The Lush Life (Samantha Jamison Mystery Book 8) Read Free Page A

unraveling clues can be interesting.”
    “Especially when someone slips up and gets their due.”
    Perspiration appeared on Teddy’s upper lip. He broke eye contact and glanced toward Mona then the clock.
    Now, Teddy, why so nervous?
    Mona and Teddy were two peas in a pod: deceivers. But Mona pretty much fought for the good side. So that left me thinking Teddy was on the opposite side of that spectrum.
    What was the big push to stay here?
    Then the obvious hit me: the Worths ’ vast art collection. They trusted me to protect their property and possessions. Why’d Mona expose it to this con? Had Teddy latched onto Mona because of this art? Were they conning each other?
    I’d been watching Teddy’s every move since he came down from their apartment for dinner. He hadn’t glanced at anything else but mirrors and the art. Mona had to notice.
    This whole thing felt like a set-up: a bad one.
    Martha’s eyes caught mine then caught Teddy’s, asking him, “How about a drink and a game of pool downstairs?”
    Teddy jumped at the invitation to leave the table. “Yes!”
    He was most likely glad to get away from more scrutiny. Besides, a bunch of women and one man makes men kind of edgy. Just ask Clay. It happened frequently.
    Mona jumped up too. “That sounds like a good idea...”
    I stopped her, brooking no excuses. “No,” I whispered.
    Then I nodded as Martha wearing her stilettos gave me a wink and a thumbs up as she followed Teddy. I turned on some music, hoping it would muffle both upstairs and downstairs .
    Martha was taking one for the home team.

 
     
    Chapter 6
     
    Now What?
     
    After stopping Mona, I murmured, “Not so fast.”
    Betty and Hazel discreetly excused themselves, knowing an interrogation was forthcoming and it might get ugly.
    I was not about to relive letting Mona off easy this time.
    “I demand some answers, right now,” I hissed.
    “Would I be here if this wasn’t important? Have I ever left you in a lurch before?”
    I stood there staring then broke out laughing.
    “Okay, let me restate that somewhat. It always ends up working out in the end, doesn’t it?”
    “Yes, I have to admit it does. But this time, I’d rather it be sooner than later before something disastrous happens.”
    “Why would you assume that?”
    “When you’re involved in something, it’s a guarantee.”
    “Okay, so I may have dropped the ball a time or two...”
    I kept staring at her, saying nothing.
    “...And possibly three or four times.”
    “Now we’re progressing. And this time around?”
    Mona sighed. “I was sent a detailed email explaining all about your art fraud episode in New Hope.”
    “Who sent it?”
    “Why, Clay, of course!”
    “Good. More progress. So far I’m following. And...?”
    “Then I received a follow-up email with instructions to befriend Teddy online, specifics outlined: art interests, etc.”
    “Clay said to latch onto him and bring him here?”
    Mona frowned. “I thought Clay cleared all this with you ahead of time and assumed it was another investigation you guys needed me in on. After your confusion at greeting me at the front door wondering why I was here, I figured you were just busting my chops. But you weren’t, were you?”
    “No!” I sat down at the kitchen table. I had to think. I knew Clay has dropped the ball now and then, but at the risk of his friends’ property? “Are you sure that second email was from Clay?”
    Mona sat down too. “Look, I was too busy to verify this job with you personally. Plus, it came shortly after the first email. Clay’s name was at the bottom, so I just assumed... After seeing your reaction, I’m thinking it wasn’t legit.”
    “Do you have your laptop for us to recheck that email?”
    Mona was back in minutes, booted up her laptop and scrolled to the email in question. We both leaned in to scrutinize the sender. It said Clay, but the return email was slightly different from his by one single letter. Being rushed, I