Pecan Pies and Homicides Read Online Free PDF

working on a way to profit from others’ misfortunate.
    â€œSuzy’s grove was destroyed by developers,” Ella Mae said, uncertain whether Loralyn was aware of this fact. “That’s how she ended up in Havenwood.” She didn’t want Loralyn to say anything insensitive about the displaced Tennesseans. It had been horribly upsetting for Suzy to have to leave her home on the North Carolina coast. “What happened to the grove in Tennessee?”
    â€œSomeone set fire to it.” Loralyn was unable to conceal the gleam in her eyes. Even as a child, she’d relished tales of devastation and tragedy. “The whole thing burned to the ground. Even the Lady of the Ash is gone. She’s nothing more than a pile of black cinders.” She covered her mouth with her hand. “I’m sorry, Ella Mae. I didn’t mean for you to imagine your own mother meeting a similar fate.”
    Ella Mae pushed down the rage welling inside her. “I’m not. But perhaps this is a good time to remind you that your powers are intact because my mother committed a brave and selfless act? She sacrificed her life for our kind. All of us—not just the rich and influential. I see you and your family have only invited the highborn tonight. What will happen to the rest of the people from Tennessee?”
    Loralyn gave an eloquent shrug of her bare shoulders. “I don’t know. Why don’t you hire a few of them? Or has business fallen off too much for you to need any extra help?”
    Suzy cleared her throat. “Come on, ladies. Isn’t this supposed to be a party?” She took Loralyn’s arm in hers. “I heard that the Gaynors are one of Georgia’s first families. You must have some amazing books. Could I see your library? Pretty please?”
    â€œForgive my rudeness, Suzy.” Loralyn’s voice was a soft purr. “Ella Mae and I have known each other for so long that we sometimes act like kids and need a third party to act as referee. Thanks for blowing the whistle.” She smiled. “Come on. I’ll show you our entire collection. I’m sure Ella Mae would prefer to mingle. Perhaps she’ll even drum up a new customer or two.”
    â€œActually, I need to speak with your mother,” Ella Mae said crisply. “As the Lady’s daughter, I should be involved in any decisions about relocating these Tennesseans to Havenwood.”
    At this, Loralyn widened her eyes. “No one wanted to burden you. Ever since the harvest, you’ve seemed too fragile to be burdened with our affairs.”
    As much as it stung, Ella Mae couldn’t deny the truth of that remark. She suddenly realized how her obsession with freeing her mother had caused her to neglect her duties. It was her responsibility to keep abreast of the major issues concerning her kind. Yet, she’d been so wrapped up in her personal quest that she had no idea what those issues were. “You’re right, Loralyn. I haven’t been playing the part my mother fought so hard to win me, but that’s going to change as of this moment.”
    Suzy gave her a thumbs-up and then tugged on Loralyn’s arm. “Enough of the serious stuff. Loralyn, please tell me that some of these wealthy and powerful men from Tennessee are also young, hot, and single. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long winter and I need someone to keep me warm.”
    Loralyn laughed and pulled Suzy after her into the next room. Ella Mae watched them disappear in a crowd of elegant men and women and then headed for the kitchen. The catering staff swarmed around the cavernous space like an army of ants—chopping, sautéing, frying, garnishing, and plating one delicious dish after another. When she asked after Opal Gaynor, a woman holding a tray of bacon-wrapped scallops jerked her head in the direction of the sunroom.
    Ella Mae found Opal conversing with a middle-aged man in a wheelchair. A