Chattering Chipmunks (Cozy Corgi Mysteries Book 18) by Mildred Abbott

Author:Mildred Abbott [Abbott, Mildred]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wings of Ink Publications, LLC
Published: 2020-08-29T22:00:00+00:00

We found Meisel in the disaster zone of the Pinecone Manor dining room. Looking smaller and more ancient than ever, she stood in front of the large windows, silhouetted against the growing sunset as lights began to twinkle far below in downtown Estes. One of her hands was pressed against the glass, fingers splayed, while the other lowered a handkerchief from her eyes.

Stealth hadn’t been our objective as we got out of the Mini Cooper. I was willing to bet I slammed one of the car doors, but Meisel clearly hadn’t heard us approach. We’d come directly from Chipmunk Mountain, thinking there was no time like the present. I’d hoped she would be here, and that it was late enough in the day the construction crew had gone. It seemed like we were two for two.

Maybe feeling our presence, or simply a matter of timing, Meisel turned from the window and let out a little yip when she noticed us. The hand with the handkerchief clutched over her heart.

“Oh, I’m sorry!” I hurried forward but stopped when her gaze flicked in annoyance to Watson. “We weren’t trying to scare you.”

She didn’t answer at first, only glanced around as if looking for a way of escape, then seemed to give up. “You’re back again.” The expression might’ve been an attempt at a smile. “Mr. Lopez. How are you?”

“I’m good, Ms. Pepper. Thank you.” Leo demonstrated how to smile properly and moved forward with more grace than I possessed. “We are sorry. Are you okay?”

Confusion flitted across her face, and then she glanced down to where her hand was still clutching the handkerchief at her heart. “Oh.” She laughed darkly. “Yes, I’m tougher than that.” Meisel sighed in surrender as she refocused on me. “Might as well get right to it. Are you back with accusations or trying to get information?”

I always did like the direct approach, but this was bold, even for me. “An accusation, I think.”

“Really?” Her eyes widened; though she’d suggested it, that hadn’t been the expected answer. Once more she appeared to be looking for a getaway, then chuckled again. “Goodness. I feel like I’m in trouble and getting called into the principal’s office. I should thank you. Haven’t had that sensation for a good seventy years.”

“Do you want to sit?” Leo glanced around the room, not settling on any of the construction equipment. “Or we can relocate somewhere else more comfortable.”

“You’re a dear boy.” She smiled at him. “Reminds me of my darling Calvin. He always treated me like I was a delicate flower, though he knew better than to cross me.” Again, she refocused on me. “Get on with it, dear.”

I wasn’t sure who Calvin was, but I got the sense he didn’t play a part in what was happening now, so jumped over it. “When I was here before, Ebony mentioned you thought Elmer needed to update Chipmunk Mountain. To modernize it.”

She laughed again, just a touch crazed this time, and threw her hand in the air.

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