Homicide by Hamlet (Cozy Mystery) Book #3 (Chubby Chicks Club Cozy Mystery Series) Read Online Free PDF

raise your hand.” He looked out into the crowd and back to the team leaders.
    Raising my hand, I glanced around and noticed the other four of five leaders were in agreement. All but one.
    Priscilla sank into her chair, her arms folded over her breasts.
     
    ***
     
    After everyone was dismissed, I said to my team, “I’m glad it all worked out.”
    “No kidding,” Wilbert said. “Ms. Woodham really wasn’t happy about the judges giving Dr. Isenberg’s team a second chance.”
    Umika shrugged. “What’s her problem? She seemed like she wanted them to get kicked out of the competition. It’s like she’s seeking revenge or something.”
    I didn’t want to get into a character assassination about Priscilla. “I’m just glad all six teams are still in the competition and that all the themes are set.”
    “And what was with her stealing our fake ballet theme?” Wilbert huffed. “I’m just glad that it wasn’t our actual theme. But still, how could she do that?”
    I shook my head. “Let it go. We need to move on.”
    “Fine. And no matter, I think that our team is the best,” Wilbert said.
    “But team three, with Zombie Hamlet is pretty cool too,” Umika said. “I think they’ll be our biggest competitor.”
    Wilbert adjusted his glasses on his long thin nose and said, “I’m not sure. Team four could be a threat with Fairy Tale Hamlet. And team five with the reality theme is a solid idea. And now that team six chose Hamlet in outer space, or as they call it Hamlet Wars—the King Strikes Back. That could be a long shot, but might be great.”
    Umika nodded. “You’re right.”
    I smiled and said, “I think everyone stepped up to the plate with great ideas. I also think this will be a fantastic and creative challenge for everyone. So get to work.”
    The team busied themselves on the stage.
    A minute later, Gerald walked into our rehearsal. He pulled me aside. “How are you doing?”
    “Great.” My heart flipped. For the past few weeks, we’d been spending a lot of time together, although I had no illusion that we were anything more than friends. “By the way, good job with the taming of the shrew.”
    He chuckled. “Priscilla? I think there’s a special place in heaven for people who have to work with her.”
    “It’s going to be hard for me to hold my tongue. But for the sake of the kids, I will definitely try. There’s no guarantee I’ll succeed though. You may have to gag me to keep me quiet.”
    He smiled. “That’s what I like about you. I don’t have to ever ask what you’re thinking because you always speak your mind.”
    My heart warmed with the sweet comment. “By the way, did you know we were being spied on?”
    “Oh?”
    “The other night at dinner, apparently someone saw us. Priscilla found out. She’s trying to claim that you and I might be biased because of our friendship. Implying that we should both be disqualified.”
    He said, “Then she doesn’t know us, does she?”
    “Nope. And I’d rather she never gets to really know me.”
    He placed a hand on my shoulder. “How about dinner at Conner’s Corner tonight, seven?”
    Poor guy must be lonely too. I guess at our age, having a companion for dinner was better than eating alone. “I’ll meet you there. I still have about an hour more here.”
    He started to leave, then stopped. “Make sure we make a scene tonight.”
    “Why?”
    Gerald winked. “If we’re going to be observed, let’s give them something to talk about.”
     

Chapter Four
     
    The second day of theater camp came and went. The set and costumes were nearly finished, lines were memorized, rap lyrics practiced and hip hop dance moves choreographed. Day three, the team began dress rehearsals.
    After we finished lunch, while my team rehearsed, I chatted with Bezu while her helper cleaned up.
    Bezu untied her apron. “This is so wonderful. I’m grinnin’ like a possum eatin’ a sweet tater.”
    “I guess that means you’re pretty