Wagging Tail Cozy Mysteries Box Set 1

by Cindy Bell

  “Oh, I see, well it’s beautiful. I’m looking forward to my stay here.” Nikki tipped her head towards the small café. “Is there breakfast in the morning?”

  “Oh yes, everything is listed here.” Gloria slid a pamphlet across the counter to her. “And here are your room keys.” She set two cards on top of the pamphlet. “If you have any issues with the room you can press the red button on your phone, it will connect you with Ashley, our housekeeper.”

  “Wonderful, thanks so much. Merry Christmas.” Nikki gathered up the pamphlet and cards.

  “Merry Christmas to you, too.” She gave Nikki a short wave, then walked off to join her husband. Nikki noticed that she seemed to relax when she spoke about her cats and became a lot nicer.

  Nikki hurried back to the SUV and popped open the driver’s side door.

  “I’ve got everything we need.” She flashed a smile to Sonia and the two dogs in the back. “The cabin is just down the hill.” As she navigated her way through the snow to the cabin, she was relieved not to have to drive much farther in the snow. “Let me unlock the door so you three can get inside and get warm. Then I’ll get the bags.”

  “Don’t be silly, I can unlock the door.” Sonia winked at her, then took a room card.

  Nikki parked in front of the cabin, then opened the driver’s side door to step out. Before she could get her foot down, someone grabbed her by the arm and tugged her out of her seat.

  “Nikki!”

  Her scream was cut short by laughter as she recognized her brother’s face as he pulled her into a warm hug. Nikki was very petite, and she felt even smaller next to her tall brother. His hugs always engulfed her and made her feel safe.

  “Finally!” Kyle laughed as he slapped her shoulder. “Weren’t you supposed to be here hours ago?”

  “Weren’t you supposed to warn me about snowstorms?” Nikki raised an eyebrow.

  “Oh right.” Kyle grinned. “That one came out of nowhere. I’m glad you got here safe, sis.” He patted her on the shoulder. “And it looks like you have company?” His eyes shone as he looked past her into the SUV. “Is that Mrs. Whitter?”

  “It sure is, and her dog, Princess. I also brought a dog friend of my own. Coco, meet Kyle.” Nikki held the back door open so that Coco could jump out.

  “Oh, isn’t he a beauty!” Kyle grinned as he crouched down to greet the dog. “Did Gloria take care of you okay?”

  “Yes, she’s a bit grumpy, but everything’s fine. I just needed to put down an additional pet deposit. I’ll fill you in on everything. I need to grab the bags. Do you want to help Sonia to the door?” Nikki glanced over her shoulder just in time to see Sonia by the front door. “Okay, never mind.” She laughed.

  “She’s as spry as ever. Let me help you with the bags.” Kyle opened the trunk.

  “Thanks.”

  “Wow, that’s a lot of pink bags.”

  “They are Princess’.” Nikki smiled as she grabbed a few of the bags and let Kyle take the rest.

  “I should have guessed.” Kyle chuckled.

  “You’re not supposed to be here!” A sharp, female voice carried out of the cabin as Sonia walked towards it.

  Chapter 4

  “I have the key, so that means I am supposed to be here!” Sonia shot back at the woman in the cabin. She placed her hands on her hips as Princess ran in circles around her feet.

  “What’s going on here?” Nikki looked past Sonia at a woman who towered at least a foot above her. “Who are you?”

  “I’m Ashley, and the two of you must be in the wrong cabin. This cabin is supposed to be empty.” Ashley narrowed her blue eyes and studied both of them. “Did Gloria mess this up? I bet she did. That woman can never get things straight.”

  “Listen, this is the keycard she gave us.” Nikki took a deep breath to calm herself down. Her instinct was to protect Sonia, but she knew it was always better to try to settle things instead of making them worse. “If we’re in the wrong cabin, we’ll gladly move. But maybe the confusion is because we checked in late?”

  “I’ve got the rest of the bags, Nikki.” Kyle dropped them just inside the door.

  “You!” Ashley glowered in his direction. “I should have known you would have something to do with this.”

  “Ashley, so good to see you again.” Kyle flashed her a charming smile. “Why are you harassing innocent people today?”

