Without Any Warning (A Samantha Jamison Mystery Volume 2) Read Online Free PDF

Misunderstanding
     
     
    Crystal was standing at my door. I figured she would show up sooner or later. She was the owner of Crystal Cleaners, a no-nonsense kind of woman with a no-nonsense approach to cleaning houses. She didn’t appear to be happy at the moment. I greeted her with a smile.
    “Hi, Crystal. What brings you here?” I asked, knowing already. I guessed her workers weren’t used to being chased through houses with an umbrella when they were cleaning.
    “Very funny, Samantha. Look, we’ve become friends. So, can I be honest here? You know me. Time is money. The season will be starting shortly and I can’t afford to have anyone quit. Competition is bad enough with other cleaning services trying to steal my help as it is. What is going on with your house guest?”
    She cracked her knuckles. Crystal never stood still. A part of her was always moving. She was currently wearing a low-cut, skimpy top, but looked dressed in more clothes then she wore with all the tattoos she sported. Some were exotic and extraordinary, covering her well-muscled physique.
    I made an attempt to smooth things over. “I’m sorry for any misunderstanding, Crystal. I’ve spoken to her about your crew. You know how close friends and family are, totally unpredictable.”
    “Don’t get me started on family,” she groaned. “If it weren’t for my father-in-law causing so much grief for me and my husband… And his debts? That’s another story. I swear, it’s enough to make you crazy. Bad enough he drinks, but I also have to put up with his gambling up there in those casinos, not to mention his so-called friends. I’ve never been one to gamble away my paycheck. No way! Time’s money, you know? I work too hard. Every time someone calls in sick, nine times out of ten, I end up taking their place. I’ve got a bad back, too…”
    I found myself zoning out and just watching her lips move. I felt terrible, and didn’t know what to say. I knew from past experience she wouldn’t stop until she was good and ready.
    I held onto the doorknob, trying my best to steady myself from falling over with boredom. My hand was feeling numb already, but I still stood there, waiting patiently for her to take the slightest breath so I could jump on in and make my case. I forced myself to focus on what she was saying.
    “So, I had to stop by and let you know how I felt…”
    I cut in quickly. “Oh, and I understand all your concerns. Trust me, it won’t happen again.”
    She laughed. “Oh, forget it, Sam. You know how I love to vent. Let’s get together for drinks, okay? Hey, I’ve got to go. I need to check on another crew.” She turned and started walking away. “If I don’t keep an eye on them…”
    I watched her hustle down the walkway, still talking. “Sorry for the trouble, Crystal,” I called out. I closed the door, shaking my head in amazement. Once again, I had somehow accrued an odd assortment of acquaintances in my travels. In the past, I found their exploits made great writing.
    But what about now? Good question! I only knew I had to get back to my notes and a story that was proving to be a challenge to write, because so far, I didn’t quite understand what was going on myself.
    Where was the truth?
    Then I smiled. That was the best part about writing. Throwing the dice first, without the first clue as to how I would proceed from start to home, and with no free pass in sight to get me safely there in one piece either. Would this one be any different? I didn’t think so.
    Mona’s unexplainable overreactions were more than misunderstandings. That was for sure. In the meantime, I had my work cut out for me by writing down the intriguing, mystifying statements that she actually expected me to believe.

 
     
     
    Chapter 12
    Liability And Responsibility
     
     
    “I’ll be right there , ” I yelled as I made my way down to the front door. Mona was out job-hunting, but I had my doubts, especially after that strange phone