Not an Elf by Madeline Kirby

Author:Madeline Kirby
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: jake and boo, waxahachie, texas, houston, woodland heights, lgbt, glbt, gay romance, gay, gay mystery, cozy, comic mystery, humorous mystery, werecat, elf, christmas, cat shifter, cat, shifter, family, light romance, paranormal, squirrel, murder, poison pen, secrets, small town, dog, dream, psychic, elf on the shelf
Publisher: Madeline Kirby
Published: 2018-12-06T16:00:00+00:00

Jermaine Goes to Town

Jermaine hadn’t moved from his spot under the stairs when we got back to the house.

“I really do think he’s depressed,” I said, as I crouched to pet him.

“Let’s take him outside, see if some fresh air perks him up.”

“Really? I thought you didn’t like him.” I stood, Jermaine in my arms, and took his leash off one of the coat hooks.

“He’s a dog, so of course I’m not thrilled, but I do feel sorry for him. Maybe he is in pain, sad, depressed, whatever.”

“Maybe if we walk him around town some, near where Karl lived? Maybe it’ll jog his memory and he’ll dream about it later, or something. I don’t know. I’m just grasping at straws now.”

“We could, but how does that help us with Jim’s problem?”

“Fine, fine. Come on, Jermaine. Let’s see if you’ll poop this time.”

“Ick.” Petreski made a face, but still followed me outside. “Any word from Don on Father Jim?”

“Nope. Did you call him?”

“Yeah. Told him it was for an informal inquiry, not to use department resources, so it’s probably too soon to hear anything anyway.”

I let Jermaine off his leash and tossed the tennis ball I’d found in the bag of dog toys Petreski had brought from Karl’s house. He trotted after it, pawed at it a little, then sat and looked back at me.

“That’s progress,” Petreski said. “I guess.”

“Meh.”

“What’s that?” a woman’s voice asked from behind us, and I turned to see what could only be the remaining Petreski sibling, Laney, walking toward us.

She was a taller, younger version of Beth, but with Leo’s bright green eyes.

“Karl Lowel’s dog.”

“Do I even want to know? Hey, big brother.” She grabbed Petreski in a bear hug and the two of them proceeded to see who could crush each other’s ribs first. She finally squeaked and he let her go.

“This must be Jake,” she said, turning to me. “Andi won’t shut up about you.”

“Oh, geez.”

“If it’s any consolation, Mel’s still on the fence.”

“Mel’s always on the fence,” Petreski said.

“True. And everyone knows Andi’s affections can be bought with sweets. How much do we really know about this Jake guy, anyway?”

“I ran a background check. He’s clean.”

“Hmm.”

“Is this some kind of hazing ritual?” I asked, looking back and forth between them.

“I dunno, man,” she said, frowning. “I mean, you come here with fudge and liquor and who knows what else, and the next thing anyone knows you’re bringing a dog – a dog – into the house. I mean, what’s next?”

I was just starting to get worried when I saw Petreski’s face over her shoulder. He was making a good effort, but he could barely keep a straight face. Two could play this game.

“You’re right,” I said with a heavy sigh. “Of course you are. What was I thinking? I’ll go upstairs and pack now. I can get a bus back to Houston. Don’t worry, I’ll take Jermaine with me.”

I let my shoulders slump and started walking toward the house. Laney gasped and started to sputter as Petreski finally lost it.

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