Pawsitively Poisonous by Melissa Erin Jackson

Author:Melissa Erin Jackson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fiction, mystery, paranormal, paranormal mystery, cozy mystery, witches, cats
ISBN: 9781732413436
Publisher: Ringtail Press

Chapter 10

Amber was startled awake on Sunday morning by her landline ringing. She stumbled out of bed, dislodging Tom—who yowled in protest—and plucked the phone out of its cradle after the third ring.

“Hello?” she said, her voice froggy even to her own ears.

“Oh gosh, did I wake you?”

It took Amber a second to recognize the voice. Nicolette Cole. Suddenly Amber felt more awake. “Yes, but it’s okay. What’s up, Nicolette?”

Amber peered at the wall clock. It was just after 7:00 a.m. Ugh. Why?

“I … gosh, I’m sorry,” she said. “I tried to convince myself to go back to Melanie’s house last night and I just … I couldn’t. So I got a hotel room, but I haven’t been able to sleep here either.”

Amber frowned. “Is there anything I can do? You can always stay here. It’s tiny, but I can sleep on the couch.”

“Oh no, I don’t want to put you out,” she said. “I would … the police said it would be okay for me to go back and collect some of Melanie’s things. I haven’t decided what to do with the property itself yet, but I’d like to have some of her belongings to take back with me.” She paused for so long, Amber wondered if she’d hung up. “Would you go with me? I just don’t think I can go there by myself.”

Amber felt sick about going there, but the desperation in Nicolette’s voice made her agree. “Yes, of course.”

“Oh, bless you,” Nicolette said, heaving a relieved breath through the phone. “Whenever you’re ready, I can come pick you up. Or I can meet you there. Whatever you like. And no rush on time either. I know it’s a Sunday and you probably—”

“Let’s meet there,” Amber said. “Just give me about half an hour to shower. I’ll bring coffee and pastries.”

Nicolette immediately began to cry. “Thank you, Amber,” she choked out. “Mel was lucky to have you as a friend.”

Willing back her own tears, she said, “I’ll see you soon, okay?”

After a quick shower, Amber dressed, fed the cats, and hurried downstairs. She didn’t open on Sundays until after ten, so she had plenty of time to help Nicolette and get back to the shop. To be on the safe side, she swiped a hand over her magicked blackboard to say, “Closed until noon!” The top-hat-wearing cat of her logo now tipped his hat, his fingers gripping the brim while he winked at his audience.

Locking up, she slipped out onto the deserted sidewalk of Russian Blue Avenue, walked around the building, and down the alley between her building and the next. The morning air was crisp and, given the occasional puddle she had to sidestep on the way to her car, it had rained last night. A fine mist hung in the air. Amber huddled a little more into her belted trench coat.

Amber stopped in at Purrcolate to grab coffees and Jack Terrence’s famous blueberry scones. His scones could uplift anyone’s mood.

As she crossed the parking lot, she tried not to think about the last time she had been here.

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