Bow Wow Big House

by Addison Moore

  “I don’t want her to fall,” I pant over to him.

  “What’s that?” Molly calls out just as she opens the driver’s door to a blue sedan. Her eyes narrow in on mine. That was the last thought I had before Siena flipped over the edge.

  I take a step in her direction.

  Did she just admit to pushing Siena? Or did she witness the event?

  Bizzy? Griffin meows. Don’t let this woman distract you. One of Fish’s nine lives is at stake.

  I hear him, but I’m so focused on Molly I can’t seem to think straight to give an answer.

  “Oh, Molly”—my voice is just above whisper, my heart full of genuine sorrow—“you did it, didn’t you? You pushed Siena over the railing that night. You were trying to talk her out of stealing one last time and it all got away from you.”

  Her eyes widen as she pulls her purse close, and rising from the lip of her bag the barrel of a gun is slowly revealed.

  “Bizzy,” she hisses my name in disappointment. “Why did you have to pry?” she wails. “Jackson and Henry were in the process of straightening everything out. Winnie and I—we were through with it. Yes, Siena talked us into it, and we were willing at first, but it was wrong and we both knew it. But Siena wouldn’t stop. She convinced herself she needed the money. She thought her father owed it to her. She made it clear to Winnie and me that we’d go to prison. Siena made sure her name wasn’t on any of the transactions. She had Winnie send the money to an offshore account. Siena had everything thought out. She was always one step ahead.”

  “She sounds as if she was a genius.”

  “She was. And she could have used that genius for something good.” Her hands begin to shake and she drops the purse in an effort to steady her weapon. “When you work at a casino, you need to be careful. The gun was just for protection. And that’s exactly what I’m going to use it for today. I need to protect myself, Bizzy. I’m sorry, I have too much to live for. I can’t go to prison. I just got a promotion that’s going to change my life.”

  I nod. “That’s right. Murphy Thompson just asked you to be a regional manager. More responsibility and more pay, I’m assuming.”

  “I had a lot to lose. I couldn’t play Siena’s silly little game anymore. It was a felony, for Pete’s sake. You just don’t siphon that much money from a business and not get caught. We were skating on thin ice. Her father wouldn’t have pressed charges against Siena if he knew the truth. But what about Winnie? What about me?”

  “Molly, put the gun down. You weren’t planning on killing Siena that night.” A plume of white fog puffs from me. It’s so cold, the ground is icing up as we speak. “We can tell them it was an accident. The judge will go easy on you.”

  “No. He won’t. Murphy is a hardheaded man. I’ve seen him press charges for far less. I’m not risking it.” She holds the gun out farther. “I’ll make this quick. I’m sorry, Bizzy. I never wanted to hurt anybody.”

  “I don’t believe you,” I say it so quick she leans in as if she didn’t hear me right.

  “What did you say?”

  “That’s right. After Siena fell, you must have gone to the restroom to collect yourself. That’s where you saw Winnie’s ring. Then you came to the foyer and mixed with the crowd of people who were gathered looking at her body. You dropped Winnie’s ring over her hair in hopes to throw the sheriff’s department off. You set Winnie up to save yourself. You did want to hurt somebody. You wanted to hurt two people.”

  She gives a few quick blinks in disbelief. “I went straight to the bathroom once it happened. I found the ring.” She swallows hard. “I knew who it belonged to and I took it. I don’t know why. Honest to God, I dropped it over Siena’s hair.” She nods. “And somewhere in that microsecond, I knew I put Winnie in the spotlight. It felt like destiny. It was as if I had left my body and I was watching everything from the ceiling while some unknowable version of me played all of my sinister fantasies out in real time.” She drags her eyes up and down my body. “Just like I’m doing now. Goodbye, Bizzy.”

  A body flies out from behind the car, tackling Molly to the ground, and the gun in her hand goes off.

  “Bizzy!” a deep voice barks from behind and I turn to find Jasper with his gun drawn. A trio of furry creatures stands on either side of him—Sherlock, Griffin, and Pickles.

