I turn to find Killion approaching in a dark suit and a red tie that matches my dress so exactly I’m going to need answers. He looks, frankly, criminal. The good kind of criminal.
“Did we coordinate on purpose, or are we just that kind of couple?” he asks, taking in our matching color scheme.
“I think we might be that kind of couple,” I admit.
“I can live with that.”
He moves closer. I’m pretty sure I’m about to be kissed in front of approximately three hundred witnesses. And I’m so okay with that.
Cricket and Rookie streak past us at full speed, chasing a small white dog wearing a diamond collar that has more carats than most engagement rings.
“Cricket! Rookie!” I call after them. “Walk, don’t run!”
This place is full of other furry creatures!Cricket calls back without slowing down.We’re conducting a head count!
That little white dog has TREATS in his fancy jacket!Rookie adds, like a dog on a treat scouting mission.I have located snacks and I am ON THE CASE!
“The rich only love one thing more than money,” I say, watching as several other pampered pets parade through the ballroom wearing outfits that look straight off a Milan runway, “and that’s their fur-babies.”
“At least our pets fit in with high society,” Killion says, sliding his arm around my waist.
“Just by the hair of theirchinny chin chin.”
“Hello, Hattie,” a smooth voice interrupts. “Detective Maddox.”
We turn to find Vivienne Velour materializing beside us like she’s been there the whole time. Black dress, a dark, sleek updo, and the carefully composed face of a woman who knows exactly how she looks and has used that to her advantage before.
“Lovely party,” she trills with a smile that says the champagne is too great to pass up so I didn’t. “Since you’re here, Detective, I was just chatting with Diva Divine. Such an interesting woman. Did you know she’s been having some rather serious financial difficulties lately?”
“I may have heard something about that,” he says.
“Yes, well, desperation makes people do terrible things, doesn’t it?” Vivienne’s smile sharpens slightly. “Speaking of terrible things, I couldn’t help but notice something the night poor Seraphina died.”
My attention snaps to full focus. “Oh?”
She nods. “I saw Peyton near the Christmas light displays that evening. She was about to unplug one of the strings of lights. She seemed rather focused on it, actually.”
I inch back. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. I remember thinking it was odd—why would the event coordinator be unplugging decorations during the party?” Vivienne holds up her empty champagne flute. “Well, I need a refill. Please excuse me.”
She strides off toward the champagne fountain, leaving me staring after her with a head full of questions and a growing sense that the pieces of this puzzle are finally starting to click into place.
Diva Divine drifts past moments later, her red dress flowing around her like liquid silk. She gives us a polite smile, but I catch the sharp calculation in her eyes.
Before I can process the last few minutes, Killion’s phone buzzes with an insistent tone.
He checks the screen and his expression shifts. “It’s forensics.”
“Good news or bad news?” I ask.
“We’ve got a match on the fingerprints,” he says, already eyeing a quieter corner of the ballroom. “I’d better call in and get a full report.” He kisses me quickly but thoroughly enough to remind me what we’ll be doing later once this murder case is finally solved. “Keep off the naughty list while I’m gone.” He starts to walk away, then turns back. “Until later, that is.”
I swat at him playfully as he disappears into the crowd, leaving me standing in the middle of Maine’s ritziest Christmas party with a head full of clues and a growing suspicion that this case is about to crack wide open.
Across the ballroom, I spot Peyton standing alone near theice sculpture of an angel, staring at it like it might hold the answer to her prayers—or her mortgage.
Time to get some answers.
