Frozen in Motion: A Rock Creek Village Cozy Mystery (Callie Cassidy Mysteries Book 3) by Lori Roberts Herbst

Author:Lori Roberts Herbst [Herbst, Lori Roberts]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lori Roberts Herbst
Published: 2022-01-25T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

RAUL DROPPED ME off at home, and the creatures convinced me it was Bring Your Pets to work day—just like most days. They were gallery animals, accustomed to prowling the studio during off hours and content to snooze on their cozy pet beds in my office when customers showed up.

I pulled my Civic into my designated spot behind the gallery. When I opened the car’s back door, Woody jumped out and ran through the alley to the gallery. I awkwardly lifted Carl’s backpack carrier from the back seat, earning a yowl of protest at the jostling. “Listen, cat, I’m doing the best I can one-handed,” I said. “How about cutting me some slack?”

Once inside the studio, I released Carl from captivity, filled food and water bowls, and checked to make sure the litterbox was clean. “Hold down the fort for a while, guys,” I said. “I need a good cup of coffee.”

I exited through the front, locking the door behind me, and took a moment to breathe in the fresh mountain air. The sun gleamed, suspended like a ripe peach against the clear, blue sky. I turned my gaze to Mt. O’Connell and watched as two skiers, tiny in the distance, swooshed down the east slope.

Right now, they were the only humans in sight. It was nine o’clock, and like Sundance Studio, most shops didn’t open until ten—some even later during slow months. Though the Chamber marketed Rock Creek Village as a year-round tourist destination, February rarely drew throngs of visitors. We stayed busy enough with skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts, many of them day trippers from surrounding towns, but the crowds picked up in March when schools let out for spring break.

I strolled down the sidewalk toward Rocky Mountain High. The door flung open as I reached for it. Then a hand reached out, took me by the elbow, and yanked me inside.

I had the sudden sense a heavenly spirit had captured me. A second glance, though, assured me this was no angel—not even close. It was Tonya, and except for a pair of bright red boots, she was clad in pure white, from her wool coat to her stockings to her gloves—one of which clutched a paper coffee cup and a pastry bag. Atop her black curls rested a white fedora designed for fashion rather than warmth. Beneath its brim, Tonya’s makeup was flawless, as always, with her trademark red lipstick providing a perfect complement to the boots. Her skin glowed. Love had made her even more beautiful, if that was possible.

She closed the door and began to scold. “It’s people like you, letting in the winter cold, who drive up poor Mrs. Finney’s heating bill. Show some consideration.” She leaned towards me, her voice taking on a confidential tone. “I’m glad I ran into you, sweetpea. Would you be available to meet for drinks tonight? There’s something I need to discuss with you.”

Uh-oh. Had Tonya found out about David’s wife all on her own? Was she

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