Paws & Leashes: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery by Corrine Winters

Author:Corrine Winters [Winters, Corrine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-09-05T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Katie slumped onto her couch, exhaustion seeping into her bones. Biscuit hopped up beside her, his warm presence a small comfort.

"What a day," she sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I found more entrances to the dark witches' hideout, but then that reporter..."

Biscuit's ears perked up. "Tell me everything."

Katie recounted her encounter with Valerie Simmons, her voice tight with lingering frustration. "I just lost it, Biscuit. I couldn't take one more accusation."

"You're under a lot of stress," Biscuit observed, nudging her hand with his head.

"That's an understatement," Katie replied, absently scratching behind his ears. "This murder case... it's consuming everything. I can't focus on stopping Lilah when I'm constantly looking over my shoulder."

She leaned back, staring at the ceiling.

"And then there's the magic. I'm making progress, but it feels like I'm always two steps behind. The amulet, the runes, all of it – sometimes I wonder if I'm cut out for this."

Biscuit's purr rumbled against her side. "You're doing better than you think."

Katie smiled weakly. "Thanks, but it doesn't feel that way. I snapped at Tom earlier. He was just trying to help, and I bit his head off."

She closed her eyes, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on her.

"I used to think my biggest worry was making rent and finishing a film project. Now I'm trying to solve a murder, stop dark witches, and figure out magic I barely understand. How did my life get so complicated?"

A sharp knock at the door caused both of them to start, sitting up straight as they looked at each other. Katie stood up, silently crossing the living room floor and cautiously opening it to find Tom standing there, a warm smile on his face despite her earlier outburst. Her heart skipped a beat, and fear rose in her chest again at the memory of how she'd treated him in their earlier conversation.

"Tom, I'm so sorry about—" she began, but he held up a hand, cutting her off.

"Save it, Houseman. No apologies needed. Get your coat, we're going out."

Katie blinked, caught off guard. "Out? Now?"

Tom's blue eyes sparkled with determination. "Absolutely. Tonight, it's just you and me. No talk of witches, murder cases, or anything supernatural. Deal?"

A wave of relief washed over Katie. She hadn't realized how desperately she needed a break until that moment. "Deal, I think that might be what I need," she agreed, grabbing her jacket.

As they stepped out into the cool evening air, Katie felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Tom took her hand, his touch grounding her in the present.

"So, where are we going?" she asked, curiosity piqued.

Tom grinned mischievously. "It's a surprise. But I promise you'll love it."

They walked hand in hand through the bustling streets of Park Slope, the city alive with energy. For the first time in weeks, Katie found herself noticing the little things – the warm glow of streetlights, the laughter spilling out of cafes, the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze.

Katie felt a wave of relief wash over her as they stepped into the familiar warmth of the 5th Avenue Diner.

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