Guidebook to Murder Read Online Free PDF Page A

blocks faster. I didn’t want to have to come back for the Jeep in order to make my appointment with Doc Ames. From my parking spot in front, the house looked empty and unloved. Strands of yellow police tape flapped around the fence, reminders of the tragedy that had played out yesterday. The grass on the lawn was long enough to wave in the wind. I would have to pull out my mower tomorrow night. As I glanced around the yard, the size of the chore overwhelmed me.
    At least now the council should put off any rush to condemn the house since Miss Emily was gone. They had gotten their wish. Not the most Christian thought, I’ll admit, but they caused this mess.
    Unlocking the door, I walked in the living room. The house felt cool, the windows open to let in the ocean breeze that floated over the town at night. I went around shutting the windows against the afternoon summer heat. I half-expected Miss Emily to walk up and ask if I’d had breakfast.
    I went to her bedroom first. Doc Ames had asked me to bring clothes. When I opened the closet, I found a line of the cotton dresses Miss Emily wore every day. Clean and ironed. Who irons nowadays? A black garment bag was shoved in the back of the closet. The word funeral had been written in Miss Emily’s shaky hand on a strip of masking tape stuck on the outside. I pulled out the bag and laid it on the bed. I opened the bag and found a dress, shoes, underwear, and a note. I sat down to read the note.

    Jill,
    I’m sure you will be the one handling these arrangements, so I want to make it as easy for you as possible. You always think of yourself as a strong woman, but on the inside, honey, you are soft as butter. That’s why everyone takes advantage of you. And I’m sorry I have to ask you to do this final request for me. There just isn’t anyone else. I’ve made all the plans with Doc Ames and talked to Pastor Bill about what I want, so you’ll just have to follow my wishes and this will all be over soon.
    Please remember me and know when you came into my life, it was a blessing from God. Jill, I think of you as the daughter I never had, so take these words as they are offered, in love.
    Stop letting everyone use you. Be strong. Find yourself. You are an amazing woman and deserve to be happy. Don’t wind up old and alone, rocking on the porch, like me.
    Love,
    Emily
    P.S. I’ve left a surprise for you. Call Jimmy Marcum over in Bakerstown.
    P.S.S. Don’t let Doc Ames put panty hose on me. I don’t want to spend eternity itching. And no jewelry. I don’t want grave robbers digging me up in a few years just for a few ounces of gold.

    Oh Miss Emily. I examined the blue paisley silk dress she had never worn, kept for this special occasion. Tears filled my eyes as I felt the softness of the fabric.
    My cell rang.
    Sniff. I dug the phone out of my purse and grabbed a handful of tissues from Miss Emily’s nightstand.
    â€œHello?” Blowing my nose, I dabbed the tears from my face. I knew mascara had been a mistake. I’d be sporting raccoon eyes all day.
    â€œJill? Are you all right?” Amy’s voice was sharp. “I’m at your apartment right now. Answer the door.”
    â€œI’m fine but I’m not there. I’m over at Miss Emily’s getting clothes.” I closed my eyes. “God, Amy, she had them all picked out with a note to me pinned to the front. She’s planned the whole thing. All I have to do is put it in motion.” The tears welled up again.
    â€œYou aren’t doing this alone. I’ve taken the day off. You should have called me Sunday.”
    I zipped up the garment bag and took it into the living room. “I didn’t want to ruin your weekend.”
    â€œI know, sweetie. I’ll be right there.”
    I hung up the phone and contemplated the living room. I still hadn’t given up hope she had a son somewhere to take over this nightmare. Even if Miss Emily