Chemical Attraction Read Free Page A

everyone’s wedding reception took place in the all-purpose room of the building’s basement.
    The front auditorium doors faced the downtown main streets. Down the hill in the back, the lower level entrance opened to the river and the long boardwalk. The Kalamazoo River ran next to the Allenton buildings, so the backs of the stores were against the walkway. The townspeople enjoyed the heavy wood planks in every season. From the early spring buds to the fall leaves to the winter wonderland of ice, it was always beautiful. Summer flowers had taken over now with every color imaginable.
    Walking through the Hartford’s basement doorway, David saw his mom on the other side of the room. She gestured to delivery people, motioned for volunteers, and still managed to tie off silver and gold helium balloons.
    “David, are you okay? I heard they found a body.”
    “Yeah, what’s left of one.”
    “Oh, honey, what can I do?”
    “Nothing, we want to focus on tonight’s gig.”
    “Well, your stage is waiting for you.” She pointed to the corner area in the back.

    Matt met the local veterinarian at Hurley’s junkyard farm. Dr. Jack Adams, a friend of Matt’s from Allenton High School, had rich parents that had set up his practice. He volunteered as a way of giving back to the community and used a bartering system with his patients. Matt knew him as odd in high school, but always a decent guy.
    Matt shook his hand. “Thanks for meeting me here, Jack. Is this an Emu feather?” He showed him the plastic bag.
    “Yeah, what’s going on?”
    “Will you come with me to check on the birds? There was an incident and they may have been involved.”
    As they neared the pen, Hurley came out of his workshop wiping his hands on his dirty overalls. Manure covered his knee-high boots. “I got a call that you was coming out, chief. What you want?”
    “Have you had any problems with the emus, Hurley? Have they gotten out lately?”
    “Nah, they don’t like leavin’ the pen. They get all the food they want in there to fatten ‘em up.”
    Matt walked closer and saw traces of crusted blood around the emus’ beaks and legs. “Do you keep the gate locked?”
    “No, I told you they don’t come out. What’s this all about?”
    “A man was killed on Landford’s farm. Emu feathers were scattered around the area and the body had pecking marks.”
    “Really chief? I just gave them their vaccination last week,” Doc Adams said. “They seemed pretty docile to me, but I can do a blood test and see if there are any abnormalities.”
    “You do that, doc. In the meantime, Hurley, I want them quarantined. Keep the gate locked and away from the other animals.”
    Hurley ranted as he double-locked their pen.

    After a long nap, Joe tugged on his bow tie, skewing it, then stepped into the kitchen. Mrs. Folkert, in an emerald green dress, apron, and fresh red lipstick, tightened the lid on the third Tupperware container.
    “Rats, I was hoping for one more.” He took another when she lifted the lid.
    “Joseph, you look very handsome in your tuxedo. You remind me of Herbert at our wedding years ago. We danced the night away. His tie was just as crooked.” After untying her apron, she fixed it for him. “I miss him. He’ll be one of the people remembered tonight.”
    With Joe carrying the containers, they strolled the four blocks to the Hartford. “Now, Joseph, there will be quite a few single ladies there tonight.”
    “Oh, really?” He grinned as they continued down the sidewalk.
    “I know most of them. Some are rather loose and will try to take advantage of you.”
    “Oh, really?”
    “You don’t need some twit without any ideas in her head.”
    “Ideas are overrated,” he replied, trying not to laugh.
    She gave him a harsh look. “You are a good-looking, intelligent man who needs a beautiful, smart woman.”
    “Are you going to point her out to me?”
    “You’ll know her when you see her.” She smiled as they crossed the