Page 23 of A Whisker in the Night

Fish gasps.Oh Bizzy, quick, take us to the poorhouse!

I nod over at my sweet cat. “Don’t worry. I have a feeling if we keep eating at places like this, we’ll land there sooner than we think.”

We quickly make our way to the expansive back patio, and just before we’re about to step outside, that’s when I spot my shiny new suspect.

And judging by that horrified look on her face, she knows exactly who we are and perhaps why we’re truly here.

Chapter 13

We step out onto the patio here at the Celebration Grill and the balmy breeze engulfs us just as the salty brine from the sea does the same.

But it’s the fact that our next suspect is gawking in our direction that has our full attention.

Verity Westoff freezes mid-stride as if she’s just seen her bank account after a shopping spree. Her perfectly coiffed blonde hair and crisp white blazer scream “polished professional,” but the look on her face? Pure panic.

“She looks perfectly jolted,” Emmie whispers. “Maybe she thinks Jasper’s caught the killer and he’s come to break the news?”

Or maybe sheisthe killer and she’s afraid he’s here to make an arrest, I want to say but give a little nod instead.

That cat is still alive?Verity’s mouth squares out in surprise as she heads this way and I pick right up on her thoughts.She was there that day with Hamish. I thought for sure she was long gone. Could she have seen what happened? Although it wouldn’t matter. She’s just a ridiculous little cat...

“Speaking of looking jolted…” Jasper murmurs, leaning in close. “Is it me, or is her reaction something just this side of a confession?”

“No confession yet,” I whisper back. “She’s marveling that we’ve brought Jellybean.”

“That makes more sense.” He gives a slight sigh of disappointment.

I know Jasper is just as anxious to catch the killer as I am. And I also know that he wishes I wouldn’t be just as anxious in that department.

The baby delivers another kick—either agreeing with Jasper or demanding food. Honestly, it could go either way at this point.

Well, well,Jellybean gives a mewl that’s as smooth as butter.Looks like someone isn’t thrilled to see me. And why am I not surprised?

A waiter breezes past us with a seafood tower that looks like it belongs in an underwater palace. Dry ice cascades over its edges in dramatic waves, and I’m pretty sure I just saw a pearl wink at me.

“I see why people rave about this place,” Emmie whispers and her eyes are wide with anticipation.

My stomach growls as if agreeing with her and I inadvertently startle a couple at a nearby table as we walk by. I believe one of them just said the wordsbear on the prowl.

They’re not wrong. If I gethangry, I can be quite the bear.

Verity approaches with her million-dollar paper white smile firmly in place. Her skin glows tangerine against the crisp white blazer she’s donned, her long milky blonde hair looks brittle from top to bottom, and her fuchsia lips stand out like a beacon against the bright blue sky.

But her thoughts? They’re swirling like a hurricane and one that I can’t quite decipher. I’m betting whatever she knows about that day in the woods is locked up in there somewhere.

Time to put on a show.Fish sighs from my bag.

Oh, Verity knows how to put on a show,Jellybean adds.Hamish always said she knew how to bring on the drama.

Sherlock gives a soft bark.At least the view makes up for the drama we’re about to endure.

He’s not wrong. The ocean stretches endlessly beyond the cliff and sunlight dances on the waves like glittering confetti. It’s the perfect backdrop for a lunch where I’m hoping a certain blonde someone won’t be lying through her teeth.

Verity stops in front of us, and I can’t help but think her face is more or less a picture of rehearsed surprise.

“Jellybean?” Her voice wavers before she catches herself and she plasters on an even brighter smile. “I’ve been so worried about her!” She nods my way. “The sneaky little kitty disappeared the afternoon... the afternoon it happened.” She fans herself for a moment. “Where did you find her?”

“She was in the woods next to the inn,” I say, watching the woman closely. “I found her the day your husband died. We’re so sorry about your loss.”

---