Death in Dahlonega (A Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

“Well, she can walk on by for all I care. I’m not in the mood to talk.” She stuffed another bite of egg into her mouth, guaranteeing she wouldn’t be able to say a word.
    “Grouchy,” I whispered as Joyce approached, but I knew how Dee Dee felt. I wanted to eat in peace, and I especially didn’t want to be reminded of the previous night.
    “Hi! How are y’all doing this morning?” Without waiting for an invitation, Joyce plunked down in an empty chair and made herself at home. Dee Dee’s eyes glittered with irritation. “I guess after yesterday’s happening, y’all aren’t doing too good.”
    Dee Dee and I exchanged a glance. Her expressive eyes spoke volumes. Brilliant deduction, Sherlock. I fake-wiped my mouth to stifle a giggle.
    “You might say that. But breakfast is helping. The food is great. I don’t want it to get cold.” I shoveled some hash browns in my mouth, hoping Joyce would get the message, but she didn’t. Instead she planted her elbows on the table, oblivious to our emotions.
    Dee Dee heaved a sigh and ate more sausage. Joyce glanced around the room then leaned in toward us. “I thought I should warn you.”
    Dee Dee stopped chewing. “Warn us?” she asked through a mouth full.
    “About what?” I flicked a glance to the ladies I’d overheard in line, and saw them staring. Were people already talking about us?
    Joyce took a deep breath. “Sheriff Wheeler came by this morning, and we had a long talk. He asked me what took place between Dee Dee and John Tatum. I told him what I knew. I didn’t want to get you girls in trouble, but I felt obligated to tell the truth. The truth is always the right thing to say, don’t you think?”
    Joyce squirmed in her chair.
    I took a quick gander at her. Petite and downright skinny. Wrinkles lined her face, but they faded next to her beautiful smile. She exuded friendliness that bordered on annoying. That friendliness just might allow us an intimate look inside the community.
    Dee Dee’s plump hand reached over and patted Joyce’s skinny one. I recognized the wide-eyed, insincere look on her face. I knew a false endearment was coming. “Sure, Sugar, you did the right thing.”
    “It’s terrible.” Joyce’s gray bob swung as she shook her head. “I still can’t believe John Tatum is dead. He was such a leader in the community.” Someone from the front of the room called for her. She scooted her chair back and excused herself. “Be right back, girls.”
    Dee Dee folded her napkin and laid it on top of her empty plate. “I’ve lost my appetite.”
    “I have, too.” I put my fork down, noticing the way the grease from the sausage was congealing on my plate.
    “So much for your theory, Trix. I’d wager the sheriff is looking at me as a suspect.” An un-lady like burp erupted from her mouth. “Excuse me.” She blotted the soiled napkin to her mouth.
    “And you said I made unpleasant noises?” I crossed my arms and leaned back to stare at her.
    “Well, I’m entitled. I could be jailed for the rest of my life.”
    “Oh, come on,” I said with as much conviction as I could muster. “That sheriff looks like a smart man. Surely he can figure out you’re no murderer.”
    Dee Dee snorted. “Looking smart doesn’t count for anything. Time will tell.” A slight smile came to her lips. “He is good looking. If not for the circumstances, I wouldn’t mind him looking at me.”
    I forced a laugh along with her. My breakfast churned in my stomach, and Dee Dee eye’s were dark with concern. Good looking or not, the sheriff and his new information made me nervous. Perhaps we should keep our ears open and learn a little more about John Tatum, just to help the sheriff along.

Chapter Six
    Before I could tell Dee Dee my plan, Joyce hurried back to our table and sat down. I heard Dee Dee groan, and I kicked her under the table, sure that Joyce had heard her. Now that I had gone into information collecting mode, I didn’t want to