by Diana Orgain
She circled me, forcing my back to the window.
She gave a snide smirk. “Fran stole all my ideas and started this business. Do you know how much money this business was bringing in? And she’d mock me every day, telling me I was just a stupid little fool for trusting her. I couldn’t take it anymore.”
She dove for me, but my hand shot out landing a blow to her throat. She fell back hard, toppling into the step stool, gasping for air. I scrambled for the front door, but Cornelia grabbed the step stool with both hands and swung it at me.
I ducked.
The step stool went flying into a display of chicken crockery that shattered to the floor. Cornelia rushed to grab a jagged edge of a broken spoon rest.
Suddenly there was a loud bang from outside the store. I looked up in time to see Brad and Ellington pop their cruiser onto the curb.
They stormed out of the car and rushed through the front door.
“Freeze!” Ellington said. He drew his gun and squarely aimed it at Cornelia.
She pointed toward me. “She attacked me in my own store! The woman’s crazy!” she screamed.
“It’s not true,” I said. “She killed Fran.”
Ellington seemed to shift his gun, so we were both in his range.
Was he mad? He couldn’t possible think she was telling the truth!
“She did it!” I screamed. “Yolanda just told Gottlieb!” I said. “Cornelia stole the designs from Yolanda. Her handwriting is the same—”
“Let’s just calm down here,” Brad said. He put his hands out and motioned for Cornelia to drop the jagged piece of crockery she held in her hand.
The moment was suspended in time. All of us watching each other.
Cornelia dropped the crockery to the floor. It shattered into a dozen small pieces. Ellington quickly advanced, and put her into a police hold where he was able to swiftly handcuff her.
“What are you doing?” she demanded.
“We just need to ask you a couple questions. I’m sorry about this. You have the right to remain silent.”
“Well, you don’t need to handcuff me,” Cornelia protested.
Brad moved toward me and took my arm.
“Handcuff her! Why don’t you handcuff her?” Cornelia shouted to Brad.
“Let’s go outside,” Brad said to me. Together we stepped into the street while Ellington read the Miranda rights to Cornelia.
The sun had set during the short time I’d been in the store with Cornelia, and suddenly it felt like ages. I took a deep breath of evening air and sighed.
“Are you hurt?” Brad asked.
I rubbed at my stomach where Cornelia had punched me. “No. I think I’m okay. Shook up is all.”
Brad grimaced “You couldn’t stay out of it, huh?” There was a sad note in his voice that hurt me worse than the punch Cornelia had landed.
I stiffened. “I was returning the curtains from the Wine and Bark. I wasn’t going to talk about investigations with her. It’s just that, she’s wearing the belt that has a missing jewel—” Before I could finish, Brad wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his chest.
“I know,” he said. “You were right about this one, Maggie. You knew it wasn’t Hendrick all along.”
“You didn’t?” I asked.
“The evidence looked pretty compelling, but I realize now it was just Cornelia framing him.”
Relief swept through me, so much so that I sagged into him.
“I’m so happy to hear it,” I said, leaning into the hug and squeezing him.
He disentangled himself from me and regret immediately settled onto my chest.
My throat suddenly burned from holding back my tears.
Suddenly there was an awkwardness between us.
“You have to come to the station and give us your statement.”
I nodded.
“You want me call the EMTs first?” Brad asked. “You should get checked out.”
I waved a hand. “No, no. I’m fine.”
And I was surprised to find that I actually was.
Chapter Twenty-nine
That evening I slept peacefully for the first time, it seemed, in weeks. I awoke to a series of text messages from Gus with various cat-themed concoctions: Cat Eye Cheese Balls, Cat Tea Sandwiches, and Pretty Kitty Cat Cake Pops.
Glancing at the images he’d sent along I was fairly sure Rachel could handle them. I forwarded his messages to her and rolled out of bed.
I’d stumbled into the kitchen to prepare a cup of tea and to mull over the events of the day before. I walked out onto my patio and gazed out at the mighty Pacific. The repeated sound of the surf lapping onto the beach lulled me into a peaceful stupor until my phone buzzed in my pocket.
I dug it out and answered the call.
“Got the recipes. Thanks,” Rachel said. “I think I can manage tea sandwiches.”
“I’m glad.”
“I need you to help me serve at the party, though. I’d asked Cornelia … but … uh … well, you know.”
After the showdown at Chic Chickie, I’d gone with Brad to the police station to give my official statement. And although I hadn’t returned to the Wine and Bark last night, word had spread pretty quickly.
“I don’t have any plans today. I can help you serve.”
