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

“I would imagine that the rec center director has those. And probably some of the class instructors.”

“Like Viola?”

“Yeah, she might have a set of keys. If she ever opens or locks up the building. But…” Will shakes his head in disbelief. “I can’t believe I’m about to say this. I think I know who might have a set of keys.”

“Really? Who?”

“Brittany. She teaches the evening Pilates class. She said something about having to lock up after class the other day.”

Fate must be laughing in my face right now because the last person I want to be indebted to is Brittany Kelly. “Do you think she’ll help?”

“I don’t know, Lucy. She could get in a lot of trouble. We all could.”

“Not if we don’t get caught.”

He snorts.

“Please. Will you ask her?” I decide to play my ace again. “For Sebastian?”

“Let me think about it.”

“Thanks, Will!”

“I said I’d think about it. I was going to call her later this evening to solidify our plans for Friday night. I’ll throw some feelers out and see if I can gauge her reaction. If she shuts it down even a little, which she probably will, then I’m not going to pursue it. Understand?”

Since this is the best I can hope for, I nod eagerly. “Sure, thanks. Speaking of Brittany, where are you taking her on the big date?”

“I was thinking of that steak place in Seaside. Then maybe a walk along the beach afterward. What do you think? Too lame?”

There’s no such thing as too lame for Brittany.

“Sounds perfect.”

Neither of us say anything for a few beats.

My cell phone rings. It’s too soon for it be Travis again, so I’m about to decline the call when I notice the area code. “Oh my God. It’s the Cooking Channel!” I’m too excited and shocked to move.

Will’s eyes light up. “Lucy, you’re on the show.”

“What if they’re calling to turn me down?”

“They’d do that in an email. Go on,” he urges, “answer the phone.”

I take a deep breath and press the accept button. “Hello,” I croak.

“Is this Lucy McGuffin?” asks a female voice.

“Yes, that’s me.”

“This is Tamara Hayes from The Cooking Channel. How are you today?” She sounds upbeat, which is a positive sign. Right?

“I’m good. I think.”

She chuckles, but it sounds more practiced than sincere. “I’ve had a chance to go over your application, and I’ve seen your audition tape. You’re fabulous, by the way! A complete natural!”

“I am?”

“The camera loves you, Lucy, and the camera doesn’t love everyone. I’m thrilled to tell you that we’re moving you on to the next phase of the auditions.”