Page 39 of Trick or Stalk

I point at her. “You’re not eating anything.”

Her tail wags.

“That wasn’t permission.”

I pick her up, then pull the door open. A bell chimes overhead. The smell of books, old paper, and wood hits me immediately. Something cinnamon-scented burns nearby.

I breathe deeply.

Yeah. This feels right.

“Presley?”

I look toward the counter.

Margaret smiles as she comes around it.

She’s probably in her late fifties, with silver threaded through her dark hair and red glasses hanging from a chain around her neck.

“You made it.”

“I did.”

Her gaze drops. “And you brought company.”

“Sorry. I can take her back to the car if⁠—”

“Absolutely not.”

Margaret immediately moves closer.

Penny’s tail moves so fast her entire ass wiggles against me.

“What’s her name?”

“Penny.”

“Oh, you are precious.”

Penny attempts to climb into Margaret’s arms.

“Penny.”

Margaret laughs. “She’s fine.”

“I’m starting to think she’s going to become more popular in Hollow Creek than I am.”

“Probably.” Margaret smiles at me. “I like you already.”

A smile spreads across my face. “I like you, too.”

Penny leans over and licks her face.

Margaret laughs. “You’ll fit right in, too.” She scratches her ears. “You know Walter?”

I laugh. “Of course she does.”

“He’ll love having another dachshund around Hollow Creek permanently.”