Lock, Stock, and Feral by Addison Moore (free e novels .txt) 📕

all. She would have done better by adding a little banana pudding to the mix, if you ask me.”

I nod. “In the least used a few well-placed cookies.” I think about the case for a minute. “Devan and James are both prime suspects, but I’m not ruling Hadley out yet either,” I whisper so Jasper won’t hear.

“Don’t let her off the hook, Biz,” Georgie growls. “I read chapter fifteen twice and that woman has a diabolical mind.”

I make a face. “I’m never finishing that book.” Okay, fine. I read a few more chapters since I’ve last closed it. She’s a good writer, but I can’t get over how many times Lady Haddie had to get down and dirty with my husband. “Hey, wait a minute. Devan mentioned something the other day about Liv being upset the night of the murder. And I distinctly remember her having a tense conversation with Patterson the night he died. I say we pay Liv a little visit.”

“I know just where she is.” Georgie gives a wink.

“I know where she is, too. She told me herself she works down at the library,” I say. “How do you know where she is?”

“I’ve had a few granny gigs at the library this week.” She makes a face. “If the demand keeps up, I’m going to have to triple my fees.”

“What are you charging?” I ask and Fish meows in my arms.

If I know Georgie, she’s asking for bacon.

Sherlock barks. I want to work with Georgie!

And I’m going wherever Sherlock goes. Clyde doesn’t waste any time glomming on to her favorite four-footed friend.

She shoots the three of them a look. “I charge in donuts. Don’t knock it, Biz. One day you’ll be old and broke and you’ll wonder where your next donut is coming from, too.”

“Lovely,” I say. “I guess we’re off to the library. And maybe we’ll get your cholesterol checked out on the way back.”

Sherlock barks once again. I’m going with you and we’re not coming back unless we’ve got donuts.

Georgie gives him a quick scratch. “We’re on the same wavelength, kiddo. And the best part? They sell donuts now with bacon.”

Georgie may not be able to read minds, but she always seems to be in tune with the animals.

Both Georgie and Sherlock howl in unison, and Clyde joins in on the fun.

Don’t worry, Bizzy. Fish looks my way. They can focus on stuffing their faces. We’ll focus on tracking down the killer. I have a feeling we’re getting close, Bizzy.

“I think so, too,” I whisper.

Whoever killed Patterson Higgins had better soak in the last moments of their freedom.

They won’t be free for long.

Chapter 12

The Cider Cove Public Library sits nestled between the distal edge of Main Street and where the first tract of homes begins.

This veritable warehouse filled with portals to another world is set in a widespread wooded area. The building is a knife-sharp rectangle with tall windows filled with artwork from the local elementary school. The entire library has a modern flair to it, but try as it might to give off a cold feel, it’s most certainly homey with the pine trees snuggled up against it and the cheery burnt orange hue of its walls both inside and out. The library is built against a steep slope, and the back has a porch that enables you to look down and see all of Cider Cove at a glance. It’s an expansive view that I always make a point to enjoy when I’m here. But by the looks of things, I don’t think I’ll be heading inside today.

An entire section of the parking lot has been marked off, and there’s a huge tent to the right laden with chairs and plenty of people filling them, and according to the banner strewn across the tent, we’re just in time for children’s—

“Story time!” Georgie shouts as she jumps around and ends up getting tangled up in Sherlock’s leash in the process.

Oh goodness, Clyde mewls as both she and Fish poke their heads out of the kitty carrier. True to Georgie’s word, she quickly had her quilting minions whip me up a wonky carrier in sweet floral prints of every pastel shade, and I couldn’t love it or its contents more if I tried. Should Sherlock be twisting his body that way?

Fish gurgles out what sounds like a laugh. Only if he knows what side his bacon bit donuts are buttered on.

“And if he doesn’t want Georgie’s footprints all over his back,” I add.

A warm breeze blows past us and I turn my face toward the library, only to see rows and rows of tables set out, laden down with boxes. People are swarming the area, and a piece of cardboard with the words used book sale lets me know exactly what they’re here for.

A woman with long silver hair catches my attention, and I quickly tap Georgie on the arm.

“There she is,” I say with a touch too much excitement. I can’t help it, I’m secretly hoping Liv will be the key that unlocks the door to the killer. “Come on, let’s go.”

Georgie gasps as she looks that way. “It’s the day I wait for every month!”

Clyde spikes up so far and fast she practically leaps out of my pouch. Free bacon day?

“Dirt cheap books, sister.” Georgie cinches her tote bag over her shoulder. “And don’t worry your furry little heads. I’m getting one for each of you today, too. A book on mice for Fish, a book on salted meat for Sherlock Bones, and a book on how to land a handsome hairy dog and get him to do your bidding for you, little girl.” She traipses over and scoops Clyde out of my wonky pack. “Come on, kid, you’re coming with me.” She takes off with Sherlock wagging his tail alongside her.

Don’t worry, Bizzy, Fish mewls. We don’t need them. Let’s go straight for the attack before the perp spots us and decides to run. Just let me know if you