Bellingham Mysteries 3: Black Cat Ink
Page 10
The one bright spot in service of justice was that police, following information provided by a not so anonymous tipster, arrested Rory on charges of animal cruelty.
Stephano’s escape from the long arm of the law didn’t seem to bother Nick. He phoned Bradley and left a message on his voice mail informing him that the insurance claim was no longer being filed so he should probably stop shopping for that new Miata. Bradley responded, through his lawyer, that Nick would still be seeing him in court.
Altogether Peter found the whole thing frustrating but respected Nick’s wishes to keep the entire story under wraps. Because who would have believed it anyway? No one.
As though sensing Peter’s vexation through some sixth sense—most likely the expression on his face—Nick sidled up behind him and laid his hands on Peter’s shoulders. The mere touch and gentle pressure caused his muscles to relax.
Nick said, “My cousin wants to know what we’re doing for Christmas this year.”
“Not snow camping,” Peter pronounced. “I’m over snow. Plus there’s no way to pack Gigi. I don’t want her to be alone for the holidays.”
“Christmas doesn’t mean anything to cats.” Nick started to massage his shoulders gently.
Peter stretched into his touch. “Sure it does. It’s the magical day when the living room is littered with empty boxes to jump into and wadded up balls of paper to destroy. We can’t take away her first Christmas.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Nick kept moving his fingers. Slowly he bent to kiss the top of Peter’s head. “I guess the three of us are a family now.”
Peter smirked, mainly to hide the sappy tenderness stabbing through his heart. “Yeah, we sure are.”
Loose Id Titles by Nicole Kimberling
Primal Red
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Black Cat Ink
* * *
“Red Sands”
Part of the anthology Hell Cop
With Astrid Amara and Ginn Hale
* * *
“Dark Waters”
Part of the anthology Hell Cop 2
With Astrid Amara and Ginn Hale
Nicole Kimberling
Nicole Kimberling lives in Bellingham, Washington with her partner, Dawn Kimberling, two bad cats, and approximately 100,000 bees.
She is the editor for Blind Eye Books.
Table of Contents
Title page
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Epilogue
Loose Id Titles by Nicole Kimberling
Nicole Kimberling