Persian Penalty by Molly Fitz

Author:Molly Fitz [Fitz, Molly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Whiskered Mysteries

13

We parked outside the bed-and-breakfast, planning to go around back and enter our room through the sliding glass door. Charles carried the overstuffed bag of greasy fast food while I held an extra-large soda in each hand.

I’d planned on feeding the pets food we’d brought from home, but Octo-Cat had argued with me unrelentingly until I acquiesced, agreeing to purchase him a fish filet. We grabbed a plain burger for Paisley, too, since it would have been unfair not to treat her as well.

It wasn’t a total defeat on my part, though. I made them both swear up and down they’d eat their pet food the rest of the time we were here.

“C’mon, let’s get to the room before these babies get cold.” Charles preferred that no one eat in his car, so we’d kept the bag sealed tight for the entire drive back, the delicious scents tormenting me the whole way.

A flash of orange caught my eye. At first I thought it was Louis the cat, but then I realized it was Millicent who had been watching us.

“And just where have you two been all morning?” she demanded, wrapping her long, red fingernails around a can of Diet Coke.

“Oh, here and there,” I said with a shrug, then turned away.

But Millicent followed us, her flip-flops slapping against the gravel. “You weren’t up to anything illegal, were you? Why, just last night I had a guest tell me her diamond ring had gone missing.”

I gaped at her. “That was me. My ring went missing.”

She balked, then sputtered as she searched for words. “Well, what did you do with it? Come out with it, then.”

“I tried to tell you all of this last night. Weren’t you listening? I took it off to get some sleep, then when I woke up it was gone.”

She considered this before narrowing her eyes and demanding, “How do I know you’re not trying to frame my establishment just so you can collect the insurance money and get something better?”

“Are you actually serious right now?” I exploded. She was lucky my hands were full, or I’d—Okay, I wouldn’t actually do anything untoward, but sometimes it was nice to pretend that I might.

“C’mon, Angie,” Charles urged, tugging at my elbow and motioning with his chin. “Our lunch is getting cold.”

“But she can’t talk to us like that,” I insisted, returning the cruel woman’s glare. “See, this is why I’m guessing you don’t get many return guests. Personal items go missing, the doors don’t work, and you’re one of the rudest people I’ve ever met!”

“I can’t believe you would talk to me like that,” Millicent snarled. “I don’t have to let you stay here. In fact, pack your bags and—”

“No,” I said firmly. “I’m not going anywhere until my ring is returned. So if you want to get rid of me, I suggest you find it first. Now good day, Millicent.”

I stormed off with Charles and the animals in silent pursuit.

“Meee-yeow,” Octo-Cat said, then let out a low whistle. “I’ve never been more proud of you, Angela.

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