by K E O'Connor
My fingers clenched. Of course, she would think that. It was her idea. “Normally, I’d agree. But we’ve had a few... issues with small pets, especially when new zombies arrive and aren’t familiar with the rules. Animals look like treats to a zombie.”
“My sturdy boys are a match for a shambling zombie,” Councilwoman Buster said. “We’ll see them off if they get too interested.”
My eyebrows rose. “What kind of dogs do you have?”
“Poodles.”
“Oh!” I barely suppressed my laugh. I’d expected her to say giant cane corsos or bull mastiffs. It was hard to imagine Councilwoman Buster running around with three dainty poodles in tow. She had an attitude and presence that rivaled a heavyweight prize fighter.
“Poodles are intelligent,” Councilwoman Buster said. “They’ll know if anything’s afoot with your zombies and sort them out. I won’t stand for any nonsense.”
“Even so, a dog show is a lot of work.” My current job as manager of the theme park kept me busy. There was no way I had time to run a dog show.
“I insist. This needs to happen. It’s what we need to put Zee Town on the map.”
“It’s already on the map.” As the only haven for placid zombies in the United Kingdom, Zee Town was something special. Nestled on the beautiful Cornish coast, with hills at our back, the sea on one side, and an enormous perimeter fence keeping us safe from any roaming rabid zombies, this place was known throughout the world. A dog show would do nothing to enhance its reputation.
“It’s important we’re known for something more than our gray-skinned companions,” Councilwoman Buster said. “Zee Town has been in existence for almost six years. It’s time we progressed. People grow tired of the fact we’re only known for our zombies. Zombie news grows old fast.”
I doubted that. Tourism numbers were up in Zee Town. And since the opening of the zombie themed amusement park, business was booming. A dog show was too high risk. If the zombies misbehaved, and by misbehaved I meant eating the dogs, it could put the town in jeopardy.
“How about a different kind of event? Something with a few less fur balls?”
“No, this is happening. I trust I have your full support?” Mavis’s tone brooked no room for negotiation.
I looked out the window at the bright sunny day. Excited screams filtered through the window as people rode the rollercoaster. Perhaps I could use this dog show to my advantage.
“I’m on board. The tricky thing is, I’m flat out running the park, and you haven’t filled the vacancy for the tourism office. I can’t run a dog show and the theme park.”
“You can if I give you extra money,” Councilwoman Buster said. “Hire an assistant park manager.”
My breath caught in my throat. It was as if she’d read my mind. “Really? I don’t need to stay at the park?”
“Not while the show’s going on,” Councilwoman Buster said. “In fact, we were saying at our last meeting how much we miss the events you put on. We’ve not found anyone suitable to take your place.”
I smiled wistfully, remembering how much fun I had running the carnival, the dances, and all the seasonal events of Zee Town. “I miss those days.”
“The town misses you,” Councilwoman Buster said. “This way, you get to have the best of both. In the short term, at least. Find someone to oversee the park while you’re in charge of the dog show and the follow-up plans for future dog-themed events. You have a knack for organizing wonderful events.”
Future dog-themed events? When did Mavis get so into her dogs? I tugged on my bottom lip. It wouldn’t be easy finding someone who’d step into the role of assistant park manager, but it would take a few months to arrange the dog show. I could find someone to help, even if I still had to do a day or two here for a few weeks until they got the hang of things.
“If this goes well,” Councilwoman Buster said, “we can build on it year on year. Make it a real talking point in the dog show community.”
My heart gave a happy skip. More time away from the park? No longer having to endure the long hours, noise, and chaos that came with running a theme park? I couldn’t refuse.
“That’s very reasonable of you,” I said.
“Not at all. I’ll have the money transferred immediately. I want you focused on the dog show. You can use your old office back in Zee Town. Take anyone with you that you need. Make this show incredible.”
I grinned at Zara Warrick, who sat at her desk, sipping on a mug of beef broth. “Of course. I won’t let you down.” Suddenly, running a dog show didn’t seem so bad. It got me away from the theme park, back to the place I loved, and doing what I enjoyed the most. I’d always been happiest running the tourism side of Zee Town. After being strong-armed into this role by another council member, I’d begun to wonder if my time in Zee Town was over. Not anymore. Not if I could get back to doing what I loved.
“Excellent,” Councilwoman Buster said. “You’ll have the information by the end of the day.”
I tilted my head. “Information about what?”
“I’m certain this is the right thing for Zee Town. I’ve been doing a few bits and pieces behind-the-scenes, so the show can happen as soon as possible.”
That sounded worrying. I liked to be in charge of all aspects of any event I managed. That might get me the label of a control freak, but things worked better that way. “I’ll take a look at what you’ve done.”
“I trust it meets your high standards,” Councilwoman Buster said dryly. “You’ll hear from me soon. Get the assistant manager in place and start working on the dog show straightaway.”
We said our goodbyes, and I placed the phone down.
“Good news. We’re going back to work at the tourism office,” I said to Zara.
