Frosted on the Ferris Wheel Read Free

suspects are here, and probably the killer, especially if this was done by family or a close friend. We have to take advantage of this opportunity. We won’t have it again.”
    Holly nodded, still a bit dazed and torn between getting involved and hurting her relationship with Trent. She thought about her past life, with her wealthy family and all she disliked about that lifestyle, and the murder she had to walk away from. She thought about Aunt Lizzie, the sparkle in her eye and her words of encouragement to go after what she wanted in life. Sadly, Holly had to admit if Trent couldn’t accept her for all of her, then she’d have to let him go.
    “Are you listening?” Charlene threw her a sharp elbow jab in the side.
    Holly cleared the cobwebs from her mind. “Yes. Just say it again?”
    “Wear these.” Charlene handed her a pair of sunglasses. “Look at a person and then click this button.” She slid a small device into the sweatshirt pocket. “It will take a picture. Try to take pictures of faces, or anything suspicious. Guilty looks. Anything incriminating. I’ll cover the side behind the body. You cover this area here.”
    Then Charlene slipped into a clump of people.
    Holly thought back on Charlene’s words. The killer was probably here. How cold and callous. Returning to the scene of the crime to appear innocent, to fake tears and grief. That motivated her. Trying to be subtle, Holly studied everyone present. She pressed click whenever she got a clear view of a face.  
    When a woman with the long brown hair turned, her face streaked with black tears, Holly took a picture. Several. She wanted to put her arm around the woman and promise this murder would see justice. Then a man, older with hints of silver in his hair, distinguished, face smooth, appearance polished, approached the woman. He put his arm around her and led her away. His mouth moved in conversation.
    Holly took a picture.  
    But then she inched her way within earshot of the conversation.

As the man spoke, he leaned in close to the woman, his voice barely louder than a mumble. With her body sideways to them, Holly took tiny steps closer, wanting to appear engrossed in the cops’ work and the crime scene.
    Minutes later, the jackhammering stopped. Now! She took one last step and cocked her head to hear better.
    “Judy, I’m so sorry.” He took her in her arms. “It might not be Gary.”
    She sobbed. “It has to be. We chose our rings to match. It’s his. I know it.”
    “Gary was a good man.” The man’s voice cracked. “He’ll be sorely missed. Not just from the company but from the community. What can I do to help? Anything. Just name it.”
    Murder victim? Gary.
    Victim’s wife? Judy.
    A sob broke through and it took a minute or so before Judy could speak. Her voice was hoarse and raspy. “I don’t know. I don’t even know what needs to be done.” Another sob.
    Holly felt for the lady. She remembered what it was like to grieve while trying to comprehend that someone would murder someone you loved.
    The man spoke. “I’ll take care of the funeral arrangements. I’m pretty sure Gary had made plans. I’ll contact your lawyer. How about the memorial service?”
    Holly took a picture of them together. This man sounded a little too put-together, a little too suave and charming. Where was his grief? Emotion that ripped his heart from his chest and left him vulnerable at such a time?
    The man prepared to leave, but Judy caught his sleeve. She clutched his coat in her fist, desperate. “Who do you think would do such a horrible thing? Dave was a good man. He had no enemies.”
    Holly watched the man’s face for any telling signs. Obviously the victim, Dave, had an enemy or enemies.
    “I don’t know.” His voice turned gravelly.  
    “You were his business partner. Surely there are things you know about him, business dealings, something. A clue for the cops to follow.”
    For a brief few seconds, the man pursed his lips, his