Beach Blanket Homicide (Lucy McGuffin, Psychic Amateur Detective 1)

“That’s…nice of him.” I suppose.

Lanie picks up a scanner and runs it over Paco’s back. “He’s been neutered. Let’s see if he’s been chipped. Mmmm… We’re in luck.” She heads over to a computer. “According to the records, he belongs to someone named Susan Van Dyke from Destin. Let me give her a call.” She picks up the phone and dials.

Destin is a resort town about thirty miles away. How on earth did Abby end up with this dog?

“No answer,” Lanie says. She leaves a message with information on how to contact her. Lanie rubs Paco behind the ears, and he practically melts in her hand. “Hopefully, his owner will call back soon. But in the meantime, little guy, what do you say? Want to stay here and play?”

“Stay here?”

“Sure. I mean, you can’t take him, on account of your allergies. Right?”

“Right.” Last night was miserable. I could keep taking the Benadryl, but I hate how groggy it makes me feel.

“Heard anything from Muffin Wars?” Lanie asks.

“Not yet.”

“You will. No one makes muffins the way you do.” She puts a leash on Paco. “Say good-bye to Lucy, Paco.”

“Are you sure he’ll be okay? I mean, he’s been traumatized. He was with Abby when she…you know, died. Is there a pet psychologist that can come see him?”

Lanie tries to hide her smile. “Don’t worry. He’ll be fine.” She takes a long look at Paco. “I don’t know anyone named Susan Van Dyke, but now that I look at him more closely, I swear I’ve seen this dog before. I’m just not sure where.”

“If he needs anything, anything at all just let me know.” I wave to him one last time. He looks at me with the saddest eyes. I hope he doesn’t think I don’t want him. I don’t know a lot about dogs, but I can tell he’s special. Regardless of Officer Fontaine’s skepticism, Paco did lead me to find Abby’s body.

Chapter Six

Every Monday the “top people” as they call themselves from the Sunshine Ghost Society meet at The Bistro for breakfast. Phoebe Van Cleave is the first to arrive. It occurs to me that I never saw Phoebe or anyone else from the society after Abby’s body was discovered, so I never got a chance to offer my condolences.

I hand her a coffee. “I’m so sorry for your loss. How is the group taking Abby’s death?”

“Even though it’s just been a couple of days, we all miss her something fierce. She was a valuable member of our society, you know.”

The little hairs on my neck rise.

Phoebe isn’t going to miss Abby one bit.

Betty Jean told me that Abby and Phoebe were involved in a power struggle within the group. With Abby gone, it looks like Phoebe’s position is no longer in jeopardy.

“Do you know when her service is going to be held?” I ask.

“It’s all up to the brother. Apparently, he’s a real loser, but he was her only living relative, so he’s in charge now.” She hesitates. “You know, Lucy, there are all sorts of rumors circulating about Abby and a dog. Do you know anything about it?”

Oh boy. The little hairs on my neck are practically dancing now. I’m surprised Phoebe’s nose hasn’t gotten longer just standing here talking to me.

This last statement of hers is a blatant lie in that she most definitely knows something about Paco. And it’s a whole lot of something too. The stronger my physical reaction, the bigger the lie.

But I can’t very well call her out on it without exposing my gift. I’d love to find out more about Paco, so I’m forced to tell her what I know in hopes that maybe I can glean more info from her.

“The dog is a Chihuahua mix. Abby brought him here to The Bistro on Friday and told everyone that he belonged to her brother, but he denies the dog is his. The dog was with her when she died.”

“Do you know where the dog is now?”

“He’s at the animal shelter. Lanie Miller is trying to find out who owned him previously. In case they want him back.”

“I’ve always wanted a dog. As Abby’s dear friend, I should offer to adopt him.”

Oh, hell to the no. Paco is such a smart little thing. He belongs with someone hipper and let’s face it, saner than Phoebe Van Cleave.