Page 34 of A Little Taste


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“I checked the clinic near Hilton Head, and they have no records of anyone being fitted with a prosthetic in the last five years.”

“Five years?” My brow furrows.

“It’s as long as they keep records of that sort of thing.”

I’m distracted by my conversation with Edna. “Are you planning to go to the Founder’s Day festival next weekend?”

Doug smiles broadly. “Wouldn’t miss it. I’m the star of the library’s annual dunking booth, so come on by and show your support.”

Nodding, I have an idea. “I think all of us should attend as a group. Show the town we’re a unified force committed to their safety.”

“Aw, I’m sure the town knows that. Even with all that’s happening, folks say they know we’re on the case.”

“I’ll talk to Britt and make sure she’s going as well. Maybe I should show her around, since she’s been gone a while.”

“Trust me, Sheriff, Britt’s familiar with Founder’s Day. She dunked me on her first throw last year.” He chuckles.

“I see her name is on the schedule for Saturday.”

“We switched so I could attend the festival.”

“Right.” I nod, thinking. “She should take the afternoon off and socialize.”

“Socializing does lead to tighter bonds.” Doug gives me a side-eye. “As a team, of course.”

“Of course.” I pick up my keys.

Nothing wrong with escorting her to the event. It’s part of my job to help her learn the ropes and mesh with the group. Even Doug can see that.

The more I think about it, the better I like my plan as I head out to pick up Owen.

CHAPTER10

BRITT

Edward’s fed, watered, and curled up on the sofa when I trot downstairs to the Star Parlor to chat with my mom. Pausing at the frosted-glass door, I lean close and listen. I don’t want to walk in during the middle of a session.

Hearing nothing, I knock lightly as I open the door and take a step inside. “Hey, Mom?” I call. “You around?”

A shuffle of Birkenstocks, and Cass appears in the parlor dressed in a flowing wrap skirt and a white tank top with a beaded shawl tied around her shoulders. Deep red lipstick compliments her olive skin, and her dark-brown hair is behind her ears, exposing large gold hoop earrings.

“Hey, Britt!” She hops over and gives me a hug, surrounding me in the faint scent of patchouli.

“Somebody’s following the dress-code,” I deadpan.

“Are you here for a reading?” Her eyes widen, and she skips over to the tarot table. “I amdyingto see what the cards have to say about you and Mr. Taurus.”

“How do you know Aiden’s star sign?”

“I made his birthday cake one year, back when I was still doing cakes.”

“You stopped doing cakes?” I’m sad to hear that. Cass is an amazing baker.

“It took over my life and my house! I’m trying to simplify, live life on my own terms, with purpose.”

She has definitely been hanging out with my mom. “What else are you doing that I don’t know about?”

“Tarot is the only new thing. I’m still grooming pets, and I’d like to get back into preschool ballet. Those little tutus and squishy arms make me so happy!”

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