Shitake Happens: (A Shitake Mystery Series Prequel) Read Online Free PDF

you are beautiful. So you live up to at least one."
    This guy was a player, all right. He was definitely flirting with her.
    "Thank you," she said, looking at her shoes to appear as if she was embarrassed but pleased.
    "Can I see you again?" he asked.
    Mo glanced up. If she was too easy, she might loose him. She had to work this hook just right not to lose the fish. "I don't know. You're still kind of an unknown. I've already violated my Mama's rule about not talking to strangers."
    "Fair enough," he said. "There's an art opening tonight at the Metropolis gallery downtown. You'll be safe with all those people around to protect you from me."
    "Okay. I'd like that," she said, trying to conceal her total glee.
    Clarence's stupid plan—with her accidental modifications—had worked out after all. Not that she was ever going to tell him that.
    "Seven?" Wallace asked, his eyes twinkling and his voice seductively low.
    She nodded.
    "See you then...Angelina."

 
    * * * * *

 
    Mo arrived at the gallery promptly at seven, wearing a pale pink cocktail dress with a short-sleeved, fitted top and ballet-style tulle skirt. The neckline showed just enough cleavage to keep Wallace interested.
    Her gaze scanned the interior as she stepped through the door. The space was the typical white box with the floor-to-ceiling paintings hung in predictable rows. A smattering of other partygoers stood about talking to one another or staring at the art.
    Mo didn't stop to examine the work but instead went straight for the refreshments. Near the entrance, in front of the plate-glass window, a linen-covered table had been elegantly arranged with platters of finger foods. At one end, manned by a bartender, a selection of hard liquor and wines were on offer. Adding to the ambiance was an eight-taper candelabra used as a centerpiece.
    "White wine," she said to the bartender. Although Mo felt like she could use a stiff drink, it would probably have her sliding under the table after only one sip given the day she'd had.
    Just as she'd been handed a glass of shimmering golden white liquid, Clarence walked in. Their glances met and he acknowledged her with a swipe of his forefinger against the side of his nose.
    Mo rolled her eyes. Aghhhhhhhh. How many times do I have to tell this guy not to use signals from The Sting?
    Clarence pointed to his watch. The idiot was practically telling people he was going to take photos with that thing. Next he'd announce she had a microphone built into her heart necklace. Just then he touched the small plug in his ear before giving a tiny thumbs up.
    Oh my Gouda! If he doesn't stop, I'll scream , Mo thought, whirling away. I don't know him. I don't know him, she chanted in her head.
    "Angelina," Wallace called from over her shoulder. "You came."
    Mo turned to him with a mega-watt smile. "Of course. I wouldn't miss it."
    Wallace reached her side accompanied by an older woman dressed in a flowing multi-colored dress. Her graying black hair hung long over her shoulders.
      "This is Lucianne Dreshel." Wallace inclined his head toward the older woman. "She's the artist who painted this wonderful work."
    "Yes. Lovely." Mo said.
    "And Lucianne, let me introduce you to Angelina Jolie," Wallace continued.
    "Angelina Jolie?" the woman pinned Mo with a fish-eyed stare.
    "Not the famous one, obviously," Mo joked.
    "Obviously," Lucianne said. She pointed to the glass in Mo's hand. "How's the wine? Have you had any of the food?"
    "Ummm," Mo began.
    "That ridiculous caterer," Lucianne interrupted. "This is the last time I'm using him. Cheap wine. Hors d'oeuvres that came out of a Chex Mix box...I paid for good quality." Lucianne gestured at the table wildly as the volume of her voice escalated.
    "The wine seems fine," Mo said.
    "You don't have to lie," Lucianne shouted at Mo. "I'm going to find that caterer right now." Then she was off toward the back of the gallery.
    Wallace chuckled. "Don't mind her. Lucianne is a little highly strung at