You Have the Right to Remain Puzzled Read Free

woman in a beige business suit climbed out. Her blond hair was piled up on her head. Her earrings were simple gold studs. Her subtle makeup set off a fashion model face.
    Becky Baldwin looked around at the gathering on the lawn. “Did I come at a bad time?”
    Sherry, Brenda, and Dennis glared at her.
    Only Cora Felton smiled. “Join the fun, Becky. We were just discussing the wedding plans. Or lack of them. I’m sure you’ll get a kick out of it.”
    “Actually, I came to see you.” Becky looked Cora up and down. “But if you’re not well . . .”
    “I’m just fine, thank you,” Cora said. “What could you possibly want?”
    “Whatever it is, could you take it somewhere else,” Dennis snarled. “We’re having a serious conversation.”
    “We’re having nothing of the kind,” Sherry said. “The sooner these people leave, the better. Stick around, Becky. I want to talk to you anyway.”
    “Oh? What about?”
    “Here he comes now,” Cora said, pointing to the Honda skidding up the driveway.
    Aaron Grant vaulted out of the car, snagging the pocket of his sports jacket on the door. The young reporter didn’t notice. He glared at Dennis, set his lips in a firm line.
    Sherry Carter threw her hands up in the air.
    Cora waved Aaron over. “Come on in, Aaron. It’s a fraternity stunt. We’re trying to see how many cars we can fit in the driveway.”
    Aaron was in no mood to joke. Aside from Cora, that made it unanimous.
    “Sherry,” Aaron said.
    Sherry turned her back.
    “She doesn’t want to talk to you,” Dennis said.
    Aaron wheeled, pointed his finger. “You keep out of this!”
    “Says who?” Dennis challenged.
    Brenda grabbed his arm. “Dennis!”
    He brushed her off like a fly. “Wanna make something out of it, paperboy?”
    “Sherry’s a big girl. If she wants you here, fine. If she doesn’t, I suggest you leave.”
    “Oh, now you’re telling me what Sherry wants?”
    “No, she can speak for herself. Sherry, you want this ‘gentleman’ here?”
    “That’s right,” Sherry said. “Throw it all on me.”
    “Well, if you won’t say what you want. . .”
    “Are you enjoying this, Sherry?” Brenda asked. “Having them fight over you?”
    “Yeah, Bren, it’s a real blast.”
    Cora raised her eyebrows at Becky Baldwin. “Before World War III breaks out, you wanna tell me what’s up?”
    Becky swung into conciliatory mode. She put her hand on Cora’s shoulder, led her aside. “I came in person because I wanted to warn you.”
    Cora’s eyes narrowed. “Warn me about what?”
    Becky took a breath. “Benny Southstreet.”
    “That twerp!”
    “Just a friendly hint. In legal proceedings, it’s generally unwise to refer to the opposing party as a twerp.”
    “Opposing party?”
    “Benny has retained my services.”
    “What!?”
    “He’s accusing you of plagiarism. He’s suing you for damages.”
    “You’re
suing
me?” Cora said incredulously.
    “I’m
not suing you, Cora. Benny is.”
    “And you’re
helping
him?”
    “He retained me.”
    “But you’re
my
attorney. There’s a conflict of interest.”
    “I’m not your attorney at the moment.”
    “But you have been in the past.”
    “That’s no bar to my present employment.”
    “What about your conscience? Do you have to take every case that comes along?”
    “My portfolio’s a little thin. I happen to need the work.”
    “You can’t need it that bad.”
    “It’s a small town, Cora. I have two clients. One’s Benny. The other’s a speeder who hopes to avoid getting points on her license. I don’t see her as a cash cow.”
    “So you wanna get rich suing me? Whaddya get? A third of whatever you bilk me out of?”
    “You must have insurance.”
    “I have homeowner’s insurance. I’m not sure it covers plagiarism.”
    “Maybe not, but Granville Grains has deep pockets.”
    Cora’s eyes widened. “How in the world can you sue them?”
    “You’re the Puzzle Lady. They use your image to sell