Paula Lester - 02 Loony Town by Paula Lester

Author:Paula Lester [Lester, Paula]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: small town cozy mystery, paranormal cozy mystery, witch cozy mystery
Publisher: Paula Lester
Published: 2019-06-06T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

“You promised to give me some time.” Zoey leaned against the wall and kept her eyes on Ester’s closed door and the magic escaping out from under it as she talked to Luke.

“I did, but the leads I have stopped leading me anywhere. I’m sorry, but we just don’t have anything left to follow. Howie was placed at the scene by all the witnesses, and they concur that he was riled up and tossing magic.”

The colors around her were beginning to fade—the spell was wearing off. “But he disappeared. No one saw Howie during the actual murder.”

“That doesn’t mean he didn’t do it. It just means he figured out how to move himself somewhere else for the finale.”

Frustration mounted in her chest. “Come on, Luke. You don’t believe Howie Nurl is really capable of murder, do you?”

“If I’ve learned anything in my years as a cop, it’s that you can never truly know what another person might do. I’m sorry, but I have to keep this thing moving along. I’m starting to get some guff from my higher-ups for not bringing Nurl in yet when he’s clearly the prime suspect.” Luke’s voice echoed some of her own frustration.

“Can you just give me a little more time?” she pleaded.

Silence reigned on the line for a moment. Finally, he responded. “You have until tomorrow at noon. I’ll talk to a few more people in the meantime. But that’s all I can give you. I’m sorry.”

Zoey thanked him and hung up. The colorful tendrils of magic were completely gone. She sighed in frustration, then knocked softly on Ester’s door. When she heard a muffled response, she cracked it open. The woman sat in a rocking chair near the bed. Her knitting was on her lap like usual, but her face was in her hands, and her shoulders heaved.

Zoey rushed in and knelt beside her. “What’s wrong?”

Ester looked up. Her soft, wrinkled cheeks were stained with tears. When she recognized Zoey, she smiled. “Oh! Hello, dear.” She looked around, seeming to be trying to figure out where she was or maybe why Zoey was in her room. Sniffing, she picked up her knitting and began working.

“Is everything okay?” Zoey asked again.

Another lovely smile crossed the lady’s face, but it looked slightly sad. “I was just thinking about what I’d do if I couldn’t live here anymore.” She glanced around the room at all her feminine, frilly things, and tears welled up and spilled out of her eyes again. “I can’t imagine having to start over again somewhere. I have friends here. Family.” Her scared expression tore at Zoey’s heart. “I don’t have any other family.”

Zoey felt her forehead wrinkle. “Why are you thinking about that? You don’t have to go anywhere—this is your home.”

Ester blinked fast a few times. “Well, I just don’t know about my insurance. And I don’t think I have enough money saved to afford Sunnyside if they stop paying.”

Zoey felt a tiny bit of static bounce over her arms, making her eyes widen.

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