Frosted on the Ferris Wheel Read Free Page B

covered in filmy dust. Pale. Surrounded by suspects. Can’t see Holly Hart anywhere. Surprised. Find a way to put her in anyway.”
    Holly gasped. Millicent was taking oral notes. About her. Slowly, Holly’s fingers formed a fist.
    “Officer Trent is on the job and woo wee is he looking smoking hot in his uniform. Tight butt. Kissable lips.”
    “Isn’t he dating someone?” The words flew from Holly’s mouth before she could stop them.
    “Well, I wouldn’t say that,” Millicent scoffed. “Going on a few dates with the most boring girl in town isn’t exactly the foundation of a lasting relationship.”
    “And I suppose you think you’re much better?” Holly knew she’d gone too far. Not looking back at Trent or Millicent, Holly took off toward the road.
    “Wait!” Millicent called, attracting attention to them. “I’d like to talk with you.”
    Holly walked faster than she thought possible. After a couple minutes in which she no longer heard Millicent’s annoying whine, she slowed. Safe. She’d sit in the car and wait for Charlene.
    A sudden jerk on her hood pulled her back. Her red hair exposed.
    “I knew it was you!”
    “Oh, really? Right up to the part where you noted to yourself to try and squeeze my name into your next article?”
    Millicent smirked. “I won’t have to try now, will I?” She pulled out her audio recorder. “Local shop owner, who shall remain nameless, but we can all guess her name, was once again at the crime scene. This time she was dressed in disguise. Dark-hooded sweatshirt. Sunglasses. Looks rather suspicious to me. What do you think? Maybe the police ought to check her out. Again.”
    On instinct, with no control, Holly slapped the recorder from Millicent’s hands. It hit the pavement and skidded down the sidewalk. Her breath came out ragged and fast as the fury consumed her. “You better leave me alone.”
    “Now she threatens.” She glanced at the recorder then back at Holly, then tapped her head. “Don’t worry. It’s all up here. Every detail. Did I ever tell you—I have a photographic memory? Trent always loved that about me. I helped him study.”
    “I bet you did,” Holly muttered.
    Millicent sucked in a breath and covered her mouth. “Is someone jealous?” She looked back at the crime scene, the ambulance now pulling away with the body. A smug smile crossed her face. “Someone’s been a naughty, naughty girl. What will Trent think when his little sweetie pie is poking around in another investigation?”
    Hot tears of frustration welled. She couldn’t cry. Not in front of Millicent.
    Millicent leaned closer, her blonde hair swinging forward. Her lips were perfect. Her eyelashes long and curled. Her pert little nose cute as a button. How could Trent not be interested?
    “That’s right. You should be worried. You might have Trent for now, but don’t worry, I’ve seen it before. He gets all excited about a relationship, then the interest fades. He moves on. Enjoy it while it lasts. Before he returns to someone he’s known for years with a history of friendship. Has he told you about our prom night?”
    Holly stared blankly, fighting off the tears and the desire to punch her pert little nose.  
    “I’m guessing he hasn’t.” She smiled and let out a dreamy sigh. “It’s a night he’ll never forget. We stayed up until dawn.” She focused her gaze. “Has he told you his favorite foods? His favorite television show? It’s only a matter of time, Holly. Before he comes back to me.”
    “Yeah, well, well...” Holly drew a blank.
    Millicent laughed. “Oh, you poor thing. You’re so out of your league. I’m playing nice with you now, under my father’s orders, but don’t worry, the truth always comes out.” She poked Holly in the chest. “And something tells me you have secrets.”
    Holly felt her face pale. Word couldn’t get out about her past, about her real name.  
    “I struck a nerve, didn’t I?” Millicent narrowed her eyes.