  Jasper runs past me and helps subdue Molly. And it turns out, the man who leaped from the woods was none other than her brother, Harry.

  It takes less than a minute for the lot to swarm with deputies, and soon enough I’m in Jasper’s strong arms, warm and safe. It’s as if the world disintegrates around us, and it’s just the heavy pounding of our hearts drumming like one.

  “She confessed to killing Siena,” I whisper. “I don’t think she meant to do it.” I close my eyes. “I don’t know. Maybe she did.”

  Jasper lands a heated kiss to the top of my head.

  “We’ll let the attorneys hash that out.”

  “And the man with the tan suit? Darren? Mariah admitted he was a part of something nefarious, and it has to do with all that antique bling she’s been wearing. He’s inside the ballroom right now, Jasper. He’s probably pickpocketing every guest in there.”

  He shoots a sharp look back at the inn.

  “How about we head inside and get Fish? She needs you.” He brushes the hair from my forehead. “I need you, too.”

  Jasper lands his mouth over mine and shows me exactly how much he needs me.

  Chapter 19

  An arctic wind bustles through Cider Cove right before it begins to snow. It’s so very odd for it to snow in Coastal Maine, but stranger things have happened, like another killing taking place in our sweet town.

  But the worst of it is past us. Molly Dillinger was arrested and taken off to the Seaview Sheriff’s Department to be booked for the murder of Siena Thompson. Of course, her brother, Harry, hopped right into his car and followed them down.

  The rescue house fundraiser and adoption somehow went off without too many hitches. And even though I was rattled, I insisted on helping finish up the event. Fish was my first priority, and she clawed her way down the curtains as soon as she saw me.

  A couple of hours pass and almost all of the guests who attended the event have gone home. Winnie and Lucy are in the process of packing up their belongings, and I’ve already sent in the janitorial crew to clean up the rest. Fourteen out of twenty-nine dogs found new families today, and I couldn’t be happier about that. Lucy said the rest all had interest forms filled out on them, and they’ll hopefully be placed in their new homes soon as well.

  Winnie was shaken when she heard about Molly’s arrest. She expressed great fear of being arrested herself, although not for murder. But I suppose felony theft is no better.

  I head over to the grand room just behind the reception counter where there’s a roaring fire going. Family and guests alike are sipping hot cocoa and noshing on another batch of fresh from the oven rocky road brownies—and the scent of those delicious sweet treats is heavenly.

  Sherlock runs up, looking dashing in the tuxedo Lucy was kind enough to gift him. Bizzy! Big news! Big news!

  Fish jumps in front of him, her paws spread out as if she were on the attack. Lucy has gifted me the lion’s mane hat for Fish as well. It’s so cute on her, I may never take it off.

  Fish yowls, Pickles found a forever home!

  “What?” I brim with delight. “That’s great! I need to say goodbye.” No sooner do I spin on my heels than Jackson Wellington appears holding Griffin in one arm and Pickles in the other. Pickles is still wearing his fuzzy reindeer outfit complete with antlers and he looks far too cute for words. “Pickles, is it true?” I give him a quick kiss on the top of his nose.

  It’s true, Bizzy. Griffin here will show me the ropes at my new place. And I’ll be getting an office job, too. I’d better get used to late nights and power lunches.

  Jackson offers a mournful chuckle. “Griff wouldn’t leave the little guy’s sid
e. It’s like they’re best friends. It looks as if Harmonize Software just gained another employee.” His expression quickly grows somber. “I’m sorry about what happened out in the parking lot.”

  “Yes, well, I’m just glad it’s over.”

  Is it? He ticks his head to the side as if he wasn’t sure.

  “Goodbye, Bizzy.”

  He takes off and both Sherlock and Fish bark and mewl after him.

  Leo walks my way, his dark eyes glowing as if he had news himself, but before I can conduct a proper interrogation, Camila crops up. Her shoulders are slumped, her expression dampened.

  Leo chuckles at the sight of her. “How did it feel being shaken down by the feds, Camila?”

