Poisoned by Mistake: Julianne Mock Mysteries, #1

By Sephora Black

After saving her from a bully in high school, Ethan meets Julianne after ten years and they are connected with an unusual event - a man is poisoned during a lunch at the restaurant. They start to investigate because someone is trying to kill Ethan, but a lot of dark secrets pop out when Julianne scratches into Ethan's life. Fighting with her own demons from the past, will she be able to continue the relationship and investigation, or will she give up?

POISONED BY MISTAKE will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sephora Black
• Release date: May 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781513013305

Book preview

POISONED BY MISTAKE

Julianne Mock Mysteries, Book 1

––––––––

By

Sephora Black

Chapter 1

I was having lunch at Jerusalem Café with my friend Shelly when I noticed Ethan Becker on our left. I didn't want to say anything, but she knew me too well and I must have changed my face into surprised mode, so she followed my look.

You know him? She asked.

Which one, the old gray-haired? I've tried to be funny and avoid answering at the same time. But, Shelly just blew air through her nose to show me she's not buying it and waited for an answer.

You don't know him? I've tried a different approach. But she was just staring at me with her deep blue eyes. It's Ethan Becker, one of the richest men in the USA. Really? Nothing?

What would the richest man in the USA doing in Mobile?

"First, I said one of the richest men. Second, he grew up in Mobile. Don't you remember him? He went to our high school."

She continued to eat her Greek salad, and I had a few moments to look at Ethan. He was even better looking than in magazines where I used to see him for the last few years. He was tall and fit. Under his shirt I could spot muscles. His dark brown hair was cut unusual way, like he was in a boy band, but it fitted him well. He had dark brown eyes and extremely white teeth. You could see he's been taking good care of himself.

Shelly pierced me with her eyes. You know, there are two hundred thousand people in Mobile. How come you remember this one, and I don't?

I've... somewhat liked him...

So, why don't you go over there and talk to him? Is he married?

No, he's not married, but he doesn't remember me. And he has company, by the way.

Ethan came with an older man and I supposed they were business related because they both wore suits. I glanced toward them and at that moment the old man started to choke. I stared, frozen. But Shelly jumped between the tables and reached the man, who was now lying on the floor.

Move! I'm a nurse!

I followed her, still trying to decide what to do. But, it was too late.

He's dead. Shelly said. And then, who knows why, she opened his mouth. People gathered around and stared. I did, too. His tongue was orange and brown. I looked up at the table. He was eating Moussaka, so this couldn’t be from the food. And then I realized...

He was poisoned.

Chapter 2

Julianne? Julianne Mock? I heard Ethan's voice behind my back. He knows me? This has been the weirdest day ever.

I turned around, not hurrying. Hi.

The police came fast. While Shelly was giving statement, I waited aside.

I thought I saw you, but I wasn't sure. He seemed happy to see me. You've changed a lot.

Yeah, I did. But I haven't thought you'll remember me even if didn't. I'm sorry for your loss.

He shrugged. I didn't know him very well. He was a business partner. But that still unsettled me though.

He didn't look unsettled to me. Maybe he poisoned him? Suddenly, I felt bitter. But I assembled.

I understand. I started, carefully. Especially because it could have been you.

His eyes opened wide, and he stared at me for a minute. What do you mean?

He was surprised by my statement, so maybe he didn't do it. I didn't know one reason why should I care, but I did.

I saw Shelly approaching, and I hurried: I noticed you both were eating Moussaka, so how do you know... I couldn't believe I was saying this to Ethan Becker, my never-forgotten-high school-crush. Maybe the poison was meant for you.

Jules? I heard Shelly called me.

I have to go. It’s nice to see you again.

He grinned. You look charming, Julianne.

When we finally left the restaurant, Shelly said: He was hitting on you.

Oh, I see you're just fine now.

I'm a nurse. I forget about dead people very quickly.

Do you think that’s appropriate?

Oh, common, Jules! Yes, the man died. And we were all shocked about it for a moment, but life continues. She was right. So, he saw you after - what - nine, ten years? Yes, the circumstances were awkward, but who knows when he'll see you again. He made a move. And you ignored it.

We reached the car at the nearby parking lot and I needed to drive Shelly home. Then, I wanted to take long, warm bath. Indeed, this has been the weirdest day ever. And yet, it wasn't finished.

Chapter 3

While I rested in a warm, comfortable bath at my mother's apartment, I thought about Ethan. He was two years older and he didn't pay much attention to me when we were in high school. Especially because he was popular, and I was... Well, I was an outcast.

One morning I was late for class and halls were almost empty. I still don't know where Simon Malone came from, or what he wanted