SMALL ISLAND: Cozy Humor Mystery with Cat (Paradise Crime Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Toby Neal

Author:Toby Neal [Neal, Toby]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9798985706857
Publisher: Neal Enterprises, INC.
Published: 2023-06-29T18:30:00+00:00

20

“This gentleman specifically asked for you,” Mr. Hanoi said, gesturing to a barrel-chested white guy with a bad comb-over and the red nose of someone who liked his five o’clock gin and tonic a little too much. “Roland Thompkins is the replacement project coordinator for New Ohia.”

I pasted a smile on my face and advanced to shake Thompkins’s hand, glad I took a moment to scrub the foul-smelling noni pulp off my shoes and hands. “Kat Smith, Postmaster.”

“Pleased to meet such a lovely lady in a place like this.” Thompkins gave me an icky once-over that made me feel like I needed a shower. “Thought I would take a moment to say hello to one of the most important people in Ohia, who’s right at the hub of our town’s activity.” Thompkins had very shiny veneers, but they didn’t make his smile real—nor did his damp, doughy handshake.

“I’m just a newbie in this town. The most important folks you need to meet are Opal and Artie Pahinui, next door at the general store. They’ve been here forever and know everyone,” I said. I was eager to get Opal’s take on Jimmy Ching’s replacement. Maybe the runes would have something to say about this guy.

“I’m moving my things into Jimmy’s former model home in New Ohia. Stop by anytime if you want to know what’s going on with our project. Folks won’t even miss Jimmy. And . . . I’ll be handling all inquiries with law enforcement. I hear they’ve got some sort of special relationship with you,” Thompkins said.

What had he been told about me? And by whom?

“I’m on a friendly basis with the detectives looking into Mr. Ching’s demise, but no more than anyone in my position.” I accompanied some eyelash-flapping with a deprecating smile.

“Well, speaking of your position—how about you sign me up for a mailbox? I’ll take the one Jimmy Ching used.”

Mr. Hanoi guided me to the proper forms, and I went through the process of assigning a post office box to a new customer.

“Good thing you’re taking Mr. Ching’s box,” I said. “Because we have a waiting list for the others. The bigwigs at New Ohia sure were lucky to get you to replace him so quickly.” More eyelash-flapping. “What made a move to a place like Ohia appealing for a man like you?”

“An opportunity for a quieter life with plenty of time for sunshine, pretty girls, and golf,” Thompkins said, and burped out a guffaw as if he’s said something funny.

Nope, I definitely didn’t like Roland Thompkins any more than I’d liked Jimmy Ching. Eventually, he left, taking a brass post office box key with him. He got into the same big white SUV Jimmy Ching had driven until the day he was killed beside it.

I glanced at Mr. Hanoi. “You know about Jimmy Ching, that guy’s predecessor, getting whacked, don’t you?”

“Sure do.” My boss busied himself restocking certified mail forms. “And if I were you, Kat, I’d keep my head down and stay out of trouble.

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