“That’s one way to put it.”
“Two murders, one weeklong investigation, and a beach brawl during fireworks,” Leo says.
“When you say it like that, it sounds exhausting.”
“It WAS exhausting.” Emmie yawns. “I’m really looking forward to fall. Pumpkin spice. Sweaters. No murders.”
“Don’t jinx it,” I say. “We still have plenty of summer to go.”
“Too late.” She laughs. “I’ve already planned our entire autumn. Apple picking. Hayrides. Maybe a corn maze.”
“With our track record, someone will die in the corn maze,” Leo says.
“Don’t even joke about that,” Jasper says with a groan.
“Actually,” I say, pulling out my phone to check the event calendar I updated last week, “we’re hosting something way bigger than a corn maze this fall.”
Emmie perks up. “Bigger than a corn maze? What could possibly be bigger than a corn maze?”
“The Scream Queens Showcase,” I say, scrolling through the details. “It’s a weeklong horror hosting convention. They’ve booked the grounds right here at the inn and they’ll be a part of our Spider Cove Halloween Harvest Festival.”
Jasper leans back to get a better look at me. “They’re called what?”
“Horror hostesses,” I explain. “You know, like Elvira, Mistress of the Dark? Except there’s apparently a whole underground community of them. They host horror movie marathons, run YouTube channels, do vintage monster content. And they’re all descending onSpiderCove for Halloween week.”
“That sounds amazing,” Emmie says as her eyes light up.
“That sounds like a disaster waiting to happen,” Leo mutters.
I shrug over at them. “What could possibly go wrong?”
And just like that, we all share a mournful laugh.
We hug goodnight and they walk off together—Emmie’s head on Leo’s free shoulder, Elliot snoring softly, and Cinnamon and Gatsby following behind.
I hope Emmie makes those raspberry blueberry muffins she’s famous for tomorrow,Fish thinks, watching them go.
The ones with the crumbly tops?Sherlock perks up.
Obviously,Fish mewls.
I deserve them after today.Sherlock gives a soft woof.WE deserve them. I bit a killer!
I clawed a killer first,she’s quick to point out with a sharp meow.
Are we really doing this again?he asks.You literally sleep on my head every night. I think we know who the superior pet is.
I sleep on your head for warmth,she counters.You’re useful furniture.
They take off for the shoreline once more and now it’s just Jasper and me.
The beach is nearly empty now. Most of the vendors are gone, families packed up and heading home. The twinkle lights are still glowing, but half of them are flickering out. The waves are gentle against the shore, and the stars are out properly now, visible without the competition from the fireworks.
Jasper pulls me close. “So, you tackled a killer during the fireworks.”
“Technically, the pets tackled her. I just landed on top.”
“It still counts.” He touches his nose to mine. “Are you mad?” I cringe a little as I ask the question.