  She growls over at him, “You may have bested me, but I’m not going away.” She takes a moment to glower at me. “Congratulations, Bizzy. It looks as if the secret the two of you share will remain just that.” But neither of you has won. I’m not giving up on Jasper. Relationships end, Bizzy. And they typically end because trust is broken. Jasper is a smart man. He knows something is cooking between the two of you. And he’ll pick up on your unique quirk sooner or later. And when he’s ready to walk away, I’ll be right there nursing his broken heart.

  “Oh, and one more thing.” A wicked laugh gurgles from her throat. “I do believe congratulations are in order. I took a page out of your dirty playbook and applied for a secretarial position down at the Seaview Sheriff’s Department.” My heart stops as she gives a tight smile. “That’s right. If it weren’t for your little stunt at Rawhide, I wouldn’t have come up with the idea. A friend of mine works there, too, Leo. She let me in on your inadvertently genius idea after the fact. I start at the sheriff’s department in a week. And as fate would have it, my desk is right across from the homicide division. Who knows, Bizzy? I might even end up as Jasper’s work wife.” She stalks out of the room before either one of us can reply.

  “Wonderful.” I close my eyes, and by the time I open them, Mackenzie has wrapped herself around Leo.

  “He is pretty wonderful, isn’t he? Aren’t I lucky he’s mine?” She pecks his cheek with a kiss. And I’m going to make sure he stays mine. Sorry, Bizzy. Neither you nor Camila can have a bite out of my beefcake.

  I roll my eyes at that one.

  Mack grunts, “You shouldn’t do that, Bizzy. It makes you look juvenile. Oh, and speaking of juvenile, I’ll be right here at the event next weekend.”

  “What event?” I shake my head, trying to recall what that might be.

  Georgie crops up. “It’s official! Elvis says if you’re willing, he’ll book the inn for his Valentine’s Day singles mingle event. How lucky are we, Bizzy? True love will blossom right here at the inn for hundreds of people!”

  Something is going to blossom, all right—something best left in a petri dish.

  “That’s great, Georgie,” I say. “I’ll book the ballroom for him.”

  Georgie lets out a whoop while creating a cone over her mouth with her hands.

  “Hear that?” She points over to my mother and sister standing a few feet over next to the fireplace. “Singles mingle at the inn next weekend! Ree and Macy Baker are going to get lucky! I can feel it.”

  Macy lifts her mug and winks. “I know I will, Georgie. I always make sure I get lucky. I’m what they call a sure thing.”

  Mom elbows her older daughter.

  “I’ll give it a try,” Mom shouts back. “But if any one of those bozos dares to goose me, he’s a dead man walking.”

  “Ooh!” Georgie gives a clap and a hop. “Hear that, Bizzy? There just might be another killer for you to catch.”

  Mackenzie makes a face. “Unless he catches her first.”

  “I won’t let that happen,” a deep voice says from behind, and I turn to find a shockingly handsome homicide detective with eyes the color of a dove-gray sky.

  “You’re back!” I leap into his arms. “Did that lead with Darren pan out? Did you bust the crime ring?”

  A smile widens across his face. “That I did. Or should I say, you? Bizzy Baker, you keep solving cases and I’m going to have to get you a badge.”

  “Nah, you don’t need to go through the trouble. I’ll just wear yours for fun back at the cottage.” I offer up a flirtatious wink. “Hey, check out Sherlock in his tuxedo. He’s a smooth character.”

  Sherlock belts out a series of barks. I am a sharp cookie, aren’t I?

  Fish mewls, I’ll be thrilled to never wear this fuzzy hat again.

  Sherlock gives her a playful swipe and growls, You are a fuzzy hat. You’re my fuzzy hat.

  They start in on a chase, and I laugh for the first time in hours.

  It feels good. Normal.

  “I’m sorry I missed the show.” Jasper claps his hand over his thigh and Sherlock speeds right over and sits at attention. “But you do look pretty great, buddy.”

  “There was a photographer at the event, so I can give you a play-by-play once the rescue center puts the pictures up online,” I say as Fish practically jumps into my arms. “Speaking of which”—I fluff out Fish’s adorable mane—“you mind if the four of us take a picture?”

