Hide and Snoop (The Odelia Grey Mysteries) by Sue Ann Jaffarian Page A

spacious and beautiful. Once past the foyer, I walked into a humongous open space with French doors lining the far wall. Just beyond the doors, a patio of red brick dominated the small back yard, covering most of the property in place of grass. The patio was partially covered and populated with more furniture than my living room. Flowering plants in pots of various sizes and styles dotted the area. Off to one side was a hot tub, and beyond that the back wall of the property was lined with sentries of tall oleanders acting as a privacy wall and sound barrier. It was the perfect outdoor entertainment space.
    The wall-to-wall carpet was thick and the color of pale champagne. In one corner of the living room, past the two matching sofas and chairs and assorted polished tables, was a baby grand piano. Another wall was dominated by a large fireplace framed in white wood with a deep mantel. Above the mantel was a Chagall in a gilt frame, and I’d bet my next latté the painting was real. It was a lovely room but very formal and stuffy, like a photo shoot for a glossy design magazine. Every knickknack, painting, and lamp looked appointed and impersonal rather than a cherished memory. There were no personal photos anywhere. I half expected to see red velvet ropes to keep people from using it.
    The great room expanded around a wall into a dining area with a large table and six matching chairs covered in cream brocade down to the floor. I started to poke my head out, craning to see the kitchen, which had to be around the next bend, but Racel cleared her throat, bringing me back to the task at hand. I turned to her and gave her a smile I hoped didn’t look too cheesy.
    “Like I said, I’m Odelia Grey. I’m a paralegal at Erica’s firm.” I held out my hand to Racel. She took it.
    “Racel Barlongo.” She softened her look, which enhanced her pretty face and made her look even younger. “How is Lily?”
    “She’s fine,” I told her. “She’s with a friend of mine today who is spoiling her rotten with fun and affection. I think they’re going to bake cookies this afternoon.”
    “The kid needs something like that. Erica made her stay in the guest room most of the time, like a prisoner. Occasionally she was allowed in the den.” With a sweep of her hand, Racel indicated the immaculate living room. “She was terrified Lily would make a mess in the house.” She let out a half snort. “As if Erica would be the one to clean it up.”
    “How long have you worked for her?”
    “About eight months. My aunt used to work for her. When she retired, I took it over.” She motioned for me to follow her down a long hallway while she talked. “It’s not a bad gig. I’m here almost every day, but my hours fluctuate depending on my school schedule. I go to UC Irvine, biology major. Erica doesn’t care as long as the work gets done while she’s gone.” Once she knew I was Lily’s new caretaker, Racel relaxed and became quite chatty. I hoped it would continue.
    Racel opened a door off the hallway, exposing a large bedroom. It was nicely decorated but sparse, holding only a queen-sized bed and a dresser. On top of the dresser was a combination flat screen TV and DVD player. “This was where Lily stayed,” she told me.
    Without asking permission, I started searching for something soft and kid friendly. I needed to at least try to keep up my ruse while I pumped Racel for information.
    “Do you know what Lily was so attached to?” I asked while I did my fake search. Lily hadn’t seemed to be missing anything important to her, so I doubted Racel would come up with anything.
    “I only saw her a few days,” Racel said, helping me look for the nonexistent toy. “Long enough to wash her clothes and keep her occupied on top of my other chores. I watched her all last week, but this week I couldn’t. I think the only time she was allowed outside to play was when I was here.”
    I turned to Racel. “That explains her clothes. Lily