Fright Night Felony : The Witchy Holiday Cozy Series by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

Author:Carolyn Ridder Aspenson [Ridder Aspenson, Carolyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Magnum Grace Publishing
Published: 2023-10-29T16:00:00+00:00

7

“Wow,” I said. “This place is amazing!”

Harold slithered to the snake tank and chatted with a trio of copperheads. I chose to keep my distance. Harold aside, snakes weren’t on my top thousand list of favorite species.

“Thank you,” Vivian said. “It’s been a dream come true. I’ve wanted to open an exotic magical pet store since I was a kid.”

“I love that. It must have been frustrating when Agatha tried to have you shut down.”

“Oh, she didn’t try. She just threatened to take it to the Department of Health, but there was no reason. There weren’t any violations.”

“That’s good. I thought there were?”

“Nope. She was just angry because I had to increase the price of my organic rat food. Costs of materials have increased, and I still need to make a profit.”

“What would she need rat food for? Her familiar?”

“I suspect that was the case. I wonder where the poor thing went?”

“Often the familiar crosses over with the charge.”

“I know, but I’d think the poor thing would want to find another witch. Goddess knows living with Agatha had to be rough.”

“You weren’t a fan?”

“No one was a fan. Of course, I wouldn’t wish death on anyone, but I don’t think anyone will miss her.” She blinked. “Oh, is this about Ezzie? I heard she was on the top of the suspect list. How’s she doing?”

“I think her memory issues wiped it from her mind.”

“But it’s still on yours,” she said.

“I’m determined to prove she didn’t do it.”

“By finding the magical who did?”

“That or just showing Sergeant Winston he has other options.”

“Like me.”

I pressed my lips together. “I’m not saying you murdered her.”

“I know. I’d do the same thing if Ezzie was my aunt. I’ll tell you where I was, but you don’t have to tell Sergeant Winston. Let him do the work.”

“Sure,” I said. “I assume Harold is your familiar?”

“Yes.”

“Mine is Benedict. He’s the Persian cat lying in the window. He has a unique palate, and I went to the south end of the woods to find some chestnut oak acorns. He loves them, and they’re all over the woods this time of year.” She turned around and opened a refrigerator behind her counter and grabbed a bag of over-sized acorns. “I got extra so I wouldn’t have to go back. He likes them in his chicken gravy. It’s a sweet and savory thing, I think.”

I smiled. “Harold’s palate is all over the charts.”

She eyed the snake tank. “Then I have something you should get.” She crooked her finger for me to follow her to the snake tank and grabbed a box next to it. “He’ll love this.”

The tag on the box said fifty bucks. “It’s okay. I’ve got plenty of his favorites at home.”

“It’s on the house. Trust me, he’ll love it.”

“Thanks,” I said. I checked my watch. “Speaking of eating, it’s time for his lunch.”

“Good luck, Esme. If you have more questions, just come on by.”

“I will.” I thanked her for her time and headed out.

“Guilty,” Harold said outside.

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