Chapter 19

The former deli lay in readiness for tomorrow night's big opening. But today, I was getting ready for the fashion show with Clarice Kingsley. Both Karmen and Elise wanted to come along, but I insisted that the deli had to be looked after.

"Besides, Clarice could get only one VIP pass to the event," I said. "And we don't want to risk coming back to a pile of wreckage in our deli again."

The police still hadn't found any lead to the crime yet, so we had to be on high alert. And if Karmen couldn't come along, Elise was not allowed to come either, even she was officially invited.

"It's only fair that you stay behind too," Karmen said. "You already had all the fun."

"Remember, this is business," I said. "I'm not going ther