Mixed Up With Murder

by Susan C. Shea

  I started to say how sorry I was for worrying him, but he held up a palm to stop me. Then, taking my two hands in his, he said, “I need to back off for now and think about our relationship. I need time.”

  I looked at his face, so sincere and so unhappy, and had to admit to myself that he was right, in a way. I was a pain in the butt, not that he would ever put it that way to me. I knew when I went to the golf course that it was not the smartest thing to do. Ditto Dermott’s apartment after he had been shot. I couldn’t expect a cop from all the way across the country to rescue me if I couldn’t control my impulses. But, my inner voice said, leaping to my defense, you couldn’t let the bad guys get away with this stuff.

  Later that evening, after Charlie had dropped me off with a tight hug but no kiss, and promised to call me when he’d had time to think about it all, Fever agreed with my defense, or at least that’s what I think he meant by climbing on my lap for a change and beginning to purr.

  I plan to call Charlie if he doesn’t call me first. I’ll give it a few weeks—well, two weeks, anyway—and we’ll see. In the meantime, Dickie has been so well-behaved that I agreed to drive out to Stinson Beach with him in the yellow Ferrari, which is due to arrive from Boston on a truck any day now. He says he’s going to sell one of the Porsches to make room for it in the garage of his Pacific Heights house, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

  He told me Isabella is coming back to San Francisco on business in the fall. Maybe Charlie and I can have dinner with them. I owe her something by way of an apology.

  Teeni’s dream job came through. She’ll be at the Devor through the Funk Art exhibition opening and I’m planning a memorable send-off after that. I deliberately bought a slinky wool jersey Donna Karan dress to spur me into jogging the Pacific Heights hills every morning for the next couple of month. I’ve sworn to eat only dark chocolate for dessert, because I read somewhere it’s good for you. Most of all, I’m determined to keep busy with everything but trouble.

  The End

  Acknowledgements

  The third in the Dani O’Rourke series, this book took a circuitous route to publication, and for all her help and support, I must first thank my tenacious agent, Kimberley Cameron, whose faith in it and me is humbling. She has kept Dani company for the journey, and we are grateful. Thanks to Mary C. Moore and the Reputation team for their time and attention.

  Writing about police business is tricky, and I have tried to get it right as it might play out in a small town with few resources. I thank Corporal Matt Shoup of the Sausalito, California Police Department, who had recently commanded one of the 7000-person town’s rare murder investigations when I asked him for help. He was gracious, forthcoming, and clear. Where the good cops are believable in the book, it’s his doing. Where I may have gotten procedures wrong, it is completely my error. Similarly, Arlen Hooley, an experienced EMT now in medical school, saved me from a few egregious mistakes, to my (and his) relief.

  As always, every one of my characters is an invention, as is Lynthorpe College. Impressive gifts of art are not, thank heavens, and I salute the generosity of collectors who make donations for all the right reasons.

  About the Author

  Susan C Shea lives in Marin County, California. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America.

  Visit her at susanshea.com.