Dog Days of Murder

by Addison Moore

  Ginger lunges forward as her hands collapse around my neck like a vise grip and we tumble to the ground.

  Bizzy! Fish gives a spastic cry.

  Oh, Bizzy! Peanut wails. Don’t let her kill you, too. Do something! He pauses to glance to his left. Get in there, Sherlock. Stop this madness. He lets out a sharp bark, and soon Sherlock is right there with him as they do their best to attack her.

  Fish leaps through the air and lands on Ginger’s back and she flinches long enough for me to get out of her stranglehold.

  I gasp for air as I try to crawl from beneath her.

  “Would you stop, you dirty little mutt!” She jerks her knee and Peanut rolls across the forest floor like a bowling ball.

  “Sherlock.” I gag on his name. “Get Jasper.” It comes out just above a whisper as my throat tries to recover from the death grip Ginger had on it.

  Sherlock takes off, but Ginger doesn’t miss a beat. She picks up a jagged rock twice the size of her hand and holds it precariously over my head.

  “If only you hadn’t pried.” Her chest heaves with every word. “This is all your fault, Bizzy. You could have lived. I wouldn’t have to kill again. Nessa wanted Shelby dead as much as I did. I practically did her a favor.”

  “And if you kill me? Who will you blame this time?” My voice quivers as I say it. Honestly? I had better not die. As far as last words go, those might go down as the worst.

  Her chest rumbles with a quiet laugh. “The party is rife with monsters. I’m just one of them.”

  She lifts the rock a notch, and out from the lowest evergreen bough sails a flying miniature pirate with a tiny sword and fierce looking fangs that can do some real damage.

  Fish lands right smack on Ginger’s head, and I don’t wait to see how this fantastical scenario plays out. Instead, I jab my foot into her gut and send her toppling backward as her hands try to work my tiny kitten out of her hair.

  I land over Ginger with a thud just as the sound of heavy footfalls stampede in this direction.

  “Freeze!” a male voice riots from our right, and I look up to see Detective Jasper Wilder with his weapon drawn, his jaw redefining itself with what looks like rage. “Leo, cuff her,” he thunders.

  Leo Granger falls to his knees, and before I know it, Jasper pulls me to him and his arms are tight around me.

  “Bizzy Baker.” Jasper plants a feverish kiss over my ear. “You gave me one hell of a scare. Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

  “I’m fine,” I pant. “Ginger confessed. She confessed to killing Shelby. She told me everything.” I glance back at Ginger lying on her stomach with her wrists cuffed together behind her back. “It’s over, isn’t it?”

  Jasper rubs my back and warms me. “It’s over.” His glowing gray eyes press into mine. “You’re safe, Bizzy. That’s all that matters.” Jasper lands a tender kiss over my lips, slow and lingering, before diving into something far deeper, something that says we’re official in a far better way than words.

  My heart thumps wildly into my chest, and as horrific as this night has been, a part of me wants to remember this moment forever.

  Justice for Shelby.

  True love for me.

  It’s not a bad night, after all.

  Chapter 20

  Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays for so many reasons, but the true lure was the ability to transform myself into someone or something else entirely—the donning of a costume, a mask. It allows you to walk around in someone else’s skin for a single magical night.

  All morning the Country Cottage Inn has indulged its guests in the haunted splendor that only this day can bring. The Cottage Café has served a themed menu all day long starting with pumpkin spice pancakes, pumpkin oatmeal, pumpkin scones, pumpkin French toast, and Emmie even fried up some donuts and glazed them in yellow, white, and orange stripes to make them look like candy corn. There are mummy wrapped hot dogs, spaghetti molded to look like brains, deviled eggs, stuffed jack-o-lantern bell peppers, spicy pumpkin chili, and dirt pudding for dessert.

  I really do love Halloween, but if I’m being perfectly honest, I always feel a touch of relief once it’s over. As hauntingly exhilarating as the fright fest of a day can be, my soul takes a breather knowing the cheeriest holiday of them all is right around the corner. Christmas.

