Worked to Death (Working Stiff Mysteries Book 2) Read Online Free Page B

that's right. You haven't met my grandson. He's in town and set up my computer. And since he's a little over protective, I doubt he'll want me going out late at night. Especially with a murderer on the loose."
    "A murderer?" Paget yelled out a little too loudly, and I noticed voices lower and eyes turn our way.
    "No. No. Page. Don't worry about it. I'm sure it is nothing like that. Ty, I mean…Tall Ty…will take care of everything."
    This seemed to calm her a little, and she began to stack the packets back into their little rack.
    Paget had a nickname for most people. In fact, she called very few people by their real name. Ty was known as Tall Winking Stranger to her a while back, and it had been shortened some time ago as he was no longer a stranger but still tall—at least that was her explanation. No one seemed to question her reasoning.
    I gave Ms. Maimie a warning look, and she gave me wink. Our conversation would have to wait until later.
    "What'll ya'll have to eat then?" She changed the subject.
    "I'll have a Rodeo Burger and a side of onion rings." I ordered without the need of a menu.
    "You know the Rodeo Burger already has onion rings on it, right?" Ms. Maimie clarified.
    I gave her a solid stare, and she grinned. She knew better than to question my love of fried foods. And it was a good thing my metabolism worked at the speed of light at the rate I consumed calories.
    "And for you, Paget?"
    "I'd like a Sex on the Beach, please," Paget said.
    My mouth dropped open. Ms. Maimie let out a little laugh.
    "Paget…" I started. Where in the world had she heard that? I would have to talk to Ms. Lanier about watching too many shows on HBO while she was with Paget.
    "No problem, that's one of my favorites," Ms. Maimie said and then gave me a little wave off when I opened my mouth to object.
    I took a deep breath and tried to settle my nerves. I doubted that Paget had any clue as to what she was asking for, but it still brought up some parenting issues that I wasn't exactly sure how I should handle. I made a mental note to chat with Denise Owens, Paget's nurse, about this when I saw her later tonight.
    Of course, I knew that the Back Porch Café didn't serve alcoholic beverages of any sort. But it was still a little bit of a shocker to hear it.
    "What about to eat with that?" Ms. Maimie continued, unfazed.
    Paget leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms over her chest. "I'll have a steak, rare, please." A knowing smile spread across her face, and for a moment, she looked like a different person. It frightened me.
    "Rare? Paget…you don't like rare," I said, and the smile fell from her face. I instantly regretted my words.
    Her face turned beet red, and she scooted out of the booth and headed down the hall toward the bathroom.
    "Paget, wait!" I called out, but she'd disappeared inside the door marked Belles.
    I started to follow, but Ms. Maimie grabbed my arm.
    "Honey, let her go. She's a little girl trapped in a teenage body that is fighting to be an adult. She's confused and trying to act out a different role in her life. Just let her be. I'll bring her something good. Don't worry so much." Ms. Maimie grabbed a strand of my hair and gave it a tug.
    I let out another pent-up breath and slid back into the booth. Dealing with Paget was a daily battle. I loved her, but life wasn't easy.
    Just then, the bell over the door rang behind me. Ms. Maimie looked up and a huge smile spread across her face.
    "Oh, look, Mandy, here's my grandson now." She spread open her arms as if to invite him in for a hug.
    I turned around to meet this tech savvy, over-protective grandson and gazed up into the eyes of Officer Devon Keith.
    Oh boy.

CHAPTER FOUR
     
    "Never underestimate the power of a hissy fit." —Things We Say in the South
     
    Officer Devon Keith, without the mirrored sunglasses, was even more attractive than I could have imagined. And, despite the fact that we'd had a little run in just a short while earlier, I still found