Sleigh Bells & Sleuthing: A Christmas Cozy Mystery by B I Skinner

Author:B I Skinner [Skinner, B I]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Felix the Cat Rocks
Published: 2024-02-05T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Istill need to see Alastair McClellan, the artisan steel worker, but for the moment, finding the bike is a priority. It could be a crucial piece to clearing Sammy. I realize it's just a hunch, and if I admitted it to anyone else, they might laugh at me, but my instincts seldom lead me astray. and it's been nagging at me. If he didn't use the bike to return, how did he get home?

As preposterous as it sounds that he took a bike out in the cold and snow, it's crazier still to think that he walked back to the bar. Yet none of the cab companies have a record of picking him up. I just don't get it. I'm missing something, but what?

After promising a disgruntled Scooby I'd make it up to him for leaving him at home, I drive to Ebenita's neighborhood where I park a block away to avoid unwanted attention. If we don’t find the bike, the prosecutor could say Sammy must have disposed of it to cover his tracks?

I would argue it was too cold, and he was too drunk to think that far ahead, but I'm not sure that would convince a jury. If he had spent that much time outside that night, surely he would have suffered from frostbite or possibly worse. Plus, he didn't kill Ebenita, so there would be no need to dispose of the bike in the first place. But again, I'm not sure that would persuade a jury.

After circling the block on foot, failing to discover it haphazardly propped against a tree in someone's yard as I had hoped, I then make my way to Ebenita's place. I don't remember seeing a bike at her house, but I wasn't looking for one. If only I had known that they'd accuse Sammy of her murder, there are so many things I would have done differently that night. Soon, Ebenita's house looms ahead, its windows darker and more uninviting than ever. The snow crunches unnaturally loud beneath my feet. I don't want anyone to see me lurking and call Detective Rodriguez.

I approach the backyard, my movements cautious and calculated. The fence is old and wooden and creaks slightly when I test its sturdiness before hoisting myself up. I don't think to question whether I should be climbing fences at my age before swinging my leg over the top. Landing softly on the other side, I'm grateful I didn't break anything - on the fence or my aging bones. I crouch low while sneaking through Ebenita's backyard, but there's no sign of the bike. There's no sign of watchful neighbors either, thankfully. I’m disappointed to discover, after crossing the yard, there’s no bike. However, instead of hopping the fence again, I use the gate to let myself out. Just as I congratulate myself for getting through the backyard undetected, a familiar car pulls up. Detective Rodriguez steps out, wearing the sternest of expressions. Does she have a tracking chip on me

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.