Death by Peppermint Cappuccino by Alex Erickson

Author:Alex Erickson [Erickson, Alex]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2023-08-08T00:00:00+00:00

15

A bear strode across me, bringing me squinting awake to a frigid morning in my own bed. As soon as my eyes opened, Misfit hopped down, meowed, and then strode from the room, ready for his breakfast.

“I’m up,” I muttered, extracting myself from the tangle of sheets with some difficulty. The floor swayed ever so slightly as I made my way to the shower. My head felt stuffy and the crust around my eyes worried me. I was hoping it was due to my late night out and the little bit of wine I’d consumed, and not that Laura had given me whatever ailment that had been affecting her. I couldn’t afford to get sick, not with Christmas fast approaching and a potential killer on the loose.

Despite my grogginess—and worries over a possible growing cold—I felt pretty good about how the night had turned out. Talk of murder had evaporated as the group grew. Rita got to talk to Dad about the book. Lena talked to Paul nearly all night about police work and how she can best prepare for a meeting with Chief Patricia Dalton that he planned on setting up for her. Lena’s parents—mostly Janice—were enraptured by Laura and her fondness for exercise.

And me? I happily sat back and enjoyed myself without being the center of attention as I feared I might be when the night had begun. A good meal, with good friends and family, what could be better?

Well, I know what could have capped the night off perfectly, but it was not to be. Paul, citing an early morning, had dropped me off with a simple goodnight kiss before heading home.

Believe me, by the time we’d finished dinner and had driven back to my place, I was ready to end on a high note. You know, cuddles with the man of my life, and waking up with his arm thrown haphazardly across me.

Instead, I was roused by fuzzy footfalls across my bladder.

I made it through my shower, slowly waking up as I did. The stuffiness clogging my head, as well as the fog swirling in my brain, receded bit by bit. By the time I was out of the shower and making a pot of coffee, I was feeling far more like myself. I wasn’t up to whistling or smiling or anything that took much brainpower, but I wasn’t about to fall flat on my face either.

While I waited for my coffee and toast, I went to the window and checked on my neighbors via their cars. Caitlin appeared to still be home alone, while Jules had already left for Phantastic Candies. Lance’s car was still in the driveway, but I didn’t know if that meant he was home, or if he’d ridden in with Jules. Considering his worry, I was betting on the latter.

I let the curtain fall with a frown. Whoever had sent those gifts needed to be caught, murderer or not. I hated that everyone was having to walk on eggshells, that Jules didn’t feel safe anymore.

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