Birds of a Fury (Federal Bureau of Magic Cozy Mystery Book 12) by Annabel Chase

Author:Annabel Chase [Chase, Annabel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC
Published: 2022-04-06T16:00:00+00:00

11

Mayor Whitehead sat at a table on the outdoor patio that overlooked the bay. Even seated, you could tell she was a tall woman with a commanding yet warm presence. Wilhelmina Whitehead was a prime example of a someone who exuded power without cold indifference or flagrant narcissism.

“Mayor,” I greeted her as I slid into the empty chair across from her. I was grateful for the heated lamps positioned around us to stave off the chill in the air.

“Agent Fury. Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

A server appeared at the table. “Anything to drink while you look at the menu?”

“I’d like a black coffee and a glass of water,” the mayor said.

“Unsweetened iced tea with a wedge of lemon, please.”

The mayor arched an eyebrow. “In this weather?”

“I drink it all year long no matter the weather.” The wedge of lemon was a habit I picked up from Aunt Thora.

“I just want you to know that I’m voting for you,” the server said. “I think you’ve done a great job and I’d love to see you serve another term.”

The mayor beamed. “Thank you, Heather. I appreciate that.”

I suddenly realized how hungry I was. “Could I also get the bacon-wrapped scallops as an appetizer?” The seafood in Chipping Cheddar was one of the best reasons to live here.

“Absolutely,” Heather said. “I’ll put that in now and come back with your drinks and to take your order.”

“Thank you.” Mayor Whitehead opened her menu but didn’t look at it. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I invited you here.”

I perused the menu and my gaze immediately snagged on the jumbo crab cakes. Sold.

“Clearly you heard my stomach rumble all the way across town and knew I needed to stop and eat.”

The mayor smiled. “You sound like me. Sometimes I get so caught up in work that I forget to eat.” She set down the menu and threaded her fingers on the table. “I’d like to talk to you about Hugh Phelps.”

I swallowed hard. Did she know something about the investigation and, if so, how?

“Why me?”

“You two seem acquainted with each other and, as an FBI agent, you’re a respected member of the community. I’d like your unfiltered opinion of the man.”

The man. Not the werewolf. Because Mayor Whitehead didn’t know that Hugh was the unofficial leader of the local pack. That he acquired a mail-order bride in order to satisfy his desire for ‘quality’ pups. That he refused to take any pills or potions that restricted his ability to shift.

And that he was an all-around asshat.

I tried to give a diplomatic answer. “Hugh is a character.”

“You don’t have to mince words with me, Agent Fury.”

“Eden.”

The mayor smiled. “Eden, you and I had to work much harder than these men to get to where we are. Let’s do ourselves a favor and not beat around the bush with each other.”

I chose my words carefully. “It’s my understanding you and Hugh have been getting to know each other. I’m guessing you’ve formed your own opinion during that time.

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