Murder in Marietta (A Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

to make sure she was all right. Mama usually acted as my great-aunt’s gate-keeper, but she wasn’t here, so she trusted me to take care of her. Several times, this sweet little lady had wandered off on what she prefers to call “adventures.” We’ve more aptly termed them “disasters.”
    Recently, Nana decided she wanted to enter the world of technology. So, she is the proud owner of a flip-phone designed especially for seniors. I caught her pressing several buttons before she hit the jackpot, so I set the menu to answer automatically when she flips the top open.
    “Hello,” a quivering voice answered.
    “Nana, its Trixie. I noticed you called me earlier. Are you okay?”
    “Oh, Trixie. Something terrible happened. I’m at the hospital.”
    “What’s the matter? What hospital?” I could barely form the words. Please Lord; remove this elephant from my chest. I can’t breathe . I wished I could blink my eyes and reach Nana as soon as possible.
    “I’m all right, sweetie. Dora’s taken a fall. After we went out to eat supper, we decided we’d go over to the bowling alley. They had a special - two games for the price of one. It was disco night, and they had all these brightly colored lights flashing and disco balls spinning. Those twirling things sure must have given her the dizzies!
    “We were having a wonderful time, and everything was fine until Dora fell down and started flailing her arms and legs. The doctor said the flashing lights caused a seizure.”
    “How terrible.” Immediate relief Nana wasn’t lying in the hospital was followed by shameful guilt.
    “Yes, it is! And that isn’t the worst of it. Dora hit the floor like a ton of sand, and she broke her left hip.” That’s a ton of bricks, Nana . “You know that’s been her bad hip for a long time.” No, I didn’t know about the bad hip, but the discrepancy seemed insignificant. “She’s in surgery. They’re not sure if she’ll need a replacement. I’m waiting for the doctor. By the way, did I mention how cute he is? I think he’s Italian.”
    “You didn’t tell me about the cute doctor,” I said, rolling my eyes. The mistake was too late. Nana possessed an uncanny ability to detect when I’m eye rolling, and she never lets it slide.
    “Don’t roll your peepers at me, Missy.”
    No point in arguing with her. “Sorry. I wish I could come to the hospital, but something’s happened at the museum. I won’t be able to visit right away. Will you be okay until I arrive?”
    My insides churned like an old-timey washing machine. I wanted to be with Nana as she waited for news about Dora. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t envision Detective Columbo letting me go anywhere until he finished his interviews. I did the next best thing – I offered a prayer. Please be with Nana and her friend and keep them safe. Dee Dee and I sure could use some comfort, too.
    “I’ll be fine. The nurses and doctors have been so good to us. A nurse set me up in a little waiting room and gave me some snacks. Tommy, Dora’s only son, lives in some foreign country. The name starts with a B, maybe Brazil or Britain. She told me he’s a big wheel in a company over there. The doctor put a call in to him. You take care of your business at the museum and come on over when you can.”
    “Thanks, Nana. I’m so glad you’re okay, and I’m sorry Dora fell.”
    “Thank you, Sweetie. I’m going to go and find out if I can finagle an update. When that nice young doctor comes out to talk to me, I’ll put in a good word for you. A little competition wouldn’t hurt Beau. I’ll see you when you get here, dear.”
    “’Bye, Nana.” I heard dead air and realized I didn’t get the name of the hospital.
    I flipped my phone closed and walked over to where Doc discovered the body. The activity resembled a bustling beehive. Officer Debra and Officer Rick were huddled, talking with each other. A redheaded woman dressed in jeans and a bright blue sweatshirt