Moonstones and Murder by Michael Lynes

Author:Michael Lynes [Lynes, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: mystery cozy murder, mystery, Cozy, murder, Magic
Publisher: Michael Lynes
Published: 2022-02-14T07:00:00+00:00

THE SHADOWS CAST BY the westering moon had reached the edge of the portico, throwing the outdoor sitting area into deep darkness. It was almost two in the morning, and the party was still going strong with no sign of winding down. Maggie was shivering despite the warmth of Mike's arm around her shoulders.

They had remained vigilant, but besides a few drunk patrons, and a cigar smoker or two, there had been little to break the monotony. Mike leaned close, his lips almost touching her ear. "Had enough fun for the night?" She nodded, clenching her teeth to still their chattering. "There's a cloud that should cover the moon in a minute or so," he went on. As soon as it does, we'll move."

The dark shadow rolled in, and they rose to their feet, moving off the portico and into the sitting area, staying low. The sounds of the party faded as they made their way down to their car, moving with stealth. But as they were crossing into the open space, the moon broke free.

White light swept across the grounds, enveloping them before they could seek better cover. He grabbed her arm, supporting her as they sprinted over the dew-soaked lawn. They jumped into their car as the fickle moonlight faded once more. Her heart was pounding in her chest as they stared back toward the manse, alert for any sign of alarm.

The sounds of the party continued, undisturbed. Mike released a long breath. "Good job. You've survived your first stakeout." She shivered a bit, letting her heart slow. The windows of the car were beginning to fog, dew from outside combining with their breath making them hard to see through.

"Thanks, I think." She turned to him. "We got in here easily enough. How are we going to get out?"

"Great question." He rolled down the driver's side window and peered at the closed gate. "Lucky for us, I have a great answer." He held up his phone. "Our Uber should be arriving any minute.” She gave him a brows-raised look as he continued. “Remember the last name of the guy who almost fell into that bushy thing next to the stairs?"

"No, and that was a hydrangea."

"Tomato, toe-mah-toe. You should always be listening Recruit. You never know what tidbit might come in handy." He hurried on as she frowned. "It was Mr. Ricketson, as the waiter who helped him said quite clearly. In my professional opinion he appeared to be impaired, and in the interests of public safety, I decided to order him a ride home."

Maggie's eyes grew large as a pair of headlights beamed in through the main gate. "Right on time." Mike started the car as the gates swung open and the ride-share nosed its way in. Once it passed, he backed onto the drive using the parking brake once more, and then continued through the gate, lights still off. Maggie watched through the rear window as the taillights of the car disappeared in the gloom. She turned to Mike, smiling.

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