Whack The Mole (Lucy McGuffin, Psychic Amateur Detective 2)

“I thought we already went through this.”

When I first found out that Paco’s former name was Cornelius and that the Sunshine Ghost Society thought he was a ghost whisperer, I had the same reaction. But three dead bodies have changed my mind.

“Yesterday, when I went to take out the trash, Paco already knew there was a dead body inside the dumpster.”

“Of course he did. Dogs have a keen sense of smell.”

“But he led to me to straight to Abby!” I say, referencing our first dead body together.

“Paco was in the rec center when Abby was murdered. He led you to her because he’s a smart dog. Nothing more.” He gentles his voice. “He doesn’t see ghosts. Okay?”

I’m itching to tell Will how Paco found Ken Cameron’s body. Sure, he’s right about Abby and maybe about dumpster guy, but jumping out a car window and leading me to a dead body through an empty soccer field is no coincidence. Only I can’t tell Will about any of that because I promised Travis to keep it under wraps. Plus, it would probably get me in trouble with the FBI.

“Prove it,” I say.

“Prove what?”

“Prove to me that Paco can’t see ghosts.”

“You can’t prove a negative.” He clicks his tongue and Paco trots over. “Hey, boy,” he croons, scratching him behind the ears. Paco falls at Will’s feet. Not that I blame him. “He’s just a dog, Lucy. He doesn’t have any kind of special

powers.”

If I could tell him about Ken Cameron, then he’d believe me, but I can’t, so I’ll just have to keep my mouth shut.

Chapter Eleven

By the time we’re done with our early breakfast it’s past six, so Will goes back to his place. Since today is Sunday and my brother is a priest I can’t very well skip church, so after I get ready for my big “date” with Mike, I go to nine a.m. mass. Luckily, it’s a clear day, so nobody gets soaked during my brother’s oh so uncomfortable sermon where he asks for money to repair the roof on St. Perpetua’s.

Poor Sebastian. He looks as if he’s about to pass out while imploring us to open our hearts and wallets so that everyone can stay dry.

My parents are at mass. So are Jim and Travis Fontaine.

Everyone notices that I’m a bit more dressed up than usual.

“Lucy!” Mom says, “You look wonderful!” I’m wearing mascara and blush and yes, lipstick. I tossed out half my closet onto my bed trying to decide what to wear for this brunch. I’ve always been a T-shirt and jeans girl. Extra points for comfy sneakers, so anything other than a simple skirt and flats is a challenge for me.

In the end, I selected a flowery dress that I wore to my cousin’s outdoor wedding a few years ago. It’s nice but not too dressy and paired with a light blue sweater and wedge heels, I don’t think I’ll embarrass myself.

Despite that I’m wearing heels, Travis still towers over me. “You look nice,” he says with just an edge of something in his voice that makes my insides go all gooey.

No. I refuse to be this weak.

“Thanks.” I introduce Travis and his dad to my parents. They all shake hands and make polite small talk.

“So, Travis, are you a member of Young Catholic Singles?” Mom asks. Geez. The way Mom is pushing this group, it’s like she gets a kickback for every member she recruits.

Travis clears his throat. “No, ma’am, I’m not. I’ve been pretty busy at work since moving here.”

“We’ve heard,” Dad says, shaking his head. “I have no idea what’s going on in this town. It used to be Whispering Bay was the safest city in America. Not anymore.”

Travis and I exchange a look. If Dad only knew what was really going on. Even after the events of the past few days I still can’t wrap my head around it. According to Agent Billings, this El Tigre could be anywhere. Maybe he’s even here at church. I discreetly watch as people dip their finger into the holy water and make the sign of the cross on their way out the door, but all I see are familiar faces.

“Are you going to the parish hall for coffee and donuts?” Jim asks us.

“George and I never miss the donuts,” says Mom, “But Lucy needs to go meet her new boyfriend. His name is Mike…what’s his last name again? It’s something Italian. Maybe Travis here can run a background check on him.”

“Lucy has a new boyfriend?” Travis’s green eyes glitter with amusement. “I’d be happy to run a background check. What’s his name? I’ll need his date of birth, too.”