“Nice!” Rachel said. “Wear black pants and a white button-down top. I want us to look professional. Vrishali will be there.”
I got dressed in short order and, headed out to Magnolia Street, to Kitty Corner. The banner for the grand opening had been restored and now there were several bunches of colorful balloons around the door.
Lots of families with children were lined up in front of the windows, gawking at the cute kittens. As I was about to enter the store, Rachel and Ronnie came into view. She had a tight hold on his arm and it brought a smile to my face. At least someone had ended up happily ever after.
Ronnie reached me first. “Congratulations. I heard you took down a killer,” Ronnie said.
I shrugged. “Well, I don’t know that I took her down. Brad and Ellington did that.”
He laughed. “Ah, that’s not the way I heard it.”
“Well, who’d you hear it from?” I asked.
Ronnie motioned to the window. Inside, I could see Brad chatting with Lois and my heart constricted. I turned away abruptly.
“I’ll swing by the Wine and Bark and get the wine,” I said.
Rachel grabbed my arm. “No need. Max brought the wine over for us last night. And Brenda’s bringing over the food. All we have to do is go in and set up.”
My stomach seemed to flip over itself as we walked into the shop. Fortunately, my sister steadied me, and I realized that I leaned on her for support almost as often as she leaned on me. Ronnie followed close behind us. I spotted Yolanda in a corner, looking like she was trying to disappear.
“I’m surprised you made it,” I said. “Aren’t you allergic?”
She wrinkled her nose. “Well, I wanted to do the good, neighborly thing, but honestly, I can’t wait to get out of here. These cats are making my teeth itch,” she said.
I giggled. “Beepo won’t forgive you. He’ll be able to smell cat on you, for sure,” I said.
Yolanda glanced nervously at a kitten scampering by. “Anyway, I really just wanted to see you. Make sure you’re alright after last night.”
Before I could reply, Max and Brenda bustled in. Max held several trays of tea sandwiches, shaped like kittens and Brenda brought in the trays of cat cheese balls.
“You did it!” I said to Rachel.
She nodded. “Brenda and Max were lifesavers, though.”
Together we organized the appetizers table, while Yolanda stood guard shooing the cats away from the food. I did my best to avoid Brad, who was now talking with Ronnie. Nervous energy raced through me every time he shot a look in my direction.
Max opened a few bottles of wine from Verdant Vines and handed one to me. “As soon as the doors open, we can
mingle with the guests and serve wine to whoever would like some. We have some sparkling apple cider for the kids.”
Lois rushed over to us. “It looks wonderful!” she said. “I’m so nervous. The new owner will be here. I have to impress him or my lease could be in jeopardy.”
Brenda squeezed her elbow. “We’re here for you, Lois. I’m sure Hendrick will be very reasonable.”
Lois turned to me. “I heard you found the real killer.”
Remorse weighed down on me. “I’m sorry I thought it was you.”
Lois laughed and patted my hand. “Don’t worry, dear. All’s well that ends well.” She took a quick look around. “Everyone ready?”
Rachel gave her the go-ahead, and with a flourish Lois opened the door to the crowd of families that were awaiting entry.
Soon the Kitty Corner was filled with noise. Kitties who were either eagerly awaiting attention and rubbing themselves against our ankles, or darting out of reach into the hiding cubbies of the tree tower.
Vrishali showed up, dressed as usual, in a breathtakingly colorful sari. She had the same bearded photographer in tow. She smiled happily when she spotted us providing the catering.
“Kitty Cake Pops, how clever!” she said with delight. She poked the photographer and he took a close-up shot of the cake pop.
Rachel flashed me a grateful look. I’d have to remember to tell Gus his ideas had been a success.
Vrishali leaned into Rachel and began to discuss something urgently with her. I tried to eavesdrop, but conversation ceased when Hendrick stepped through the front door.
He looked around the group awkwardly, then made a beeline toward me.
“Maggie, I can’t thank you enough,” he said.
Brenda and Max stepped close to us.
“We knew you didn’t do it,” Brenda said.
“It was just a matter of proving it,” Yolanda said, joining us.
Brad reached our small group in two strides. He clapped Hendrick on the back. “I’m glad you decided to come out this evening. It must be a relief to know we have Cornelia behind bars.”
Hendrick sighed. “I’m glad that everyone knows the truth, yes.”
Brenda offered Hendrick a cheese ball, while Max filled his glass with wine.
Brad pulled me out of earshot. “I got promoted,” he said.
My heart fluttered a bit. “Congratulations,” I said.
Brad scratched his chin. “I was hoping you were free for lunch tomorrow.”
