Midsummer Night's Mischief Read Online Free Page B

talking to Mr. Satterly. If you really think he’s the one you want to sell the Folio to, then you’ve got to let me handle the negotiations. Although, I still think you should consider using an auction house,” I added.
    â€œI did think about it,” said Eleanor. “I want to keep the Folio closer to home, at least for now. I know Mr. Satterly will sell it in no time, of course, but still . . . Oh, that reminds me. We have to hold off on the sale until after I have my book club meeting next month. I can’t wait to see the looks on those ladies’ faces.” Eleanor crinkled her eyes, and I could only shake my head. “Anyway,” she continued, “I like Mr. Satterly, and I also like the idea of supporting a small local business. You know, it’s important to me to keep the money right here in our community.”
    I nodded. “I understand perfectly. So, that’s what we’ll do—assuming Mr. Satterly can pay a fair price. And you won’t set the price until after the second appraisal you get in D.C. Now, let’s review your bequests.”
    We went over the details of her will again, and I answered all her questions. Finally, I asked her if she wanted to have a family member look over the will, but she said it wasn’t necessary.
    â€œI talked to Darlene last night, and she’s just fine with being the executor. She expected it would be her, being the oldest.”
    â€œAll right, then. Let me just go grab a couple witnesses and a notary.” I stood up, strode over to my office door, and pulled it open—only to be knocked sideways by a heavy, flailing weight that had evidently been pressing on the other side of the door.
    â€œOhh!” I staggered to my feet and gaped at the intruder. “Crenshaw! What in the world?”
    â€œOh! Er . . . I . . . I beg your pardon!” He clumsily grabbed my arm to assist, which was only more of an annoyance, as I was already standing. “I was just, er, stopping in to offer my services as a witness to the last will and testament of this, er, your client. My timing was, ah, most unfortunate. Do accept my apologies. I beg of you.” Even through his stuttered apology, Crenshaw bounced from side to side, trying to get a glimpse of the First Folio.
    Eleanor raised her eyebrows and looked from me to Crenshaw and back. Crenshaw, for his part, finally stood still and hung his head.
    â€œI’m afraid,” he said, “to quote a phrase, I ‘have seen better days.’”
    â€œWho said that?” asked Eleanor.
    â€œThat would be Duke Senior in the Shakespearean Comedy As You —” He stopped cold when he saw my expression. “Right. I’ll bid you adieu now and take my leave.” With a halfhearted flourish, he backed out of the room.

CHAPTER 3
    â€œOh, my God, that is too funny,” Farrah said, nearly choking on her rum and Coke. “What a piece of work! He was actually listening at your office door and then fell into the room?”
    â€œHe’s a piece of work, all right. At the time, I was more embarrassed than amused. I was with a client!”
    â€œThis is the guy who wears three-piece suits all the time, right? Satin vests, bow ties?”
    I nodded and winced. “That wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for the rest of his personality. He spent, like, one semester in England or something, and he acts like he’s related to the royal family.” I took a sip from my drink and leaned forward. “You know how he insists on always tacking ‘the Third’ onto the end of his name? Well, I found out his father isn’t even named Crenshaw.”
    â€œWhat!” Farrah burst into laughter again. “That is too much. This guy is single, right? You know what he needs. . . .”
    I laughed with her and reached over to snatch a stuffed mushroom from Farrah’s plate. We were having snacks and drinks at the Loose Rock, one