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

“If you’d agree to participate in a séance,” says Gloria, “Maybe we could find out why Abby’s brother dognapped Paco.”

I’m about to ixnay the séance idea when I snap my mouth shut. It occurs to me that I’ve been looking at this all wrong. Phoebe knows a lot more about this dognapping than she’s let on. Gloria and probably Victor do, too. But Phoebe is the only one of them with a motive to get rid of Abby. I’d bet my last mixing bowl that Phoebe is at least partially responsible for fast tracking Abby along to the pearly gates.

Not in a million years do I think a séance trying to communicate with Abby’s spirit is going to work, but Phoebe believes in it, and that’s what matters. Maybe it will be the catalyst for her to confess everything she knows.

“Now that you mention it, maybe Abby has been trying to communicate with me.”

“I knew it!” says Gloria.

“Really?” Victor gazes behind me like there’s something there. “Do you think she’s here now?”

“Sure. At least I think so. I really can’t tell because, you know, I’m not trained to look for any of the signs.”

“That’s it. We absolutely need to do a séance,” Gloria persists. “Abby is practically calling to us from the grave.”

Victor nods enthusiastically. “I agree.”

“Oh, I don’t think a séance is necessary,” says Phoebe.

Gloria and Victor turn and stare at her. There’s only one reason Phoebe wouldn’t want to do a séance. And that’s because she’s afraid of what we’ll find out. Which means I want to do this more than ever.

Sarah comes up to the counter to refill the coffee pot. “Did someone just say séance?” She looks like she’s trying not to laugh.

“Lucy has agreed to help us talk to Abby,” Gloria says.

Sarah’s jaw goes slack before she pulls her expression together. “Really?”

“I just want to help,” I say trying to sound innocent.

“And of course, Paco will need to be there,” says Victor.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Phoebe says. “Didn’t you just say that the dog has been through a trauma? To expect him to participate in a séance so soon after all he’s been through… no. It’s inhumane. Also, Lucy, dear, I couldn’t help but overhear part of your conversation with Lanie Miller. It seems like you’re looking for a home for the little angel? As I said before, I’ll be happy to take him. As a matter of fact, I practically consider it my civic duty.”

Gloria puts her arm around Phoebe’s shoulder. “I’m sorry to be so blunt, but do you think that’s a good idea considering that the dog doesn’t like you?”

“Gloria’s right,” says Victor. “He seems to be fairly aggressive toward you.”

Phoebe looks like she’s going to cry. “I don’t understand why he suddenly doesn’t like me.”

“Thanks for offering, but Paco has already been adopted,” I blurt.

“He has?” Sarah asks.

Oh boy. How am I going to get out of this one?

“Yep. My brother wants him. Yes, that’s right, my brother, the priest, wants Paco.”

It’s been my experience that whenever you add “the priest” in any sort of communication, people back down. It seems to work here too because no one questions me anymore.

“That was fast,” Phoebe mutters.

Gloria lowers her voice. “So, about the séance….”

Chapter Sixteen

Gloria lays down all the conditions for the “ideal” séance environment. They’re a bit wacky, but what do I know about talking to the dead? All I know is that to pull this off, I’m going to need help from my best friend.

It kills me to have to wait till The Bistro closes for the day, but I’ve already left work early twice this week, and it wouldn’t be fair to Sarah if I take off again. Once all the customers are gone and the kitchen is clean, I put Paco in my car and head over to Will’s.