Zee Town Paranormal Cozy Mystery - Complete Series Omnibus: Books 1 - 6

by K E O'Connor

  “I agree. Sebastian’s physically incapable of killing Edward. He might have had a grudge against him, but I don’t think he acted upon it.”

  “How about Finlay Canfield?”

  “I don’t have him as a suspect,” Nick said. “Why do you think he’s involved?”

  “I don’t. I haven’t spoken to him,” I said. “But he’s made use of Edward on his yacht.”

  “Why would Finlay be involved in Edward’s death?”

  “That’s why I want to talk to him!” Sometimes, I wondered about Nick’s police training. After all, you had to question a suspect to find out if they’re guilty or not.

  “Leave the questioning to me,” Nick said. “Don’t go accusing innocent people, especially not ones with as much money and influence as Finlay.”

  “You sound scared of him,” I said.

  Nick snorted and focused on his plate. “I’m not scared. Finlay’s a good friend of the Council. Mess with him, and he will go running to his Council buddies. They’ll slap your wrists on his behalf. That’s what you need to worry about.”

  “Has that happened to you?”

  Nick looked away. “I forget.”

  There sounded like an interesting story behind that comment. “Tell me more.”

  Nick shook his head. “Another time. It’s not relevant to this case.”

  It might not be relevant, but I wanted to know more. “What about the professional hit theory?”

  “That’s a new one on me,” Nick said. “Care to elaborate?”

  “When I was talking to Selina, she suggested the injury might have been the work of a professional. The wound on the back of Edward’s neck showed that whoever killed him knew what they were doing.”

  “It was a clean attack,” Nick said. “No messing around.”

  “I also did a bit of research into Edward’s background. He has a contentious past.”

  “You mean the freaky genetics work,” Nick said. “Yes, I do my research, too.”

  “What do you think? Could someone still hold a grudge about the work Edward did when he was human. They decided to finish him off for good?”

  “A hitman who targets zombies,” Nick said, an amused glint in his pale blue eyes. “It’s not something I’ve ever heard of. You might see it in a movie, but in real life? A hitman in Zee Town?”

  “Or a woman. We can be lethal, too,” I said.

  “Don’t I know it,” Nick said.

  “It’s a long shot,” I said. “You might try looking for someone who snuck into Zee Town, did the job they were paid for, and escaped under the cover of darkness.”

  “I’ll add this mystery killer with no identity, or even confirmed gender, to the bottom of my list of suspects, shall I?”

  I realized how foolish I sounded. “Better that than pin the murder on Danny.”

  “Even nice guys snap,” Nick said. “Don’t discount Danny because he has dimples and a cute smile.”

  “You think Danny’s cute?”

  Nick growled at me and stuffed the last of his breaded cauliflower wings into his mouth.

  I held my hands up. “Okay, so Danny isn’t your type.”

  “No, I can promise you, he isn’t. I have no romantic interest in a suspect in a murder case,” Nick said.

  I was about to ask if Nick had a romantic interest in anyone, when the door to the diner opened. Stool barged through, his gaze intent upon us as he made his way to the table.

  Nick shook his head when he spotted Stool. “I shut him in the house. There’s no way he got out on his own.”

  Stool sat and looked first at Nick and then me, an expression of rebuke on his furry face as he saw we were eating delicious food without him.

  “Maybe he’s had his own set of keys cut.” I leaned forward and stroked Stool’s ears.

  “More like he doesn’t want to miss out on any leftovers and broke a dog guard,” Nick said. “He’s the Houdini of the dog world.”

  “It’s sweet that he doesn’t want to be left out of things you do,” I said.

  “He doesn’t even like it when I close the bathroom door to take a shower,” Nick said. “He’s got issues when it comes to being shut in.”

  “Something bad must have happened to him before he found you.”

  “Something bad definitely happened to him.” Nick gestured to Stool’s stump.

  “A zombie?”

  Nick nodded. “He has the scars to prove it. He lost his leg saving me.”

