Shadow Waltz Read Online Free Page A

that big fight I told you ’bout. I was walkin’ home from the plant and he was standin’ right there,” she pointed at the door of the green cottage. “Must have had a key, ’cause he didn’t ring the bell. He let himself right in.”
    â€œAnd the next day was the last time you saw Ronnie?” Marjorie sought clarification.
    â€œYes … well, no. I can’t say I saw her, but I heard her screamin’. Half the neighborhood did.”
    â€œWhen was the last time you did see her?”
    â€œAh, a week or so before then, maybe more.”
    Marjorie and Creighton exchanged glances and nods.
    â€œWell, thank you, Mrs. Sullivan,” Creighton stated gratefully. “You’ve been a great help. If we need anything else, would it be all right if we called upon you again?”
    The Irishwoman folded her arms across her ample chest and gave the Englishman a wink. “You know where to find me, darlin’,” she grinned.
    Mrs. Sullivan returned to her small yet tidy house, leaving Marjorie and Creighton to continue their investigation. Once the Irishwoman was safely out of earshot, Marjorie commented, “Looks like you’ve done wonders for Irish-English relations.” Then she added , with a playful wink, “Darlin’.”
    â€œYes, it’s the same thing all the time, isn’t it?” he sighed. “And I was taking it easy on the old girl. Just imagine what would have happened had I revealed my rapier-sharp wit.” He removed his hat and smoothed his hair back in an exaggerated act of preening.
    Marjorie shook her head and laughed.
    He returned his hat to his head. “You scoff because even you haven’t experienced the Ashcroft charm in its fullest. I’ve been holding back, because I respect you too much to transform you into a quivering gelatinous mass of passion. But rest assured, darling, if I were to unleash all of its dynamic power, you wouldn’t be able to keep your hands off me.” With a deft motion, he grabbed Marjorie around the waist and drew her close to him. “However, if you don’t believe me, I’d be more than willing to demonstrate.”
    Marjorie pulled Creighton’s hat down over his eyes and gently pushed him away. “Put your rapier back in its scabbard. We have more important things to do right now.” She strolled slowly toward the front door of the cottage.
    Creighton fixed his hat, a twinkle in his eye. “You’re a strong woman, Marjorie McClelland. But just you wait until our wedding night; you won’t be able to resist so easily then.”
    â€œI’m looking forward to the challenge,” she purred over one shoulder. “So long as you don’t become another Michael Barnwell.”
    Creighton frowned. “No, it seems he isn’t quite the devoted family man his wife made him out to be.”
    Marjorie shook her head slowly. “I feel awfully sorry for Elizabeth, but I can’t say I’m surprised. When a man won’t tell you his whereabouts, he’s up to no good.”
    â€œYou know, darling, your wisdom regarding the opposite sex is simply astounding. First, you’re certain Michael Barnwell is faithful because ‘women can sense those things.’ Now, ‘you knew all along that he was up to no good.’ Why, you’re so insightful, it’s amazing we didn’t get together sooner. Oh wait!” He emphasized the utterance with the snap of his fingers. “You were engaged to Detective Jameson, weren’t you? That must be why you couldn’t perceive my ardor—your talents were being utilized to peer into the boundless depths of your former beau: a man who subscribes to Junior Detective magazine and whose favorite color is brown. Yes, that’s it. If you hadn’t been so consumed with Jameson, I’m sure you would have sensed my true feelings. After all, compared with the complex personality