  And I’m breathing a sigh of relief a little early this year as well.

  Ginger King was arrested and booked for the murder of Shelby Harris.

  I still find it hard to imagine that Ginger would go as far as evicting someone off the planet to keep her ego from being deflated. She’s about to learn the hard way that there could have been a much more amicable way to handle things.

  Nessa was immediately released upon Ginger’s arrest, and all charges against her were dropped. I told her to take as much time off from the inn as she needed. As elated as she is, there is still so much to process on her end as well.

  The sun is getting ready to set on this, the last day of what has been a dizzying October, and Jasper asked me to meet him out on walkway just past the Cottage Café.

  He strides over, looking sharp and heart-stopping in every capacity, with both Peanut and Sherlock by his side.

  Fish jumps out of the bushes, sending both of the dogs barking and running toward the water, and Jasper and I share a warm laugh at the sight.

  “Bizzy Baker.” He lifts a brow as he takes me in. He’s so cuttingly handsome that just looking at him makes my stomach bisect with heat. “You make a mighty fine looking innkeeper. Can I request that uniform be worn each and every day—and every night we’re together?”

  I give a little curtsy in my black and white short fitted dress. “I’m a French maid. And just so you know, this happens to be my standby costume I pull out once a year. So yes, there is a very strong chance you’ll see it again.” My cheeks heat in an instant. “I mean, that is if you’re, you know, at the inn, or something like that.”

  Jasper’s lucent gray eyes bear hard into mine. There’s a smile flirting on his lips, but he’s too stubborn to give it.

  “Mind if we take a walk by the water?”

  “I’d love to.”

  Jasper takes my hand as we head for the sand and a crisp autumn breeze picks up, making me wish I had opted for a coat. But the last thing I wanted was for Jasper to miss out on this bustier that makes my body look as if it’s something you purchase from a box by Mattel. There’s a reason I only wear this corseted contraption once a year, and breathing has something to do with it.

  All right, fine. Emmie might have tightened it a notch because she knew Jasper and I were about to have the talk, and I foolishly let her put my respiration in peril for a man.

  The Atlantic Ocean is roaring and angry, a vastness of steely gray water bucking and writhing as the surf pounds over the shore with a marked aggression. Jasper pauses just as we hit the damp sand and pulls me in.

  “As you know, that talk I was having with Camila at the party ended abruptly, but this morning we were able to finish it. I made it clear as crystal that the two of us are over for good. I let her know we could be friends and nothing more.” His lips cinch tight and tiny comma-like dimples erupt on either side of his cheeks. “I also let her know that I’ve given my heart to someone new.” His eyes widen just a notch. “And that you and I were excited to see where the future takes us. I asked her to be respectful of that.”

  “Wow.” My chest palpitates as I struggle to catch my breath. “Thank you. And by the way, I am extremely excited to have a future with you.”

  A crooked grin hikes up on his face as he nods. “Then we’re together.”

  “We’re together.”

  A choir of barking erupts around us as Sherlock and Peanut offer up their unanimous approval.

  Fish scampers this way and lets out a sweet meow.

  I’ve always liked him, Bizzy. Does this mean we can keep him? He can sleep on that tiny bed you bought me. I’ve never used it. It’s as good as new.
>
  A laugh bubbles from me. It’s true. Fish sleeps right on top of my head, and it’s often her tail swatting me over the face that wakes me up far before my alarm ever goes off.

  But I won’t be offering Jasper a place on my floor.

  He’s already got a place in my heart.

  He leans in and the warmth of his cologne permeates me. “Do French maids charge for kisses, or am I confusing them for another profession entirely?”

  I give his ribs a quick pinch. “They don’t charge if you’re their boyfriend.”

  “I guess I’m lucky then.”

  “I guess you are.” I pull back for a moment and give him the once-over in his tweed jacket and jeans. “Hey? You didn’t dress up today.”

  “I sure did. I’m a big, bad, scary detective, and I’ve got the gun and badge to prove it.”

  “Do you have the cuffs? Rumor has it, there is an extremely naughty French maid running around the inn.”

