A Dead End (A Saints & Strangers Cozy Mystery Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

clearly she could see how close she was. It quickly became apparent that she couldn’t.
    As one foot disappeared into the water, Kit shot off the bench before the girl had time to yell. Kit grabbed her arm and pulled her sideways to prevent her from falling in. Then she said a silent thank you to Hans for her rescue training.
    “Omigod, you’re like a superhero,” the girl exclaimed, her cheeks bright pink with embarrassment.
    “I told you not to walk so close to it,” the other girl scolded her. She glanced at Kit. “Charlotte is dyspraxic. That means her proprioception is compromised. Do you know what that is? Most people don’t. Basically, she always needs to be aware of her surroundings or she’s likely to fall into a ditch.”
    Kit blinked. The girl’s rapid response managed to sound both intelligent and confusing.
    “You look familiar,” Charlotte, the ditch-faller, said.
    “You do,” the other girl agreed, her blond ponytail bobbing.
    “I’m Kit Wilder,” she told them, awaiting the usual response.
    “You’re Heloise Winthrop Wilder’s daughter,” the one-who-was-not-Charlotte said, her blue eyes brightening. “Oh, and you were on television. A prime time network show, not cable.”
    “I was. ‘Was’ being the crucial word in that statement,” Kit said.
    “I’m Francie Musgrove and this is Charlotte Tilton. We’re on our way to orientation.”
    “So am I,” Kit said. “Part of my penance for disobeying my mother and running off to join the Hollywood circus is attending Westdale College.”
    “It is the college of choice for useless spares,” Charlotte said, her nose scrunching. “You’re not a spare, are you?”
    “No, I’m an only child,” Kit said. “But still useless.”
    Charlotte nodded toward the fountain. “Not completely. I’d have been soaked and mortified if you hadn’t come along.”
    “Wouldn’t have been the first time,” Francie muttered.
    “Would you mind if I went in with you?” Kit asked. “I don’t know anyone. In case you hadn’t done the math, I’m a little older than the average first year.”
    Francie beamed. “We wouldn’t mind escorting a bonafide star into the room. Our stock will skyrocket.”
    “Not that we’d only do it because you’re part Winthrop,” Charlotte added quickly.
    Kit wasn’t bothered either way. As far as she was concerned, she needed friends right now more than she needed to prove her independence. Together, the trio entered Plymouth Hall to kick off the first day of their college experience.
     
    Kit rang the bell of the pretty Dutch Colonial house. No chipped paint, no weeds — everything was in perfect order. The door opened to reveal a slight woman in a coral twin set and neatly pressed slacks. Her brown hair was styled in a chin-length bob and she wore an elegant pearl necklace with matching earrings. It seemed that Peregrine Monroe herself was also in perfect order.
    “Hi, you must be my new neighbor,” Kit said, turning on the charm. “I’m Kit Wilder.”
    Peregrine gave her a haughty look. “Yes, of course. The Winthrop Wilder girl who ran off and joined the circus. I know all about you.”
    “It wasn’t a circus,” Kit objected. Someone clearly worshipped the same society gods as Heloise Winthrop Wilder.
    Peregrine narrowed her hazel eyes. “I beg to differ.” She stepped aside. “Do come in.”
    “Thank you.” Kit stepped into the entry hall and was struck by the Spartan interior. Peregrine Monroe seemed like a person who had belongings. Her house suggested otherwise. It looked barely lived in.
    “I’m downsizing,” Peregrine said, noting Kit’s surprise.
    “Oh.” Kit hadn’t heard that the house was for sale. “Where are you planning to move?”
    “Sedona, to be closer to my sister.”
    “I guess we won’t be neighbors very long then.”
    “Can I offer you a drink? An iced tea, perhaps?” Peregrine looked hopeful that Kit would decline. Naturally, she accepted.
    “An iced tea