A Canary in the Canal
Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery #8
Anna Celeste Burke
A CANARY IN THE CANAL
Copyright © 2020 Anna Celeste Burke
http://desertcitiesmystery.com
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher except brief quotations for review purposes.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The use of any real company and/or product names is for literary effect only. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of the respective owners. The author derives no compensation or other benefits from the mention of any company or product.
Cover design by Keri Knutson https://www.alchemybookcovers.com/
Books by USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Anna Celeste Burke
A Dead Husband Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery 1
A Dead Sister Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery 2
A Dead Daughter Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery 3
A Dead Mother Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery 4
A Dead Cousin Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery 5
A Dead Nephew Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery 6
A Dead Surgeon Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery 7
Love A Foot Above the Ground Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery Series Prequel
Cowabunga Christmas! Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery 1
Gnarly New Year! Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery 2
Heinous Habits! Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery 3
Radical Regatta! Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery 4
Bogus Bones! Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery 5 [2021]
Murder at Catmmando Mountain Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery 1
Love Notes in the Key of Sea Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery 2
All Hallows’ Eve Heist Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery 3
A Merry Christmas Wedding Mystery Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery 4
Murder at Sea of Passenger X Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery 5
Murder of the Maestro Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery 6
A Tango Before Dying Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery 7
A Canary in the Canal Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery 8
A Merry Christmas Anniversary Mystery Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery 9
A Body on Fitzgerald’s Bluff Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery 1
The Murder of Shakespeare’s Ghost Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery 2
Grave Expectations on Dickens’ Dune Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery 3
A Fairway to Arms in Hemingway Hills Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery 4
Lily’s Homecoming Under Fire Calla Lily Mystery 1
A Tangle in the Vines Calla Lily Mystery 2
Fall’s Killer Vintage Calla Lily Mystery 3
The Vintner’s Other Daughter Calla Lily Mystery 4
Kitchen Magic Witches Academy Series
DEDICATION
To my husband’s Aunt Eleanor who graced the earth with her presence until she passed this year at 106 years old. I hope she and her brothers are happy to be reunited once again.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
A joyful thank you to my husband who continues to improve after a prolonged illness. No matter how bad he felt, he continued to support and encourage me to write. Now that he’s feeling better, I’m able to ask him his opinion on lots of issues as I write. Our conversations are as delightful as those we had when we first met and married fifty years ago. After the struggle he’s faced during the past several years, I appreciate every conversation we have even more. I love you!
A very special thank you to Peggy Hyndman for her fast, thorough work as a professional editor. She not only finds the messes and mistakes I make but always has wonderful suggestions to improve the story. I am fortunate to have her as a friend and as an editor for all the series I write.
I also want to acknowledge Donna Wolz for her contributions as an editor. She’s also adept at finding and fixing the problems in my manuscripts. I’m grateful as well for her day-to-day support as a friend and PA.
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
1 Max Sings
2 Overtures
3 A Canary in the Canal
4 A Bungling Burglar
5 Sharps and Flats
6 Swan Song
7 An Old Refrain
8 Not a Bandleader
9 Cold Storage Secrets
10 Bird Dog
11 A Major or Minor Third?
12 Life Off Key
13 A Chorus of Reproach
14 The Dragon Bird
15 Enter the Dragon
16 Family Disharmony
17 Burglar’s Bird’s Eye View
18 Unlikely Duos
19 Singing a New Tune
20 A Mournful Duet
21 A Cuckoo in the Nest
RECIPES
Pecan Praline Bars https://delightfulemade.com/2013/12/05/pecan-praline-bars/
Cajun Hushpuppies
Dirty Rice
Homemade Cajun Seasoning:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
1 Max Sings
“Good morning, Georgie! It’s a gorgeous day, isn’t it?”
I yelped as Max Marley, my boss and founder of the Marvelous Marley World entertainment empire, slung the door open and burst into my office. Carol, my Executive Assistant, was on his heels.
“Forgive me, Georgie Girl,” Max said in a voice that was anything but apologetic. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
I went on guard. Max hadn’t called me Georgie Girl in years. I hoped he’d forgotten all about that old movie. When I went to work for him decades ago, the movie was the only other time he’d heard of a woman named Georgie. For weeks, Max greeted me by singing a few bars of “Hey there, Georgie girl.” The man is a maniacal genius with many talents, but singing isn’t among them.
“What’s up, Max?” I asked, putting down the red pen I’d been using to edit a report I’d written. The red pen is old school, I know, but I like it better than using track changes or a digital highlighter. As the Director of the Food and Beverage Division, I write lots of reports. Max demands all his directors write them, even though I doubt he ever reads anything other than the executive summary pinned to the front.
