Book Fair and Foul (Ashton Corners Book Club) (5 page)

Lizzie managed to suppress a smile, but when she looked over at Bob, who had doubled over in laughter and was pretending to tie his shoelace, she lost it. She turned abruptly so as to not be seen by Lorelie and bumped into Mark Dreyfus, Ashton Corner’s chief of police, whom she’d been dating for the past year.

She looked at him in surprise. “You got away early?”

He nodded and grinned, looking her up and down. “Good thing, too. I’m feeling hungry and you look like something I’d like for dessert.”

Lizzie blushed in spite of herself. Really, they’d been intimate for many months now and yet she still couldn’t help but feel herself right back in high school, watching Mark in his football uniform at an after-school game. He’d traded in his football gear for an army uniform and completed a college degree while serving. Then he’d been shipped off to Iraq, coming home eleven months later with an injured left knee. Soon after, he left the army and signed on with the Ashton Corners Police Department, eventually becoming its chief.

Although Lizzie had mooned over her football hero during senior year, she truly believed he never even knew she existed. She’d been happily surprised to learn otherwise when he’d investigated a body found outside Molly’s house the night the book club held its first meeting. And she was happy to give up the infatuation for the real thing once she got to truly know the man. She gave his arm a squeeze.

“You know how to flatter a girl.”

“Not just any girl,” he whispered in her ear.

“Mark, I am so glad you were able to join us,” Molly said, coming toward them holding a plate of deviled eggs.

“Here, let me take that for you, Molly,” Lizzie said, grabbing the plate and setting it on one of the tables.

“I am not sure I should allow Teensy at the same table as Lorelie tonight,” Molly said in a low voice.

“I think it might be quite entertaining,” Mark suggested.

Molly let out an unladylike snort. “Nice to see you, Mark. Sort of quiet in the police station these days, I would imagine, without any murders,” Molly said to Mark as Lizzie turned back to them.

“Shh, don’t jinx him, Molly,” she said with a small laugh.

The remaining book club members arrived, Jacob having picked up Stephanie and Andie. He looked around for Sally-Jo and made his way to her, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. Lizzie wondered if they’d make an announcement about a wedding date soon. The way they looked at each other, it couldn’t be far off.

Sally-Jo, a good foot shorter than Jacob and looking like a redheaded pixie next to his mild-mannered bear, looked like she was sparkling, Lizzie thought. The teal sheath dress she’d chosen set off her coloring perfectly. Jacob had shed his suit jacket and tie but still looked every bit the lawyer, or maybe that was just because Lizzie knew that’s what he did for a living. She wished them well.

Molly grabbed Bob’s arm and pulled him over to where A.J. was eyeing the table of hors d’oeuvres and introduced them. Bob pumped A.J.’s arm. “I’m rightly pleased to meet you. I hear you’re a man after my own tastes.”

When A.J. looked confused and didn’t answer, Bob hurriedly went on, “I’m a police procedural reader. Can’t get enough of them.”

“That is probably because he is our former police chief,” Molly added. “What do the initials stand for anyway?” A.J. took a bite of the cheese straw in his right hand and chewed it thoroughly, eyeing Bob. He finally swallowed and said, “Ambrose Jackson. I figured a gritty story by someone named Ambrose wouldn’t do, and by the time I realized I wanted to write the lighter stuff, A.J. still seemed appropriate.”

Bob looked befuddled. Molly chuckled and squeezed his arm. “I am sure you will find A.J.’s mysteries quite amusing, Bob.”

Bob nodded at A.J. and made his escape to stand next to Lizzie. “I thought that guy wrote police procedurals,” he said nodding his head in A.J.’s direction.

“He does, only not the kind you usually read. His protagonist is the sheriff of a small Southern town who keeps getting in over his head. They’re really quite funny.”

“Oh boy.”

The back door swung open and all eyes turned to the two women who stepped outside, loudly chattering to each other.

“Oops, I’m so sorry,” said the shorter of the two. “We didn’t mean to make such a noisy entrance.” Although the woman didn’t sound too regretful at all, Lizzie didn’t even notice her face. Her eyes were riveted on the second woman, who began speaking.

“We do apologize. You know what it’s like when you get two women together.” She smiled brightly and faltered only a second as she looked around the room, when she spotted Lizzie. “I’m Ashley Dixon, a publicist with Crawther Publishing and the go-to person for these amazing authors this weekend. And this is Gigi Briggs. We’re so sorry for arriving late but the time just slipped away.” She shrugged and winked.

