by Julie Chase
“I can live with that,” I said. “Did you ever find out who the big yellow truck belonged to?” I couldn’t imagine Claudia driving it, but it didn’t fit Tabitha either.
“Yeah. That belongs to Jacob Brownstein in Bon Temps. He says he and Tabitha are getting married.”
“Married?” I laughed. “Does she know?”
“Yeah, but Jacob thinks her name is Hannah Goldman. He identified her from a photo for me.”
My jaw dropped. “Should you warn him?”
“I’m not sure he’d care. He’s about half her age and severely smitten.”
“A younger man this time. Go figure.”
“His dad owns a thriving chain of health care facilities across the country. I’m sure that helped the appeal.”
“Jeez.”
“Yep.” He pinned me with a goofy grin. “Mazel tov, I guess.”
A chorus of yips and click-clacking toenails flooded the room as Mrs. Neidermeyer and her troop of dancing Shih Tzus in Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy tutus took the stage. Mom pinned each of their little military jackets with a felt corsage. “May I introduce to you the ambassador’s court.”
A tall man blocked my view of the stage and bowed. “Miss Crocker?” His thick Russian accent and three-thousand-dollar suit reeked of power and influence. “I’m Viktor Petrov, a representative of the National Pet Pageant. Your city is hosting my event this summer.”
I stretched my hand out in greeting, and he kissed it.
Jack pressed onto his feet and shook Viktor’s hand. “Mr. Petrov, I’m Detective Jack Oliver. I’ll be overseeing the security team for your event.”
“You will?” I asked. He was a homicide detective. “How?”
He ignored the question. “What can we do for you, sir?”
Viktor gave Jack a long, careful look. “I only wanted to introduce myself to the beautiful woman in charge.”
“In that case,” I told him, “let me introduce you to my mother.”
I caught Mom’s attention as she headed for the bar. She forced herself in my direction. “Here she is,” I said.
“This is your mother?” Viktor asked, obviously impressed. “Do they have a fountain of youth in your town?”
She blushed. “I’m Violet Conti-Crocker. It’s very lovely to meet you . . .” she looked at me.
“Viktor Petrov,” I explained. “He’s from the NPP.”
Mom’s mouth gaped open. “Mr. Petrov, welcome!” She cast a frown at me. “I know who Viktor is.” Her smile stretched into something cheerful and enthusiastic. “I’ve sent you how many handwritten letters?” she asked him. “Pleading for your consideration of New Orleans as the next pageant location?”
“Hundreds?”
They laughed.
“Come along,” she said. “Let me introduce you to everyone and get you a drink.”
He accepted Mom’s arm, but turned for a last look at Jack. “I think I would also like to speak with you at your earliest convenience as well, yes?”
Jack produced a business card from his pocket and set it in Viktor’s hand. “Anytime.” He reclaimed his seat at my side with the quirk of a brow. “What do you think that was about? A lot of danger in pet pageantry that I should know about?”
I watched as Mom and Viktor were swallowed by the crowd. “I have no idea, but I bet I could find out.”
“Do not,” Jack said. “No more looking into anything. It gets you hurt and it scares the life out of me. I swear it. I’m going prematurely gray.” He pointed an accusatory finger at his head.
I dragged a long blonde curl over my bare shoulder and let it fall. “I’ve heard spending time with a younger woman makes men feel more youthful.”
He lifted his brows. “I suppose that depends on the woman.”
“Or the man.” I matched his poker-straight posture and tilted toward him in challenge. I refused responsibility for his gray hairs. Real or imagined. “And I assume it also depends on how they spend their time.”
Jack’s eyes darkened. His lips parted into a suggestive smile. “How about that coffee, Crocker?”
I grabbed my clutch and led the way.
Furry Godmother’s Heart-to-Heart Smoothie Bites
Makes approximately 1 dozen smoothie bites.
Lacy wasn’t always a professional treat maker. In fact, she wasn’t always old enough to use the stove, but that didn’t stop her from making healthy, organic treats to share with her father’s furry patients on a hot Louisiana day. These bites are so irresistible, you’re going to love them too!
Ingredients
6–8 sun-ripened strawberries
1 large banana
Directions
1. Peel and slice the banana.
2. Wash and hull the strawberries.
3. Drop prepared fruit into your favorite blender and blend until smooth.
4. Spoon the mixture into a heart-shaped ice cube tray and freeze for 4–6 hours or until firm.
5. Don’t forget to share these delicious smoothie bites with your friends, furry and otherwise.
Furry Godmother’s Tuna Kitty Kisses
Makes approximately 2 dozen Kitty Kisses.
Why wait for Valentine’s Day to show your kitty that you care? Furry Godmother’s Tuna Kitty Kisses are a great way to let your feline friends know they’ve got their paws on your heart all year round.
Ingredients
1 can of tuna
½ cup coconut flour
½ cup rice flour
½ cup water
¼ cup coconut oil
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Empty drained tuna into a medium bowl.
3. Add dry ingredients and water.
4. Mix well.
5. Drizzle coconut oil over the mixture and knead until thoroughly blended.
6. Roll into ½-inch balls and press gently onto a cookie sheet.
7. Use your fingertips to dent the treats into individual heart shapes.
8. Bake for 5 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through.
Furry Godmother’s Canine Cutouts
Makes approximately 3 dozen cutouts.
Everybody knows it’s not a party without cutout cookies, and these all-natural, sweet-smelling treats are guaranteed to make your pet’s mouth water. With ingredients like organic sweet potatoes, honey, and peanut butter, it’s hard to believe they aren’t meant for you!
Ingredients
3 cups brown rice flour
2 medium organic sweet potato puree
½ cup oats
2 free-range eggs
3 tbs all-natural peanut butter
1 tbs organic honey
½ tsp cinnamon
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Clean, peel, and cube your sweet potatoes.
3. Boil sweet potatoes in water until soft (approximately 20 minutes).
4. Remove potatoes from water and puree in a blender until smooth.
5. In a small bowl, combine flour, oats, and cinnamon.
6. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sweet potatoes, peanut butter, and honey.
7. Stir dry ingredients into sweet potato mixture until a soft dough forms.
8. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on floured surface.
9. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Furry Godmother recommends Xs and Os for a festive valentine look.
10. Bake 30–35 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Cool on a rack.
Acknowledgments
I’d like to thank the incredible team of people who made another book about Lacy and her gang possible. My critique girls, Jennifer Anderson and Keri Ford, for reading all my words and making them better. My beloved agent and friend, Jill Marsal, for being the guide and mentor every author needs. My amazing editor, Sarah Poppe, for her incredible wit and wisdom. Thank you, friends and family who keep me going, support me, encourage me, and believe in me, especially when I find it hard to bel
ieve in myself. I wouldn’t be writing this note without you.