to increase the amount of money for charity or something?”
    Logan shrugged. “I don’t know. They weren’t dating at the time. Christine wanted the items for the museum. Jake eventually made it up to her by donating them.”
    At the excitement building in Daniel’s eyes, Logan remarked, “You know, it’s only speculation that the map may lead to a treasure.”
    â€œThat’s true. And we all know how rumors are always built out of proportion,” Melissa said. She didn’t want her producer getting ideas about staying in Royal any longer than they originally had planned. But from his excited expression he already seemed intrigued, which meant nothing but trouble for her. She was ready to leave Royal tonight, to put Logan and memories of their love affair behind her. Now, thanks to a hokey map, her plans were in jeopardy.
    Daniel’s excited expression faltered a fraction. “There’s a chance that the map is real.”
    â€œDaniel—”
    â€œYou don’t know it isn’t and you won’t if you don’t look into the story. Also, one of the guests said he’d heard someone had vandalized an exhibit at the museum and it was close to where Jessamine’s things are on display.”
    Melissa frowned. “Which exhibit?”
    â€œThe one on Edgar Halifax.” Daniel looked at Logan. “Who was he?”
    â€œEdgar was Royal’s first mayor and is credited with establishing the town,” Logan informed him. “He was shot and killed and the person responsible was never caught. For the anniversary celebration and because Gretchen Halifax, his descendant and also a mayoral candidate, pushed for it, an exhibit in his honor is on display at the museum.”
    â€œDo they have any idea why it was vandalized?” Melissa asked.
    â€œNot from what I’ve heard.” Daniel shifted his attention to his reporter.
    She raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like someone has an ax to grind, but I fail to see any connection to Jessamine Golden’s legend.”
    â€œThat’s where you come in,” her producer told her. “We’re going to stay in town for a few days. You can spend some time working on the connection, if there is one. It’ll make a great addition to your story.”
    Melissa all but groaned, even though she had to admit that something suspicious was going on. Still, in her opinion it didn’t warrant them staying in Royal. “I think we have enough footage and information for the story we’re planning.”
    â€œMaybe for what we originally planned, but I’ve already talked to Jason. We’re covering Royal’s anniversary celebration, but we’re also planning a series on historical mysteries. Let’s investigate Jessamine Golden more thoroughly. And I want you to report on the vandalism when you put the story together. Do some digging. There’s no telling what you could turn up.”
    â€œJason?” Logan asked, noticing the panicked look on Melissa’s face.
    Melissa explained, “Jason Bellamy is the news director at our station.” She turned toward her producer, her eyes wide. “This could take a while. Daniel, I don’t think—”
    â€œPeople love a mystery, and this one is rich with historic significance. You might even find a way to connect it to the town’s celebration.”
    Logan watched the two of them with interest. By Melissa’s replies and body language, it was clear she wasn’t crazy about staying in town. Why? Because of him? He discounted that theory. She’d walked away from him before without batting an eye.
    Well, he wanted her to stay until he found out what he wanted to know from her.
    â€œDo you have hotel reservations?” he asked, hoping they