Poison Me Read Online Free PDF Page A

a good experience for Mrs. Smelter. Not at all.
    Jake’s eyes shifted from his boiling-mad grandma to the front of the redbrick church. The retirement center’s new activities director descended the steps, Ellie and Marissa hovering on each side of her. The round-shouldered ladies on her flanks emphasized Chanel’s stately beauty. A white rayon shirt complimented her trim torso, and a black skirt swirled around well-defined calves. Jake wondered why any woman with legs like that wouldn’t show them off a little more. Her dark eyes squinted against the intense rays of the sun.
    Ellie spotted him and Ruby and dragged Chanel in their direction. Marissa trailed behind. Jake couldn’t take his gaze off Chanel. She met his stare and her face darkened. The birthmark on her temple became more pronounced, giving her an exotic look and enhancing her eyes.
    “Where were you two sitting?” Ellie demanded. “Why didn’t you save us a spot?”
    Ruby exhaled, clenching Jake’s forearm until it stung. “It wasn’t a social event, Ellie.”
    Marissa sniffed and placed a lace handkerchief to her nose. “No. Our dear Anne. Cut down in her prime.”
    Ellie’s mouth twisted. “Hardly her prime, and we don’t know she was cut down.”
    Ruby started to protest. “I know she was murdered, and you should know too. I can’t believe you, Ellie. You were with me—”
    Ellie dragged her finger across her lips, commanding Ruby’s silence. “Anne is gone and there’s nothing we can do about that. The service was beautiful. Let’s end it on a good note.”
    Ruby’s eyes opened wider. Jake prayed they wouldn’t have one of their renowned battles on the church’s front lawn.
    “We understand, Rubes.” Ellie patted her hand. “We know how much you loved Anne and how you want to justify her death. Of course we’re all sad and look forward to seeing Anne on the other side.” Tossing her head back, Ellie stared at Ruby. “Now please stop tarnishing our friend’s memory with speculation about a murder that may or may not have been committed.”
    Michael approached the group. Ruby clamped her lips and glared at him.
    “Hello, Michael.” Ellie shaded her eyes with a black-gloved hand and tipped her head up to smile at him. “Wasn’t that a nice service?”
    “It was.” Michael nodded. “Anne has a great family.”
    “Oh, yes,” Marissa said. “Her son’s talk brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful tribute. And those darling granddaughters singing that song…” Her head bobbed. “What a bunch of dolls.”
    Everyone murmured agreement. Jake cast a glance at Chanel. A soft smile played on her lips, and she seemed to be working to avoid his gaze.
    Michael focused on Ruby. “How are you holding up?”
    Grandma Ruby pursed her lips, not answering.
    Marissa shook her head. “Sad as can be.”
    Ellie swung her purse, rocking from heel to toe. Her lips drooped into a soft pout. “That’s right. We might need a big, strong man to comfort us.”
    Jake held in a laugh. Aunt Ellie must’ve been something when she was young. Her petite body, perfect style, and feisty attitude probably drew in many a man. He searched Chanel’s face, interested in her reaction. She met his stare, amusement in her dark eyes.
    Michael reached for Ruby’s hand. “How are you, Ruby?”
    Her gaze was cold, and Jake wondered what Mr. Trapper had done to warrant such rudeness from his sweet grandma.
    “I’ve been better.” Ruby shook her hand from his grip. “Will you excuse us, please?”
    Michael nodded, said goodbye, and walked away with a stiff back. Within seconds he was surrounded by several women from the retirement center. Jake stifled a grin. Apparently Michael was more desirable than the chocolate pound cake the women always raved about. He looked at his grandma. She glowered at Michael’s backside. Jake wished he dared ask why she disliked Mr. Trapper so much.
    Ellie clucked her tongue, watching him walk away. “Fine man.” She