Firearms and Foxes: an Animal Cozy Mystery (Dusty Paws Mysteries Book 4) by Verena DeLuca

Author:Verena DeLuca [DeLuca, Verena]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aconite Cafe
Published: 2024-05-13T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Friday, October 21st

I TOOK A sip of my nonalcoholic margarita, savoring the tangy sweetness as it danced across my tongue. The warm evening air caressed my skin, carrying with it the rich aroma of cumin and chili powder that seemed to permeate every corner of this charming Santa Fe eatery.

Across the table, Jake’s eyes met mine, a hint of a smile playing upon his lips. “This place was a great find,” he said, his voice low and intimate amidst the lively chatter of the restaurant.

I nodded in agreement, my gaze drifting to the vibrant artwork adorning the walls. Intricate patterns and bold hues wove together in a tapestry of Southwestern culture, each piece a reminder of the region’s rich artistic heritage.

As we savored our meals, the conversation inevitably turned to the case at hand. The enormity of the investigation seemed to hang over us like a shroud, casting a somber shadow even in the midst of such lively surroundings.

“What do you make of Carter Johnson?” Jake asked, his brow furrowed in contemplation. “Do you think he’s capable of murder?”

I paused, considering his question carefully. The evidence we had gathered thus far painted a troubling picture, one of simmering tensions and deep-rooted animosity between Carter and Daniel. The dispute over grazing rights and water sources had clearly taken a toll, fueling a bitter feud that seemed to defy reason.

“I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice tinged with uncertainty. “On the surface, he doesn’t strike me as the type. But then again, we’ve seen how even the most unlikely individuals can harbor darkness within.”

Jake nodded. “True. And let’s not forget the inconsistencies in Mason’s story. If Carter was involved, it’s entirely possible that his best friend is covering for him. But even I have to admit that as of now, Marcus Roberts may be the murderer.”

A shiver ran down my spine at the thought. The web of deception seemed to grow more tangled with each passing day, ensnaring us in a labyrinth of half-truths and carefully constructed alibis.

“What about the rifle?” I mused aloud. “If we could get our hands on Carter’s hunting rifle, maybe we could match it to the bullets recovered from the crime scene.”

Jake’s eyes narrowed, his mind clearly turning over the possibilities. “It’s worth a shot,” he said, a hint of determination creeping into his tone. “But we’ll have to tread carefully. If Carter is our guy, he’s not going to hand over the murder weapon without a fight.”

As we continued to dissect the case, our plates gradually emptied, and the soft glow of candlelight flickered across the table. The bustling restaurant seemed to fade into the background, our focus narrowing to the task at hand.

Just as I was about to voice another theory, Jake’s phone buzzed insistently, breaking the spell of our conversation. He briefly looked at the display, his eyebrows creasing.

“It’s Carter,” he said, his tone laced with surprise. “He says he’s ready to meet at his office and wants to give me the address.”

A surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins as I realized the opportunity before us.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.