  His lids hood low as he scours my outfit with his eyes. “I’d better look into it. But fair warning—I might have to haul her over to my cottage for further interrogation.”

  I bite down playfully on my lower lip. “Don’t let her get away with anything. I hear she’s very wily.”

  “I’ll make sure to give her exactly what she deserves.”

  Jasper lands his lips to mine and we indulge in all the kisses we want, for free.

  Halloween night at the Haunted Harvest Festival is where all of Cider Cove has decided to congregate, according to the wild turnout. There are witches and goblins of every shape and size as kids young and old take over the fairgrounds hyped on far too much candy and cider.

  Clouds hang heavy in the violet sky, and every now and again they part ways, allowing the full moon to inspect the happy chaos ensuing below.

  A large banner that reads Happy Falloween! hangs over the dessert table Emmie and I just refreshed with baskets of pumpkin spice mini muffins. Judging by the way we’ve been selling out at the café, they were a very big hit.

  Jasper pops up next to me, holding up two large black tickets with orange print that reads good for one haunted hayride.

  “We’re in.” He lands a kiss to my lips. “They said to come back in an hour when the line dies down.”

  “Perfect. I hope it’s good and scary. Have I mentioned that I need to be held extra tight when I’m afraid?”

  A crooked grin expands over his lips. “This is going to be one terrifying night.”

  “That’s what I’m counting on. Speaking of tonight”—I offer him a cheeky grin—“I believe you owe me takeout at your place. Nessa is innocent. I won our little bet.”

  “You at my place for takeout? I’m the clear winner here. In fact, I’m getting hungry already.” His lips twitch with devilish intent and his lids hang low. My guess is food is at the bottom of the list of the things he’s hungry for.

  “Bizzy!” a bright and cheery female voice calls from the left and we turn to find Nessa Crosby dressed as an angel in a cute short white dress, a pair of billowy feathered wings that has more of a naughty runway appeal than anything truly angelic, and she even has a gold glittering halo strapped to her head.

  “Nessa, you look amazing.” I pull her in for a nice, long hug.

  “I thought I’d try to drive the point home for the people who still might think I had anything to do with this.”

  “Don’t worry, Nessa,” Jasper is quick to comfort her. “You’re free and clear, and your record won’t be marred by this.”

  “Believe me, I’m thankful.” She shrugs. “But I might don the halo straight through the new year just to shut down the naysayers at the inn. And speaking of the inn”—she looks my way—“rumor has it, there’s an adorable little puppy who still hasn’t found his forever home. I know that Shelby and I didn’t exactly get along, but I’d love to have Peanut if you’ll let me. I’ve never fallen in love so hard and fast before. And with everything he’s gone through, I’ll do my best to make it up to him.”

  I glance to Jasper. “I don’t see why not. But only if you promise to bring him around the inn now and again. I think Sherlock and Fish will really miss him.”

  “You bet.” Her eyes brighten. “In fact, I’ll make sure you see him more often than not. He’s so great with people and he truly deserves to have a family of his own.”

  “I agree,” I say. “I’ll be heading back to the inn later tonight to relieve Grady, and I’ll be sure to pull out the blanket and toys I have for Peanut.”

  “Perfect. I’ll swing by on my way home. I can’t wait to spoil that sweet little baby boy. He’s going to have a great life.”

  “I know he will.”

  She takes off, and an odd sight at the hot apple cider booth has me doing a double take. A part of me isn’t sure I want to bring it to Jasper’s attention. You know what they say, let sleeping dogs lie.

  Jasper glances back and sighs once he sees it. “I know about them,” he whispers.

  My mouth falls open as I follow his gaze right back to where Jordy and Camila share a quick laugh.

  “I guess Jordy is interested.” I shrug. “Can’t say I blame him. She’s a beautiful woman.”

  Jasper’s chest bucks with a silent laugh. “The interior doesn’t always match the exterior. Let’s hope she goes easy on the poor guy.”

  I’m about to look away just as Leo and Mack step their way, and the four of them start in on a conversation together.

