How to Muzzle a Murderer by Cat Clayton

Author:Cat Clayton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: humor, women sleuth, animal mystery, southern mystery, pet mystery
Publisher: Cat Clayton
Published: 2021-09-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

I grumbled about Vivienne for the rest of the afternoon. Daniel and I agreed to deliver Ramen to the adoption tent, so after we dropped off the soiled togas at the cleaners, we headed toward the courthouse, with Cuff and Ramen trotting in our wake.

“Steely, if I were you, I’d do what Vivienne asks,” Daniel said. “You know she can make your life miserable. Remember, you’re being deceptive too.”

I poked him. “My deception is in pursuit of justice for the dogs and Mr. Foley’s murder!” He rubbed his arm. “Okay, you don’t have to be violent about it.”

I decided any further discussion on the matter would persist in opposition, so I dropped it. We made it to the courthouse at 5:59 and parted ways. Daniel headed to the rescue group with Ramen and Cuff. I spotted the Pleasant Ladies Society banner strung above a small folding table. Vivienne stood behind it, parade-waving to the folk passing by, and I walked in her direction.

“I’m here,” I said.

She glanced at her gold watch. “You’re late.”

I checked the time on my cell phone. “It’s 6:00. I’m right on time.”

Pursing her lips, she shook her head. “No, on time would’ve been five minutes ago. And I guess Melinda is a no-show. But anyhow, come around the table. Let me show you what we’re doing.” My job was to hand out brochures about the society, with a goal of recruiting new members. Vivienne gave away freshly squeezed lemonade and cake pops decorated like bluebonnets. My hope was Mrs. Peacock would scuttle away doing city manager things, but no such luck. Instead, she stuck around, keeping a close eye on me, listening to my every word.

Thirty minutes later, the pet adopt-a-thon was in full-swing, and people milled about the courthouse lawn. We’d had two ladies stop by our table and ask me if the society ladies forced us to run naked in the bluebonnets. Vivienne told them that gossip wasn’t ladylike and sent them on their way with cake pops.

“And that’s how it’s done. You smile, make them feel awful, and then bribe them with something sweet,” Vivienne said, glancing past me. “Look, here comes Stella. Your turn.”

“Hi, Stella!” I said, waving.

Wearing a flowy, powder-pink Renaissance-style dress, she strolled to the table. She wore her long, wavy black hair gathered in a loose side braid, her vivid green eyes full of curiosity. “Steely, good to see you, dear.” She turned to my coworker. “Vivienne.” If looks could kill. I often imagined Stella practicing witchcraft in an old-world kitchen witch sort of way. But at the moment, she reminded me of a voodoo priestess about to perform a hex. If I were Vivienne, I’d be shivering in my granny panties.

I cleared my throat, attempting to interrupt their stare-down. “Stella, are you interested in joining the Pleasant Ladies Society?” I grabbed a brochure and cake pop and held them out. Her eyes traveled to mine, softening. She smiled. “No, thank you, Steely. As your friend, I only came to warn you.

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