Page 102 of Don't Cross Mo Ellery

Whoa.

“Thanks.” My whole body is buzzing as I run out of the Petty Pig.

What are the odds that an experienced canner and asshole perfectionist like Cran would make a mistake sohuge? Well, the odds are five in however many people there are in the United States.

The odds are astronomically bad.

Which means that according to the odds, Cran almost certainly got murdered too.

Holy shit.

I walk down the sidewalk in a daze, threading my way through the suits and the corpos, the fashionistas and the yogis. As I climb the stairs to the train platform, every step up brings me closer to understanding.

It was always strange that Cran died in such a weird way. And heck, using botulism to murder somebody—contaminating Cran’s beets or whatever—was genius, becauseof courseit would look like an accident.

I suddenly remember what Tond said, that after the gas company delay went so long, his brother “almost gave up on the whole thing.” If Cran backed out of the parking garage deal, then the deal was dead on arrival. DOA as they say. Just like Cran.

Interesting.

The train arrives and I step on, the door sliding shut behind me. At my seat, my phone dings with a new text from Chris. I’m ashamed that my heart does a little leap.

Chris:Just wanna say I think you look okay

Ah yes, the master of the compliment, that’s Chris.

My phone pings again.

Chris:I mean, it might be a good idea to buy new makeup

Chris:Just like a product refresh

Chris:I don’t think you need work yet. But Kendra has a groupon that’s about to expire if you want it

Okay, what? Did I ask?? And it’s not like Chris to neg so hard. I wonder if Kendra wrote the text.

I don’t respond. Obviously.

But even that shitty text can’t stop me from feeling the thrill/fear cocktail from this new break in the case.

Yes!

Cran got murdered!

Chapter 32

Okay, that came out wrong.

It’s not that I’mthrilledhe got murdered, but I am SO pumped that I figured it out. I’ve got to tell somebody.

Me:Big news, Cran WAS murdered

I get an automated response.

Marlowe:By order of her tyrannical parents, Marlowe is currently not getting notifications. Will respond once workaround has been achieved.

Well, I guess it serves me right for having a sidekick capable of being grounded.

Good thing I have a backup sidekick.