Sue Ann Jaffarian - Twice as Dead

Innis Casey Photography

About the Author

Like the character Odelia Grey, Sue Ann Jaffarian is a middle-aged, plus-size paralegal. In addition to the Odelia Grey mystery series, she is the author of the paranormal Ghost of Granny Apples mystery series and the Madison Rose Vampire mystery series. Sue Ann is also nationally sought after as a motivational and humorous speaker. She lives and works in Los Angeles, California.

Other titles in the Odelia Grey series include Too Big to Miss (2006), The Curse of the Holy Pail (2007), Thugs and Kisses (2008), Booby Trap (2009), and Corpse on the Cob (2010).

Visit Sue Ann on the Internet at www.sueannjaffarian.com and www.sueannjaffarian.blogspot.com

Twice As Dead: An Odelia Grey Mystery 2011 by Sue Ann Jaffarian.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

First e-book edition 2011

E-book ISBN: 9780738732220

Book design by Donna Burch

Cover design by Ellen Lawson

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Manufactured in the United States of America

For Lynne DeVenny Craig,
the paralegals paralegal.

Acknowledgments

Thanks again to the usual suspects, who were never more than a phone call or e-mail away during this journey:

Whitney Lee, my agent

Diana James, my manager

Terri Bischoff, my acquisitions editor

And thank you to all the wonderful people at Midnight Ink/Llewellyn Worldwide who have worked very hard to make every book a dream come true.

I eyed the thick wooden coat hanger with suspicion, poised as it was to do serious damage to my skull.

Put that damn thing down before you hurt someone, I demanded. Namely me.

Im warning you, Odelia. My assailants eyes were glazed with menace. You take one step outside this room, and Ill knock you unconscious. I swear I will.

The door to the cloakroom flung open, surprising both of us. From beyond the door, we could hear the band playing Achy Breaky Heart. Even though Im as uncoordinated as an elephant in a tutu, at that moment I would have given a kidney to be on the dance floor doing the Electric Slide with assorted bridesmaids and wedding guests.

What in the hell is going on here? demanded Seth. He snatched the hanger from his wifes hands. Zenobia Washington, have you lost your ever-loving mind? His question was presented in the hushed voice of a really ticked-off librarian, not that of an experienced lawyer. Behind him was Jacob Washington, Seth and Zees college-age son. Now as tall as his father, he stood looking at his mother and me like we were circus freakswhich might not be that far from the truth, given the current circumstances.

Actually, Seth, her insanity is a teensy bit justified. I held up my right hand with my thumb and index finger about an inch apart to add emphasis to my words.

Seths mouth dropped open. She was about to club you, and youre defending her?

After straightening up from my defensive crouch, I smoothed the wrinkles out of my ice-blue lace cocktail dress and studied Zee. She looked fabulous in her champagne silk tea-length mother-of-the-bride dress, though I doubt the designer foresaw the dress being accessorized with a weapon. Now Zee had her hands on her ample hips in her signature stance of intimidation, which ruined the flowing lines of the garment. Since were both short and fat and wear a size 20, I wondered, not for the first time, if shed let me borrow the dress for my in-laws fiftieth anniversary party in two months. Something told me now would not be a good time to ask.

Of course Im defending her. I kept my own voice down in case someone was passing in the hallway. Shes my best friend, and she had her reasons. I glanced over at Zee, who hadnt moved a muscle. Even if her method was a bit barbaric. Still, Im not so sure I wouldnt have done the same.

Seth shifted on his feet and pulled at the collar of his tuxedo shirt. He looked from his wife to me, waiting for an explanation. Are either of you going to tell me what this is about?

Jacob started to say something, but his mother cut him off. She was going to ruin Hannahs wedding. Hannah being Seth and Zees daughter.

I felt my hackles rise. I would never dream of doing such a thing, and you know it.

Seth turned to Jacob. Go find Greg. Tell him I need his assistance. Dont say why.

And miss this? Jacob crossed his arms in front of him, settling in for the show.

Seth leveled his paternal glare at the young man. I said, go find Greg. Do it now.

After a few seconds hesitation, Jacob caved, giving in to years of good upbringing. Okay, but dont move the body till I get back.

As Jacob dashed out the door, Seth turned to me. He started to say something, then his open mouth clamped shut so hard I heard his upper and lower molars collide. He turned to his wife, his dark face incredulous, silently begging her to say it wasnt true. Zees dark eyes met his. She nodded, confirming his worst fears.

When Seth turned back to me, I took two steps to my left and cast my eyes slightly behind me. Seths eyes followed mine.

There, half hidden, was the dead body of a woman.

We were at a local private club, standing in a fair-sized room with no windows. During cooler months, the room was used as a cloakroom. Portable clothing racks, their sturdy wooden hangers dangling like soldiers at the ready, lined the walls on either side of the door. The room was slightly L-shaped, with a small alcove to the right. Against the back wall of the alcove stood several stacks of large plastic storage containers. From the view afforded by the opaque plastic, most were full. The only entry into the room was a Dutch doora door split in two horizontally so that the top portion could be opened with the bottom half remaining shut. Right now, the top and bottom portions were latched together. Seth had closed the door after Jacob had gone in search of Greg Stevens, my husband.