Shear Murder Read Online Free PDF

the wedding in its nature setting.”
    “What do you mean,
we?
”
    “Me and Hally.” He scraped stiff fingers through his unruly blond hair. “You know we got this assignment for today.”
    “Yeah, at whose suggestion to our senior editor?” Torrie's voice rose, while Marla pretended to hurry on ahead. She put a stretch of distance between them and then slowed her pace so she could remain within hearing range. “Dellene is aware I'm writing up the event.”
    “Bug off, babe. This isn't your gig. I saw you talking to Falcon Oakwood earlier. He say anything about his enterprise that Hally can use as a quote?”
    “Why should I help her?”
    “Because some cooperative spirit might advance your cause better than your usual bitchy attitude?”
    “Oh, right, like I'm gonna boost Hally's career.”
    “I thought you were friends with Leanne Oakwood. Surely you got enough of a scoop from her.”
    “My discussion with Falcon was private, you moron, so stop pressing me. Hally can interview him if she wants to pepper her article with his words of wisdom.” Her voice turned sugary. “Now behave, darling. When are we going to meet again?”
    “I'm tied up for the next few weeks,” he replied in a sullen tone. “Can't pin down any dates right now.”
    “You're not avoiding me, are you? I'd hate to think you were lying, Griff, especially when I've put myself at risk for you. Scott hasn't said anything, but he's given me odd looks lately.”
    “So let's chill for a while.”
    “Are you kidding? I'm ready to make my move.”
    “I'm just saying it may be too soon.”
    “You're not backing out, are you? Because if you've made empty promises to me, you'll be sorry.”
    “Don't threaten me, babe.”
    “You know what I can do.”
    “Oh, yeah? Well, let me give you a word of warning. If you rat on me, you're dead.”
    Marla heard scuffling noises, then smooching. “Now that's better,” Torrie crooned. “You always did like it rough.”
    Griff laughed, but it sounded more like a sinister snicker.
    Wondering about their discussion, Marla zoomed ahead to join the gaily dressed guests sampling hors d'oeuvres on a shaded porch. Drinks in hand, Dalton waited for her by the steps.
    “Here, I thought you'd need this.” He handed her a wine glass filled with a light golden fluid.
    “Thanks.” She stood on her tiptoes to give him a brief kiss before greedily gulping the dry white wine. After quenching her thirst, she moved under a ceiling fan to cool off. “Have you seen Jill? I wonder if she needs help.”
    “She's fine, sweetcakes. Did I tell you how ravishing you look?” His smoky gaze dropped to her figure.
    “Thanks, but pastels aren't really my color.”
    “No? What are you wearing to
our
wedding? You still haven't found a dress, have you?”
    “I'm looking for the perfect outfit.” Someone bumped her rear, and she turned to face a stout man in a tuxedo. He had thinning gray hair, florid skin, and deep-set oak brown eyes under prominent brows.
    “Oh, I'm terribly sorry,” the man said in a slurred tone. He held a wine glass that was empty except for a few dregs.
    Jill chose that moment to sidle up to them. “Uncle Eddy, I see you've run into my friend, Marla and her fiancé, Dalton Vail. Marla, this is Eddy Rhodes and his wife, Alexis.”
    “Nice to meet you,” Marla said to the large-boned woman by his side. Eddy's wife had rather masculine features, like a cross-dresser wearing heavy makeup. Marla couldn't help staring, while inwardly berating herself.
    Alexis addressed her husband. “Come on, Eddy, you need to sit down.” She grasped his elbow.
    He shook her off. “Nonsense, I'm always delighted to meet friends of my niece. How are ya, folks? Isn't this a grand wedding? Except for the liquor. Cheap stuff, but whaddya expect?” He signaled a passing waiter. “Hey, my good man. Can you kindly get me a refill?”
    “You've had enough.” Alexis gritted her teeth.
    “Hell, no, I'm just getting