Lizzie tried to smile but had to turn away to compose her face. Same Ashley. Same condescending tone. Causing the same ache, which felt physical to Lizzie.

“What’s the matter?” Mark whispered. “Are you feeling all right?”

Lizzie took a deep breath and tried a small smile on for size. “I’ll tell you all about it later.”

Molly walked over to the two late arrivals. “I’m Molly Mathews and we are delighted you could come to our fair.” Molly turned to face the others. “I think we should get the formalities out of the way as I see our meal is ready. I would first of all like to say welcome to our visiting authors. We are just so delighted y’all agreed to attend our first mystery fair. I am sure you will get to know all of the members of the Ashton Corners Mystery Readers and Cheese Straws Society as the evening progresses. If there is anything any of us can do to make your stay that much more pleasant, please do not hesitate to ask. Now, shall we make our way into the dining room and we’ll show you some Southern hospitality?”

Ashley ducked away from Molly and went over to Lizzie, giving her a hug. “OMG! I can’t believe it’s you. It really is Lizzie Turner, isn’t it? Whatever are you doing here? Of course, Ashton Corners is your hometown, isn’t it? I just never expected to run into you. And you’re so involved in this whole book thing. Is it still Turner? I’ll bet you haven’t married yet. It’s been a long time. It’s so good to see you again.” She turned to speak to the others. “Lizzie and I were roommates in college our first year at Auburn. We certainly had some good times. We have so much catching up to do. It makes this weekend even more promising.” She winked, then hooked her arm through Lizzie’s and ushered her around the others heading indoors.

Lizzie hadn’t said a word yet. She couldn’t think of a thing to say but Ashley didn’t seem to notice. She’d launched into telling Lizzie about her job at Crawther Publishing and didn’t ask any questions of Lizzie.

Molly gave Lizzie an inquiring look as the two women neared the table. Lizzie noted that Molly had place cards on the table and was relieved to notice she sat at the opposite end and side from Ashley. Mark held out her chair and then took his seat next to Lizzie.

“What’s wrong?” he whispered, giving her hand a quick squeeze under the table.

Lizzie shook her head. This wasn’t the place to go into it. She glanced over at Ashley. Not much had changed. Still the same straight shoulder-length blonde hair but now it looked more edgy, angled to frame her face and those pouty lips. Everyone’s eyes were always drawn to them, and Ashley knew how to make the most of it. Lizzie quickly looked away before Ashley would notice her staring.

Molly waited until the wineglasses had been filled and then lifted her glass in a toast to the weekend. “I cannot tell y’all how thrilled I am, to have you all as my guests tonight. I wish all of our authors continued success with your various series and, of course, for us all, very good sales.”

Everyone around the table clinked glasses with those closest to them and then eagerly started eating. Lizzie tried to concentrate on the lemon basil shrimp salad she’d lavished on her plate, obviously not paying much attention as she’d been helping herself to her food. It was tasty, which was not a surprise as it was known as the signature dish of Food Lovers’ Delight. However, she was having a hard time finding her appetite and an equally hard time averting her eyes from the far end of the table, where Ashley held court. She could hear her voice clearly, though, and that was enough.

“I just love the publishing business,” Ashley said in her sultry voice, her eyes riveted on someone at Lizzie’s end of the table. Lizzie looked up abruptly and focused on the person drawing Ashley’s attention. Mark. Lizzie gritted her teeth but then noticed that Mark didn’t appear to be paying her any heed. Lizzie relaxed and tried to block out the rest of Ashley’s words but didn’t totally succeed.

“Get to meet such exciting people . . . don’t usually send us on tours like this . . . value my opinion . . .”

Molly leaned over to Lizzie and placed a hand on hers. “What is wrong, honey? You look like you would much rather be someplace else.”

Lizzie took a moment to take a deep breath in and drop her shoulders. She could feel the tension in them. “I’m sorry, Molly. I’m being a bad guest. I’ll explain later.” She gave Molly a reassuring smile and then turned to Gigi Briggs, who sat across the table from her, and asked, “Did you have a good flight?” Inwardly she cringed. Couldn’t get much blander than that. She barely heard Gigi’s answer.

