Page 105 of Murder at the Debutante Ballby

I felt a compulsion to fill the silence. “Thank you again for helping Floyd out of his situation. He’s the happiest he’s been in weeks. I’m not sure he can ever repay you.”

“He has already thanked me in the best way he knows how.”

“How? He has no money.”

“He sent clients my way. Cases involving lost dogs and missing jewels, mostly, but I’ve also had to discover the source of leaked gossip. Just this morning, I was hired by a gentleman to find out everything I can about his sister’s potential suitors.”

“And you think Floyd sent all those clients to you?”

“They’re all friends and acquaintances of his, so I’m sure of it.”

I was proud of Floyd. Not only did he seem to be honoring his vow of never gambling again, but he was repaying Harry in the best possible way. Harry didn’t want money for what he’d done and saying thanks would only embarrass him. By funneling potential clients to his agency, Floyd was showing his appreciation and respect for Harry while avoiding awkward exchanges.

“Is that what you’re doing now?” I asked. “Investigating the girl’s suitor?” I looked around and noticed we stood outside a teashop.

“I, uh…”

“It’s all right, Harry. I’m not muscling in on your investigation. In fact, I’ll leave you to it.”

His gaze shifted to someone he’d spotted behind me. “That’s a good idea. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon.”

“You too.”

I walked off, but couldn’t resist a glance back to see who he was spying on. There was a chance I might know them from all of the balls and parties I’d been attending lately.

I almost tripped over my own feet.

I’d been expecting a gentleman, not a woman, and especially not the beautiful Miss Morris. My insides plunged as the administrative assistant from Searcys smiled a dazzling smile at Harry.

He held the door to the teashop open for her and she entered ahead of him. Before he followed her, his gaze connected with mine.

I nodded and offered a smile, hoping it looked genuine and not as hollow as I felt. He didn’t deserve to feel any guilt for being with her. He may have liked our kiss a few weeks ago, but I’d instigated it, not him. I’d also made my intentions, or lack of them, clear and had no right to feel jealous now.

He deserved the elegant, clever, tall and beautiful Miss Morris. I wanted him to enjoy his afternoon with her. I truly did.

I drew in a steadying breath and turned my face to the sunshine, determined to find some way to lighten the heaviness that had settled in my chest.

Available 6thJune 2023 :

MURDER AT THE CROWN AND ANCHOR

The 6th Cleopatra Fox Mystery

Read on for an excerpt of MURDER AT THE CROWN AND ANCHOR

Excerpt of Murder at the Crown and Anchor

About MURDER AT THE CROWN AND ANCHOR:

A wealthy businessman with a reputation for taking risks rose from the slums to the height of success. But success comes at a price, especially when it’s achieved at the expense of others.

When a former guest of the hotel is found dead in a dockside tavern, the police rule it suicide. After all, some say his negligence caused one of his company’s ships to go down in a storm, along with all its cargo and several members of the crew. The guilt would be too much for many. But when evidence of murder is uncovered, Cleo feels compelled to bring the killer to justice.

With Harry Armitage on a separate case that involves many of the same suspects, their paths cross and sparks fly. And there are more suspects emerging every day. With a victim whose past was shrouded in mystery, who was a bully to some and a brilliant businessman to others, it’s difficult to separate fact from fiction.

As Cleo and Harry peel back the layers of lies, one fact is undeniable—a man’s past follows him to the grave, something Harry knows all too well.

CHAPTER 1