“Sounds good.” ‘He nods my way.
“So Jasper”— Caleb leans in and his dark auburn hair catches the remnants of sunlight—“any word on what could have gone down with those hinges? This isn’t really a homicide investigation, is it?”
“I’m afraid it is.” Jasper pulls me in a notch. “But it’s simply procedural at this point. Once we figure out if this was a mechanical failure, the investigation is off.”
McKenna groans my way. “I’m rooting for that to happen soon. It’s bad enough the poor man is gone, but the thought of having a killer on the loose sends a chill up my spine.”
“Mine too,” I say. “Besides, the sheriff’s department has plenty of other cases to keep them busy.”
Caleb looks to Jasper. “It’s that missing girl, isn’t it? You can’t go ten feet around town without seeing a poster of her.”
“So sad.” McKenna shakes her head. And I won’t say it out loud, but I’m so glad Bizzy doesn’t have those missing posters plastered around the inn. It’s haunting. And yet, I know it’s selfish to want to keep the inn as a safe zone of all the darkness that exists in the world. Pretty ironic, considering Julian died right on these grounds.
Jasper’s chest expands. “It is the missing girl. A woman named Anita Dolman, from Edison.”
Archie’s ears pull back. “That’s right, I heard about that. Wasn’t she a prostitute or something?”
Jasper nods. “High-end call girl. But we’re still looking into what ties she might have had with the community.”
“I didn’t know that,” I say, suddenly feeling the need to change the subject. I can’t help it. As the manager of the inn, I’m paid to keep things light and bright. “Archie, I like your hat. I take it you’ve been to the Magic Castle?”
“You could say I’ve spent my fair share of time there.” He tips his hat my way. “I used to work the circuit. Julian was the big kahuna. I could never compete with that. But he taught me all he knew, or so he said. I still perform a few nights a week. I consider it a hobby. In fact, I’m up tomorrow night. You’re all welcome to come. Show starts at seven. The club called this afternoon and asked if I would fill in for a few of Julian’s shows.”
“We would love to come.” I rub my hand over Jasper’s back. “We could use a little entrainment to get our minds off things.”
McKenna nods. “Couldn’t we all.”
Lucky and Sherlock run through our small circle with Misty and Fish right on their tails.
Caleb gives a sharp whistle and Lucky runs back on cue followed by the rest of the menagerie.
McKenna scoops up Misty and dusts the sand out of her fur. “Since these two are in the ceremony, we wanted to get them acclimated to the area around the gazebo.” The little cutie’s watery blue eyes are a stunning combination with her fluffy gray coat.
Misty meows down at my own sweet cat. You’ll have to come to the wedding, Fish. McKenna has something special for me to wear on the big day.
I give the tiny kitten a quick pat. “If I didn’t know better, I’d swear she was inviting Fish to the wedding.”
A titter of laugher works its way around our small circle.
“Of course, Fish is invited. Sherlock is, too.” McKenna gives me a quick embrace and we say goodnight as they head toward the parking lot.
Jasper pulls me in and bears those silver eyes into mine.
“It sounds as if we’ve got a date tomorrow night.” A breath expels from him as if this wasn’t the greatest idea. “I’m guessing you already know that Bernie works there.”
My lips invert as I shrink in his arms. “If I said yes, would you promise to hold it against me—and by it, I mean your body?”
He chuckles as he pulls me in a little tighter. “Is there anything you don’t know about this case?”
“I don’t know how the lead detective’s fiancée lets him get away with not kissing her dizzy in front of a perfect sunset.”
His lids hood a notch. “Funny you should say that. I was just thinking about planting a wet one onto the lead homicide detective’s fiancée. But don’t tell him. I hear he’s packing heat. I’d hate to have a shootout, but she is worth all the bullets in the world.”
“Aww,” I coo as his mouth is quick to cover mine.
Yuck. Sherlock barks. They’re at it again. I bet Bizzy’s kisses taste like bacon.
Fish mewls. It’s like he’s covered in catnip the way she tries to devour him. Hopefully, their urge to lick one another wears off soon. I can’t see this going on forever. They need to breathe.
Sherlock moans. At this rate they’ll have a litter of humans soon enough. Any idea how humans make that happen? I think there’s some sniffing involved.
Fish yowls. I’ve heard a few mothers here at the inn complain that it takes lots of strong coffee to have children. I definitely think there’s coffee involved.
A giggle strums through me as my lips find their way to Jasper’s ear.
“They’re wondering where babies come from. They’re not fans of our kissing.”
Jasper frowns their way. “They might be invited to the wedding, but they’re not getting anywhere near the wedding night.” He gives a sly wink. “It’s an invitation only event.”
“Do I get an invitation?”
“Are you kidding?” He playfully nibbles on my neck. “You’re the guest of honor. And I will be there to serve.”
“Sounds like a dream come true.”
“I’ll make sure it is.”
We continue with that delicious kiss.
Jasper and I are about to crest one of the biggest moments in our lives. But tomorrow night, I get to talk to a certain waitress down at the Magic Castle. I am very curious as to what Bernie has to say about her dead ex.
According to her body language last night, Bernie had a motive to kill if ever there was one.
But just what was it?