Lizzie managed to eat her entire meal but had no idea what it tasted like. She was thankful when dessert was finished and they moved into the living room. Molly had recently redecorated the room that once graced the pages of
Ashton Corners Homes and Gardens
. The former elegant furniture and pale palette had given way to a fresher, updated look. The lush green walls were the perfect backdrop for the classicly styled love seats, three of them done in rich navy velvet. The occasional chairs were each outfitted in a different pattern or stripes in various shades of blue and green. The white trim and white accessories completed the picture.

Lizzie liked the new feel to the room, a welcoming vibe that helped lift her spirits. However, she intended to stay as far away from Ashley as possible, which turned out to be an easy task. Eventually, the authors decided to head back to their B and B en masse. As they were thanking Molly, Ashley sidled over to Lizzie and gave her a quick hug. She gave Mark a sidelong glance as she asked of Lizzie, “Are you two an item?”

Lizzie gave a small awkward laugh. “Mark and me? We’re just friends.”

Mark glanced sharply at Lizzie but didn’t say anything.

Ashley’s face broke into a devilish smile. “Why, that’s nice for you, isn’t it Lizzie? And extra good for me because I’m going to be spending time in your little town over the next while and it will be fun to have someone to play with.”

Lizzie gritted her teeth.
Here we go again.

I suddenly felt cold all over. I forced myself to take a couple of deep breaths.

FILE M FOR MURDER
—MIRANDA JAMES

W
henever Lizzie Turner thought about Picton Hall, her memories went straight to a place that included her daddy and her at a much younger age, maybe seven or so, taking part in a square dance at the annual Pins and Cushions Fair put on by the Ashton Corners Sewing Society. Her mama had been a member, just as her mama beforehand, and the dance remained a highlight of the Ashton Corners social season for decades.

Lizzie could still hear the music, something she couldn’t name, but the beat allowed her to allemande left and back around to the waiting arms of her daddy. She’d been so proud, being part of that pattern usually done by the adults. But her daddy had insisted she join in. That was just like him. He had wanted Lizzie to be included, to learn new things, to have fun.

She shook her head and guided her thoughts back to the present, to present-day Picton Hall and what Sally-Jo was saying.

“Wasn’t that a whole lot of fun last night?” Sally-Jo asked Lizzie.

They were putting the finishing touches on the registration table just inside the door to Picton Hall. Bob and Jacob had already been busy that morning setting up the chairs theater-style as Sally-Jo had requested, along with the casual seating for the panel members at the front of the stage. The bookselling tables were on the far side of the room, where Stephanie and Andie were busy laying out their displays.

“I noticed you seemed to have something on your mind, though,” Sally-Jo continued. “You still don’t seem your perky self this morning. What gives?”

“Perky? Since when am I the perky one? That’s usually reserved for you.”

“Uh, sorry. To rephrase, you’re not your usual cheerful self but you are feisty.”

“My turn to say sorry, Sally-Jo.”

Lizzie sighed as she looked around the room, wondering if anything else needed to be done. “I’m probably being silly. Mark thinks I’m being silly.” In fact, she’d had a devil of a time trying to explain to Mark why she’d chosen to describe their relationship as being “just friends.” She’d played it down, feeling embarrassed to tell him she was worried Ashley would make a play for him. It would have sounded almost like she didn’t trust Mark not to give in to Ashley’s charms. She wasn’t really sure if Mark bought her watered-down explanation. “But you know that publicist, Ashley Dixon?”

“Your former roommate?” Sally-Jo asked, shaking Lizzie out of her reverie.

“That’s the one. There’s a reason our arrangement lasted for only one semester.”

Sally-Jo stopped her task of placing the name tags in alphabetical order on the table and gave Lizzie her full attention.

“She had to have it all, be the one getting all the attention all the time, which led to some tricky situations. Things were getting really awkward, so I asked to be moved for the winter semester but there was no one to switch with and no free rooms. And then she left Auburn, never came back from Christmas break. I was so relieved.”

“And now she shows up here. Ouch. What did she do? Borrow your clothes, swipe your answers?”