  “Watch it!” Ashley snapped. “If you checked in late, then I wasn’t notified at all, Gloria should have texted me.” She slid a phone from the front pocket of her apron and glanced over it. Her lips pursed, then she tucked it back into her pocket. “Well, the cabin is as clean as it’s going to get.” She pushed past the three of them and headed out the door.

  “Apparently, she was notified after all.” Sonia rolled her eyes. “All of that bluster for nothing.”

  “That woman is nothing but bluster.” Kyle shook his head. “Can you believe she doesn’t like me?” His eyes widened. “Everyone likes me!”

  “Of course, they do.” Sonia gave him a few light pats on the cheek. “It’s those chubby cheeks of yours.”

  “Hey.” Kyle laughed as he ducked away from her touch.

  “She’s right.” Nikki grinned. “What’s her problem with you, Kyle?” She led the two dogs into the kitchen and set down bowls of water for both of them.

  “A couple of things. She asked me out when I first started working here. I turned her down. I was nice about it and everything, I just don’t want any commitments. Ever since then she’s had it in for me. Also I stay here, and I work at the ski lift up the hill. There’s a ski lift that we’re supposed to take to get up there. But it’s always backed up, and it’s so much quicker for me to just cut through the courtyard and walk up the hill. It drives her crazy apparently because I’m not supposed to do it.” Kyle threw his hands in the air. “It’s not like I go out of my way to walk in areas where people would be skiing. I make sure that I’m on an out-of-the-way path. But every single time I do it, she manages to spot me, and she starts throwing a fit.”

  “Well, if the rules are that you should take the ski lift, then maybe she has a point.” Nikki raised an eyebrow as she gazed at her brother.

  “No, she doesn’t have a point. All of the guys do it. She only picks on me.” Kyle slid his hands into his pockets. “Besides, don’t start with me on the rule thing, Nikki. I know what I’m doing.”

  “I’m not trying to start anything.” Nikki rubbed her hand across her forehead. “I’m honestly just tired. I really want to get the dogs settled and get to bed.”

  “I understand. If you need anything just text me. The snow is supposed to continue throughout the night, so we might end up snowed in by tomorrow. Can we meet for coffee in the morning?” Kyle lifted Sonia’s suitcase onto her bed for her.

  “Yes, sure we can do that. In the little café?” Nikki stretched her arms above her head and yawned.

  “Yes. Usually Max has some delicious coffee going by about six. If you need to sleep later that’s fine, though. I don’t have to be in until eleven tomorrow.” Kyle nodded to Sonia. “Good night, I hope you both get some good rest.”

  “Me too.” Sonia covered her mouth as she yawned.

  “Oh, I brought you some things. Be right back.” Kyle ducked back out into the snow, seconds later he returned with a large garbage bag.

  “What’s that?” Nikki eyed the bag.

  “Sorry, I didn’t want everything to get snowy.” Kyle opened up the bag and pulled out a heavy, thick coat. “I figured you probably wouldn’t have anything too warm. You’re going to need this. There are a few pairs of gloves, thick socks, a hat, and some scarves in there, too.”

  “Wow, thanks Kyle.” Nikki looked up at her brother with surprise. “That’s very thoughtful of you.”

  “Mom texted me.” Kyle grinned. “She sent me a list of things to pick up.”

  “Of course, she did.” Nikki laughed. “Are they in their cabin?”

  “Oh,
you didn’t get their text?” He frowned. “This storm is causing the networks to glitch. Their flight got canceled. They’re hoping to be able to leave tomorrow, but won’t know until this storm settles down.”

  “Oh, that’s terrible.” Nikki sighed. “I hope they can get a flight out soon.”

  “Me too. Let me know if you guys need anything.” Kyle waved to Sonia, then stepped through the door.

  After Kyle left, Nikki began to unpack a few things she needed for herself, and for Coco.

  “You weren’t kidding, Nikki, this place is amazing.” Sonia unzipped her suitcase. “I’m sure it will be absolutely stunning in the morning with all of the fresh snow.”

  “Yes, I bet it will be.” Nikki smiled at the thought.

  “I’m just going to unpack Princess’ things quickly. Is it okay if I use this closet?” Sonia pointed to one of the closets.

