Murder at Redwood Cove Read Online Free PDF Page A

find out something.” I paused at the door. “It’s been a real pleasure to meet you. Bob was lucky to have a wonderful, caring group of friends.”
    I retraced my steps and found Suzie and Helen bent over what appeared to be catering contracts. Daniel had a large ledger in front of him.
    â€œHi! Did you get settled in okay?” Suzie asked.
    â€œYes. It’s a beautiful room.”
    â€œWe’re reading over Bob’s plans for a meeting this Friday,” Helen said. “It’s the final get-together for the A Taste of Chocolate and Wine Festival Committee before the event this Saturday.”
    â€œThere are a large number of regular guests coming in tomorrow, who are planning to attend this weekend.” Suzie shot me a meaningful look.
    Repeat visitors were a valued commodity. “What can I do to help?” Part of me was itching to see what was arranged, the other part telling me to give them some time to do their work and adjust to my presence.
    â€œWe’re about done putting the paperwork together. Would discussing it in an hour work?” Suzie asked.
    â€œPerfect. I want to go to the beach, breathe some fresh ocean air, and wash away my jet lag.” I turned to go. “And it’ll give me a chance to start on a report for the company.”
    â€œWait.” Helen rushed to a large tray, grabbed several warm chocolate chip cookies, and put them in a plastic container. “It’s a tradition. No arguing. Guests take these with them on their first visit to Redwood Cove Beach.” Helen handed me the cookies.
    I laughed. “I’m not going to buck tradition.” I lifted the lid and sniffed. “Oh my. What a treat!”
    Helen took a canvas bag off of a hook on the wall. “Here’s a backpack with a beach mat and towels. It’s part of what we offer our guests.” She reached into a cupboard and pulled out a plastic bag filled with bread chunks. “These are for the seagulls if you want to feed them.” Helen stuffed the crumbs into the black and tan bag and handed it to me.
    I packed the cookies safely away along with my fanny pack.
    â€œDaniel said you’d like some coffee. Regular or decaf?”
    â€œRegular, and I drink it black.”
    Helen poured some in a small thermos. I tucked it in the bag, and Helen gave me directions to the beach.
    I descended the stairs at the back of the inn, glad to have some time to myself to think about the Silver Sentinels and their concern that Bob might have been murdered. A delivery van was parked at the bottom with M ANGINI D ISTRIBUTORS emblazoned on the truck’s side in bright red letters. A young Asian man in jeans and a light yellow shirt rounded the corner, almost colliding with me.
    â€œSorry,” he blurted.
    â€œNo problem.”
    I glimpsed a flash of perfect white teeth. My gaze riveted on his name tag.
    He followed my stare. “Yeah. I know. A bit weird.” He opened the back of the van. “My mom thought the guy was the best. She has a collection of all of his movies.”
    I was talking to Charlie Chan.

Chapter 5
    â€œM om wanted me to follow in the steps of the famous detective. You know, solve murders and get the bad guys.” Charlie opened the back door of the van, leaned in, and pulled out a jug of water. “Not me. I’m going to be a dentist. Four-day workweek.” He placed the bottle on the back porch. Another glimpse of stunningly white teeth. “Golf Wednesdays. That’s for me, man.”
    â€œDo you go to college around here?”
    â€œNo. I went to San Francisco State. Finished fall semester. This company was hiring, so here I am. Earning some money and enjoying the north coast. I’m off to the University of the Pacific in August.” He slung another container out and placed it next to the first one. “Private. More expensive, but worth it.” He slammed the doors shut. “It was nice meeting