Murder at the Arlington: Chapter 18

Chapter Eighteen

I was about to suggest that we return to our hotel and call it a day. Despite the two murders, I liked the place. I liked my room. I’d have to come back sometimes, under better circumstances.

Suddenly I was exhausted. But before I could open my mouth, Ruth jumped up. “Shopping! It’s ti . . . me,” She sung her announcement in an annoying falsetto. “We only have a little more than two hours before the stores close. I firmly believe we could do some real damage.”

I’d totally forgotten about shopping. At this point I’d rather return to see how the Smalls were doing at Mount Ida. In fact that quiet little root cellar sounded kind of nice. I looked at my watch. “Okay, Ruth. We shop. First I need coffee.”

She gave me that pouty face, then found the waiter and ordered two coffees.

“Where’s that shop of yours?” I asked. I added double sugar to give the caffeine a boost.

“Two blocks down Central. Maurice’s. You’ll love it.”

“I need everything. A skirt, a sweater, couple of blouses, shoes, bathing suit, and pajamas, even a coat or jacket.”

“We’ll need a department store for that. Let’s exchange the outfit first.” I tried on two outfits at Maurice’s and claimed that neither fit. The clothes in this…