  “Sure.” Nikki smiled as Sonia began to unpack Princess’ stuff. “After a good night’s sleep, I’m sure everything will seem a lot brighter. I’m going to change into my pajamas and sprawl out.”

  Coco jumped up on the bed and did just that.

  “Oh nope, I don’t think so, buddy. I brought your bed.” Nikki grinned as she tossed down his large dog bed on the floor beside the bed.

  Coco lifted his head, sniffed the air, then launched off the edge and landed in his bed.

  “Good boy.” Nikki walked over to give him a quick pet, then grabbed her pajamas from her suitcase. As she walked towards the bathroom, a knock on the door of the cabin made her pause.

  “Kyle must have forgotten to tell me something.” Nikki walked back to the door and pulled it open. Instead of Kyle, she found a woman she didn’t know.

  “Hi, hi!” She smiled and shivered at the same time. “So cold out here. Mind if I come in?”

  “Uh sure.” Nikki took a step back so that the woman could get inside.

  “I’m Betsy.” She thrust her hand towards Nikki. It was hidden inside of a thick, florescent pink glove. “Oops sorry.” She laughed and tugged the glove off, then extended her hand again.

  “Nikki.” She shook her hand, still uncertain of the woman’s purpose for knocking on the door.

  “I’m your cabin neighbor.” Betsy gestured to the far wall of the cabin. “Just thought I’d pop over and introduce myself. I’m vacationing on my own, and I’m hoping to meet some new people.” She looked past Nikki and waved at Sonia. “Oh, and you have dogs. How wonderful!” She made a strange squeaking sound in her throat. “They’re tame, right?”

  “Yes.” Nikki smiled as she noticed that Coco hadn’t even budged from his bed.

  “Princess wouldn’t hurt a fly.” Sonia picked her up and walked towards Nikki and Betsy. “I’m Sonia Whitter. Did you really come out in a snowstorm to say hello?”

  “Yes, I did. I know, it’s a bit silly, but I’m just the friendly sort.” Betsy adjusted the colorful scarf around her neck. “But it’s just so cold out there.”

  “You should think about getting a thicker scarf.” Sonia eyed it dubiously. “It won’t do much for keeping you warm with all of those holes in it.”

  “It’s okay, I like it. I made it actually.” Betsy tugged on one end of the scarf. “It’s one of the many things I make. Betsy’s Crafts, that’s the name of my online shop.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out two business cards. “Here. Just in case you’re ever in the market for something unique and handmade.”

  “Thanks.” Nikki smiled as she took the card. “I’ll keep you in mind.”

  “Have a good night, you two. I’m sure we’ll see each other again.” She waved to both of them, then stepped back out through the door.

  Nikki closed it and looked over at Sonia.

  “Perky, isn’t she?” Sonia grinned.

  “I’m sure I’ll be more friendly in the morning.” Nikki laughed.

  After Nikki and Sonia changed, they both settled into bed. A few hours into a heavy slumber, the sound of a whimper woke Nikki up. Uncertain of what it could be, she felt uneasy for a few seconds, until she remembered that she had two canine companions.

  “Oh seriously?” Nikki rolled over in her bed and looked at Princess who stood near the cabin door. She whined again.

  Nikki didn’t want her to wake Sonia. She sighed and pushed her blanket off. On her way to the door she grabbed the heavy coat Kyle had left her, and shoved her arms through it. She slid her feet into her boots and snapped Princess’ leash onto her collar.

  “Okay buddy, let’s take care of this.”

  Nikki opened the door and winced at the blast of icy air that struck her in the face. It was so cold that it stung. She ducked her head against the still falling snow, then stepped out into it. Princess began to sniff around the snow.

  Nikki’s teeth began to chatter. She thought about hot coffee, and hot cocoa, and hot apple pie. She thought about how warm and cozy her bed would be when she crawled back into it.

  “Let’s go, Princess, do your thing.” Nikki sighed as she waited for Princess.

  Nikki gave Princess a little slack on the leash so that she could explore and hopefully do her business. As she kicked up a bit of snow behind her, Nikki pictured a tropical beach. She was lost in the smell of the sea, when Princess started digging in the snow.