  My fingers brushed over the scar on my hand. We all had bad memories attached to our scars. “He’s such an amazing dog.”

  Nick reached over and grabbed my hand, turning the palm toward him. He ran his fingers over the line of scar tissue. “Are you ever going to tell me about this?”

  I yanked my hand away. “It’s nothing. It happened a long time ago.”

  “It’s something. And I think it’s something significant,” Nick said. “I haven’t forgotten what happened when you were attacked by that rabid zombie.”

  “What do you mean? Nothing happened.” A cold sweat broke out on my forehead. “I was lucky that’s all.”

  Nick refused to let it go. “It was more than luck. The zombies react differently around you. I think your scar has something to do with it.”

  “That’s nonsense.” I dumped my napkin on the table. I wasn’t having this conversation. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. You don’t even like zombies.”

  “I don’t have to like them to know that they’re different when you’re near them. They watch you and want to protect you. How do you explain that?” Nick asked.

  “I thought this was a dinner date, not an interrogation.”

  Nick huffed out a breath.

  “I don’t have to explain anything to you,” I said, my anger rising. Why did he have to prod at this? It was nothing to do with him.

  “You have to admit that the way the zombies follow you around and try to protect you is unusual. They don’t do it to anyone else,” Nick said quietly.

  “They do that because I’m kind to them.” That was partly true, but there was more to it than that.

  “You could beat them every day with a stick. I bet they’d still do the same thing.”

  I stood from my seat. “I’d never beat a zombie. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve lost my appetite.”

  Stool let out a whine as I shoved my seat back. I ruffled the fur on his head in an attempt to placate him. He hated it when I argued with Nick, but I couldn’t help myself this time. He had no right to pry into business that was nothing to do with him.

  “Cassie, I’m only asking because I care,” Nick said.

  “Well, don’t. You don’t need to know about every mark on my body. Some scars are private and not to be talked about.”

  “You don’t have to be like that—”

  “Yes, I do. Let this go. And I don’t want you thinking there’s any reason to care for me. I’m fine as I am. Stop hassling me over this.” I backed away and bumped into a chair behind me.

  “What about the trinkets you make?” Nick stood, clearly not getting the hint that this topic of conversation needed to end. “I’ve been discussing this with Archer. He thinks—”

  “Discussing what? Why are you talking about me to Archer?” My stomach clenched. What were they doing, comparing notes? Deciding which one of them should date me?

  “Are you telling me those trinkets are only for decoration? They don’t affect the zombies?”

  “No! We’re not talking about this. Ever!” I spun on my heel and ran for the door. I yanked it open and ran out into the balmy evening air.

  I dashed my hand across my eyes as I continued to run along the harbor, ignoring Nick’s calls as he shouted my name.

  He had no right to snoop into my past, or talk about me behind my back. My scars, and how I got them, were none of his business.

  Nick was out of his mind if he thought I had a special affinity with the zombies. I knew this dinner date was a st
upid idea. It hadn’t been a date. It was an excuse for him to dig around in my past.

  My breath came out in gasps, and I slowed, realizing that running was never going to be something I was good at.

  As my pace decreased, I heard nails tapping along the cobblestones. I turned to see Stool speeding toward me.

  “Go back to Nick.” I rested my hands on my knees as I got my breath back.

  Stool nudged against my leg and looked up at me, his large brown eyes seeming to explore my emotions as if trying to figure out what was wrong with me.

  I slumped onto a nearby bench. Stool joined me, his head resting in my lap. I wrapped my arms around his neck and let the tears fall into his fur.

  There were some things in a person’s past that never needed to be mentioned. I knew how I got the scar on my palm and what had happened to me afterwards. It was my secret to keep.

  I wouldn’t share it with Nick any time soon. If I did, he might lock me up and throw away the key. I wasn’t dangerous, but I was different. Too different for him to accept. Sometimes, even too different to accept myself.

