“Can I come with ya?” Georgie bats her lashes at her baby girl.
“Nope.” Juni is quick to give the idea the kibosh. “You can’t bring your mama, or it’s not called a vacation. It’s called a Mamageddon.”
Georgie makes a face. “Come on, Annabeth. Let’s go where we’re wanted. I think I hear a caramel apple calling my name.”
She takes off, and Juni takes off right after her. “You can’t have a caramel apple. The last time, I had to take you to the dentist at midnight. You lost three teeth!”
“I didn’t want those three teeth anyway,” Georgie howls back.
I step in close to Camila. “What about you? I can spot you if you need it.”
“I like my teeth right where they are,” she sneers. “And I’m bringing my own cash. The last thing I want is for Jasper to think I’m dipping into his savings account. I was always very independent in our relationship, and I’m not going to start depending on him now. By the way, tomorrow night, I’m dressing as a witch.”
“So no costume,” I say without missing a beat.
“You’re not funny.”
“I was kidding.” Sort of. “I think I’ve got a toga I’m going to throw on.”
“So you’re wearing your wedding dress again.” She nods. “That’s good. So many women only get one use out of it. It’s good to see you’re taking the initiative to wear it one more time—and at an appropriate venue.”
“Would you hush?” I whisper. “And now look who’s the one with the sense of humor. It’s not my wedding dress.” But it does bear a striking resemblance, come to think of it. “Anyway, we’ll do whatever it is they want.”
“Fine, but I’d better get my money back, or I’ll be looking to you for repayment. You’re the one dragging us down this rabbit hole.”
“What? You’re the one who the sheriff’s department has pegged as an official suspect, not me. In fact, I think it was you who came to me for my help.”
“Well, boy, am I sorry I ever did that. Not only is it costing me my time, not only have I suffered hair damage no thanks to that shellac it was frozen with the other day—and let’s not forget about the clear fashion decline I’ve entered into ever since I’ve been sharing air space with you—but the toll it’s taking on my sanity and social life is mindboggling.”
“And to think I actually thought we were on our way to being friends.”
“I’ve seen your friends, Bizzy. I’d have to walk around in pleather while hauling a porcelain misfit they dug up from 1852. My IQ is over one fifty. I hardly qualify.”
I suck in a quick breath and lunge at her, only to be stopped by Leo Granger’s arm.
“All right, you two. Party’s over.” He pulls me back a few steps. “What’s going on here, anyway?” He shoots his ex the stink eye.
I bet Leo is secretly pleased he’s no longer with this piranha. No wonder he’s so smitten with Emmie. She’s a breath of fresh air compared to this dust storm.
He counters, I never hid the fact I was thrilled to be done with her. And yes, I’m quite happy with Emmie.
Camila twitches as she cinches her purse. “There the two of you go again.” She gives an incredulous shake of the head. “Go ahead, talk away out loud where everyone can hear you. I really don’t care. I’ll be here tomorrow night, Bizzy. And if the killer isn’t caught, I want my money back—from you.” She takes off in a huff just as an icy gust passes through.
“What was that about?” Leo does his best to hook my gaze.
“She’s insane. In fact, I think this whole world is insane. Definitely the suspects in Blair Bates’ murder investigation are insane. I hope Jasper is home. I can’t wait to discuss my latest find with him. I’ll give you a hint, it’s regarding something called the Midnight Maidens and involves a pyramid scheme that’s going to cost me fifteen grand in cash tomorrow night.”
“Geez.” He inches back. “You’re getting in over your head, Bizzy. I think it’s time to hand the reins over to Jasper. Whatever you do, don’t go emptying out your bank account.”
“Oh, I’m not. I’m taking it from the ground safe right here at the inn. I’ve got three deposits piling up. Trust me, no one will miss the money. I’ve already decided to have Jasper bust their little scam tomorrow night, so I know for a fact I’ll be putting that money right back where I found it.” And if things go sideways, I’ll be emptying out my personal account. And that is going to hurt. A lot. Not to mention it will be an expensive lesson to learn when it comes to tangling myself up with Camila. I won’t need some psycho to leave me threatening notes. I’ll leave one for myself.
Leo frowns as he studies me. “I’m sorry to hear it. I’ll make sure things don’t go sideways. Speaking of going sideways, we’ve yet to tell Emmie and she’s already onto me. She knows there’s something I’m dying to share with her.”
“Share it already!” Emmie springs out from the darkness with a bubbling laugh. She tosses her dishrag to the table before heading our way. “All right, you two. Let’s have it. Leo, you promised you’d tell me tonight.” She tips her head his way and offers up a playful yet stern look. Emmie looks so beautiful tonight, with her dark hair swept into a neat ponytail and her aquamarine eyes glowing in the night. “Come on, Bizzy. You know I hate secrets more than anything.”
“That’s exactly why I’m hesitant,” I mutter, mostly to myself, as I spot Sprinkles and Sherlock running wild on the sand.
Fish bounds over and wraps herself around my ankles as if trying to comfort me.
There, there, Bizzy. Emmie is a strong girl. She’s bright and capable. Surely, she’ll understand the fact you’re able to discern her thoughts. And if
