Swan Song (Julie O'Hara Mystery Series) Read Online Free PDF

important.”
    “One minute, please,” she said, holding up a finger and mouthing the words as if they needed to read her lips. They listened while she loudly relayed the information. A few moments later she said in the same exaggerated, gesticulating way, “Mr. Porter is in court, but Evelyn, his secretary will be right out.” She motioned them toward a bank of leather chairs.
    Julie and Joe shared a smile as they turned and took a seat.
    Evelyn Hoag joined them almost immediately and Julie remembered her as soon as she saw her. She was in her thirties, attractive in a healthy, athletic way. Her brown hair was cut straight and curved to the line of her jaw, framing large, intelligent eyes. One could picture her leading an exercise class, or organizing a mini-marathon for charity.
    She sat close so they could hear her, apologizing for Lee Porter’s absence and for the noise.
    “Is there anything I can help you with?”
    Julie explained what they were doing, and Evelyn, who was obviously fond of Dianna, was eager to talk to them. “Come on back to the office where we can talk.”
    They followed her down a long hallway to Lee Porter’s office which looked out on a picturesque garden area with a fountain. Evelyn’s smaller, adjoining office had the same lovely view. When the door closed behind them, the noise from the front was muffled and minimal.
    “Please, have a seat,” she said, motioning them to join her at a small round table. “I can’t tell you how much I miss Dianna! We were good friends. I’m still in shock over what happened. How can I help you?”
    There wasn’t the slightest doubt that she was sincere. Sadness had overtaken her features and her eyes glistened with held-back tears.
    “You knew her well?” asked Julie.
    “Yes. Many years. We handled all Bay Street Realty’s commercial transactions, some residential, as well. Dianna and I became quite close. We talked regularly on the phone and met for lunch. We went out for dinner together just recently…”
    Their last supper…her voice caught and she squeezed her eyes shut tightly.
     
    As usual, Evelyn had noticed several male heads turn as Dianna left her seat at the bar to follow the hostess to their table on the outside patio. Then the waiter who came to take their order couldn’t tear his eyes away from her, either.
    It was always that way. Evelyn didn’t blame them, though. How could she?
    “Oh, no,” said Dianna. “He’s coming over.”
    Evelyn turned and saw a blond guy, who had sent them drinks at the bar, making his way toward them, waving and smiling. He pulled up a chair, said “Excuse me,” to Evelyn and immediately commenced talking to Dianna. She listened politely to his non-stop monologue, waiting for him to take a breath so she could get a word in. Finally, she got the opportunity when the waiter arrived and interrupted him.
    “You really shouldn’t have sent us drinks, Hal. I think I told you I have a boyfriend, but thanks for stopping by. Have a good evening,” she said.
    Crestfallen, the man got up and retreated to his group at the bar.
    “I apologize, Evelyn. Some people are just so rude you can’t be nice to them.”
    Evelyn had been unable to restrain herself.
    “How does it feel to be so beautiful that you mesmerize everyone who sees you?”
    Dianna had blushed scarlet.
    “Me? You must be kidding!”
    And she actually meant it…
     
    The tears fell now, despite Evelyn’s effort to control them.
    “Evelyn? Are you alright?” asked Julie.
    “Yes. Excuse me,” she said, grabbing Kleenex from a box on her desk. “I haven’t gotten over this yet. It’s just too terrible.”
    This woman is grieving; she needs to talk about Dianna.
    “What can you tell us about her, Evelyn?”
    “She was beautiful…mesmerizing…but completely unassuming. I don’t think she realized the effect she had on people. But Dianna was beautiful on the inside, too. She was vibrant and funny and warm. We had such good times