April Fool's Alibi (Holiday Cozy Mystery Book 9) by Tonya Kappes

Author:Tonya Kappes [Kappes, Tonya]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tonya Kappes Books
Published: 2024-03-28T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 12

The cool embrace of dawn greeted me as I stepped out into the outdoor living area, the space still enveloped in the serene silence of the early morning. The firepit's embers glowed softly, remnants of the previous night's warmth. With my laptop under my arm and a freshly brewed cup of coffee in hand, I took a seat on the inviting outdoor couch, its plush cushions welcoming me into their comforting embrace.

I set my coffee down on a coaster on the ornate outdoor table, a colorful homage to the fall season courtesy of Mama's impeccable taste. It was a riot of autumnal colors, a still life painting made tangible, with pumpkins and gourds interspersed with leaves that had been carefully chosen for their vibrant hues. Despite the weight of recent events, this little corner of the world remained untouched, a testament to the enduring rhythm of nature and family traditions.

Opening my laptop, I breathed in the crisp air, the slight chill of the morning a contrast to the warmth of the coffee mug I held between my hands. The screen came to life, casting a soft glow that mingled with the flickering flames. I navigated to the Junction Journal's online portal, ensuring that the latest edition was up and running for our readers.

The home page greeted me with a carousel of images from the Fool's Festival, snapshots of joy and celebration that felt worlds away from the undercurrent of mystery and sorrow that had taken hold of Holiday Junction. I made a mental note to update the site with today's schedule of events, ensuring the community was kept abreast of the festivities without a hint of the darker stories I was entwined in.

I took a moment, savoring the quietude before the village awoke, to reflect on the investigations. There was much to be done, clues to pursue, and truths to uncover, but for now, this brief interlude of peace was mine to cherish. With a deep sigh, I set to work, the rhythmic tapping of my fingers on the keyboard accompanying the soft crackling of the fire and the first songs of the morning birds.

As the Junction Journal's online edition hummed along on autopilot, I pulled my worn notebook from my bag, the edges frayed from constant use. My coffee steamed in the crisp morning air, a comforting companion as I pored over the notes that had accumulated over the past tumultuous days.

The clues were like a scattered puzzle, each piece a story of its own, yet interlocked in a mystery that had cast a shadow over Holiday Junction. I took a sip of my coffee, its bitterness grounding me as I contemplated my next moves.

First, there was Diffy's argument with Frank, a public confrontation that set the stage for suspicion. It was a lead that couldn't be ignored, especially with Frank's untimely demise following shortly after.

Then there was Ginny's disappearance and sudden reemergence—dead. Her ties to Frank were more than coincidental, especially with the photograph I had captured of them together at the Fool's Festival.

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