Anxiety rippled through me. “Actually, I’m sorry. I have to work.”
A look of disappointment clouded his face. “Oh. I see. I didn’t know … Is there another cruise leaving…? Or … do you mean you’ll be working at the Wine and Bark?”
I loved that he was floundering, trying to figure me out. Maybe Yolanda had been right about the pursuer and distancer. Good, let him sweat.
“Sort of,” I answered. “I’m going to start up my own bookkeeping service. I already have two clients. The Wine and Bark and DelVecchio’s.”
Brad looked worried for a moment. “DelVecchio’s? Oh. Is that guy back already?”
“Not yet. But as soon as he’s back in town. He’ll open shop again.”
Suddenly, Rachael held up her glass.
“Well, everyone, it’s been quite a week. We’ve lost some good friends.” Her eyes landed on Hendrick, and his eyes teared up. “And made some new ones.” She squeezed first Ronnie’s arm, then Lois’s.
Everyone cheered.
She held up a hand to silence the crowd. “We have other news. The Wine and Bark will be featured in Doggie Day and will be the cover spread.” Cheers erupted from the crowd.
Virshali applauded, then said, “And Kitty Corner will also have a special feature.”
The photographer snapped shots of the group.
“We have to celebrate all the lovely animals and humans that we see here in this gathering,” Vrisahli said. “Not to mention, all the love.”
Lois picked up the orange kitten she called Little Archie and said, “That’s so delightful. I can’t thank you all enough. I also want to announce that Hendrick has agreed to let me stay in the building.”
The crowd erupted in applause.
Lois handed Hendrick the kitten. “I know you’ve had a very trying time these last few days, Hendrick. But sometimes, a new little heart to love can make all the difference.”
Hendrick wiped the tears that were streaming down his cheeks, and accepted the kitten. “I’ve already adopted Darla’s little Maltipoo, but…” He gave Little Archie a squeeze. “I supposed one small kitten added to the family couldn’t upset him too much.” The crowd laughed and Little Archie let out such an enormous purr that Yolanda whispered in my ear. “Aw. Purrfect!”
Acknowledgments
Thanks to my wonderful agent, Jill Marsal, this series would not have been possible without your enthusiasm and persistence. Thanks to the editorial team at St. Martin’s Press, specifically Jennifer Letwack and Cameron Jones, for your hard work, support, and patience! Special thanks to my dear friend Chrystal Carver, for all the brainstorming, chats, and critiques.
Thanks to Marla Cooper, my early reader, for your notes and support. Also, a special shout-out to my wonderful friend Marina Adair who keeps me laughing.
Lots of love and hugs to my Carmen, Tommy, Bobby, and Tom Sr., you all are simply the best personal cheering crew anyone could ever want.
Finally, thank you to all you dear readers who have written to me, your kind words keep me motivated to write the next story.
Also by Diana Orgain
Yappy Hour
Third Time’s a Crime
A Second Chance at Murder
A First Date with Death
Nursing a Grudge
Formula for Murder
Motherhood Is Murder
Bundle of Trouble
Gilt Trip
About the Author
DIANA ORGAIN is the USA Today bestselling author of the Maternal Instincts Mystery Series and the coauthor with Laura Childs of Gilt Trip in the New York Times bestselling Scrapbooking Mystery Series. She lives in San Francisco, California, with her husband and three children. You can sign up for email updates here.
Thank you for buying this
St. Martin’s Press ebook.
To receive special offers, bonus content,
and info on new releases and other great reads,
sign up for our newsletters.
Or visit us online at
us.macmillan.com/newslettersignup
For email updates on the author, click here.
Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two
Chapter Twenty-three
Chapter Twenty-four
Chapter Twenty-five
Chapter Twenty-six
Chapter Twenty-seven
Chapter Twenty-eight
Chapter Twenty-nine
Acknowledgments
Also by Diana Orgain
About the Author
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
A THOMAS DUNNE BOOK FOR MINOTAUR BOOKS.
An
imprint of St. Martin’s Publishing Group.
TRIGGER YAPPY. Copyright © 2016 by Diana Orgain. All rights reserved. For information, address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.
www.thomasdunnebooks.com
www.minotaurbooks.com
Cover design by David Baldeosingh Rotstein
The Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available upon request.
ISBN 978-1-250-06912-2 (hardcover)
ISBN 978-1-4668-7793-1 (e-book)
eISBN 9781466877931
Our e-books may be purchased in bulk for promotional, educational, or business use. Please contact the Macmillan Corporate and Premium Sales Department at 1-800-221-7945, extension 5442, or by e-mail at [email protected].
First Edition: December 2016