Purrs & Poison: Chatty Cat Cozy Mysteries No. 1 by Elle Wren Burke

Author:Elle Wren Burke [Burke, Elle Wren]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-10-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

“Wow, Brighton. You’re a much more efficient sleuth than I ever was.”

I tilted my head at Alara. “Of course I am. I don’t have to make up cover stories or concoct elaborate plans. I simply go where I want.”

Todd set down his drink. “What about your plan for me to become a bird expert so I can talk to Christopher? Or your plan to get Irene to talk to Hester?”

“That’s different.”

Irene set down the fry she’d been holding. “Excuse me, what’s this about me and Hester?”

Todd and I had arrived at The Screening Attic an hour ago and downed a whole basket of fried shrimp while we waited for the rest of our party. Todd had held his phone to his ear while we were alone so he could talk to me without looking like he’d lost his marbles.

The historic building housed Prickly Pear’s only movie screen. Thirty years ago, the building was in danger of being torn down, but a new owner had stepped up to renovate the theater, adding a viewing area up high with a few tables where people could order food and watch the movie. The rest of the theater had regular seats, but patrons could bring in food and drinks from the restaurant the owner had added to the building.

As cats are barbarously not allowed in eating establishments, I couldn’t join my family and friends inside. But luckily, we had an in with the owner, and he allowed me to sit on the patio. He even kept a little water dish for me with my name on it.

Alara had been a frequent customer at The Screening Attic since high school and had become friends with Jimmy, the owner. When Irene moved to town to be close to Alara, she’d met Jimmy too. They’d had instant chemistry, and within a few months, Jimmy and Irene were dating.

Their relationship had still been new when Irene brought me home, and I’d quickly extended my approval to him…because of all the fried shrimp he brought me, not because he was a kind man. Definitely the shrimp.

Irene had arrived at The Screening Attic next, with Alara rushing in a few minutes later. Alara’s honey-brown bob was a little askew today, one half lying flatter than usual and the other puffed up. She’d explained she was swamped at her accounting job. Something about reports and presentations. It was so boring that I’d eventually just cut her off to tell the women about my findings that day. Rudi was set to join us, but not until a bit later.

Todd pointed at me with both index fingers. “You get to tell Irene about your grand plans for her.”

I tutted. “Don’t be so dramatic.” I looked at Irene, who sat across from where I sat on the table, my hip propped up on a pile of napkins. “It’s a simple plan. Hester is way too snobby to talk to Todd, so we need you to put on a fancy outfit and go talk to her.

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