  “You love me, Stool. No matter what happened to me.” I squeezed him tighter.

  He licked the tears off my cheeks and snuffled my ear.

  I was fine. I’d been fine for a long time. So long as Nick kept his nose out of my business, I’d continue to be just as I always was. A nosy control freak who looked out for the zombies. There was nothing wrong with that.

  There was nothing wrong with me.

  Chapter 10

  The next morning, my shock and surprise at Nick hassling me over my scar had mutated into a cold fury.

  I stomped around my kitchen, taking my anger out on my breakfast, stabbing a knife into the marmalade and dragging it across the toast so hard I sliced it in two.

  Nick was wrong to question me about my past. He was also most likely wrong about all the suspects he was hassling about Edward’s murder. When will I learn that Nick Morton is nothing but a thorn in my side, no matter how great he looked out of his uniform?

  My phone chirped on the kitchen counter. I sighed as I recognized the number. “Good morning, Councilman Tapping,” I said, in a voice that sounded falsely bright, even to me.

  “Cassie, I’m ringing for an update on progress at the theme park,” Councilman Tapping said. “Still no problems because of the unfortunate death?”

  “No. The murder of one zombie won’t delay the opening of the theme park.”

  There was silence on the line for a few seconds. “Is there a problem? You rarely sound so... serious.”

  I pinched the bridge of my nose and shut my eyes for a second. When I opened them, the scar on my left hand was in front of my face. “Everything’s fine. The theme park’s keeping me busy, that’s all. There are so many things to think about, and so much to coordinate.”

  “We trust you, Cassie. The Council fully supports the work you do for us. We know you’ll do an amazing job with the opening of the theme park. Rumor has it there are already people camping outside the park entrance in anticipation of being the first through the gates.”

  I dropped my hand to my side. It didn’t surprise me to hear that. I needed to get over to the theme park and check things out. “Your theme park will be a popular one.”

  “No, it’s our theme park. The residents of Zee Town will benefit from this. You have our assurance on that. However, I would appreciate a tiny favor in return.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Put a little pressure on Officer Morton to get the park open as quickly as possible. I understand you’re doing an outstanding job with the resources you have, but I don’t like to think of the park being abandoned, even for a short time.”

  The thought of having anything to do with Nick after last night made me queasy. “He said he’d let me know when I can let staff back in.”

  “Officer Morton does good work and is always thorough, but with your influence, perhaps, you can get him to hurry up. From the updates we’ve received from him, it sounds as if the case is almost closed. I can’t imagine why he needs to keep the theme park shut any longer.”

  “I’ll speak with him today and see if I can get things moving,” I grudgingly agreed.

  “Excellent work. I knew you could be relied upon.” Councilman Tapping gave a little gasp down the phone.

  “Is something wrong?” I asked.

  “Quite the opposite. I’ve seen something wonderful. We’ve had our one thousand thousandth like on Facebook! This is marvelous.”

  I shook my head. He was obsessed with social media. “I’ll be sure to check that out. It’s something to celebrate.”

  We said our goodbyes, and I stared at my marmalade laden toast. My appetite was gone as a replay of my fight with Nick spun through my head. Why did he have to be so nosy? My scar shouldn’t matter to him.

  I decided to get what would be an uncomfortable meeting out of the way. I grabbed my purse, shoved my feet into a pair of flat pink sandals, and headed out the door to the police station.

  Alex was sitting at the reception desk as I entered, his warm smile fading as he took in my stern expression. “Is everything okay, Cassie?”

  “Everything’s wonderful,” I said. “Is Nick in? I need to speak to him about the park.”

  “He’s in the back,” Alex said with a nod. “You look a little pale. Would you like a cup of tea?”

  “I didn’t sleep well,” I said. “I’ll pass on the tea. Is it okay to go through?”

  “Sure, go straight through,” Alex said.

  I could sense his gaze on me as I walked past. Alex was a good guy. I hadn’t meant to be short with him. At that moment, my stomach felt hollow and my nerves jangled. If Nick started on me again, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to handle it.

