The Body in the Cattails by Catherine Dilts

Author:Catherine Dilts [Dilts, Catherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: female amateur sleuth mysteries cozy mystery, women’s fiction chick lit female characters, women friends friendship girlfriends buddy story, Oklahoma local book club small town, humor romance, murder thieves, Contemporary Fiction
Published: 2023-05-09T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

Callie told Clint and John about the discovery of jewelry in Bobby’s storage unit.

“That man can’t be your prowler,” John said. “You found his body in the creek a week ago, and your ranch foreman saw an intruder this morning.”

“True,” Callie said.

“Which means we still face an issue,” Clint said. “Callie, your expertise in security software gave us this ranch. You have amazing skills in anything IT related, but John knows the hardware side of physical security.”

Bobby Crawley’s death might not spell the end to criminal activity in Rose Creek. He had an uncomfortable connection to her neighbors the Caines, via Bobby’s girlfriend. Add in the repeat prowler on the ranch, and maybe a security upgrade wasn’t a bad idea. Besides, there were horses, boarders, and kids to consider. Any could become collateral damage during a crime.

“Thank you, Mr. Westerly.” Clint stood. “How soon will you begin installation of the new equipment?”

“We can start immediately,” John said. “In the meantime, a high-tech door doesn’t keep you safe if you don’t lock it. Please make full use of the existing security measures.”

“The system I installed,” Callie said.

“Of course. And I’m sure it was adequate when you were just dealing with snoopy reporters. In the past three years, there have been improvements in camera resolution and motion sensing technology.”

Before John could go into full salesman mode again, Clint shook his hand and escorted him to the front door. Callie stood to the side as John promised to email his quote by end of business the next day. Finally, he left. Clint locked the door and turned to Callie.

“Are you certain you agree with this?”

Callie stepped closer to Clint, letting him wrap his muscled arms around her. She pressed her head against his shoulder.

“If it makes you feel better, honey, then I’m all for it.” She leaned back to look at him. “Besides, I’ll admit I’m creeped out by our prowler.”

Clint kissed Callie lightly. “Enough of this serious talk. Let’s grab a beer and sit on the patio.”

“Oh. About that.”

Clint sighed. “No business in town, I hope. You said you were finished helping the police, and then you accompanied them to search a storage unit. Perhaps Chief Holloway should put you on his payroll.”

“I invited the book club here tonight.” Callie cocked her head to one side. Her blonde ponytail spilled over one shoulder. “I might have told the ladies we’d fix barbeque for them.”

A big smile spread across Clint’s tanned face. “If this means you will be home where I can keep an eye on you, then I’ll prepare a meal to keep your friends coming back for more. How many are we expecting?”

“Two. Uh, no, I mean three. One gal just joined. Maybe four, if Drew brings her son.”

“I will cook plenty.” Clint headed for the kitchen.

As Callie followed, she glanced at her phone. “I have enough time to whip up some dessert. I hope the ladies will be okay with a box mix.” She pulled the pantry door open and checked her stash of quick and easy cake mixes.

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