“None of the above.” Lizzie hesitated, wondering how much of the story she should share. She realized, even though she’d come to terms with what had happened, she hadn’t totally forgotten nor forgiven. In fact, seeing Ashley had thrown Lizzie for a loop. Maybe the best way to get over old demons was to talk about them. “It started out real friendly and then this competitive streak took over. She didn’t like it one bit that I got higher marks in the two classes we shared. And then one of her boyfriends, and she had lots of them, actually took a liking to me. He asked me out but I said no. I couldn’t do that to a friend. But I guess I’d hurt his feelings, so he told her I’d come on to him and she made sure to make my life miserable whenever she got the chance. She started spreading ugly rumors and left nasty notes on my bed.”

“Wow. Sounds like a psycho. How great that she left school.”

“It was really a relief. I’d taken to sleeping on the floor of a friend’s room during exams and I avoided seeing her before she left. I just made sure to keep my head down for the rest of that year, and by that time, I’d once again joined the anonymous masses. And I never gave her another thought. Anyway, I don’t want to think about her now and I’m sure she’ll show up soon enough today so I won’t be able to stop thinking about her.”

“Maybe she’s changed.”

“I hope she has,” Lizzie said, thinking back to how Ashley had eyed Mark the night before, “although I highly doubt it.” Lizzie just hoped Ashley wouldn’t consider this payback time with Mark as the prize.

Sally-Jo gave Lizzie a quick hug. “Just sic me on her if she’s causing you any grief. Meanwhile, that coffee smells like it’s ready. Let’s grab a cup before we have to share it.”

Molly joined them for a cup and drank hers leaning against the counter that served as a divider between the kitchen and the main hall. “I think it’s looking good and I’m sure everyone will be pleased.”

She didn’t sound too sure, Lizzie thought. “It’s going to be great, Molly. It’s been the talk of the town all week and we’re sold out.”

“Oh, I know, honey. And the books are here ready to go. I’m just hoping all will go smoothly with the authors.”

“Well, they seemed on their best behavior last night, except for that bit of cattiness over dessert.”

Sally-Jo snorted. “You mean when Lorelie told Caroline that maybe her caterer character should take lessons from the people at Food Lovers’ Delight? I thought that was hilarious. I had to duck out of the room so they wouldn’t see me laughing.”

Molly sniffed. “It was kind of funny but I do so want it to be a problem-free fair. And what about you, Lizzie? Will you be able to handle today?”

Oh boy. Everyone must have noticed my reaction last night.
She put on a smile. “Of course, Molly. Everything’s going to work out just fine.” She gave Molly a quick hug and then grabbed their empty cups and refilled them at the coffee urn.

As she passed the cups back to the others, Bob was propping open the doors to the hall and they could hear the sounds of women making their way into the building.

“Showtime,” Molly said and walked toward the doors.

Sally-Jo and Lizzie took their places at the registration desk, where their jobs were to hand out receipts if needed, make sure everyone filled out a name tag and check the attendance sheet. The noise and blur of forty-three women and seven men reached fever pitch by the time the authors began arriving. Lizzie sensed the electricity in the air the moment Lorelie and Margaret, or rather Caroline, sashayed into the room. She was sure Molly would be delighted.

They left the table set up with the remaining name tags in case the half-dozen latecomers were just that, arriving late, and went to join the throngs.

Lizzie heard Teensy’s unmistakable laugh and zeroed in on her. It was up to Lizzie to make sure Teensy got onstage at the right moment and started her emcee duties on time. Lizzie was also on the lookout for Isabel Fox, head librarian at the public library, who would moderate the panel. As she formed the thought of her, Isabel appeared in her sight line. Lizzie went over before anyone could corner Isabel in a conversation. Since Isabel hadn’t been able to make the dinner last night, Lizzie wanted to introduce her to the authors before the program started.

“Hi, Isabel. Are you all set to take on these criminal minds?”

Isabel laughed. Her eyes crinkled in an already lined face, one that matched perfectly with her salt-and-pepper hair, worn in a pixie cut. A pale blue pantsuit and burgundy blouse suited her trim five-foot-three stature. “I’m really quite excited, Lizzie. Most librarians are author groupies at heart, you know, and it’s such a pleasure to meet them. I see Caroline Cummings over there. I recognize her from her jacket cover. May I get a cup of coffee first and then on to the introductions?”

“Of course. I’ll just grab a refill at the same time.” Lizzie walked with her to the counter, filled their cups and then they headed toward Caroline.

“Caroline, I’d like to introduce Isabel Fox, our librarian, and your moderator,” Lizzie said.

Caroline held out her hand and smiled sweetly, only to have Lorelie Oliver shimmy in between the two of them.

