Murder Is Binding Read Online Free PDF Page A

community. The sheriff’s uniform shirt buttons strained against her ample cleavage, her large hips accentuated by the cut of her standard-issue slacks. But it was mostly Sheriff Adams’s no-nonsense countenance that made Tricia feel so uncomfortable. It probably worked well in police work. Good thing the woman’s livelihood didn’t rely on retail, where a no-nonsense attitude was the kiss of death.
    Tricia sighed and repeated for the third time the events leading up to her discovery of Doris Gleason’s body.
    Sheriff Adams scowled. “Wouldn’t you know, I’m up for reelection in two months and now I’ve got a murder on my hands. Did you know we haven’t had a killing in Stoneham in at least sixty years?”
    â€œNo.”
    The sheriff continued to scowl. “How much was that missing book worth?”
    Tricia sighed. “My expertise is in mystery novels—not cookbooks. But Doris told me a copy recently sold at auction for ten thousand dollars. It’s all subjective: an antique, book or otherwise, will only sell for what a buyer is willing to pay.”
    â€œWhatever,” Sheriff Adams muttered. “Did Mrs.—or was it Miss—or Ms.—Gleason have any enemies?”
    Tricia’s eyebrows rose, her lips pursing as she gazed at the floor.
    â€œIs that a yes?” the sheriff asked impatiently.
    â€œDoris was negotiating a new lease for her store,” Tricia explained. “She felt the new terms were…perhaps a little steep.”
    â€œAnd who was she negotiating with?”
    â€œBob Kelly.”
    â€œOh,” Angelica squealed. “I just had dessert with him at the Brookview Inn. Very nice man, and oh, those lovely green eyes of his are heavenly.”
    The sheriff turned her attention to Angelica. “What time was that, and for how long?”
    â€œSurely you don’t suspect the town’s leading citizen?” Angelica said.
    â€œHow do you know his status?” Tricia asked.
    Angelica shrugged. “Bob told me, of course.”
    It took all Tricia’s resolve not to roll her eyes.
    As if on cue, a worried Bob stuck his head around Haven’t Got a Clue’s unlocked door. “Wendy, what’s going on?”
    â€œThere’s been a murder, I’m afraid.”
    Stunned, Bob’s mouth dropped open in horror. “Murder? Good grief! Ten years of Stoneham being named the safest town in all New Hampshire…down the drain.” A parade of other emotions soon cascaded across his face: irritation and despair taking center stage. “What’ll this do to my real estate business?”
    â€œThat’s nothing compared to what Doris Gleason lost—her life,” Tricia said, disgusted.
    â€œDoris?” he repeated in disbelief.
    The sheriff rested a hand on Bob’s shoulder, turning him around. “Let’s take this outside,” she said and led him out the door and onto the sidewalk for a private chat.
    Angelica inhaled deeply, bending lower until her nose was inches from Tricia’s hair. “Oooh, you stink.”
    Tricia sniffed at her sweater sleeve. “I was only in the Cookery for a minute at most.”
    â€œBelieve me. You stink.”
    Tricia’s heart sank. “If I smell this bad, think about all those poor books. I wonder if they can be salvaged.”
    Angelica shook her head. “Only you would think about such a thing.”
    â€œMe and every other book lover on the planet.”
    The sheriff returned with Bob in tow. “Are you okay, Tricia?” Bob asked.
    Tricia nodded, suddenly feeling weary.
    The sheriff consulted her notebook once again, then spoke to Angelica. “Mrs. Prescott, you said you’re staying at the Brookview Inn?”
    â€œYes, and isn’t it just lovely?”
    â€œFor how long?”
    Angelica gazed down at Tricia. “I arrived just this afternoon and I’ll be in town for as long as my sister