A Tainted Finish: A Sydney McGrath Mystery Read Online Free PDF Page B

lunch with Clarence that day. “Funny, he didn't mention you that day.” She lied.
    “He wanted us to meet in person,” he said quietly.
    She arched her eyebrows, and he threw up his hands in feigned defeat.
    “And I don't like women who smell like B.O. and neoprene or obsess over their gluten and lactose-free diet in over-priced lycra. Spandex is for exercise, not to wear in public. Besides, I have a girlfriend in Buenos Aires. She teaches politics at University.”
    “And she has a boyfriend who teaches wine marketing at college in Seattle!” said a booming female voice from the kitchen doorway. Sydney turned around to see Charlie filling the door frame with her six-foot tall lankiness and golden hair back-lit by the kitchen light like a lion's mane. She held a phone up. “A boyfriend who left 22 messages on your phone, mind you!” She waved the phone at Sydney.
    Olivier stared at her and Charlie tugged on her leggings in an awkward curtsy. “Spandex,” she said. She walked forward and pulled the towel off of Syd's head. Olivier blushed. Charlie ignored him and began to run her fingers through Syd's hair.
    “I hope you two had separate showers,” she muttered, working knots out of the ends of Syd's long dark tresses. Charlie missed nothing. “Yes, alas. Considering the Death I decided to forego the hazing and seduction of interns this year. I spared the young neophyte his mortification. For now.” She winked at Olivier.
    “Actually, I think we showered at the same time,” he said, clearly trying to maintain his composure. “Mine was freezing, and with an 80-gallon tank, her’s must have lasted for a half hour. I am Olivier, by the way.” He rose and extended his hand to Charlie.
    “Charles. Charmed.” She took his hand and smiled genuinely, with only a hint of suspicion in her squinting eyes. Olivier sat down confidently, and Charlie continued running her fingers through Syd's hair.
    “What's this?” Charlie asked, frowning at the bump on Sydney’s head.
    “Oh. I passed out in the bathroom.”
    “ What? ” Charlie hollered, turning to look her in the eyes.
    Syd arched her eyebrows and shook her head.
    Charlie wrapped her arms around Syd's head.
    “ Fuuuuuck! ” she growled, cradling Syd’s head against her body. She began to slowly rock her. Olivier stared into his hands.
    A moment later Syd untangled herself from Charlie and moved to get up. Olivier sprang out of his chair, scraping its legs against the floor.
    “ I'm fine! ” she yelled, tossing her hands up in exasperation. She turned and walked into the kitchen. Olivier gasped when he saw a giant blood stain on the back of Sydney’s white bathrobe.
    Charlie and Olivier exchanged a look of shock and then they both came to a silent understanding of Syd’s current plight at the same time. Their eyes locked again in silent agreement and collusion. They would work together to help Sydney get through this crisis.
    ~
    Syd and Charlie ended the night with a few slices of pear and some cheese and the rest of the Gewurztraminer from lunch. Syd choked down some pear but couldn't manage the cheese and bread. Charlie offered to heat up the burritos her dad had picked up earlier for the dinner Syd slept through. But she could never have eaten them.
    They made plans for the memorial while they ate and Charlie took notes. She would make phone calls in the morning while Syd met up with Jack Bristol, the family lawyer. Syd promised she would be up to it. She also promised to call her boyfriend Marcus the next day, since Charlie was beginning to field all of his calls. He threatened to leave Seattle during his last call and come down the next day. That was the last thing Syd wanted, so Charlie convinced him to wait for Syd to call him in the morning. She told Marcus that Syd was resting after taking Valium. Syd whispered a teary thank you as her friend lied to her boyfriend.
    “You know, it’s a little weird that you don't want to see him,” Charlie