  “I’d love it.” Jasper’s cheek glides up one side. “Sort of like a family picture.” Let’s hope I didn’t spook her.

  My heart warms at the thought. “A family picture.” I nod.

  Georgie takes my phone and snaps enough pictures to fill ten hard drives, or photo albums if you want to go old school.

  Jasper and I head over to the bay window that overlooks the white sandy beach outside and the stormy Atlantic.

  “I love you, Bizzy Baker.” His eyes light up with a smile all their own.

  I’m about to repeat the exact same words when it hits me. I do love Jasper. And as much as I hate to admit it, Camila is right. If Jasper and I are going to last, we’re going to have to trust one another. I’ll have to trust that I know everything about him. And he’ll have to trust that he knows everything about me.

  “I love you, too,” I say it lower than a whisper. “Jasper, there’s something you need to know about me.”

  He tips his head to the side with the look of curiosity on his face.

  His finger traces over my lips. “Why do I get the feeling you’re not quite ready to tell me?”

  “Because you’re intuitive,” I tease. It’s always been what he’s said about me. “But I think it’s time. Maybe not here with everyone humming around us, but soon. And I hope when you hear it, you won’t think differently about me.”

  He inches back. “That’s impossible. I’m not going anywhere. I can promise you that.”

  Soon, Jasper will know my secret. He won’t hear it from the men at the MRD, or Leo, Georgie, or Camila.

  He will hear it from me.

  And it will most certainly test his promise.

  *Thank you for reading! We hope you enjoyed this cozy mystery. Click here to head back to Cider Cove!—> Murder Bites (Country Cottage Mysteries 5) ENJOY!

  Recipe

  Country Cottage Café

  Rocky Road Brownies

  Hey friends! It’s me, Bizzy Baker! I have a wonderful recipe to share with you, straight from the Country Cottage Café. And how I wish I could take the credit for this one—but as usual, my best friend Emmie created perfection in the kitchen with these delicious wonders. If you’re a fan of chocolate, you’re in luck. These rich, ooey gooey, coco delights will knock your chocolate-loving socks off.

  Ingredients

  ½ cup flour

  ½ cup unsalted butter

  ¾ cups sugar

  2 eggs

  1/3 cup unsweetened coco powder

  ¼ teaspoon salt

  1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract

  ¼ teaspoon baking powder

  1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

  1 1/3 cups miniature marshmallows

  1/3 cup walnuts or chopped toasted almonds

  Instructions

  Preheat oven to 350°

 
Add melted butter into a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, flour, eggs, and vanilla extract.

  Stir in coco, salt, and baking powder, mix well. Fold in chocolate chips, marshmallows, and nuts.

  Pour batter into an 8x8 pan, greased with butter.

  Bake for 20 -25 minutes.

  Cool and enjoy every delicious bite. These are even better when shared with friends and family. They make terrific gifts, too!

  *Serves 12-15

  Enjoy!

  Preview: Murder Bites

  (Country Cottage Mysteries 5)

  Book Description

  The Country Cottage Inn is known for its hospitality. Leaving can be murder.

  My name is Bizzy Baker, and I can read minds. Not every mind, not every time but most of the time, and believe me when I say, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.

  Valentine’s Day is coming right up and the Country Cottage Inn is playing host to a bevy of romantic shenanigans. The very first love-inspired event on the agenda is a night for singles to mingle. But that mass blind date with cupid goes horribly awry when one of the hosts ends up dead as a heart-shaped doornail. It certainly doesn’t make things better when I’m found holding the murder weapon—because as any good homicide detective knows, that puts me right at the top of the suspect list.

  Bizzy Baker runs the Country Cottage Inn, has the ability to pry into the darkest recesses of both the human and animal mind, and has just stumbled upon a body. With the help of her kitten, Fish, a mutt named Sherlock Bones and an ornery yet dangerously good-looking homicide detective, Bizzy is determined to find the killer.

  Cider Cove, Maine is the premiere destination for fun and relaxation. But when a body turns up, it’s the premiere destination for murder.