Rubbed Out (A Memphis BBQ Mystery) Read Online Free PDF Page A

honey, the excitement hasn’t stopped. Although they sound like they’re in a good mood right now. And I’m in a good mood because I’m thinking they’re too tipsy to do any competitive cooking. The fact that they’re also not fighting is a bonus. Those folks have fought the whole time. Maybe they’ve gotten into the alcohol and that’s improving their moods.”
    It was a little distracting having Evelyn dressed as Priscilla. But not nearly as distracting as having Cherry dress as Elvis. Lulu missed whatever it was that Cherry said.
    “I’m sorry, Cherry. What did you say?”
    “I said that we shouldn’t say anything about them not fighting. That’ll jinx it,” said Cherry. She had on a black jumpsuit with a big belt and sunglasses. Her trademark Elvis motorcycle helmet was close by. Somehow the red hair simply didn’t go with the outfit. Her gaze sharpened. “Lulu, you’re looking at my hair. You don’t like the redheaded Elvis look, do you?”
    “I think it’s fine!”
    Cherry sighed. “No, you don’t. No one else likes it, either. It’s just that my wig was getting way too hot anditchy, so I took it off. I might have to rethink this. Or put my helmet on.”
    A husky voice from outside the booth said, “You look amazing. But not as amazing as Priscilla.”
    Lulu raised her eyebrows as a gentleman who appeared to be in his late thirties wearing a sheepish grin and fashionably shaggy hair hovered at the edge of the tent. The one thing that stood out about him was the white stripe of hair that went right through the middle of his dark hair, giving him a skunk-like appearance.
    “Oh, well, if you’re giving compliments, then you really must join us,” said Evelyn, scooting over to make room next to her on the sofa. “I’m Evelyn. Or Priscilla, if you like.” She fluttered her false eyelashes at him in what was surprisingly beguiling.
    “I’m John,” he said, holding out his hand. “John Smith.”
    “Surely not,” said Evelyn. “Are there really any actual John Smiths?”
    “Mmm,” said Flo. “It does have that assumed name sort of ring to it.”
    “I’ll assure you,” said John with a very bright grin, “I’m completely genuine. I’d bring my mama in to attest to it.”
    “Well then. Sounds like you’re all right to me,” said Evelyn. “I’ve always been partial to mama’s boys.”
    Although something about the man just didn’t ring true to Lulu. Not that she could put a finger on it.
    “Going back to the wig subject, I’m amazed that it doesn’t seem to be bothering Evelyn at all,” said Flo, carefully drawn-on eyebrows arched. “She seems to be enjoying it.”
    Evelyn snorted. “This bouffant isn’t a wig, y’all. It’s my real hair.” She carefully patted her chestnut-colored hair.
    “No, it isn’t!” said the women, shocked.
    “It surely is,” said Evelyn, putting her hands on her hips. “I had my salon to do it especially for the festival. My stylist cried when she teased my hair. She actually, really, truly cried.”
    “I guess she thought she was ruining your hair for good,” drawled John, winking at Lulu.
    “It’s a good thing you don’t have to tease your hair all the time,” said Lulu slowly. “It’d damage it in no time flat.”
    The hair musings were cut short by a shriek from the booth next door. Even Ella Beth and Coco momentarily stopped their chewing.
    “You dawg ! You no-good scoundrel of a dawg !” came a shrill voice. Then came the sound of a huge amount of commotion that indicated some sort of a struggle. Instinctively, they ran over—Flo quickly volunteering to stay with the girls. Cherry grabbed a plaster Elvis—Lulu didn’t know whether it was for luck or protection.

Sharon was standing on a chair and giving high-pitched yells, almost like she’d seen a mouse. Brody had his hands around Reuben’s neck and was giving every indication of not letting go.
    They looked over at John, who’d run over with them, but he’d