“I need you to go to Venice for a cocktail party this evening.” Max struck a pose—the pensive genius—fingers on both hands touching to create a pyramid. He moved up and down on his toes too. “I know it’s short notice, but Stacy has come down with a terrible head cold. Given your stint in the Public Relations Department, I need you to fill in for her. The hearty fellow you married is invited too!”
“Given the short notice, I take it you’re referring to Venice, California, and not Italy.”
“Very funny. Georgie’s always so clever, isn’t she, Carol?” Max asked, oozing charm and wearing an engaging smile.
“Yes,” Carol replied. What else could she say?
“That’s enough, Max. I’ve told you before that flattery gets you nowhere with me. Besides, under the circumstances, it isn’t necessary. I don’t mind pitching in for Stacy. She’s had her hands full during her first year on the job and has handled it all very well.”
“Thank you! I knew I could count on you. I’ll see you and Jack at seven or a little before. Let’s sa
y six-thirty.”
“I’ll be there, but I won’t promise that Jack will be with me before I’ve even asked him.”
I could tell Max didn’t like the idea that Jack wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to mingle with him and his cronies from the Arts and Entertainment Division. Not to mention, prominent members of the community. Jack’s not a fan of schmoozing with uppity ups. He’d prefer a happy hour at the local pub with fellow detectives to cocktails at a hoity-toity soiree. That’s if he even wanted to go out at all.
Now that we’ve been married almost a year, Jack’s grown quite happy with the comforts of domestic life. He’s so busy with his detective work that it’s a luxury to do nothing except putter around the house for a day or two. Max keeps him busy too. Jack agreed to consult on Max Marley’s biggest project ever—New Arcadia—an entire modern city being built in North Palm Springs. New Arcadia will need police and other public safety resources, and he recruited Jack to join the planning committee.
If my memory served me correctly, there are wonderful items on the menu for the Venice party that might entice Jack to join me. Jack’s become a more adventurous eater since he married me. I no longer work as a chef, but I do sometimes participate in developing and trying out new menu items. As my resident guinea pig, Jack’s on the frontlines in my home test kitchen. He’s even become adept as a culinary assistant and does more than sample the food.
“Don’t worry, Max. You know Jack’s a huge jazz fan. When I tell him Kay Garland is going to be the guest of honor and plans to perform, I doubt I’ll have trouble persuading him to join us.”
When I mentioned Kay Garland’s name, Carol’s mouth dropped open. She and her new boyfriend are fanatical about music, dance, and the cinema.
“That’s why I suggested that you invite him,” Max said, wearing a self-satisfied grin. “It’s going to be the social event of the year here in Orange County. I hope it’ll seal the deal with Kay to join the cast of JAZZ! What point is there in doing a tribute to the history of jazz without voices like hers to carry the day?”
“I’ve read that the problems she had with her voice have cleared up,” Carol gushed. “I can’t imagine why she wouldn’t jump at the chance to be in what’s going to be the best animated feature ever produced by Max Marley Studios.”
Carol’s eyes sparkled as she uttered those words. Max beamed. Word had it that JAZZ! was intended to be his magnum opus, using innovative effects that would put Disney’s Fantasia to shame.
“Why don’t you and Bret join us too,” I said. “I’m sure Max would be happy to have another Kay Garland fan or two at the party.”
“That’s a fantastic idea. The party is being held in a large house in the Venice Historic District. Do you know the area I mean?” Max asked.
“Boy, do I! Brett and I love the canal district. It’s a crying shame that more of Abbot Kinney’s Venice of America wasn’t preserved. Bold ideas from bold men don’t always get the recognition they deserve, do they?”
“Sadly, that is indeed true. What a perceptive woman you are for someone so young. I’m glad you’ll be able to experience this event in the amazing residence provided to us as the venue for it.” Max gazed approvingly at Carol for a few seconds longer and then switched into high gear.
“I must go.” Max did a slight bow as he took a step toward the door. “Please don’t be late, Georgie. I’m sure you’ll help Kay feel right at home. You’re so good with people. I understand she grew up on the Central Coast, not far from where you did. She headed north to San Francisco while you moved south to LA.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting her,” I replied.
“Six-thirty, remember? Don’t be late!” Max said as he swept out of my office. Carol and I both rolled our eyes at the finger he wagged as he told us not to be late. She peeked out into the hallway before speaking.
“He’s already out of sight! How can his short little legs move so fast?”
“Max is fleet of foot. I worked here for years before I ever saw him walk rather than run from one place to another. Overcompensation,” I responded, shrugging. At five feet two inches, his ability to command attention was also remarkable.
“He slows down long enough to play the ringleader at the center of the circuses he creates. I don’t mind watching him. Neither does Brett. I’m going to knock Brett off his feet when I tell him what’s up. If you don’t need me to do anything, I’ll go do that now.”
“Fortunately, I set most of the day aside to catch up on reviewing data and editing reports. There aren’t any appointments to cancel, so go on and make that call. I’ve got to do the same and fill Jack in on our newest assignment from Max.”