“Is this our moderator, Lizzie?” she asked, grabbing Isabel’s outstretched hand. “I’m Lorelie Oliver, author of the Southern Fashionista series. It’s such a pleasure to meet you.”

Caroline moved to Lorelie’s side and inconspicuously shoved her aside. “For me also,” she told Isabel. She took Isabel’s arm and steered her away from Lorelie. “Why don’t we go find the others and I’ll do the introductions, while I tell you all about my Southern Caterer series.” She looked over at Lizzie. “I know you’re probably swamped with things to do here.”

Lizzie nodded but didn’t get a chance to say anything before they’d moved away. Oh well, there was a lot that needed doing. Isabel would have to fend for herself, as Lizzie knew she could.

“Lizzie.” Lizzie knew that voice. She turned around to give her best friend, Paige Raleigh, a big hug.

“I’m so glad you were able to get here,” Lizzie said with a grin.

“Are you kidding? Brad had no choice but to babysit the girls today. It’s mama’s day off and I expect to thoroughly enjoy myself. So, what’s the scoop?”

Lizzie sighed. “I think we’re all set. Molly’s been working so hard to make this run smoothly, we all have, so I hope there are no hitches.”

“Well, I think it’s pretty exciting. There hasn’t been anything like this in Ashton Corners for a long time, if ever. Oh sure, Jensey Pollard used to host the odd signing at the Book Bin but she never put on a full-day event. And I’m pretty certain the library hasn’t done anything like this, either. You guys are to be congratulated for sure.”

“It’s been pretty exciting except for the fly in the proverbial ointment.”

Paige raised her eyebrows in question.

“I’ll explain later,” Lizzie said, lowering her voice. “I shouldn’t have mentioned it now, not when there’s so much to concentrate on and so many people around.”

“Well, then you’d better get your butt over to my place for dinner sometime soon. Like one night this week,” Paige said with a laugh. “I don’t like to be on the outside of a good story.”

Lizzie was spared having to answer when Molly breezed up to them, gave Paige a hug and spirited Lizzie off to help put some floral arrangements out on the dining tables.

What seemed like a short while later, Lizzie was surprised to see it was almost ten when she looked at the clock that hung above the kitchen pass-through. Time to round up everyone and get them onstage. She looked over at the bookselling table to see a short lineup keeping Stephanie and Andie busy. Sally-Jo caught her eye, pointed to the clock and started shooing people away from the eats.

Teensy had a rapt audience of attendees around her when Lizzie approached. “I’m sorry but I’m going to have to ask you all to take your seats. We’re about to begin. And Teensy, you’re needed on the stage.”

“Oh my, yes, sugar. It’s been so nice talking to y’all,” she said to the women who had started to disperse. To Lizzie, she said, “I just want to run to the little girls’ room and powder my nose. Won’t be but two shakes of a rat’s tale.” She scurried off at a faster pace than Lizzie had seen her move before.

By the time Lizzie had rounded up the authors and seated them, Teensy sashayed through the door and climbed the three stairs leading up to the stage with a flourish. She added an extra swirl to the movement of her full-length peach-colored crinkle skirt. She’d chosen a navy scoop-necked top with flowing sleeves and hemline to complete the look.

“Why, y’all look so readerly and a bit mysterious at the same time,” she told the audience, much to its delight. For the next five minutes, Teensy entertained them all with tales of her writing experiences and a welcome from the Ashton Corners Mystery Readers and Cheese Straws Society.

“And as a special treat,” she continued, “the names of the attendees had been put into a box and a draw for the winner of a grand prize will be held at the end of the question period.” Teensy pointed to a large gift basket encased in multicolored clear wrap and everyone started clapping. Then she introduced the authors, using the notes they’d prepared about themselves. After introducing Isabel Fox, she turned it over to her and the conversation began.

They’d decided, in consultation with Isabel earlier on, that rather than have a formal panel, the five would sit in a semicircle and treat it more like an afternoon chat. The format seemed to go over well with the audience members, who were invited to interrupt with questions whenever they felt like it and, indeed, did so.

Isabel had managed to dig deep into their biographies and sprinkled some personal questions about them throughout the ones focusing on the craft of writing. Lizzie sat back and began to enjoy the morning. Isabel had indeed been the right choice. The audience obviously agreed. As Lizzie looked around she was pleased to see that most people appeared interested and hanging on every word.