Bells and Bombshells: Paranormal Cozy Mystery (Harper and Moon Investigations Book 1) by Trixie Silvertale

Author:Trixie Silvertale [Silvertale, Trixie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781952739316
Publisher: Sittin' On A Goldmine Productions LLC
Published: 2023-03-27T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Erick and I are back on speaking terms. Not because we had a grown-up discussion about him marching Silas down to the sheriff’s station like a common criminal. Not even close. We simply didn’t mention it.

Foster family number three, while one of the few loving environments I experienced, was masterful at this technique. I’ll never forget the night I heard my foster mom whispering to her husband after she thought we’d all fallen asleep. “She gets into an awful lot of trouble. Can’t possibly punish her every day. I think the best approach is not to talk about it. If we don’t talk about it, it’s not happening.”

Words to live by.

“What time do you have to head over to the casino for your set tonight?” I fake scroll through nothing on my phone to appear nonchalant.

“I have to take that earlier time slot. Joey wants me there by 6:30.” Erick’s engrossed with making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

“So, does that mean you’ll be home early?” No eye contact.

“Not exactly. I have to stay and watch the magician. There are too many strange things going on with this case, and him killing Mr. Gustafson purely out of jealousy and wanting a better time slot is as good as any other lead we have.” Twisting the lid back on the peanut butter.

“Copy that. Should I wait up for you?” Scroll. Scroll.

“I’m going to head back to the house. My mother sleeps better when I’m there. Gracie said the old place feels too big and too lonely when she’s there all by herself. She fills her days by catching up with old friends, but this evening gig of mine has got her down.” Scraping the knife in the jelly jar.

Since we’re still officially fighting, I’m allowed to satisfy myself with a brief sequence of pity thoughts. Isn’t it nice that he worries about how his mother feels when she’s all alone? Clearly, he doesn’t seem to care how I feel when I’m all alone. However, my verbal response is quite different. “No problem. Can we catch up over breakfast?” Scroll. Fake reaction to imaginary image. Scroll.

Erick Harper is an intelligent man. My easy “everything’s fine” demeanor isn’t fooling him. The reason I know he’s as smart as he looks is that he makes no mention of the state of affairs. “Sure. Why don’t you text me when you wake up, and I’ll meet you at the diner?” Big bite of sandwich as he walks toward the “Employees Only” door.

“Sounds great. See you in the morning.” I do not look up.

The alleyway door slams closed, and the Nova lays some rubber on the asphalt as she heads for Broken Rock.

Yeesh! Relationships. Am I right?

We’ve had plenty of disagreements in the past. Some have been over cases, some over my questionable means of obtaining information, and some have been about me taking unnecessary risks. Usually, we’d smooth things over quickly, or, more recently, kiss and make up.

Today marks our first official fight — the extended version.

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