Page 19 of Fish and Chip

“Via deliciousness and good Southern hospitality? Absolutely, hon. And once I aim for my target, I never miss.”

I laugh despite myself. “What the heck. It’s been a good life.”

Savvy slides into the seat across from me. “So. Murder. Again. At your park. Have I mentioned it happened again?”

“Don’t remind me. Again.”

“Honey, the whole town is talking about it. Belladonna Hershey, dead in a fake cemetery, found by you covered in crimson. It’s like something straight out of one of her own books, except with worse reviews, and you as the star.”

“Wonderful.” I take a fortifying drink of my latte. If I’m going to headline a homicide, I refuse to do it undercaffeinated.

Cupcake hops up onto the chair next to Savvy, her curly white fur looking extra fluffy today.

All right, crew! Cupcake says brightly. It’s a beautiful day for solving murders. Now let’s hop to it! Fish, you sniff out some clues. Chip, you’ll be in charge of snacks.

Chip perks up. Is it any wonder why I love her?

Fish gags. I knew it! You’ve lost your ever-loving mind for a D-O-G!

What’s a D-O-G? Cupcake asks in the cutest Southern drawl, and I can’t help but coo.

And she can’t even spell! Fish yowls and falls flat onto her seat.

Savvy leans forward. “Why, I think Bizzy’s cat just croaked or fainted.”

“Eh.” I shrug. “Either way, we probably shouldn’t tell her. We’ll make it look like an accident.” I give a little wink.

Savvy raises a brow. “That does seem to be your specialty.”

“Savvy Sparrow!” I say, jerking upright a notch. “But heck, I’m not at all surprised to hear it. In fact, I’m surprised I don’t hear it ten times a day.”

“Oh, hon.” She shakes her head. “If you keep this up, the fine townspeople of Huckleberry Hollow are going to run you straight out of Maine.”

Come on, people! Cupcake barks. We’ve got a murder on our hands! We don’t have any time to waste! She hops and spins in a circle.

“You know, she really does have what it takes to make it in the circus,” I say to Savvy as she stuffs a chocolate croissant into her mouth.

Fish levels a glare at the perky puppy. You’re entirely too cheerful about homicide.

Oh, sugar, I can’t help it, Cupcake says with a little wag. Murder is exciting! Plus, I heard there’s a Southern belle cat running around the park. Salem, I believe her name is?

And how exactly do you know that? Fish narrows her eyes. You’ve been here ten minutes and you already have sources?

Chip snaps to attention. Yes! Salem! She’s beautiful and sophisticated and⁠—

And you’re in love with a dog, Fish reminds him.

Apparently, I can be spellbound by two different species, Chip counters.

You’re such a man, Fish sighs.

“Speaking of Southern belles,” I say, sitting up straighter. “Savvy, there’s another Southern belle running around the park. Her name is Eulla Bell Nightwind. She writes cozy mysteries, too.”

Savvy’s eyes light up. “Eulla Bell Nightwind? Oh, honey, I know her books! Sweet Tea & Tombstones! She writes about a tearoom owner in Tennessee with a knack for solving murders. I love her!”

“Well, she’s here all week with her cat, Salem.”

“A Southern sister and a mystery writer? Lord have mercy, I need to meet this woman immediately.”