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Not long afterward, the police visited their cottage. They’d apprehended Barry, who was still trying to get the grass clippings and vegetable peelings out of his hair when they’d arrived at his house.
After taking their statements, the police left.
“I can’t believe it was Barry.” Zoe poured two glasses of water.
“Me neither.” Lauren shook her head.
Annie nudged her arm. She’d been sitting next to Lauren at the kitchen table, but now she climbed into her lap, wanting a cuddle.
“You were amazing, Annie.” Lauren stroked her velvety soft fur.
“Definitely.” Zoe nodded.
“Brrt!” Annie sounded proud.
“I wonder who will run the senior center now?” Lauren mused.
“Martha?” Zoe suggested. “What about Hans? Or Ms. Tobin? She goes there sometimes.”
“I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”
***
THEY DIDN’T HAVE TO wait long. The next day, Denise entered the coffee shop. Mrs. Finch had already been in and they’d updated her on their sleuthing.
“Brrt?” Annie looked up sleepily from her basket before ambling over to the Please Wait to be Seated sign.
Lauren had encouraged Annie to take the day off but she had insisted on coming to the café that morning. Had she known Denise would stop by?
“Wonderful news, girls.” Denise smiled down at Annie, then walked toward the counter. “You’re looking at the new director of the senior center!”
“That was fast.” Zoe spoke.
“I know.” Denise shook her head. “I can’t believe Barry killed Ralph – and you girls – the three of you – confronted him!”
“How do you know that?” Zoe asked.
“The police came to my house last night and told me what had happened.” She looked at them in admiration. “That was very brave of you, visiting a murderer.”
“We didn’t know he was one at the time,” Lauren told her.
“I’ve now been offered Barry’s position – and I’m going to take it! Although I can’t decide yet whether I want to be the director temporarily or permanently.” She beamed.
“But what about your cruise?” Lauren asked.
“And your husband’s retirement?” Zoe added.
“My husband said he’s pleased I’m so happy right now, and he doesn’t mind if we delay our cruise for a few months. I’ve got a little vacation leave saved up anyway, so if I decide to take the job permanently, we’ll still be able to go away. It won’t be the extended around the world cruise that my husband hoped for, but when I do retire, we can go on a long cruise then.”
“That’s wonderful,” Lauren said.
“Brrt!”
“It’s strange how things work out, isn’t it?” Denise pondered. “Yesterday I’d finished writing up a list of crowdfunding sites, and was going to present it to Barry this morning, but before he left work he’d put a note on my desk saying we didn’t need to move as Crystal was renewing the lease for us.”
They congratulated her once more and offered her a latte on the house, but Denise insisted on paying full price. “I can’t wait to get my next paycheck – it will be for a lot more than usual!”
A few minutes after she left, Mitch strode in.
“Why didn’t you call me last night?” he asked Lauren. “I was investigating a burglary at Zeke’s Ridge, but I would have come over as soon as I could.”
“I’ll leave you two to it. Annie, I’ll ask Ed how AJ is doing.” Zoe turned toward the kitchen.
“Brrt!” Good.
“Zoe, my friend Chris says he owes you dinner. You can name the place and time,” Mitch told her.
“Hmm.” Zoe looked like she was going to dismiss the offer, then paused. “Tell him I’ll think about it.”
Zoe pushed open the swinging kitchen doors and disappeared. Annie waited outside.
“You know I’m always here for you,” Mitch said softly to Lauren.
“I know.” She smiled. And she did know.
They gazed at each for a long moment, then Zoe hurried out of the kitchen.
“Annie, Ed says AJ’s doing well. Would you like to have a playdate with her?”
“Brrt!” Yes!
The End
Please keep reading for a list of all my titles!
Annie is based on my own Norwegian Forest Cat, who was also called Annie. AJ is based on my first cat who was called AJ.
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