  “You know”—I shake my head—“there are some couple cliques I just don’t want to be a part of.”

  “Hear, hear. I think this is a good time to make a run for the funnel cake.”

  “Or the haunted maze. Rumor has it, there are a lot of places to steal a moment of privacy.”

  We take off in that direction, only to bump into a trio of familiar faces—Georgie, Macy, and Emmie.

  Georgie holds her arms open wide, only to reveal she has three additional sets of arms sewn to her kaftan and it has an unnerving human spider effect.

  “Well, boo to you, too,” she sings as she pulls us both into a warm embrace. “Where are you kids off to? Let me guess. You’re off to get a room at the inn.” She elbows me in the ribs while offering a cheeky wink.

  Macy balks as she looks to Jasper, “Please. My sister only pretends to be a naughty girl on Halloween.” Her black painted lips smear an ironic smile. “As soon as the clock strikes twelve, you’ll find out it was all hocus-pocus.”

  Jasper’s cheek flinches. “So you’re saying there’s still time.”

  A riotous bout of laughter breaks out from our little circle.

  Emmie leans in. “Just FYI, Detective Wilder. That’s my best friend’s heart you’re holding. If you break it, you’ll have to answer to me. I’ve got a can of pepper spray, and I’m not afraid to use it.” She grimaces. “Okay, so I’m totally terrified to use the pepper spray. Just don’t do anything stupid for both of our sakes.”

  Jasper nods her way. “Duly noted.”

  “Ignore the threats,” I say, wrapping an arm around his waist. “Her bark is worse than her bite.”

  “Not mine,” Georgie is quick to counter. “My bark is just as bad as my bite. Throw one of those hot Wilder brothers my way and I’ll be glad to demonstrate.”

  Macy groans as she spots something just past my shoulder. “Incoming hot brother—attached to a rather witchy preppy.”

  I turn around to see Mom and Max headed this way. They’re holding hands and look adorably like the perfect couple. I guess Mom hasn’t tossed Max out on his ear yet in lieu of a little extra sleep.

  They say a quick hello.

  Mom leans in. “Enjoy the festivities, kids. Starting at midnight, they’ll be shoving the next holiday down our throats.”

  Macy’s chest pumps with a silent laugh. “Mom, you are forever a cheery point of light.”

  Georgie raises all eight of her hands. “Next holiday? That must mean it’s time to leapfrog over the turkey. And who the heck cares? I l
ove Christmas. I love the way all of Cider Cove is transformed into a winter wonderland.”

  Emmie nods. “I love strolling through Candy Cane Lane. They have a contest every year to see who can do the most over-the-top decorations, and each year it gets crazier and crazier. I hear one of the houses will have a light show set to music and everything.”

  Mom rolls her eyes. “Oh, goody,” she moans. “I hope they turn up the volume nice and loud so the entire town can hear it.”

  Georgie lifts a finger. “Now you’re thinking.”

  Macy wrinkles her nose. “I really miss those old-fashioned Christmases when all of us would get together—you know, the Crosbys and the Bakers.”

  Georgie shoves a fist in the air. “And the Conners.”

  “And the Conners, what?” Dad asks as he and Gwyneth emerge from the shadows.

  Dad looks handsome, yet boyish, a running theme in his life. And Gwyneth looks sharp in a crisp black leather jacket with her hair slicked back and dark cherry wine lipstick slashed over her mouth.

  They each have an arm wrapped around one another’s waist, and both Jasper and I exchange a quick glance.

  I clear my throat. “I was just about to extend an invitation to everyone here to attend the inn’s very first old-fashioned Christmas Eve dinner. I realize it’s still months away, but I figure I’d plant the seed and hopefully convince you all to come out.”

  “Yes!” Emmie cries out. “We’ll have the Cottage Café cater. And Bizzy and I will come up with an amazing dessert menu.”

  Macy makes a face. “As long as you keep Bizzy from doing the actual baking.”

  Georgie leans in. “You mean burning.”

  And the entire lot of them has a laugh at my expense. Heck, I laugh, too.