Drape Expectations Read Online Free PDF Page A

the valuable ones were in his secure room.
    â€œDidn’t you say he keeps them in some sort of safe room?” Bella asked.
    â€œThere’s a security code to get into the estate, and a security system on the house. The safe room has a code of its own. I’ll give him a call and see what’s going on.”
    Ace answered on the first ring. “How did you hear?” he asked.
    â€œThe Koffee Klatch.”
    â€œJeez, already? I’m learning all about small-town chatter channels. The police just got here, asked a few questions, and now they’re examining the secure room. But there’s no doubt in my mind how this happened.”
    â€œHow?”
    â€œI had a party last night and some of my friends brought guests. I don’t always keep that room locked. I mostly keep the guitars in there because of the temperature control.”
    â€œWhat’s missing?”
    â€œTwo of the most valuable ones. They’re insured. I have bigger problems than the stolen guitars,” he complained.
    She wondered if his problems had something to do with Alanna.
    â€œOne of my band members just quit last night, and I have to find a replacement for Zeke for the tour,” he went on. “It revs up in a few weeks.”
    â€œI’m sure you have a line of musicians waiting who want to sign up.”
    â€œI still have to interview them, hear them play, see how they fit in with the rest of the guys. Just when I thought I had all my ducks in a row.” He sighed. “Alanna tells me you sent her a proposal last night and she accepted. The open house is Sunday?”
    â€œI’m working on it. I’m headed over to Alanna’s this afternoon.” Last night, she’d managed to get hold of the luxury-real-estate broker she usually used. “A moving crew is going to put some of her pieces in storage. Denise Langford and video cameras are coming in tomorrow.”
    â€œThank you for fitting her in. I know you have a tight schedule.”
    â€œYou’re welcome. Maybe sometime you can meet my nana. She likes your music, too.”
    â€œJust name a time,” he said with a laugh. “I guess I’ll see you at Alanna’s open house on Sunday.”
    â€œI’ll definitely be there. Nikki and I are coming up with a food menu later today.”
    â€œAlanna likes cheese grits.”
    â€œI’ll keep that in mind.”
    After Caprice ended the call, she made a mental note to tell Nikki about the cheese grits, sure her sister could work them into the menu somehow. Would Alanna appreciate that?
    Caprice doubted it.
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    On Friday, Caprice’s morning walk with Lady took them around her neighborhood. Lady had learned to heel quite well, though Caprice still kept a few treats in her fanny pouch as an incentive for Lady to stay in that square beside her. She kept the leash loose and Lady rarely pulled on it.
    Caprice was nearing her home, analyzing her mental list to make sure everything was ready for Alanna’s open house on Sunday, when she saw her neighbor on her porch across the street.
    Dulcina spotted her, too, and waved. “Need me to pupsit?” she called.
    Dulcina had become quite fond of Lady and often pupsat when Caprice had an open house or was going to be away for an afternoon or evening.
    â€œAre you free Sunday?” Caprice called back.
    â€œFreer than I want to be. Rod’s taking his girls to visit his sister.”
    Dulcina had begun dating at the start of the new year. Since her new male friend had two daughters, they were taking it slow.
    Caprice crossed the street. Lady rushed forward with her, eager to see Dulcina, too.
    â€œI have an unexpected open house. It’s from two to six.”
    â€œThat’s no problem at all. I’ll bring Lady over here. We’ll have a good time.” She stooped down and ruffled the fur around Lady’s ears. “Won’t we, girl?”
    Lady gave a little