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

by K E O'Connor

  “I don’t know how you do it, living here full time and having them underfoot like that,” Paul said. “They’re so slow. It would drive me to distraction.”

  “The zombies don’t do any harm,” I said. At least, they usually didn’t. With all these temptations scampering around and making noise, our zombies were struggling.

  Ernest yipped and squirmed in Paul’s arms.

  “Well remembered, Ernest. We need to go,” Paul said. “Although Ernest doesn’t take part in the agility rounds, he likes to watch and bark orders at the dogs who participate.”

  “Of course. Enjoy the rest of the day.”

  Paul nodded before striding off with Ernest still under his arm.

  I let out a sigh. The sooner this show was over, the better. Right now, I had to make sure the next round of activities got under way smoothly before I could focus on exactly what had happened to Delia.

  There could be a long list of suspects to get through and not much time before they all left Zee Town.

  Chapter 11

  I yawned and stretched my arms over my head. The first day of the dog show had finished an hour ago. I was back in the tourism office with Zara, finishing some paperwork.

  “Did you get much chance to see the dogs?” I asked. I’d snuck Zara into the hall for twenty minutes when it was quiet. It was a bit of a risk, but I trusted her.

  She nodded. “A little. Pretty dogs. Run fast.”

  “They do. I can’t believe how some of those collies moved so quickly.” One of the agility rounds had been a speed contest. The dogs had been pitted against each other to see who was fastest at catching a tennis ball and bringing it back to its owner. It had been fun to watch, and some of the dogs were like speeding bullets out of a well-maintained gun.

  “Zara, have any of your friends mentioned their interest in the dogs?” I asked.

  Zara looked at her hands. “Some of them.”

  My stomach clenched. “Everyone understands that they’re not food, right?”

  She nodded. “Most do. It’s hard, though. Dogs smell good.”

  “Is there anything we can do to distract the zombies while the dogs are here?” I asked. “Maybe we can set up more food stands? We could put a ring of food vendors around the town hall if that would keep them away.”

  “Won’t smell as good as the dogs.” Zara looked at me, a guilty expression on her face.

  “Make sure you keep reminding everyone that the dogs aren’t food. You did a great job protecting Mischief the other night.”

  “You told me to,” Zara said. “Protect the dogs. Not food. I remember.”

  I smiled at her. I trusted Zara to do the right thing and had no qualms about leaving her alone with the dogs. But the other zombies were worrying me.

  Mavis bustled past the office with her three poodles. “Zara, I won’t be long. I need to have a chat with Councilwoman Buster.”

  I hurried out the door and caught up with Mavis. “Hi. Are you happy with how the dog show’s going?”

  “Cassie! Of course. I’m happy to give you my feedback.” Councilwoman Buster continued her brisk pace. “I’ve been impressed. The event’s running smoothly. I’ve only had a few grumbles about the town hall being too small. You can never make everybody happy. This is our first year. There’s always going to be a few teething problems. I’ve reminded people of that every time I’ve heard someone complain, and they soon stopped griping. Has anyone been causing you trouble?”

  “Nothing like that,” I said. “The dogs are all behaving themselves.”

  Councilwoman Buster chuckled. “But the owners not so much. Part and parcel of these events.”

  “Paul Diamante mentioned that you had dinner together the other night. Are you two close?”

  Mavis’s head jerked back. “Oh! Well, we did have dinner. We know each other from years back when we first got into dog shows. We’re rivals in the show ring. Outside of the comps, he’s tolerable.”

  “Does Ernest get along with your three dogs?” I asked.

  “That little snot doesn’t get along with anybody,” Mavis said. “He’s a bad-tempered, poorly trained creature.”

  I couldn’t disagree with that, having had a near miss with Ernest’s teeth on more than one occasion. “How are your poodles getting along? Are you confident of a win?”

  “My boys never let me down,” Mavis said. “I can always guarantee at least one of them will bring home a trophy for us to display. They’re wonderful creatures. Loyal, hard-working, and a delight to be around.”

  “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself,” I said.

  “This is just the first step. I want to see Zee Town take over as the cornerstone of all dog shows in this country. This year is a test run. I had to make sure we have the facilities and enough interest to draw people here. This will put us on the map for good.”

  “Even more so than our status as a haven for zombies?”

  “Old news, my girl,” Mavis said. “The zombies have been here for years. People are used to them. It’s a bit like the rollercoaster in the theme park. When you first see it, you’re so impressed. Go on it a few times and you lose the fear. You want something bigger and better, something more terrifying.”

  “You want to make people terrified of Zee Town?”

