Kicked the Bucket by CeeCee James

Author:CeeCee James [James, CeeCee]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-06-29T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

The first thing I noticed when I pulled into the driveway was that the house was pitch black. I kicked myself for forgetting to leave the porch light on when I’d left earlier.

I parked the car and slowly climbed out. Every one of my senses was on high alert. I listened for a moment, hoping to hear Jasper bark to welcome me.

It was quiet besides the soft rustle of the wind and the frogs chirping their love song down by the pond.

Right. Can’t stand out here forever. I tip-toed down the path and edged one hesitant foot at a time on the stairs while I dug for my keys. At least the door was locked and the dog inside.

The porch was like a cave of black felt. It took a few tries to feel around and find it, but I finally slid the key into the lock with a click. It was unbelievable how dark it became out here in the country. Not even the moon was out, hidden behind a shroud of clouds.

I opened the door and braced myself for Jasper’s welcome.

The house was silent.

Something was wrong. A cold chill trickled down my spine, whether from the interior of the house or my own nerves, I couldn’t tell. I swallowed, scared to step in.

“Jasper?” I called in a hoarse whisper.

A thump came from the living room and then loud baying. Jasper must have been caught off guard by how stealthy I’d been, used to the noisy returns of Emma pounding up the porch steps and slamming open the front door. He raced around the corner to launch himself like a torpedo straight into my abdomen. I couldn’t see anything and grabbed onto him for balance while my purse went flying. His tongue seemed like it was everywhere, on my arms, my cheeks, a snootful in my mouth where he gave another happy bark.

“Did I sneak up on you, poor guy? I’m sorry. Poor boy.” I switched on the lamp and then shut and locked the door. Stooping, I gathered my purse items like I was on a ten-second scavenger hunt. “It’s so dark in here. Have you missed me?”

I flipped on more lights as I walked through the house and let Jasper out the back door for a break. He took off sniffing on the trail of something. I only hoped he’d come back when I called. This was not a night I wanted to be out searching for him.

Sighing, I started dinner—just some leftovers from the night before— and then found my phone. I’d been thinking more about that restaurant I’d seen under Corey’s profile. If a person puts something like that under their likes, it must mean they go there often, right?

Jasper scratched at the back door and I wandered over to let him in as I scrolled through social media. The restaurant had its own media page. The place didn’t seem like a huge establishment. Was it out of the question that someone down there

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