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

took pictures as fast as the shutter clicked.
    As the EMT’s carried the body out on the gurney, a lifeless arm flopped out from under the sheet, swung down, and dangled toward the floor. One of the techs reached down and nonchalantly tucked it back under. The hair on my own arms stood at attention.

CHAPTER SIX

    M r. Nice Suit, whom I assumed was the medical examiner, followed closely behind the techs. He turned around and addressed the police officers. “Tell Bowerman I’ll call him later.”
    I was aware of my surroundings, but felt like I was in the midst of a horrible dream. Doc, standing next to a man I didn’t recognize, surveyed the scene around him and appeared as displaced as I felt. We made eye contact, and I walked over.
    “Trixie, this is Samuel Brooks. He’s the chair of the museum board. Sammy’s always been supportive of our cause, so I knew he needed to know what happened.”
    He flashed a toothpaste ad smile. “Sammy, this is Trixie Montgomery. She writes for “Georgia by the Way,” and planned on writing a feature article on our ghosts. I hoped the publicity would be a shot in the arm for us; a good ghost story could renew interest in the museum.”
    Sammy and I shook hands. The man appeared to have stepped from a page of GQ magazine. He stood well over six feet tall. Up among the clouds, I imagined he experienced an air of supremacy over us mere mortals. A double-breasted suit with a pink dress shirt might be considered arrogant on some men. Not on Sammy. Olive skin, blue eyes, and salt and pepper hair completed the package. A thousand watt smile lit up his face.
    I remember a time, after my divorce, I thought I’d never be interested in men again. Guess I was wrong.
    “I’m sorry we have to meet under these circumstances, Ms. Montgomery. I must admit, the museum grapevine informed me of your visit. I suppose now that such a tragedy has occurred, you’ll want to put your research off indefinitely?”
    Ha! Sammy didn’t have a clue when it came to Harv. If a story involved murder and mayhem, he anticipated the scoop more than ever. My editor isn’t unfeeling, but he’s a journalist, and that means he thinks like a reporter. Get the story, no matter what! is his rallying cry.
    “I’m not sure what’s going to happen, Mr. Brooks. The decision will be up to my editor.” For a mere second his smile faded, but he quickly replaced it with blinding white teeth.
    “Yes, of course.”
    He turned to Doc. “I’m going to talk with the officers to see if there’s anything else I can find out. I need to inquire when we’ll be able to open again for business. I’ll call you later.” He gave Doc a manly pat on the back. “Ms. Montgomery, it’s been a pleasure to meet you. I’m sorry to make your acquaintance under these horrendous circumstances. I hope we’ll have a chance to talk later.” He left us standing alone. Two lost souls in a raging storm.
    “Come on, let’s go find somewhere to sit down.” Gently guiding Doc by the elbow, I led him toward the sitting area in the foyer. Officer Debra hurried after us.
    “Ms. Montgomery, I want to remind you Detective Bowerman needs to talk with you shortly.” She hitched up her pants and settled her hand on her gun.
    “I remember. We’re just going to sit down for a while.” I pointed toward the couch.
    “Fine. But don’t wander off too far,” she warned.
    I helped Doc get comfortable and sat down beside him. The silence between us was palpable. None of this made sense. Doc’s face drooped, and his bottom lip quivered. I said a quick prayer. Please Lord, don’t let him cry . Embarrassed to observe such an intimate moment, I looked up at the ceiling, down at the floor and anywhere else but his face. I wasn’t sure what to do, so I gave his hand a consoling pat.
    “Doc, I’m sorry you found the body. It must have been a shock.” He looked over as if he’d just noticed me.
    “Yes, yes. It was a terrible shock.” He dropped his