Murder By Muffin (Lucy McGuffin, Psychic Amateur Detective 3)

“He’s still proclaiming his innocence.”

Paco sits up from his place at my feet and barks in indignation.

“That’s what I say,” says Brittany. “The nerve of him! I still can’t believe I wasted an entire week of my life trying to teach that man PR. All his slogans were perfectly dreadful. If I’d known he was a killer, I wouldn’t have bothered.”

Will and I exchange a glance because … well, that’s just so Brittany.

“He can claim he’s innocent all he wants,” says Jim. “I’ve gotten a look at the evidence, and it’s pretty airtight against him. He’ll have a hard time convincing a jury he didn’t mean to kill Tara Bell.”

“Now that all that’s settled,” says Mom, “has everyone read the big article in the paper about Lucy?”

Dad sighs like he’s heard this before because he has. Ever since the article in the Whispering Bay Gazette came out yesterday, it’s all Mom has been able to talk about. “We’ve all read it, Molly. Three times.”

Mom giggles. “Yes, but it’s already out of date. Since that article was written, Lucy’s caught another killer. I could get used to having a famous daughter.” She smiles at me proudly. “Especially a famous married daughter.”

A piece of garlic bread sticks in my throat, causing me to gag.

Travis, who’s sitting next to me, slaps me on the back. “Just let me know if you need me to do the Heimlich,” he says with an evil twinkle in his eye.

I choke down the bread and give him a snarky look. He’s enjoying this Sunday dinner with my parents way too much. I glance over at Will to gauge his reaction to my mother’s over-the-top statement. He smiles tightly. “You okay, Lucy?”

I gulp down some water. “Just fine,” I croak.

“So,” Mom continues, “I have another bit of exciting news.”

We all look up from our plates, waiting for her to continue, because frankly, I can’t imagine what’s more exciting than a murder.

“J.W. Quicksilver is coming to town!” she announces.

Okay, that would be it.

“Betty Jean called me this afternoon with the good news. He’ll be here in two weeks for her Thursday book club meeting. Thank goodness I said yes when she asked me to join the club. Once everyone in town hears that he’s coming, they’ll be begging her for an invite.”

Brittany squeals. “I have to have his number.” She turns to Will. “Let’s see if we can get him to do a signing at the library. Two weeks isn’t nearl

y enough time to get the word out, but maybe I can turn this into a big literary event for the town.”

“I guess I’ll have to rejoin Betty Jean’s book club,” I say, acting resigned, but inside I’m every bit as excited as Brittany. J.W. Quicksilver in Whispering Bay! I can’t believe Betty Jean pulled it off.

Everyone starts talking about it except Will. I glance over at him. “You’re awful quiet. You okay?”

He clears his throat. “I’m good.” But he looks pale to me. I hope he’s not coming down with something.

“I’ve just finished J.W.’s newest book,” says Dad. “Assassin’s Dilemna. I think this one is his best ever. It’s about this guy who goes undercover as a pool shark. Very witty. Lots of big action scenes.”

“Oh, I’ll have to read it next,” says Mom.

Pool shark?

I glance back at Will. He’s staring down at his plate.

An idea occurs to me that’s so completely absurd I can’t even think it without immediately telling myself that I have to be wrong.

“Can I see you in the kitchen?” I say to Will.

“What’s up?” asks Mom. She looks at Will and frowns. “Oh, dear, you look positively white. You’re not sick, are you?”

Will gets up from the table. “I’m fine, Molly, thanks,” he mumbles. He avoids my gaze as he follows me from the dining room into the kitchen. Paco follows as well. You’d think a girl could get a little privacy from her dog now and then, but considering I owe him my life, I’ll cut him some slack. Besides, whatever Will tells me, Paco will find out eventually.