Secret Inheritance: An Unputdownable Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery (An April May Cozy Mystery Book Book 1) by Hazel Smith

Author:Hazel Smith [Smith, Hazel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-09-17T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

Wesley’s house sat just around the corner from Reuben’s on Isabelle Drive, a long road of greenery that swallowed up the houses. It was as cozy and homey as expected, with a pale green exterior and a garage behind a white picket fence. Two Jack Russells roamed the yard, one of them familiar and the other one covered in darker splotches.

Ralph tugged her over so he could meet the seniors, letting out a bark that scared them away. “Nice job, Ralph. This is why he wouldn’t take you in the first place! How am I supposed to find you a new home like this?”

He didn’t seem to care, jumping up at the gate instead. Sighing, April led him through and found Wesley emerging from the front door with a wave. “Hey, April May!”

“Hello, Wesley Reeves.” She couldn’t help but eye the house next door, which was just as nice if not a little bit worn with age. She’d been jittery all day, just wondering whether she might find her answers inside. She hoped so.

First, she had some questions for Wesley.

“Come on in,” he invited. She did, finding the house warm. It smelled like fresh cotton with a faint hint of dog food, which she supposed was to be expected from the man who lived and breathed animals. The first door was open, displaying a welcoming, rustic living room with a flat-screen and an L-shaped couch. One of the Jack Russells slipped past to jump on it, twirling around in a circle and clawing the cushions until it was curled up and comfortable.

“What’s this one’s name?”

“Oh, that’s Russell. He’s a lazy boy.”

April paused, unable to hide her smirk. “Jack and Russell?”

“They were already called that when I adopted them!” he defended himself, continuing down the hallway.

She followed him, wrinkling her nose at the cheesiness. She hated it. She also loved it. He was so easy to read, so transparent. Unlike the jerks she’d dated in the city, he didn’t play games or say things he didn’t mean. He just was. And he didn’t apologize or try to hide.

April had always thought she’d liked a challenge, but now, she thought something was appealing about a man who wore his entire being for the whole world to see.

The kitchen was sleek and modern, accented with silvers and punctuated by a dining table scattered with documents and keys.

“Sorry about the mess. I meant to clean it up but worked with a patient until late.”

“No, that’s okay. It’s a great home.” Perfect for a family. So why didn’t he have one already?

She was distracted from her train of thought by Ralph, who was sniffing at a bowl filled with dog food by the open back door. April tutted and pulled him away. “Not yours, Ralph.”

“Well, I’m glad he’s at least got an appetite. He looks like a completely different dog. Coffee?” He was already pulling two mugs from an overhead shelf.

“Sure.” She moved to join him, pressing her hip into the corner of the counter as she watched him make the drinks.

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