Amy Phipps - Amanda Blakemore 01 - A Bazaar Murder Read Online Free PDF Page A

a pod.” Cassie shook her head and laughed.
    “Sounds like,” Amanda smiled. “So... where does she want the tables?”
    “I'll show you.” Cassie waved her hand for Amanda to follow.
    As they worked cleaning and setting up the tables, helpers slowly trickled in. Florence ran the preparations like a drill Sargent, and  Amanda learned a lot about Cassie as they chatted. Cassie loved  her job as a veterinarian. She wished that she could say that. Working for Kimberly was not the highlight of her life. As a proofreader and data entry specialist for a small publisher she worked long hours. After  getting her English degree she helped Daniel start his law practice. In the early stages she did a little bit of everything from filing to event planning. After the business became successful he replaced her with more qualified people. All the time telling her it was best for the practice. She never questioned it. Kind of like their marriage, she thought. He was replacing her with someone he thought was more qualified. Jerk!
    “We're finished.” Cassie's voice brought her mind back to the task at hand.
    “What should we do now?” Amanda asked patting the dirt from her jeans.
    “I think we should help Olive and your grandmother with the decorations.” She pointed at Olive trying to climb the ladder to hang decorations from the ceiling.
    “Your right, especially if she climbs as well as she drives. We're in big trouble.” They rushed over to help. “Olive how about I do all the climbing and you can hand me up the decorations.” Amanda offered.
    “Yes, I think that's a good idea.” Cassie agreed holding onto the ladder to help steady it.
    “No need. I am doing just fine.” She answered from the third rung of the ladder. “Had I been born in a different era I could have been a mountain climber.”
    “Olive Simon! What do you think you are doing!” Margaret demanded placing her hands on her thin hips.
    “Hanging decorations. Anyone can see that.” Olive huffed looking down from her perch.
    “Not from that ladder you're not.” Margaret called up to her. “Come down from there!”
    “Olive there you are.” Came the deep voice of Pastor Max. “ I been looking for you. Would you help me with the center pieces for the tables. You do the best flower arrangements of anyone I have ever seen.” Giving Olive a handsome smile. He's good Amanda thought, watching Olive's face light up from the compliment.
    “Absolutely, Pastor....I was just showing these girls how to do it.” She smiled brightly and climbed down the ladder to follow the Pastor across the room.
    “Sometimes I wonder what's going through her mind.” Margaret sighed shaking her head.
    “She seems to keep you busy.” Amanda admitted laughing.
    “It's a good thing she has a crush on Pastor Max, if not this could have been disastrous.” Cassie added trying not to laugh.
    “I better go and keep her out of trouble.” Margaret announced shaking her head as she followed after Olive and Pastor Max.
    “Your grandmother is always trying to keep Olive out of trouble.” Cassie mused.
    “They have been friends all their lives.” Amanda laughed shaking her head. “I think if it wasn't for Olive... Nana would be very lonely.”
    “If I had to bet that probably goes both ways.” Cassie added, “It would be nice to have a best friend like that.”
    “Yes I think it would,” Amanda agreed. Watching Margaret and Olive as they pulled flowers out of the boxes and started placing them into vases.
    “We better get started before she comes back.” Cassie laughed pointing up at the ceiling.
    Climbing up and down the ladder made Amanda's legs tired and her neck hurt from looking up and reaching above her head. But she continued to gently place each decoration in the perfect spot. If she didn't Florence was running over to inform them to change it.
    Cassie called from the floor “That's the last one.”
    “Thank God.” Amanda admitted. “I don't think my legs