2 Yule Be the Death of Me Read Online Free PDF Page A

for
non-alcoholic.”
    Kathy took a
sip and sighed. “I’ll take a nice blush wine any day.”
    One of the
council members, a gentleman with short grey hair and a hook-like nose spoke
softly to Cassandra.
    “Well, it was
so nice seeing you all again. Good luck with your entry.” Cassandra drifted off
into the crowd that was steadily filing into the gallery as the afternoon
continued.
    “She’s a good
fit for the job.” Kathy spoke as she finished her drink.
    “Everyone
likes her over at the Sheriff’s office.” Joshua added. “I couldn’t say the same
thing about Richard Clarke.”
    “I wonder
where he ended up moving to? ” Kathy asked.
    “Florida.”
Vivienne sighed. “How many times can that state possibly come into
conversations today?”
    “Maybe it’s a
sign?” Joshua raised an eyebrow.
    “Now there’s a
sign I like to see.” Kathy pointed to a bar set up in the South wing where
several patrons were buying glasses of local wine to benefit the library fund.
“Cash Bar.” She handed her empty glass to Vivienne and scooted over to get a
real drink.
    Joshua shook
his head. “She’s your friend.”
    “Yes she is.”
Vivienne looked around for a trash can to toss the plastic glasses away. “And I
wouldn’t trade her for the world.”
    “There’s your
entry.” Joshua pointed to the gingerbread reproduction of the Edgar Rothwell Mansion that was given a prime spot right in the
center of the room. “It’s drawn quite a crowd.”
    Vivienne
smiled with pride. “It does seem to be getting quite a bit of attention.” She
enjoyed watching the people point and smile at the various details, but it also
made her nervous. “I’m going to find the ladies room, before the winners are
announced.”
    “We passed
them when we came inside.” Joshua offered.
    “That’s
right.” Vivienne gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll throw these glasses away
while I’m at it.” She took the plastic-ware from him and dashed off to the
front reception area.
    Along the way
she bumped into Suzette Powell who owned The Formal Affair Catering. “Vivienne,
it’s nice to see you.”
    “Hello
Suzette.” Vivienne smiled. “How are you doing today?”
    “I’m doing
well.” She leaned forward and lowered her voice. “I’m really curious to see
what people think of my entry for the contest.” Suzette confessed.
    “I’m doing the
same thing.” Vivienne whispered back.
    “I’m glad you
entered the contest.” Suzette smiled. “Some years, it’s really no competition
at all.”
    “Well, each
one is unique in its own charming way.” Vivienne tried her best to be
diplomatic.
    “That’s true.”
Suzette smiled. “I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours.”
    Vivienne
paused for a moment. She liked Suzette and had even helped her out when the
police wrongly suspected her in Mona Clarke’s murder back in October, but she
did have a competitive streak in her when it came to business. “I think it’s
more fun to guess.”
    Suzette took a
sip of her punch and nodded. “That’s true.” She gave a quick glance at her
wrist watch. “Besides, we’ll find out in less than an hour anyway.”
    “I’m thinking
the vintage train is your entry.” Vivienne lied. She was quite sure that
Tristan and Nathaniel from Carriage House Antiques had designed the vintage
fifties era passenger train, as their shop was filled with memorabilia from the
famous Super Chief train that Hollywood royalty rode during the golden age of
cross-country travel. It was an elegant display and she was sure it would
stroke her ego to think it was created by her two hands.
    “You think
so?” Suzette played along. “I think that little cathedral has your name all
over it.”
    ‘The little
gingerbread piece with the lopsided steeple and loose window?’ Vivienne thought
to herself and almost guffawed in response. “Well, you just never know.” She
gave a weak little laugh. “I really must pay a visit to the ladies room.”
    “Oh, I