Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore by Rose Pressey

uninvited.”
    â€œExactly,” I said as I pulled onto my street.
    I lived in a two-story white cottage. Pink asters in cute little white pots flanked the front door. During the summer, I had kitschy pink flamingos in the front landscaping, but since fall was coming, I had added pumpkins on my front porch. The flamingos would have to wait until spring to make an appearance again.
    After letting Wind Song out of her cage, I slipped into my favorite pink pajamas: the ones with the pastel-colored macaroons on them. For dinner, I decided to have some of the leftover vegetarian black-bean chili I’d made the other day. I’d made a little too much, so I’d have to take the extra to Heather. I’d never eat it all by myself. Heather always loved my homemade chili. It was my mother’s recipe. I’d also made jalapeño cheddar cornbread.
    Once I’d prepared dinner, I settled into my favorite living-room chair to do a little blogging. I’d spotted new celebrity photos of the stars wearing vintage items and I couldn’t wait to post them. Charlotte and Sam sat across from me on the sofa while I worked. I tried to ignore their stares, but I felt their eyes on me. Charlotte and Sam stood at the same time and began walking back and forth across the living-room floor.
    After finishing my chili, I got sick of their pacing and picked up my phone to place the calls.
    â€œIt’s about time. I thought you’d never take the hint,” Charlotte pronounced.
    â€œYou weren’t exactly subtle about it,” I said.
    Sam and Charlotte stood nearby so that they could hear every word of my end of the conversation. I suppose I could have put it on speakerphone for them, but that might only encourage them to want me to do more snooping tonight. That was not happening if I had anything to say about it.
    After finding the paper with the names that Melanie had given me, I went down the list, but I wasn’t having much luck getting in touch with any of the models. Ten minutes had passed without an answer. I was ready to give up, but I had one more call to place. Jamie Meyer answered on the second ring. Now that I had her on the line, I really had no idea what I was going to say.
    â€œMy name is Cookie Chanel,” I said.
    â€œOh, I remember you. The vintage clothing, right?” she asked.
    â€œYes, that’s me.”
    â€œIs there something wrong?”
    â€œEverything is fine. I just wondered if I could meet with you to discuss the show.”
    â€œPut her on speakerphone so we can hear,” Charlotte urged.
    I knew I would regret this, but Charlotte’s sad eyes and Sam’s frown made me feel guilty. I pushed the button and Jamie’s voice could now be heard throughout my living room. Charlotte and Sam smiled.
    â€œDoes this have anything to do with Melanie’s murder? Because I really don’t want to talk about it.” Her voice quavered with apprehension.
    â€œTell her no,” Sam urged.
    I didn’t want to lie, but I knew if I said yes she wouldn’t meet with me.
    â€œNo.” My voice was less than confident with my answer.
    â€œOkay, I guess I could meet you tomorrow. Can you come by my place?” she asked.
    I jotted down her address and hung up.
    â€œGreat job,” Sam said.
    â€œI thought you were going to pass out there for a minute when you had to lie to her.” Charlotte laughed.
    â€œThat’s it. I’m going to bed.” I stifled a yawn as I jumped up from my seat.
    Now that I had set up a meeting, I hoped that Charlotte and Sam would let me go to bed without any interruptions. All I wanted was a full eight hours of sleep.

Chapter 10
    Sam’s Surefire Sleuthing Pointer

    When using a car for a stakeout, make sure it
doesn’t stand out. Pick black, gray,
or another similar color.
    Â 
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    The next morning the sun streamed through my window. I jumped up ready to take on the day. First, I’d