Four-Footed Fortune by Jinty James

Author:Jinty James
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Treasure hunt cozy mystery, New release cozy cat cupcake mystery, coffee cupcakes cats mystery, cozy crafts and hobbies mystery, Culinary kitty cat crime cozy mystery, baking mystery with Norwegian Forest Cat, cozy mystery police love interest small town, Cupcake cozy mystery comedy female protagonists
Publisher: Jinty James
Published: 2022-07-27T00:00:00+00:00

MORE CUSTOMERS TRICKLED in, and after Martha enjoyed her treats, she was true to her word and started bussing tables, pushing her walker around the café, Annie directing her.

Lauren couldn’t help smiling to herself as she saw Martha trying not to be obvious while eavesdropping at neighboring tables. But with her head turned one way toward the occupied table, and her hands clanking the empty plates together at the vacant table, she did look like she was trying to overhear the customers.

“I think Martha needs to be more discreet.” Zoe zipped up to her. “I saw that lady looking over at her while she was trying to have a conversation with her friend, obviously wondering if Martha was going to butt in.”

“You’re right,” she replied, her smile fading. “I don’t want our customers to be put off coming back here, especially if they’re not regulars yet.”

“I’ll have a word with her.” Zoe zoomed over to Martha and helped her collect the dirty mugs and plates, whispering to her at the same time.

She saw Martha nod, say something to Annie, then her fur baby directed her to another vacant table where a lone plate and cup waited to be tidied away.

“Hello, Lauren.” She looked up, surprised to see Ms. Tobin standing at the counter. She’d been so busy with her thoughts she hadn’t noticed the middle-aged lady enter.

“Hi, Ms. Tobin.” She smiled at their friend, dressed in a fawn skirt and cream blouse, her brown hair neat and shining.

“Where’s Annie?” The older woman looked around the room.

“She’s with Martha.”

“Is Martha bussing tables?” Ms. Tobin’s eyes widened as she looked over at the senior standing at an empty table, sorting the dirty crockery. “Can’t she afford to pay her bill?”

“It’s nothing like that,” Lauren rushed to assure her. “And if it was, we would give her a hot chocolate on the house, and a cupcake as well. We’d do that for you, too.”

“That’s very kind of you.” Ms. Tobin smiled. “But don’t worry, I can afford to pay for my treats.”

Lauren nodded.

“So,” Ms. Tobin said after a micropause, “what is Martha doing?”

Lauren leaned over the counter. “Don’t tell anyone else.”

“I won’t.”

“Martha is spying.”

“She’s what?” A surprised expression flickered across Ms. Tobin’s face.

Since Ms. Tobin knew about their previous sleuthing experience, she quickly told her about Shirley’s death.

“Oh, I am sorry to hear that.” Ms. Tobin pressed her lips together. “I didn’t know her well, but she seemed like a nice person.”

“That’s what a few people have said,” Lauren agreed. “I’m afraid we only met her for the first time when we catered the senior center talk last Monday.”

“I wanted to go to that, but I had a dental appointment that day. Are you and Zoe going to investigate?” Her expression lightened a little. “I think that’s a very good idea, but what does Mitch think?”

“Detective Castern will be on the case.”

“Oh, dear.”

Lauren nodded.

“I can see why you girls want to find out who killed her. Are you sure it’s not an accident?”

“Mitch doesn’t seem to think so.

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