Distortion Control (A Makayla Rose Mystery Book 3) Read Free Page A

to be here. I always love coming to your house. It’s so warm and inviting. Not to mention how it always smells like something delicious baking.”
    Edna twinkled with glee. Her little hands fluttered in the air as she expressed herself. “Oh, that’s because I have some goodies baking for you. It won’t be long before they’re ready.”
    “I keep telling myself I’m watching my weight,” I told her. “Such ridiculous plans go by the wayside the moment I pass into your house.”
    “Pish posh,” Edna exclaimed. “There will be no dieting when you come here, Makayla. You absolutely must try my latest dessert. I am trying out several recipes that might be included in the menu for Peony’s grand reopening, and you are going to be my taste tester.”
    I groaned, both lamenting her announcement and welcoming it. Everyone knew my weakness. Heck, they could see my weaknesses on my hips, my thighs, and my bum. From the way Edna radiated excitement, I doubted she would be waylaid from her plan to use my sweet tooth.
    “Edna, how did your trip go?” I asked. “You went to New York, right? To visit your friend there?”
    “Oh, yes, Margot. She’s going to be okay,” Edna assured me. “Margot is stronger than anyone ever gave her credit for. She was spoiled most of her life, growing up in a house of privilege. Her husband had more money than anyone could imagine, but now she has to take care of herself. I think she’s going to be fine.”
    “How terrible that she lost her husband,” I said, feeling sorry for the unknown woman.
    “Lost?” Edna said with amusement that puzzled me. “She didn’t lose him, dear. He ran off with a younger woman.”
    “Oh.” I fell silent, knowing no words to comment on this. Sure I was sorry, but the entire circumstance did hold a bit of humiliation for Margot. I shouldn’t have felt so uncomfortable given she wasn’t there physically. Women and their problems with men who weren’t worthy of them earned a special place of sympathy in my heart.
    I expressed my feelings of compassion for Margot’s predicament. Edna accepted it on the woman’s behalf, but there was also a resignation, some glimmer of acceptance as if she felt this course was the best for her friend. Edna’s following words confirmed my thoughts.
    “No one has ever expected much from Margot. All of her life, she’s been pampered and taken care of, but she’s quite clever. I know through this experience, she’ll grow even stronger and be able to stand on her own two feet.”
    “I’m sure you’re right,” I agreed.
    Edna’s eyes sparkled in a way that made me wonder if anything ever got her down. I personally hoped nothing ever would.
    “In a way,” she said, “this is good for Margot. Even as old as she is.”
    I recalled the city Edna had left her friend in and wondered just how clever an elderly lady could be. “Are you sure, Edna? It is New York.”
    “Oh, she’ll be fine.” Her confidence helped me to feel a little less concerned. “If things don’t turn out as I expect they will, I left an open invitation for her to come and live with me.”
    “You’re a very good woman.”
    Edna’s cheeks pinked. “Now you.”
    “Now me what?” I said, but I knew immediately what she referred to.
    Edna waggled a finger at me. “You can’t fool me, Makayla Rose. You’re worrying, and we both know why.”
    I couldn’t very well lie to her. “I’m here to enjoy lunch with you, Edna, not dredge up things—”
    “I was worried,” she interrupted, and I thought I heard a tremor in her tone, which brought on guilt for being about to make light of the situation. “We all were, Makayla. You disappeared soon after Penelope Norwood did. I tried not to think of the worst.”
    I stood and walked around the table to hug her. Edna submitted to an embrace all of a few moments and then shooed me back to my seat. “I’m sorry to worry everyone. Trust me when I say I didn’t want to be kidnapped.”
    She