Dream a Little Scream by Mary Kennedy Page A

specials.
    We had a long way to go, but I was happy that we were moving forward and that my sometimes impulsive, flighty sister had settled down and was actually going to run a profitable business. Ali has had a checkered career and a series of failed ventures. The problem is she’s never had a specific career goal, and she’s always searching for something just out of reach. Since graduating from art school, she’d worked for a graphic designer, done stints as marketingcoordinator for a textile museum and event planner for an art gallery, and even run a glass-blowing shop. It seemed as though all her talents had finally come together and merged into a successful business enterprise. I could only hope I was right.

5
    When Noah called me at six, I was taken by surprise. My heart gave a little lurch when his warm, sexy voice raced over the line. I was in the shop, tidying up a gummy bear display, and I pulled over a counter stool, settling down to talk.
    â€œSara told me what happened,” he said quietly. “Are you okay?”
    â€œI think so. I was pretty shaken up at first, but the initial shock seems to have worn off. It was probably worse for Sara because she actually followed the ambulance to the hospital. She’s the one who called to tell me Sonia didn’t make it.”
    We talked for a few minutes about Sonia’s sudden death and the possibility of foul play. As far as I knew, the jury was still out on whether or not it was a homicide, but Noah seemed to have his suspicions. Noah is a private detective and his mind is razor-sharp, instantly homing in on possible motive, means, and opportunity when he’s sizing up potentialsuspects. When he worked for the FBI, he was part of an elite division at Quantico, the Behavioral Science Unit, and he brings those same skills to his work as a PI.
    â€œWho would have had it in for Sonia?”
    â€œI don’t know, and that’s what’s bothering me. I guess anyone who’s reached that level of fame is bound to have made some enemies along the way, but would anyone hate her enough to kill her? Her fans seemed to love her. She employed a whole entourage; the woman had an empire. She was an inspiration to a lot of people because she started out with nothing and worked night and day. One of those rags-to-riches tales that people love to hear about.”
    Noah snorted. “Someone wasn’t too impressed by her. She probably clawed her way to the top. I’m guessing there are some wannabes who might have been jealous of her fame and wealth. I think we should start where we always start.”
    â€œBy following the money?” I was grateful that Noah seemed eager to help with the investigation, and I knew his protective instincts had kicked in. Until the mystery of Sonia’s death was solved, a cloud was going to hang over Oldies But Goodies
.
    â€œExactly.” Ali walked out of the stockroom and shot me a puzzled look. I mouthed
Noah
and she nodded.
    Following the money is one of Noah’s favorite strategies. I was silent for a moment, thinking of who might benefit financially from Sonia’s death. Her heirs? Very possibly. Maybe some business colleagues? Certainly not her stockholders; her sudden death would cause stock prices in Sonia Scott, Inc., to plummet.
    And now that Sonia was gone, who was left to carry on the brand? The cookbooks, the television show, the video cooking lessons, the friendly, down-home blog? Women thought ofSonia Scott as being open and approachable, someone you could share a cup of coffee with at your kitchen table. She was friendly, folksy, and an awesome cook.
    It seemed sad to think she’d spent decades building up her fan base, acquiring corporate sponsors, creating a whole line of cookware and table settings, and now it was all gone in a flash.
    â€œI don’t know enough about her yet. Sara said she’s going to look into the financials—”
    â€œI know, Sara