  Mavis snorted at me. “Of course not. People don’t care about the shambling zombies that litter the streets of this place. They’ve moved on. We know how to deal with them now. They’re no longer a talking point.”

  “Still, you wouldn’t like to meet a rabid zombie down a dark alleyway,” I said.

  Mavis patted the bulge under her jacket. “I make sure I’m properly equipped. I have nothing to worry about.”

  I decided not to ask what she had hiding under her jacket. Mavis wasn’t afraid to use a weapon on a zombie.

  “Why do you want to make Zee Town the latest hot spot for dog shows?” I asked.

  Mavis fixed her gaze straight ahead. “It’s time to shake things up. There’s a stranglehold on certain events. If the judges don’t like your face, you don’t get in.”

  “You’ve been banned from other dog shows?”

  Mavis glared at me. “Banned is a strong word, but it’s been suggested I don’t attend certain shows. That’s not acceptable. My boys should be allowed to enter every competition going. The organizers of these events keep my boys and me away because they’re jealous. They know we’ll wipe the floor with the competition. If they choose to reject my application to enter, then it’s only right I set up my own show. I have complete control. I make the rules.”

  One of the poodles barked and yanked his leash out of Mavis’s hand as he jerked forward.

  She stumbled and lurched to the side. I caught hold of her, so she didn’t hit the ground.

  As Mavis reached her hands out, she lost her hold on the other two leashes. In a flash, the poodles raced away, barking with joy at this unexpected taste of freedom.

  “Stop them!” Mavis gasped as she watched the dogs race toward the beach. “If they get sand in their fur, they won’t be presentable for their show.”

  “Do they respond to commands?” I asked. “You could call them back.”

  “My free-spirited boys won’t listen. Cassie, get after them now!”

  I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Don’t worry about me. My dogs are the most important thing. Go on; get them before it’s too late. They must not go in the sea. The salt dries their skin. They’ll get wrinkled.”

  I dropped my hold on Mavis’s elbow and walked toward the beach.

  “Run!” Mavis yelled. “They cannot get onto the sand.”

  “For the love of...” I broke into a jog. There was no way I could catch them in time. All three poodles were way ahead of me. Even if I did, how could I control three disobedient, large male poodles if they didn’t want to obey me?

  Mavis shrieked as the dogs reached the sand and didn’t hesitate as they bounded
toward the sea.

  I had to smile. They were dogs. They wanted to have fun. There was nothing wrong with that. They must be bored stuck inside the hall being shown off like a toy. I bet all they wanted was a tasty bone to chew on, a pile of soft sand to dig in, and a ball to chase. They might be show worthy poodles, but every dog needed some downtime.

  I took off my shoes before going onto the sand, the cool grains sinking between my toes as I strode after the poodles.

  One poodle had reached the water’s edge and was splashing around on his own. The other two were engaged in a tug-of-war with a giant bundle of ripe smelling seaweed.

  It would take a lot of work to get them show worthy after this little adventure. Good for them for choosing fun over formality.

  I decided to tackle the dog in the water first. I couldn’t decide which poodle was which. They all had the same tight white fur and haughty expressions on their faces. “Come on, boy.” I made a grab for his leash. “That’s enough playing around. Your mom won’t be happy if she catches you doing that.”

  The dog ignored me and headed farther into the water, his nose pointed out to sea.

  “Keep away from my dogs!”

  I spun on my heel as Mavis yelled. My eyes widened as four zombies approached the other two poodles.

  I plunged a hand into the water, grabbed the leash, and tugged the dog back to the shore. “Swim time’s over. Let’s help your buddies.” I jogged along the sand with the dog, my gaze on the zombies as they neared the other poodles.

  My attention went to Mavis, and I gasped. She had a gun in her hand. “There’s no need for that!” I increased my pace. “Look, I’ve got one of the poodles. He’s fine, just a bit wet.”

  “It’s not Nero I’m worried about,” Mavis said. “What are these zombies doing stalking my babies?”

  “Nothing!” I raced over and stood between Mavis and the zombies. “They’re doing no harm. They’re just interested in what the poodles are up to.”

  Mavis’s eyes narrowed. “Why are they lurking on the beach like this? Tell them to keep away from my dogs. Their fur is already a disgrace without adding zombie stink to it.”

  “Zombies don’t stink,” I said.

  “They’re slowly rotting, Cassie. That comes with a certain amount of ripeness,” Mavis said sharply.

  I shrugged. Fair enough, but it wasn’t their fault. I turned to see the zombies staring at the poodles with an expression in their eyes that could only be interpreted as desire.

  “They’re serving free liver pies on the harbor.” I touched one of their arms. “Why don’t you get out of here and get some tasty food?”

