licking the last bit of Gelato from her spoon and wagging it at Emily. “Working on any exciting cases?”
“Ever since I solved the Delia McCall murder case a few months ago, it’s been pretty uneventful.”
Emily had taken over the McCall case after Evan was killed, and it quickly went from tracking Ms. McCall’s philandering husband to solving his murder. Emily had exposed the murderer, almost losing her own life in the process.
“That was an excitin’ case.” Maggie poured herself more wine.
“Since then, it’s just been a handful of suspicious wives hiring me to follow their wayward husbands. Seems like not much happens in this sleepy little town—except maybe adultery.” Emily gave the girls a playful grin.
“Oh, my,” Camille gasped as a little giggle escaped her. She stood and began to clear the plates from the table.
“How can y’all say that?” Maggie asked. “We had two murders in the same year.”
“You’re right,” Camille agreed. “And if Jonathan cheated on me, there’d be another murder in this town, for sure,” she quipped, winking at Emily.
“Don’t get me wrong,” Emily explained, pouring herself another half glass of wine. “I’m not complaining. Believe me I’m not out looking and hoping for another murder to solve. That would be pretty ghoulish, don’t you think?” she asked with a little chuckle. “I’m just ready for a case with a little more meat that I can sink my teeth into.”
“Well, I, for one, am glad Paradise Valley has remained so crime-free,” Isabel weighed in. “I get enough of investigating criminals for the FBI in other cities.”
“Okay, okay, enough talk about me and my business,” Emily said, changing the subject as she turned to Maggie. “How’s your new friend doing? Sorry, I forgot her name.”
“Fiona,” Isabel offered.
“Yes, Fiona,” Emily repeated. “How’s she doing?” Emily picked up her glass to finish the last swallow of wine.
Camille stuck the dishes in the sink and hurried back to the table, dropping down in her seat as if she didn’t want to miss a word.
Maggie explained that her new friend was still looking for a job. “Fiona didn’t think that she’d have any trouble finding one with all her experience as an administrative assistant, but no luck so far.”
“Well, hon, if we hear of anything, we’ll let you know and you can pass the word on to Fiona,” Camille promised, glancing around the table to the others, who nodded their agreement.
“I’d surely appreciate that. I know Fiona would, too,” Maggie said. “She’s gettin’ a little discouraged, I think.”
“When we have the party for Lucas, why don’t you invite her, too?” Camille suggested. “She’ll have a chance to meet some new people, maybe make some connections. Perhaps that’ll lift her spirits.”
“I think she’d like that,” Maggie replied. “Y’all are just the best.”
“Enough talk, I need more wine.” Isabel scooted her chair out and went to the counter. “Anybody else?” she offered, holding up the bottle.
“I guess I’ll be driving,” Camille laughed.
CHAPTER 2
Maggie let Camille and the rest of her friends know that she had spoken with Lucas and found out when he was coming for his first visit to Paradise Valley. As promised, Camille planned a lavish party at Isabel and Alex’s beautiful home in the upscale neighborhood of River Woods.
The next time Maggie spoke to Lucas, he told her once more how much he looked forward to meeting her friends and her brother, and that he hoped she would also invite some others who might like to hear about the new resort.
“But this is a party to introduce you to my friends,” Maggie moaned.
“I know, sweetheart, but I’m coming to Paradise Valley to start a new business, and I could use all the help I can get. Don’t you want to see this resort succeed? Then I could buy you all the nice things you deserve.”
She did like nice things, she had told him so on several occasions. So, Maggie added a few more people to Camille’s guest list, people she knew had money and influence and could be helpful to Lucas’s success. She even spoke to her brother about inviting a few of his friends and business associates, and Emily reminded her to add Fiona to the list, as well.
~*~
The warm weather in late June was perfect for the outdoor party, and Camille had outdone herself with the hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and decorations. She strung little white lights wherever she could so the ambience was enhanced as the sun sank below the horizon. Maggie paid for a local DJ to keep