Blaze of Fury (Federal Bureau of Magic Cozy Mystery Book 13) by Annabel Chase

Author:Annabel Chase [Chase, Annabel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC
Published: 2023-02-01T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

True to form, Chief Fox picked me up at ten the next morning and not a minute later. Princess Buttercup sniffed him happily.

“What a beauty,” he said, scratching the back of her head. “She seems to like me. I’m surprised she isn’t more skittish around strangers.”

I bit my tongue.

His gaze slid over my attire, which consisted of a purple sweater and form-fitting black pants. “That’s a nice color on you, although I’m disappointed by the lack of witty social commentary.”

“There’s always tomorrow.”

I locked the barn, and we crossed the yard to his patrol car.

“Have you been able to confirm my family’s alibi?” I asked. I’d been hesitant to ask, knowing the truth.

“I’ve confirmed with the friend they stayed with. The aquarium is more challenging because they paid in cash.” He didn’t seem too bothered.

“She didn’t kill Mrs. Paulson,” I said.

He slid behind the wheel of the car. “My gut agrees with you. Still have to do my job, though.”

“I know.” I caught myself admiring his profile as he drove and forced myself to look out the windshield instead. “Any information to share about Carolyn Webb?”

“I figure we’ll let her tell us.”

He pulled into the parking lot of a row of neatly kept townhouses. The exteriors were traditional red brick, alternating between black, red, and green doors and shutters.

A blonde woman opened the door at number 10. She was midthirties, with round, ruddy cheeks, and slightly plump around the middle. She had what my mother would call “a librarian’s face.” I was never sure whether that was an insult or not. Knowing my mother, it probably was.

“Carolyn Webb?” the chief asked.

The woman smiled. “That’s me.”

The chief flashed his badge. “I’m Chief Fox, and this is my colleague, Agent Fury. Mind if we come inside?”

Carolyn froze. “I don’t want to see any photos.” Her voice sounded panicked.

The chief blinked. “We aren’t here to show you any photos, Ms. Webb.”

Her brow furrowed. “You’re here about the murder of my aunt, right?”

The chief maintained his easygoing demeanor. “That’s right.”

She ushered us inside. “Sorry, I was afraid you’d show me crime scene pictures. I wouldn’t be able to handle that image. I’d have nightmares for months. I made the mistake of watching an episode of CSI once and lived with regret for two weeks afterward. I honestly don’t know how you do your jobs.”

The chief held up his hand. “I solemnly swear on the Hawkeyes that I won’t expose you to any unpleasant images.”

Carolyn frowned. “Hawkeye? Like the Marvel superhero?”

“University of Iowa football team,” I clarified. “The chief’s alma mater.”

He broke into a broad smile. “You remember that, too, Agent Fury? I don’t remember telling you about my team.”

I kept my emotions at bay. “You mentioned it once in passing. I have a gift for personal trivia.”

“Pretty impressive,” he remarked. “Probably one of many reasons you’re good at your job.”

My insides warmed. He definitely seemed to be flirting.

Carolyn motioned for us to sit in the tidy living room. There were minimal mementos. The two end tables made space for coasters and not much else.

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