Ghosts and Goblins and Murder by Patti Larsen

Author:Patti Larsen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: murder mystery, female detective, cozy mystery, animal cozy mystery
Publisher: Patti Larsen

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Chapter Twenty

I made it across the street without getting hit by a car, so bonus points for actually flinging myself into the roadway and having luck on my side. Petunia panted next to me, her anxiety clear as I dragged her into the antique store, the darkness of the interior and musty smell washing me over with a rather gloomy mix that triggered my bad mood all over again.

I almost turned around and walked away. This was dumb. I’d just agreed to stop digging into things that had nothing to do with me. In fact, I had already begun to pivot, sneaker squeaking on the old tile, when Oliver appeared out of the dimness of the interior of his shop, coat still on, hair standing up at odd angles like a brush was the least of his possessions.

“Miss Fleming,” he said. “Can I help you?” Not that he sounded like he really had any interest in being helpful, but he asked and that was enough for my brain to seize my mouth and open it and speak before I could shut myself up and just leave already.

Story of my life.

“What’s your history with Sadie Hatch?” I guess civility and subtlety had left the building without saying goodbye. I held my ground despite my sudden nervousness I’d pushed his buttons too far too fast in my own need to stop feeling like I was doing something wrong.

Didn’t help my case any. His bushy eyebrows came together immediately, scowl jerking at his wrinkled mouth. He stormed toward me, waving his hands in front of him like he was shooing a pest out of his trash at 2AM.

“I’ve heard about you and your poking around,” he said. “Not this time, missy. Out. Out! Before I call the sheriff and have him throw you out.”

I wish I could say I went quietly and peacefully with decorum and the kind of self-respect that was due someone my age. Instead, I flailed a little back at him, stumbling as I backpedaled, hitting the glass door with my butt and stepping on Petunia’s toes. She squealed out a sharp yip of protest that made me jerk in response while Oliver closed the distance, forcing me out on to the street by his approach, my squirming and now frightened pug lunging against the end of her leash, pulling me even further off balance.

I found myself on the sidewalk, the door slammed firmly shut in my face, sign turned as he glared at me, lock clicking over. I glared right back, shaking from the sudden surge of adrenaline, knowing I’d made a further mess that hadn’t been necessary and without any kind of plan to make it right.

One thing burned in my head as I led Petunia home, her quick looks up at me almost constant as we made our way. The comment he’d made, how he’d heard about me. Alice said differently, had twisted his opinion away from the rather pleasant alternative she’d suggested and drove it home very clearly she’d been trying to be nice.

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