An Auction Atrocity: A Thrift Shop Cozy Mystery by Mel Morgan

Author:Mel Morgan [Morgan, Mel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Stonefire Press
Published: 2024-04-22T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

FREDDIE’S PRIZE TURNED out to be much smaller on the inside than it appeared to be at first. The air inside Freddie's prize was musty and stale, the scent of old leather and dust lingering within its small space. It carried a faint tinge of metal, like rust, and a hint of something sweet that may have been perfume.

“Ouch!” I bonked my head on the door frame as I came in. “It’s like it was built for children. And I’m short.”

Freddie laughed. She was clearly in her element, at home on the vintage bench in the miniature kitchenette. I could see that it did indeed look like much of the camper was original, or at least, the furnishings. There were golden curtains with fringe on the windows and avocado vinyl everywhere.

“This is really great.” She had her bare feet kicked up on the table the size of a postage stamp. I looked around, wondering where in the world we were all going to sleep. There was one bed, up in the front end, and I assumed the two benches would fold out. But that would still mean some pretty cramped accommodations for tonight.

Joe was all smiles and seemed to think the whole thing was just as fun as Freddie did. “I know we’re stuck here because somebody died, but it’s still a great time. Come on, when do we ever get to hang out like this?”

He was right that I never hung out in such close proximity with all of them, but I wasn’t sure I thought it was as fun as he did. For one thing, I was already worrying about McCoy back home, and had placed a call to my mom to go feed him. For another, I had a test to study for, auction or no, and it was happening here in this camper.

“Fred. I have that deputy’s test coming up soon. Remember? You said you’d help me study for it.”

She nodded solemnly. “Of course. Who else would be a better teacher than someone who already passed the exam?”

I shot a look at Joe and he winked at me from behind Freddie. That was no small feat, considering we were packed like sardines in there.

Violet was the last to join the camper. “I think I’ll stay here, if that’s alright with you. My grandmother is meeting with people and junk. I want to stay out of it.”

I couldn’t blame her. It sounded like there was enough to deal with already for her and her family without adding on more pressure. I was glad to have the extra company but it was no question that the camper was full to the brim.

"Alright then, let's get started," I said, sliding my bag across the tiny table and taking out my notes. The paperwork had been crumpled a bit in my hasty pack-up earlier, and I smoothed them out, trying to ignore the discomfort of the cramped quarters.

It was a tight fit, with Freddie sitting opposite me at the

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