Cat Scratch Murder: A Crystal Beach Paranormal Cozy Mystery (Book 1 - Crystal Beach Magic Mystery Series) by Karen McSpade

Author:Karen McSpade [McSpade, Karen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Newcastle Media
Published: 2023-01-09T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter

Eight

“I’m so very sorry,” I said for at least the twentieth time as Officer Reece closed the front door of the police station behind us, and we set down the two cat carriers. He had driven us back from the beach in his dented police car. This was my second visit to the Crystal Beach police station in as many days, although this time, I was not in trouble… I hoped. Either way, a little extra groveling couldn’t hurt, especially as I had a feeling that the officer’s pride might have been as dented as his fender.

His black raincoat was covered in sand from where we had been rolling around on the beach together, which hadn’t been as much fun as it might sound. “It’s okay,” he told me, “I get it. I scared you. Although trying to knock my brains out with a skillet….” He fished his expensive-looking flashlight out of his pocket and clicked the button on and off. It did not appear to be working any longer. “And I got this flashlight for my birthday.”

“I’ll buy you another one, Officer Reece,” I offered.

“Please, call me John. I still can’t believe you were staying in a little camper like that in weather like this,” he said. “You’re lucky I drove by and spotted you when I did. You’ll be much safer in here.”

“I just… I didn’t realize the storm was going to get that scary,” I answered weakly.

John took off his raincoat and went to a small kitchen area in the rear corner of the little police station. “Coffee?” he asked.

It was a little late for me; I would probably prefer cocoa at this time, but the idea of any hot drink seemed like a good idea as the ceaseless Florida air-conditioning began to poke its icy fingers at my wet clothes. “Yes, please. Do you mind if I let the cats stretch their legs?”

He shrugged and answered, “Sure,” although I got the sense that he really did mind. Not a cat person, I remembered.

I set about freeing Mojo, Jinx, Abra, and Cadabra from their carriers and grinned a little to myself at the uncomfortable look on the officer’s face as he went about making the coffee.

“Seeing as we’re here, John,” I tried after a few moments, “you and me, I thought I might talk to you about my grandmother’s case.”

“Uh-huh,” he replied, his back to me. His tone implied, “You can speak, but I may not listen.”

“Did you know that the buffet table that held the, er… poisoned scone collapsed on the same day Marie died?”

“Uh-huh,” he answered. “Sugar? Cream?”

I wasn’t sure I was holding as much of his attention as I wanted. “Lots of sugar, lots of cream, please.”

My unhealthy coffee preferences were what got the officer’s attention, and he turned back to me with a grin. “Heart-attack coffee, eh?” Holding two coffees, he crossed over to where I had taken a seat next to a desk with a computer and a disorganized mass of paperwork.

“Thanks,” I said as he placed the steaming-hot cup in front of me.

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