  “Okay, that’s enough.” Princess dug faster. “What are you getting into, Princess?” She frowned as she walked up behind her. Princess was usually a dainty dog, something must have got her attention. As Nikki watched, Princess dug a scarf free from the snow. It was colorful, and too thin to do much good in the cold weather. Nikki guessed that someone had dropped it on their way back to their cabin.

  “All right, let me have it, Princess.” Nikki reached for it. As she did, she took a step forward. She stepped on something soft. She looked down. “Oh no!” She gasped and stumbled back a few steps. Her right foot slid in the snow and she tumbled backwards. When she hit the ground, cushioned by several inches of snow, the impact jolted her back to her senses. “Help!” She cried out, suddenly very aware that she’d left her cell phone inside the cabin. “Help! Someone help!”

  “Nikki?” Sonia paused at the door of the cabin. “What is it? What’s wrong? Is Princess okay?”

  “Call 9-1-1, Sonia, someone is out here in the snow!” Nikki bit into her bottom lip as she stared at the body half-covered in snow. “It’s Ashley!”

  As Nikki spun back around towards the body in the snow, the scarf still clutched in her hand, she noticed a pile of broken, black plastic not far from a large boot print in the snow. The state of Ashley’s hair and clothes made her believe that she hadn’t died of natural causes. Her hair was in a mess around her face. Her right foot was missing a boot. Nikki swept her gaze across the snow, and saw it not far off. Had she been running? Had it slipped off when she tried to get away from someone? Nikki’s stomach churned at the thought. Cabin doors began to open, hushed voices spoke to one another, but no one approached Nikki or the body. Nikki shivered as a cold breeze swirled snow around her face. Despite knowing that Ashley was no longer alive, she couldn’t bring herself to leave her alone in the cold.

  Chapter 5

  Strange sirens brought Nikki back to reality as the dark evening lit up with flashing lights. She watched as two snowmobiles buzzed into the area. They stopped a good distance away, and the two riders began to approach. Nikki noticed one officer was a man, about six-foot tall, and the other was a woman about six inches shorter than him. As they walked towards Nikki, she could make out their uniforms. She felt some relief that the police had arrived. Certainly, they would know what to do next.

  “What happened here?” the woman asked as she looked over Ashley’s body.

  “I don’t know. I brought my dog out, well she’s not my dog, but I’m traveling with her owner, to use the bathroom, and we found her. Her name is Ashley.” Nikki held Princess tightly in her arms.

  “Was Ashley,” the man corrected.

  “Was Ashley,” Nikki repeated, a
little stunned that he would make such a comment.

  “Perhaps she had a heart attack.” The woman pursed her lips as she looked over the body.

  “No, I don’t think so.” Nikki held out the scarf she’d picked up. “Princess found this first. I’m sorry that I touched it, but I think it might have something to do with what happened here. Also, I noticed that Ashley’s boot is back there some distance.” She pointed towards it. “I think she must have been running.”

  “Oh right, good point.” The woman nodded.

  “What do you think, Schwitz? Maybe she was out for a jog?” The man shrugged. “This cold weather can wreak havoc on the body.”

  “No, I doubt that. At night? I don’t think so. Maybe she was a little drunk? Conner get down there and take a sniff.” Schwitz pointed towards Ashley.

  “What? No.” Conner held up his hands and took a step back. “I’m not sniffing anything.”

  “Ugh. Straighten up, Conner. We are the police, remember? We have to figure out how this woman died?” Schwitz glowered at him.

  “Are there other officers coming?” Nikki stared between the two, shocked at their banter.

  “Just us, I’m afraid.” Schwitz smiled. “All the roads are snowed in, and we’re the only ones that patrol this area. Normally, we’d call some detectives in, but there’s no way for them to get here in this.” She gestured to the snow that still fell, though at a slower pace.

  “Oh.” Nikki’s stomach twisted. She took a breath to help herself calm down. “Listen, I think Ashley struggled with someone. I don’t think this is a death from accidental or natural causes. I think she’s been murdered.”

  “Murdered?” Conner gasped and took another step back. “No way!”

  “Conner, pull yourself together.” Schwitz jabbed him in the side. “It just may be a murder. I’ll be needing that.” Schwitz snatched the scarf out of Nikki’s hands. “And get this dog out of here before she contaminates the crime scene.”