Purrfect Slaying by Louise Lynn

Author:Louise Lynn [Lynn, Louise]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-12-07T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

“Wait," Celia said, eyes wide and expression torn between mirth and awe, "your mom flat-out accused Carol Collins of murder?"

Hazel nodded while taking a bite of her late lunch of chicken enchiladas. "Yeah, and Carol was not happy."

Celia had managed to take lunch off for once, and they decided to celebrate with Mexican food. "I can imagine. I wouldn't want to be accused of murder in my own shop. Then again, you said it was empty. She hasn't updated anything in years, so I'm not surprised."

Hazel nodded absently. "I never really thought about that, but you're right. Christmas trends do change with the times, don't they?"

Celia nodded. "This year, I hear the new trend is black Christmas ornaments on a white tree. But I don't think anyone in Cedar Valley really follows that. We’re not hip enough.”

The word Christmas trend sounded strange to Hazel's ears, but she agreed with Celia's assessment regardless. "Following trends or not, I still think it could've been her. She's the only one that has means, motive and a shakier alibi than Albert Stone."

Celia took a long drink of her margarita. "So, there's proof he took that Uber? Which is so weird. How come I didn't know they had Uber in Cedar Valley now?"

Hazel chuckled. "I don't think anyone but Albert Stone knew, which is even weirder. Yeah. I got a call from Sheriff Cross earlier saying it checked out, though Albert Stone still had time to commit the crime, so he’s not in the clear yet."

A visible shudder went up Celia's back. "I hope he didn't do it. I always liked him as Scrooge."

Hazel had as well. And even after how nasty a Scrooge he could play, or how he’d bickered with John Collins, the thought of him committing the crime seemed unreal. "How's Marcus holding up? He didn't throw up when we found the body, like I did, but he didn't look great either."

Celia nearly choked on her bite of chimichanga. "He was rattled. And I think he’s still rattled, but he's doing a pretty good job. Don't you just love the grape leaf crown?"

Hazel smiled and nodded, equally at the thought of Marcus and the crown and the way Celia's eyes sparkled when she said it. "He is. And he's been keeping an eye on Ruth and the other kids. Violet and Milo as well. Aren’t you happy your mom found you such a great guy?”

Celia rolled her eyes. "I'll admit that to you, but don't ever tell her or I will never hear the end of it. Can you imagine if your mom set you up with Colton?"

Hazel didn’t want to imagine it, and barely suppressed a visible shudder herself. “Oh, speaking of my mom reminds me. Carol said something about Albert being a coward, just like Hilde. But I’ve never heard of a woman named Hilde living in Cedar Valley.”

Celia took another bite of her food. "Weird name. Did your mom know anything about it?"

"That's the thing, in the hubbub of her accusing Carol Collins of murder, I totally forgot to ask.

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