Tags:
Mystery,
Mystery Fiction,
Pets,
cozy,
destiny,
fate,
soft-boiled,
dog,
mystery novel,
Superstition,
Luck,
linda johnston,
linda johnson,
linda o. johnson,
lost under a ladder
textbooks, which includes not reading them in the bathroom. If they do, it can bring them bad luck in their studies. Of course these days a lot of textbooks are in e-format like other kinds of books, so even though the superstitions are old and referred to print versions, we all could visualize the problems if a kid accidentally dropped his e-reader into the tub or toilet while in the bathroom. Bad luck? Yeah.â
That garnered a lot of laughs, and then Stuart began talking about superstitions on travel, a good thing since a lot of the audience consisted of tourists. He described things like not turning back once youâve set off on a journey, listening to grasshoppers since they portend good luck on a trip, and making sure to step onto a ship with your right foot first to ensure the best of luck. These all had been included in the book, even though I wondered whether Tarzal had made some of them up; but now they were in the most well-known superstition book so that gave them some credenceâat least to those who believed in superstitions.
I noticed the less-than-happy looks Lou shot Stuartâs way. Was he attempting to send the evil eye toward the man he seemed to consider a rival for Gemmaâs affections?
In a short while, Stuart handed the microphone back to Gemma after holding it away from both of them for an instant. Gemmaâs somewhat scared look dissolved into a happy smile. âYou heard it right here,â she said into it, âbut thatâs only a smattering of whatâs included in The Destiny of Superstitions . Come visit me at the Broken Mirror Bookstore and buy a book, or many, to learn more.â
That pretty much ended that nightâs Welcome. I was glad. I hadnât done a thing but watch and listen, yet I was exhausted.
Gemma soon returned to her seat, but only long enough to tell me that the night wasnât over yet. Sheâd agreed to join some of the townsfolk for drinks at the Clinking Glass again and wanted me to come along.
âIâm buying,â she coaxed.
How could I refuse?
nine
As I accompanied Gemma out of the auditorium into the theaterâs lobby, I looked around, wondering if Iâd get a chance to say hi to Justin. Would I even see him? The room was crowded as everyone seemed to head slowly toward the exit. I felt the warmth of people jostling on all sides of me and attempted just to go with the flow, remaining as close as I could to Gemma.
I neednât have worried. Justin was near the farthest wall talking to the cops whoâd come there with him. His gaze wasnât on them, though, but on the door Iâd just exited. He had possibly been watching for me, as I was looking for him.
I smiled. He smiled.
âIâll meet you outside,â I told Gemma.
âTell your cop to come with us,â she said, not even looking at me. Maybe it wasnât such a good idea for her to know me so well.
On the other hand, there wasnât really any harm in her recognizing my interest in Justin. And if she started teasing me about it, I could bounce it back at her threefold.
I determinedly made my way toward Justin and noticed that he was also edging his way through the crowd toward me.
âNeed someone to walk you back to your B&B?â he asked as we finally met, looking down with a question in his gleaming blue eyes. He grasped my shoulder gently as if he thought I was off balance and needed some help. I was perfectly fine but didnât mind his touch.
âMaybe eventually,â I answered, âbut Iâm heading now for the Clinking Glass Saloon with Gemma and some of her new friends. Like to join us?â
âI sure would, and since my companions here are now off duty, too, Iâll get them to come along.â
âGreat,â I said. Just then someone in the crowd behind me must have decided things were moving too slowly, and I was suddenly pushed in Justinâs direction. I pressed against his chest,
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