Zara’s bloodshot gaze drifted to mine. A small smile filtered across her pale skin. “No more noisy rides?” She hated the noise and tolerated it as best she could while working here.
Most placid zombies did better if they weren’t surrounded by too much activity. It could overwhelm them and make them shut down.
“That’s right. How would you like to be at your old desk?”
Zara stood and shuffled to the door. “Go now?”
I laughed. She was as eager as I was to get out of here. “Soon. It will take a while to organize a dog show from scratch. I’m not sure where to start.” I loved dogs but had no experience organizing a show for them.
Zara returned to her desk. “Happier in the old place.”
“Me too. This is what we both need, a break from here. You never know, maybe we can make it a permanent break if I find the right assistant manager for the theme park.”
There was a knock at the office door. Officer Nick Morton pushed it open. Standing alongside him was his faithful three-legged dog, Stool.
“Is this a good time?” Nick asked.
“Actually, it’s an excellent time.” I smiled at him, still buzzing with the thought of time away from the theme park. “What can I do for you both?”
Nick pushed a hand through his dark hair, looking surprised at such a warm greeting.
“I wanted to give you an update on the security rota for the park.” He walked into the office and nodded a greeting at Zara.
“Sure, take a seat.”
Nick placed two takeout cups on the desk before sitting. “I thought you might like this. Iced tea.”
“Wow! Thanks.” Nick had been doing that recently, bringing me tea and the occasional treat from the diner. I couldn’t decide if I liked it or not.
Stool limped around the desk and rested his head on my knee.
“Hello, boy. Are you having a nice day?” I scratched behind his ears in his favorite spot.
He grumbled an appreciation.
“It sounds like you’re having a good day,” Nick said.
“The best. It looks like I’m getting out of here.”
Nick leaned forward, concern crossing his face. “I thought you’d decided to stay in Zee Town.�
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“Oh! I’m not leaving town. I’ve just had an interesting conversation with Mavis Buster. She’s insisting we have a dog show in Zee Town. She wants me in charge. I told her I could only do that if someone else took over the running of this place.”
“That’s clever of you,” Nick said with a smile. “And she agreed?”
“Mavis even offered extra money to hire someone. No more theme park for me. Well, at least not for a while. It’s the break I’ve been looking for.” I took a sip of my iced tea.
“A dog show?” Nick’s smile looked sly. “Imagine that.”
My eyes narrowed a fraction. “Do you know something about it?”
“Hey! Have you heard the news?” Jen Sharp raced into the office. She pulled up short when she saw Nick. “Oh! Sorry, I didn’t know you had company.”
“It’s fine, Jen,” I said. I was used to my best friend barging in unannounced. She dropped by most afternoons to grab an ice cream and have a catch up when she wasn’t too busy running her beauty salon.
Jen pushed her messy blonde curls off her face, her gaze curious as she looked at Nick. “You’re not going to believe it. There’s been a message sent to all the stores.”
“About what?” I asked.
Nick chuckled. “Most likely about what we were just discussing.”
A sense of worry lodged in my gut. “The dog show? Mavis has only just decided to have it. It’ll take me months to organize. She doesn’t need to make any announcements yet.”
Nick laughed. “You might need to rethink that time schedule.”
“You absolutely will,” Jen said. “Mavis instructed us all to be ready for this show immediately.”
“I don’t understand,” I said. “We don’t have a venue, and no one’s been invited. There’s no publicity arranged or even a date set. Why is Mavis sending messages like that?”
Nick grinned. “This dog show isn’t a new idea of Mavis’s. She’s been arranging it for a long time.”
My eyebrows shot up. “Why am I only hearing about it now? She wants me to run the thing.”
“Councilwoman Buster always gets what she wants,” Nick said. “Asking you was a formality. Whatever answer you gave her, the show would still take place.”
My hands clenched around the arms of my seat as I glared at Nick. “Exactly how long have you known about this?”
The smile faded from Nick’s face. “I was sworn to secrecy. I had to be kept informed because of security matters.”
“Which doesn’t answer my question.”
Nick sighed. “Mavis might have mentioned it about four months ago.”
“Four months!” I shot a startled look at Jen. “You’ve known we were having a dog show in Zee Town all that time and you never thought to tell me?”
“I didn’t know you’d be involved,” Nick said. “Besides, not so long ago, you were talking about moving away. You might not even have been here to run the show.”
I scowled at him. “As you can see, I’m still here.”
Nick raised a hand. “Mavis got in touch and outlined the details of what she had in mind. We need to increase security because the zombies could be interested in the four-legged show participants.”
Jen nodded. “It’s a risk, all those dogs running around town. Our placid zombies have no interest in taking a bite out of us, but a small dog might be considered fair game, especially for new arrivals.”
I shuddered. We’d had a few mishaps when Zee Town had first been established. The zombies who lived here had zero interest in biting humans, but the same couldn’t be said if they saw a small furry animal. It didn’t happen now. People understood they needed to be careful with their pets, but a dog show? A room full of excited, warm-bodied creatures running around? That might be a temptation too far for even the sweetest of zombies.
