For Better or Hearse Read Online Free PDF Page A

Leatrice started trying to play matchmaker. I’m sure it was the only reason he tolerated her. He put the box of crackers on the table and started to open the brie.
    â€œI don’t know if I would eat that cheese.” I cringed as Richard opened the round wooden box. “I think I’ve had it for a while.”
    Richard unwrapped the white paper covering and made a face. “Now you do understand that the refrigeration process does not stop time, don’t you?”
    â€œYes.” I rolled my eyes. “I just forgot about it.”
    Richard stood up, holding the offending cheese in front of him at arm’s length. “I will never understandhow you can be so detailed and precise with your weddings, yet your own life is a mess.”
    â€œIt is not a mess,” I protested. “Anyway, if I spent all my time shopping and cleaning, I’d never be able to put in the hours to plan all those perfect weddings.”
    â€œOne word for you, darling.” Richard disappeared into the kitchen then poked his head up over the counter that separated the living room and kitchen. “Balance.”
    â€œI have balance,” I shouted over my shoulder as I sunk into the couch. “I’m even taking a yoga class. If that isn’t balance, I don’t know what is.”
    Richard walked back into the living room and planted his hands on his hips. “You’re taking yoga? Miss Type A, if-I’m-not-doing-ten-things-at-once-I’m not-busy? Now this I have to see.”
    â€œFine.” I folded my arms across my chest.
    â€œNow, now.” Leatrice waved her arms. “You kids stop your bickering. You’re just like me and my Jimmy used to be.”
    Jimmy? Richard mouthed to me.
    â€œHer late husband,” I said under my breath.
    Richard’s eyebrows shot up and he opened his mouth to say something, but I grabbed him by the sleeve. I stood and began tugging him into the kitchen.
    â€œCome on; let’s go find something to eat.” I turned to Leatrice. “We’ll be right back.”
    Once we got into the kitchen, Richard pulled my hand away and started unwrinkling his sleeve. “What was that all about? Doesn’t she know by now that the chances of us getting together are slim to nil? Heavy on the nil?”
    â€œI think she forgets things sometimes. I’m not going to be the one who explains things to her again. You do it.”
    Richard wagged a finger at me. “I have a strict ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy.”
    â€œPeople have to ask? I mean, aside from Leatrice?”
    â€œVery funny, Annabelle.” Richard narrowed his eyes and looked over the counter at Leatrice, who was happily pressing the frogs on her shirt to make them squeak. “I think the nut-ball has a selective memory.”
    â€œBe nice, Richard.”
    He pressed a hand over his heart and let his mouth gape open. “You wound me, darling. When am I not nice?”
    â€œWell…” I began.
    Richard cut me off with a raised palm. “That was a hypothetical.” He opened the refrigerator as the doorbell rang. We both jumped at the loud noise.
    â€œCould you get that Leatrice?” I called out as I turned to examine our food options.
    â€œOf course, dearie.” She shuffled to the door. “Are you expecting anyone?”
    Leatrice opened the door and gave a small scream. Richard and I both froze.
    â€œGood heavens,” Leatrice gasped. “We’re being robbed!”

Chapter 5
    I rushed into the living room and saw Leatrice with her hands in the air and Ian standing in the doorway with a puzzled expression on his face. I didn’t see a weapon in sight.
    â€œLeatrice, what are you talking about?” I went up and pulled her arms down. I heard Richard’s muffled laughter behind me. “Ian isn’t robbing us.”
    â€œYou know him?” Leatrice flushed. “I guess I got startled by