“He’s going to be overjoyed when you tell him Kay Garland’s going to sing. This is more than just the social event of the year in Orange County. It’s a once in a lifetime experience to be there when she makes her comeback.”
“I’m going to use those very words. Let’s hope he’s as thrilled as you think he’s going to be to spend another evening doing Max’s bidding,” I said, crossing my fingers. As Carol fled, I grabbed my cell phone.
“What’s up, sweetheart?” Jack asked in a hokey detective voice when he answered my call.
“I called to invite you to a once in a lifetime event.” Jack was silent.
“What’s Max up to now?” he asked, sighing.
“A cocktail party in the Venice Canal District.” I rushed ahead before he could groan. “What makes this party special is that Kay Garland’s going to sing.”
“The Kay Garland? I thought she’d retired with vocal cord problems or something like that.”
“She’s the one. Apparently, she’s doing better. Max wants her to do voice-overs in the animated jazz masterpiece he’s been planning for some time now. I can’t believe she would have said yes, despite his charm and money, unless her voice was in better shape.”
“How do you like that?” Jack asked. “The moment I saw you, I knew you were the most fascinating woman I’d ever meet. That’s why I unleashed all my charm to convince you to marry me so fast.”
“Well, my wild Irish fellow, you do have a way about you. We’ve ended up in some unusual situations since we became a couple, although it can’t just be because of me. The party starts at seven, but we’ve been commanded to arrive by six-thirty. Can you do that?”
“I’ll make it work. We probably have to change into party clothes, don’t we?”
“You bet!” I didn’t wait for him to think about that too long. “I’m going to wear that red silk dress you love so much.”
“This evening keeps getting better and better.” Then he stopped. “What about food? Will your caterers feed us those little meatballs?”
“Yes. They’ll be a little spicier than usual because the items on the menu will pay tribute to the roots of jazz in the ‘Big Easy.’ Max instructed us to go all out, and he personally put caviar and Champagne on the menu. So, not just meatballs, but barbeque shrimp, crawfish cakes, creole fried okra, black-eyed pea salsa, mushrooms wrapped in Cajun bacon…”
“Stop! Please don’t tell me about dessert, or I’ll never get any work done,” Jack insisted. “There have to be wonderful desserts, am I right?”
“Yes,” I replied, laughing. “You’ll have plenty of reasons to invoke your ‘eat dessert first’ rule if you want to. This is a nag-free night. I promise.”
“Georgie Shaw, you’re the best wife any man ever had, nagging included. Now I’m thinking about you in that red dress again. That’s not going to help me get work done either.”
“You’re no slouch in that dinner jacket, Detective. Let’s hope this evening will be as much fun as it seems like it could be. Carol and Brett are joining us. You should have seen Carol handle Max a few minutes ago. She’s got some skills.”
“I don’t doubt it after working for you for almost two years. Carol’s very observant and a quick learner. If Max becomes too relentless, cut her loose to distract him so we can enjoy the party a li
ttle.”
“That’s an excellent suggestion, although I’ll have PR duties to perform since I’m stepping in for Stacy,” I said.
“Shoot! Duty calls,” Jack exclaimed. “If I get home a little after five, will that give us time to get dressed, feed the cats, and keep Max happy by arriving on time?”
“Five-thirty should do it. I’m not sure about keeping Max happy, but at least he can’t chew us out if we’re not late. Thanks, darling, for being such a good sport.” I could hear someone calling his name in the background.
“Gotta go, my love. Bye.”
“Bye,” I replied, but Jack was already gone. As head of the violent crime unit in Orange County, Jack’s life was full of surprises before we met and married. In fact, one of those surprises is what brought us together in the first place. We met at a murder scene where I happened to be a suspect. It was love and murder at first sight.
For an uneasy moment, I focused on how often we’d stumbled upon murder and mayhem since then. I shook it off, trying to refocus on the work at hand. How can you ever know what will happen next in this crazy mixed-up world?
*****
As it turned out, getting to the party on time took a little more effort than I’d anticipated. Jack and I pulled into the garage about a minute apart, so I waited for him. When we walked into the kitchen from the garage, two fur balls demanding to be cuddled, confronted us. We took turns holding them, but when I tried to put Ella down, she clung to me.
They had to be fed, but even tuna treats, in addition to their canned food, didn’t keep Miles from bellowing in front of the fridge. Ella gurgled, batted her eyes at Jack, and then pawed at the fridge. She’s learned he’s a pushover, and, true to form, Jack got out a slice of turkey to split between them.
The extra hugs and treats still didn’t mellow them out. They were underfoot every minute while we dressed. I had to chase them off when I was ready to put on my red dress, which they’d decided I’d laid out on the bed for them. I had to brush the dress before I could slip into it.
A Canary in the Canal Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery #8 (Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery Series) Page 1
