The Case of the Missing Cross

By Felicia Rogers

Justin Blakemoor and Magnolia Quinn have been friends for years. Justin believes he can save the world one case a time while Magnolia only desires to live day by day.
Together they will become a secret duo – Justin and Miss Quinn. Cases will be solved, and all the while their relationship will blossom and grow.
When Lady Sybil finds her husband’s precious golden cross missing, she is happy to accept the help of “Justice and Miss Quinn.” The thief is slippery, but is he too evasive for the pair? Magnolia has a few tricks up her sleeve that might even surprise Justin.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Felicia Rogers
• Release date: Oct 11, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311224781

Felicia Rogers

Felicia Rogers born and raised in the southern part of the United States is a Christian wife and mother, with a side interest-- writing. She won the Celebrate the Season Contest by Solstice Publishing in Sept. 2010 allowing her first novella, "The Holiday Truce" to be published. Since then she has published more than fifteen novels and novellas.

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The Case of the Missing Cross

A Justice and Miss Quinn Mystery

Book One

By

Felicia Rogers

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2015 by Felicia Rogers

The Case of the Missing Cross

A Justice and Miss Quinn Mystery, Book One

Copyright ©2015 by Felicia Rogers

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

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Website: http://feliciarogersauthor.weebly.com

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Published by Felicia Rogers

Cover Design by For the Muse Designs

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Chapter One: The Profession

February 1815

Baron of Eure, Fortescue Cunning, hosted the most interesting and entertaining soirees. Miss Magnolia Quinn had attended at least three during the current season.

She paused near the dais and scanned the room, looking for — well, she knew not what. Beside her, the musicians tuned their instruments, filling the air with discordant sound. Magnolia caressed her ear sockets as she considered the attendees.

Officers just returned from the war filled the hall with their red coats. Young ladies twittered whalebone fans over their exposed décolletage and batted their lashes, winking invitations. Across the room, well out of earshot, Father huddled with his business partners amongst green, waxy-leaved plants. Other guests chatted amicably while lounging on plush velvet settees arranged squarely in the middle of the room.

So much for the interesting soiree she’d hoped for. Bored already, Magnolia rolled her eyes and searched for a fern to hide behind. There was little reason to cavort with those in attendance, because she had no intentions of marrying. At nineteen her life spread before her like a blank canvas. The colors waited on a palate to be mixed. The brush–

What a scowl you wear. Thinking of your next world to conquer?

Delight surged through her at the unexpected voice. Justin Blakemoor, as I live and breathe.

Tall with blond wavy hair and brown eyes, Justin attracted the attention of half the females in the hall as he bowed at the waist before her. At your service, madam.

She cocked a brow as he rose. What happened to your face?

He laid a hand over his chest and dropped his jaw, as if gravely insulted. My face is as handsome as ever.

No, silly. The purple bruise beneath your eye. Did you flirt with the headmaster’s daughter again? Magnolia enjoyed the flush that swathed her old friend’s cheeks. It made him even more attractive, and across the room, Hesper looked ready to swoon.

Miss Rotherham might wish for such a game, but I assure you, I did nothing of the sort.

Poor Hesper. I fear her father will never be satisfied with her choice of suitor. But do tell me what happened to you? You know how I love a fanciful tale. Especially when it regards you.

He crooked his elbow through hers and willingly escorted her into the public eye. Yes, I’ve been the butt of many of your jokes. And I assure you I enjoyed every one.

A smile teased her lips and his innocent touch warmed her heart. Indeed. I shall remember that when I investigate my next scandal involving you.

Justin’s lips twitched upward, but he quickly transformed his expression into one more serious. I had so hoped no one would notice.

Astonished, she leaned closer and whispered, The bruise?

Yes. I fear Liam Filbee and I had a bit of a row, a tussle really, and he socked me.

How could he not have expected everyone in Bath to notice that bruise? Who looks better?

Why, I couldn’t say. He holed up in his flat after the incident and I haven’t seen him since.

Yes, well, his face is probably swollen and so frightful he thought it best to avoid public scrutiny. I can’t say I blame him. She wouldn’t say it aloud, but Liam Filbee wouldn’t be half so attractive with a bruised face.

Her twisting of the situation to his favor renewed his smile. Gently, he palmed her elbow and directed her to a settee hugging the east wall. Couples waltzed past and the musicians had definitely found their notes. With Justin’s arrival, the soiree was looking up.

How do your sisters fare?

He relaxed against the settee and crossed his legs. Enjoying the West Indies with their husbands. Father is still overjoyed that they married brothers.

Is that because the family relationship keeps them together? The girls had always been close.

He laughed under his breath. More because he managed to pay for one wedding!

Magnolia laughed behind her hand. The sisters had wed brothers in a single ceremony then taken off for the West Indies. Much more adventurous than she would ever be.

Justin and she had been friends since childhood. He was four years her senior