Peril in Paperback: A Bibliophile Mystery Read Online Free PDF Page A

there’s nothing hanging up there, ready to snare you,” Vinnie muttered, casting a quick glimpse upward.
    It was as magical as any world-class botanical garden I’d ever visited, except smaller. With an iron frame and glass walls, the Victorian-styled structure was about the size of a small gymnasium. A pea-gravel path wound its way around dozens of exotic plants and trees. In front of each flourishing plant was a tasteful bronze plaque identifying it and its country of origin, along with a list of any idiosyncrasies, such as the unusual smell of the bark on one tree or the star-shaped fruit of another. Looking closer, I noticed that if the plaque had a blue triangle in the corner, it indicated that the plant was poisonous.
    Small benches and rattan chairs had been placed in carved-out alcoves along the path for guests to sit and read or rest in the quietly verdant environment.
    The two-story conservatory had been built alongside the west end of Grace’s home to take full advantage of the afternoon sunlight. There were unobstructed viewsthrough the glass of the crystal-blue waters of Lake Tahoe and the forest of thick pine and evergreen trees that grew on the steeply rugged mountains surrounding the lake.
    The three of us wandered the garden path in silence for a while, stopping now and then to admire a lush flowering plant or read the fascinating history of a rare tree whose branches stretched up to skim the glass ceiling. It was the first time I felt my shoulders relax since I’d arrived at Grace’s home.
    “I love the vibe of this room,” I murmured. My mind was so much calmer than it had been a few minutes ago. I wanted to stay right here. Maybe I could pilfer some blankets and curl up on that bench for the night.
    “Feeling better?” Suzie asked.
    I smiled. “Yes. Much better.”
    Vinnie threaded her arm through mine. “Brooklyn, you looked so sad when you walked in. If you are hurting, I hope you know we’re here for you.”
    I leaned against her petite shoulder and sighed. I had intended to dish about Suzie’s rude aunt Madge, but instead blurted, “I tried to call Derek, but a woman answered his phone.”
    “What?” Suzie said, outraged on my behalf.
    “I was as surprised as you are.” I waved my hand. “Never mind. It’s no big deal.”
    “It’s a big deal if she hurt you,” Suzie said gruffly.
    Vinnie tightened her arm against mine. “You know it means nothing. Don’t you, Brooklyn?”
    “Of course.” But a sudden case of sniffles betrayed me. “I must be catching a cold.”
    “Someone needs a hug.” Suzie came around behind me and the three of us held one another close for a moment. The warm cocoon of friendship touched me profoundly. Naturally, my tears welled over and the sniffling got worse. It was hell being a cheap crier.
    “Feeling the love?” Suzie said almost a minute later, grinning as she eased back.
    “Yeah.” I tried to laugh, but I was sniffling uncontrollably.
    “I’ll bet you could use a drink,” Suzie said.
    I nodded, helpless to speak.
    Vinnie pulled a clean tissue from her pocket and handed it to me. “Here you go.”
    I blew my nose and dabbed away my tears. “Thanks. You guys are the best.”
    “Bet your boots,” Suzie said. “Now, if you feel like talking about it…”
    “I don’t, but thanks.” I lifted my chin and shook my hair back. “I’m sure there’s a simple explanation for what happened, so I refuse to give it one more ounce of energy.”
    Suzie punched my upper arm lightly, then tugged me toward the open doorway. “Then there’s nothing left to do but go have that drink.”
    The house party was in full swing by the time the three of us walked into the Gold Salon. The room was right where Grace had told me, near the top of the grand stairway on the second floor. Three large bay windows covered the north wall of the salon. Each boasted a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe’s shimmering surface that reflected the swirling colors of the