“You shouldn’t have kept this from me,” I said to Nick.
“You haven’t heard the worst of it,” Jen said.
I groaned. “There’s more?”
“Mavis wants the show to take place in a week’s time,” Jen said.
I lurched from my seat. “What? That’s impossible.”
“She’s organized the whole thing. According to my gossip sources in the salon, Mavis is a big shot in the dog show world. She takes her poodles all around the country showing them.”
“I can’t organize a dog show in a week,” I said.
“You won’t have to,” Nick said. “Jen’s right. Mavis has done it all. You just need to oversee things.”
I scowled at him. “I’d have appreciated a heads-up on this.”
“Mavis insisted I keep quiet,” he said. “She mentioned budget cuts if I didn’t play along. I’m not losing anybody from my already small team. Besides, I had no idea she’d actually go through with it.”
“Well, she is, and I’ve been lumbered with a big problem,” I said. “Thanks for nothing, Nick.”
Nick cleared his throat as he stood. “I’ll leave the security details with you. When you’re in a better mood, you can let me know if everything’s okay.” He turned and stalked out of the office, Stool following him.
I glared at his retreating form, frustration rippling through me.
“This isn’t his fault,” Jen said softly.
“Since when did you become a fan of Nick Morton?” I asked.
“Since you two have been getting along better,” Jen said. “It’s nice for all of us when you’re not snapping at each other.”
I sighed. I had just snapped at Nick, but it was because I was horrified by what Mavis had done. Although, he still shouldn’t have kept the information to himself.
“We can’t have a dog show in such a short amount of time,” I said.
“Of course, we can. It sounds like Mavis has done the hard work. You just need to pull it all together. You’re amazing at organizing events. If anyone can do this, you can.” Jen settled in the seat Nick had vacated.
“I guess so.” I slumped back in my seat. “But a dog show? Where are we going to put them all? We have to make sure the zombies are kept away, or things will get messy.”
“Which is where Nick comes in,” Jen said. “Make use of his expertise. Stop fighting him.”
“I don’t fight him,” I said. I often did. We regularly butted heads when I decided to assist him in his investigations. But Jen was right; recently, we’d been getting on better. That was when he wasn’t poking his nose into my past and trying to find out things that were none of his business.
My fingers traced over the scar on my palm. It was a past nobody needed to know about.
“This is a good thing,” Jen said. “You get a break from the theme park.”
I sighed and nodded. “I was thinking the same thing. It will be amazing to get away from here for a while. The tricky thing is, I need someone who can start straightaway. If Mavis is serious about having this event in a week, I need to focus all my attention on that.”
“You need someone who already knows the theme park,” Jen said. “Is there anyone on your existing staff team who would be up for the job?”
My gaze drifted out the window and over to Beth Colby. I smiled. Beth was bright and ambitious. She’d started out working in the candyfloss stand, but I’d already promoted her three times. Beth was smart and determined. She could be just what I needed.
I grinned at Jen. I could do this. I’d put on a great dog show and keep the animals safe from the zombies. “I’ve got the perfect candidate to look after the theme park.”
Chapter 2
“Beth, have you got a minute?” I hurried out of the office and over to where she was busy checking stock on a refreshment stand.
She turned and smiled brightly, her blue eyes sparkling. “Sure. What do you need, boss?”
“I have an opportunity I’d like to offer you,” I said.
Beth turned her full attention to me, her gaze curious. “What’s that?”
“You enjoy working at the theme park, don’t you?”
“It’s a dream job. I loved theme parks as a kid, and now I’m paid to work in one. What could be better?”
I could think of one thing I considered better than working here. “You’re an asset to the team. I love having you here. Would you be interested in taking on the role of assistant manager?”
Beth’s jaw dropped. Her eyes widened, and she spluttered several unintelligible words.
I grinned. “Is that a yes?”
She laughed and flung her arms around me. “Are you kidding me? Of course, I’d love to do that. In charge of the whole theme park. This is the best day ever.”
I chuckled as I untangled myself from her arms. “It’s not as glamorous as you might think. There will be lots of checking in with staff. You need to keep on top of orders to make sure nothing runs out, and you’re always the first person people come to when there’s a problem. It’s a full-on job.”
“I’m more than ready,” Beth said. “I’d love to run the theme park.”
I trusted Beth to do a good job. She hadn’t had a single day off sick since she’d begun, she was popular with other staff, reliable, hard-working, and always thrilled to be here. I was happy to hand the responsibility to her.
“It might only be temporary, but I have to focus on a project for the Zee Town Council for a short while. I’m not going to be around much to help you. But if it works out, I’ll recommend to them that you keep the role permanently if you want it.”
“Any opportunity to run this place is great, even if it’s not for long. It’ll look brilliant on my resume and give me a taste of life as the boss.” Beth grinned and bounced on her toes.
If Beth was as good as I hoped she’d be, I might be able to step aside permanently and promote her to manager. I could take back my old role at the tourism office. That really would be perfect.
“I’m ready and willing. When do you need me to take over?” Beth said.
“How about right now?”