Muddy Mango Murder by Jess Haven

Author:Jess Haven [Jess Haven]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Witt & Grace Publishers
Published: 2024-04-15T00:00:00+00:00

I knew the party was starting when Percy bolted from the back of the couch, dashed through the kitchen and dining room, and skidded to a stop at the front door.

About thirty seconds later, the doorbell rang.

“Come on in, Lou!” I called. My cat served as an early alert system, thanks to his super-sense for his favorite librarian’s arrival.

“Hi, pest,” said Lou when she came through the front door. There was a pause while she probably snuggled her furry friend. Then her brisk footsteps echoed toward the kitchen.

I set down the carrot I’d been chopping and gave her a quick hug.

“Whew, it’s been a week,” she said, setting the biggest cheesecake I’d ever seen onto the counter. She wore black leggings and a beige cableknit sweater, the very picture of cozy comfort. “I think every teenager in Applewood came in at some point, asking for help with a research project. I’m so glad we didn’t reschedule tonight’s game; it’s just what I need. And it’ll be great to see your folks again.” She scanned the obviously parentless room.

“They’ll be right down,” I said with a grin. “Dad’s trying to teach Mom five-card stud.”

A crazed knocking and bell-ringing heralded Penne’s arrival. A moment later Penne and Kat came through to the kitchen, Penne’s hair twisted into elaborate braids and Kat’s pulled into her usual ponytail. They were followed closely by my parents, and there was a melee of hugging and exclaiming, during which I tried to concentrate on slicing the carrots without chopping my fingers. Penne set a giant bowl of fruit salad on the counter, and Kat slid an open box of crackers and half a round of brie next to it. Penne grinned, and Lou raised an eyebrow.

“Not your usual overabundance,” I said to Kat mildly. “Glad to see you finally trust that I can manage to put a meal in front of you.” I considered the words that had fallen from my mouth. “Sometimes.”

“I love cheese! It’s perfect!” said Dad, fishing through the silverware drawer for a knife.

“Seth and the kids got their grubby little hands on the cupcakes I made,” said Kat. “I didn’t think two cupcakes and a handful of crumbs would go far among the six of us, and I didn’t have time to go to the store. So this is what I came up with.” She eyed the cheesecake Lou had brought. “But I see we have dessert covered, so I’m not too worried.”

“Can I pour everyone some drinks?” offered my mom. She liked to entertain, whether she was in her own house or someone else’s. For which I was infinitely grateful.

“There’s wine, beer, and root beer in the fridge, along with some sweet tea and lemonade,” I called.

Penne leaned over and stage whispered to my parents. “That’s how we know you’re here,” she said. “The fridge is full.”

Dad grinned. “Only with drinks and junk food.”

“I’m standing right here, you know.”

“Only kidding, bunnykins. You provide for us admirably,” he said, patting his stomach.

“Wait. Hold on.

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