  Nick was in the back office with Stool for company. His eyes widened as he saw me push through the door and walk toward him. “Cassie, about last night—”

  I held a hand up. “Let’s not talk about it. I’m here on Council business. They want to know if the park can be reopened today.”

  “The park? Yes, I meant to tell you last night,” Nick said. “You’re free to go back in as of today. We’ve done a sweep and found nothing of value in relation to the case.”

  “Great. I’ll let the staff team know and we can get opened up.” I turned on my heel to leave.

  “Cassie, wait just a second,” Nick said.

  I turned back toward him. He stood from his desk slowly, as if confronting a wild animal he didn’t want to startle. “I’m sorry for prying last night. I didn’t know you’d object to me asking questions.” His gaze drifted to my hand before returning to my face.

  I gripped my hands behind my back and returned his stare. “It’s something in my past that I don’t talk about. It’s history and irrelevant to my life now.”

  “Do you really believe that?” Nick asked softly.

  “I do. It’s the truth,” I said. “You might think there’s something different about me when it comes to the zombies, but you’re wrong. If you gave them more of a chance, they’d behave the same with you as they with me. You’re just blinkered when it comes to zombies.”

  “You know, I’ve had my fair share of experience with zombies, both placid and rabid ones,” Nick said. “I know what I’m talking about.”

  “Just because you’ve shot a few doesn’t mean you understand them,” I said. “You’re not open-minded enough to realize what an asset they are.”

  “I only shot zombies in the past because they were going to eat me if I didn’t.” Nick’s pale blue eyes narrowed. “Are you telling me that the one who did that to your hand was an asset?”

  I blinked several times and dug my fingers into the palm of my left hand.

  The door to the office opened. Archer strode through, dressed head to toe in black, despite the growing heat outside. “Morton, wanted to talk to you about security.” He paused after taking a few steps. “Not interrupting anything, am I?”
<
br />   “No. I was leaving.” I shot a glare at Nick.

  Archer looked at me. “If you wait a few moments, I’ll come with you. I want to talk to you, too.”

  “I’m busy,” I said, and made a move toward the door.

  Archer caught hold of my hand. “Stay, I’ll be quick.” His warm grip felt soothing after Nick’s interrogation.

  I found myself nodding as he dropped my hand and paced to Nick’s desk.

  I walked to the kettle and made myself a tea as I watched the men talk. Nick kept shooting me cool stares as he spoke to Archer. He was itching to carry on arguing and digging into a history that had nothing to do with him.

  Archer snapped a lazy salute at Nick before walking over to me, a grin on his face. “That guy is all business and no fun.”

  I nodded. “You wanted to speak to me?”

  “So serious, too,” Archer said. “I’ve stumbled into something I shouldn’t have. Want to share?”

  I shook my head sharply. “No, there’s nothing to share.”

  “Well, okay. I’m glad we’ve got that cleared up.” He tweaked the end of my hair. “Is there anything I can do to put a smile on that pretty face?”

  I drank my tea and ignored the urge to look at Nick. “I’m busy, Archer. I don’t mean to be rude, but I need to get on.”

  Archer stroked his chin a couple of times, his gaze intent on me. “Fair enough. I recognize an unstable situation when I see one. I wanted to ask if you’d be my date for the opening of your theme park.”

  That was the last thing I’d expected to hear. For a few seconds, I stared at Archer. “You do know I run the theme park? I’m going to be busy that day. There’ll be no time for ice cream and messing about on the log flume together.”

  Archer laughed. “Sure, but you’ll be able to spare a few minutes to try out some of your own rides. You can show me the best bits, the places the tourists never get to see.”

  “I won’t be good company,” I said. “There’ll be so much going on. I won’t be able to spend any time with you. Any minutes I manage to grab to myself will be spent on my own, with my head in a bucket of iced water, trying to keep cool and composed.”