Fish runs by with Sherlock and Gatsby as they speed back and forth in front of us.
Nice to see you up and around! Gatsby barks as he runs by.
“Hero!” I shout after him. “It’s his new officially unofficial name.”
Emmie and Leo head this way. Emmie still has an apron wrapped around her waist, and Leo is clad in his deputy’s uniform.
“Get back in the shade!” Emmie herds us all onto the patio and under a big umbrella. “I brought you lemon tarts.” She holds up a small bag brimming with lemony goodness.
“Thank you,” I say as she hands them to me.
“Can you believe you caught another one?” Emmie shakes her head. “Scratch that. I totally believe it. You’re like a crime-solving ninja. My very own best friend is kicking killer’s behinds and taking names.”
“Not just killers,” Jasper adds, pulling me in. “Bizzy brought down a book thief and the dating duo who robbed the register and the ground safe.”
It’s true. Thomas was arrested with multiple charges brought up against him—the theft of that first print run Agatha Christie and the attempted kidnapping of yours truly. Jasper says they’re working on getting a confession from him concerning Channing Neville.
Brooklynn was arrested for the murder of Wyatt Sanders. The things she did to me were piddly in comparison, but those charges are lingering, too.
Stormy and Dax were arrested for theft.
And basically, the only suspect who walked away free was Molly Shay. For all of her psychotic behavior, she turned out to be the sane one. That says a lot.
Emmie lifts her brows my way. “A triple header, Bizzy? You’re really stepping up your game.”
Gatsby and Sherlock run up and twirl around our legs as they pant from their impromptu run along the sand.
Leo gives Gatsby a healthy pat to the side. “I hear you’re up for adoption, buddy. Are you up for coming home with me?”
Gatsby gives a cheerful bark. If Bizzy says it’s okay, then it’s fine by me.
I give a wry smile. “It’s fine by me if you’re game, Leo. It looks as if Gatsby’s found a forever home.”
Sherlock gives a little whimper as Fish hops over to Gatsby and locks her front paws around one of his hindlegs. The entire lot of us shares a warm laugh at the sight.
Leo. Fish mewls. I’ll never speak to you again unless you bring him around. She lashes her tongue over his fur. I’ve licked him. He’s mine.
“Aww!” Emmie coos. “It’s as if she’s in love with the guy. Can’t say I blame her.” She hugs Leo. “I’m so excited. I can’t wait to get Gatsby and Cinnamon together for playdates.”
Sherlock barks. Hear that, Fish? You’ll have to compete with a dog.
Fish lets out a riotous yowl in his direction. I don’t compete. I challenge.
Emmie’s phone pings. “Ohh, that’s my timer. I gotta run in and take another batch of those lemon tarts out of the oven.” She reaches over and offers me a quick embrace. “I’m so glad you’re doing better. You really gave me a scare. I think you’re going to give Jasper a heart attack every minute if you keep that up. I’ll see you both later. And you, too, Gatsby! Welcome to the family!”
She takes off and Leo looks my way. “I’m glad you’re safe, too, Bizzy. If you don’t mind, I’ll pick up Gatsby after my shift. I’ve got another couple of hours.”
“That’s fine,” I say. “And I’ll volunteer to babysit any time you want, and I’ll open Critter Corner services up to you for free any time you need it as well. That way, he can hang out at the doggie daycare right here at the inn while you’re at work.”
“Sounds like a deal I can’t pass up.”
“And Leo?” I give a sheepish smile. “I meant what I said. I’m glad you’re with Emmie. In fact, I couldn’t think of a nicer guy for my bestie.”
Jasper sheds a short-lived smile. “Don’t break her heart and make us come after you.”
Leo holds up his hands and laughs. “I have only the best intentions, I promise you that. He looks to Jasper. “How do you like that? We ended up with a couple of best friends.”
Ironic since Leo and Jasper were once best friends until Camila Ryder decided to sever that relationship with her body. Okay, so Leo was to blame, too.
Leo nods my way, acknowledging the fact.
Jasper’s chest expands. “You know, I can honestly say, I approve. I’m ready to let the past die where it belongs, in the past. I think this is a good place for us to make a clean start.”
Leo’s brows lift with hope. “You mean that?”
“Yes.” Jasper nods. “I mean it. You were like a brother to me, Leo. I think we’ve moved far enough away from that nightmare. Not to mention the fact you and Bizzy share a gift that bonds you. And, I like the idea of having you in my life again. I forgive you. It’s done.”
Leo stares him down for a moment, and for the life of me, I can’t read his expression.
“Come here.” Leo pulls Jasper in and offers him a firm embrace. He pulls back and swallows hard. “As much as I wanted your forgiveness, I didn’t think I’d get it. I’m not sure I would have given it. You’re a bigger man than me.”
Leo gives Gatsby a big pat and a kiss to the head. “I’ll see you all later. Rest up, Bizzy. I foresee a lot more double dates in our future.”
“Looking forward to it,” I call out as he takes off for the inn.
“Bizzy!” a high-pitched woman’s voice penetrates through all the summer squeals and screams of excitement going
