Murder at the Mikado (28 page)
Read Murder at the Mikado Online
Authors: Julianna Deering
The chimney sweep touched his cap, his teeth showing white in his blackened face. “If you please, missus. I’ll mind not to get soot on your lovely dress.”
“Go on, missus,” someone from the crowd called, and others began to urge her on.
With a giggle she offered the sweep her cheek. Just as he touched his lips to it, there was the flash of a camera. After a few more pictures and many more farewells, Drew spotted someone trying to sneak away at the back of the crowd.
“Oh, no, you don’t!”
But Chief Inspector Birdsong only gave him an approving nod and a tip of his best hat before hurrying off, his placid-looking wife in tow.
Madeline grinned at Drew as Carrie went to hug her.
“You two be happy, you hear me?” Carrie said.
“We will,” Madeline promised, and Drew kissed Carrie’s cheek.
“Here now,” Nick protested, “you’ve already got a girl.”
Madeline leaned over and kissed Nick’s cheek before he realized what she was doing. “There,” she said. “We’re all even now.”
Nick gave Drew a smug look, and Drew shoved his shoulder.
“Those are all legally mine at this point,” Drew said, “and I’m keeping detailed records from here on out.”
“Fair enough,” said Nick, throwing an arm around his friend’s shoulders. “All the best, old man. You’ve done well for yourself, and don’t you forget it.”
“Believe me, Nick, I know. I know.”
With a laugh, Drew pulled Madeline into his arms and kissed her once more. Then, under a shower of rice and cheers and laughter, they ran hand in hand down the path to the road.
T
o my very dear agent and friend, Wendy Lawton, for her much-needed wisdom.
To all my writer friends, near and far, for being a wonderful source of information and encouragement.
And, always, to my dad, my number-one fan.
I thank God for you all.
Julianna Deering
, author of
Rules of Murder
and
Death by the Book
, is the pen name of the multi-published novelist DeAnna Julie Dodson. DeAnna has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen, or the stage. This, together with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness, and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas, along with three spoiled cats. When not writing, DeAnna spends her free time quilting, cross-stitching, and watching NHL hockey. Learn more at
JuliannaDeering.com
.
From Bethany House Publishers
T
HE
D
REW
F
ARTHERING
M
YSTERIES
Rules of Murder
Death by the Book
Murder at the Mikado
