The Crime at the Lake: A Razzy Cat Cozy Mystery Series #3 by Courtney McFarlin

Author:Courtney McFarlin [McFarlin, Courtney]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: D & K Books
Published: 2021-05-02T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

As we walked down to the bonfire, I couldn’t help but yawn. That excellent dinner, coupled with an hour spent on the swinging bench with Ben, had utterly relaxed me. We’d left my phone with Razzy after testing to make sure she could use the speed-dial function with her soft paws. I felt better knowing she had a way to get in touch with us if someone broke in the cabin again, but I fervently hoped it wouldn’t come to that. Ben must have sensed my worry as he took my hand and gripped it.

“They’ll be fine, Hannah. I’m sure no one is going to break in again. Razzy’s smart, and Gus swore he’d protect her with fangs and claws.”

“They’re so cute, aren’t they? I know they’ll be okay, but I still worry. I can’t help it.”

The noise from the bonfire filtered through the trees, with sounds of children hollering and adults whooping it up. I pulled the edges of my hoodie together, noticing how chilly it had gotten since the sun went down. I could barely suppress another yawn.

“We won’t stay long. You look like you’re ready to call it a night,” Ben said, smiling at me.

“I am. Must be all the fresh air and good food. I’m not usually this tired.”

We rounded the corner and took in the bonfire on the lake’s edge. The logs were piled high and burning brightly, lighting up the entire area. Kids of all ages were clustered around, trying to avoid the smoke. No better thing to do than join in the fun and hope we’d be able to spark a conversation with some locals.

Ben and I headed over to the snack bar and grabbed two cups of hot chocolate before strolling along the beach. I was taking in the scene when I heard someone call my name.

“Hannah! Over here.”

I craned my head around, trying to see who was shouting when Ben pointed towards a group of older people clustered around some picnic tables. Seated there, waving her arms wildly, was Wanda. I raised my hand in a greeting, and we started towards her.

“Hey, Wanda. I didn’t know you’d be here tonight,” I said.

“We never miss the annual bonfire,” she said, nodding towards the older man sitting next to her. “This is my husband, Paul. Here, sit with us.”

Ben nodded at Paul and sat on his left while I chose the spot next to Wanda.

“Thanks. Wow, this sure is a happening spot.”

“It’s the only game in town. I think half of the kids born in this town are conceived during this event,” she said with a chuckle. “I called you over so you could meet Gabe. He runs our town paper. Gabe! Get over here.”

A middle-aged man wearing a pressed polo shirt wandered over. He looked entirely too well-dressed for a bonfire, but he seemed happy to be involved. I noticed the camera hanging around his neck.

“Hi Gabe, I’m Hannah Murphy with the Post. I see you’re doing some double duty tonight, huh?”

“Yes, the work of a small-town newspaper guy never ends.

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