  I recognized one of the zombies as Franko, who worked at the warehouses. I nodded at him.

  Recognition flared in his bloodshot eyes. “Your dogs, Cassie?”

  “No, they don’t belong to me,” I said. “But they’re very important. It’s best you don’t pay them any attention. You don’t want people getting the wrong idea.”

  “I already have an idea what they’re up to,” Mavis hissed.

  Franko tugged on the sleeve of the nearest zombie and murmured to him. Slowly, one by one, they turned and looked at me before shuffling closer.

  “Hi, everyone.” I needed to defuse this situation quickly. “Are you having a nice evening?”

  “What are you doing?” Mavis said. “Stop chatting to them and get them out of here. They’re causing a public nuisance.”

  “The zombies are fine,” I said. “They’re allowed to roam wherever they like. The beach isn’t off-limits to them.”

  “It should be. Imagine what a fright somebody might have if they’re sunbathing and one of these unfortunate fellows looms over them. Tell them to stay away from my dogs.”

  “The zombies don’t loom,” I said. “They’re going now.” I nodded at the zombies and inclined my head toward the harbor. “Off you go. Free food for everybody up there.”

  Mavis huffed and tutted as the zombies slowly moved away, continuing to look over their shoulders at the dogs. “I’ve never seen anything like it. Do they always behave this oddly?”

  “Their behavior can appear unusual if you’re not used to them,” I said cautiously. “And they find change unsettling. Zombies like a routine. The dog show coming to town has been a distraction for many of them.”

  Mavis’s gun disappeared beneath her jacket, and the tension eased from my shoulders as the risk of being shot declined.

  “It looked like they were hunting my boys. They haven’t displayed this kind of predatory behavior before, have they?”

  “No! Placid zombies don’t hunt.” I shook my head. “Mavis, you know better than that. You helped establish Zee Town. They’re safe.”

  “They’d better be,” Mavis said. “They’re here as a tourist attraction. If I get even a hint that they’re no longer under our control, things will change quickly. We closely monitor the activities in this place. We don’t want things getting out of hand.”

  “Everything’s in hand.” Worry filtered through me, but I kept it under control. “We’re safe and protected. We look after the zombies.”

  Mavis grunted and rubbed her forehead. “It’s been a long day. Showing my dogs is exhausting.”

  I let out a sigh of relief. The danger had passed. “Do you find the dog shows stressful?”

  “Not the show. Rather, my late night is catching up with me,” Mavis said.

  “Your dinner with Paul?”

  She glanced at me. “That’s right. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I had a little too much to drink. I’ve had a banging headache all day.”

  I was aware Mavis enjoyed a drink, so I wasn’t surprised to hear that. “Did you go anywhere nice?”

  “Most likely,” Mavis said. “Paul loves spending my money. Before we even ate, we had several drinks at the Black Dog. Honestly, I can’t remember what happened after that. It all gets a little hazy. My first clear memory is of waking up in my bedroom this morning with less than an hour to prep the boys for their event.”

  My eyebrows shot up. Mavis couldn’t remember what she’d done on the night of Delia’s murder?

  “Perhaps Paul helped you back to the house,” I said.

  “Paul only ever helps himself. He’s only friends with me because of my influence in events such as this,” Mavis said. “You watch that one. He’ll stab you in the back the second he thinks you let your guard down.”

  “Why go to dinner with him if you aren’t real friends?”

  “I keep my enemies close,” Mavis said. “Paul’s always looking for a weakness. If he finds one, he’ll exploit it every chance he gets. He might pretend he doesn’t care about a show like this, but he wants to win as much as the rest of us.”

  I nodded slowly. If that was true, it would have been easy for him to engineer getting Mavis drunk, so she couldn’t remember what they did on the night of Delia’s murder. With Mavis out of the equation, it would have been easy for Paul to sneak to the bed-and-breakfast, confront Delia, and shove her down the stairs.

  “Were Paul and Delia friends?” I asked.

  “I shouldn’t think so,” Mavis said. “Delia didn’t have many of those. Why, you don’t think Paul was involved in what happened to her, do you?”

  “That’s for Nick to discover,” I said. “I was just curious.”

  “Indeed it is. You focus on the dog show. It needs to be the best event possible. I can’t have you distracted by what happened to Delia.”

  “Of course not. But if you had to guess, who do you think would most benefit from getting Delia out of the way?”

  Mavis sighed as she brushed sand off one of the poodle’s backs. “If I had to point the finger at anyone, it would be Delia’s long-suffering husband.”

  “I didn’t know she was married.”

  “Most of the time, Delia forgot that inconvenient truth as well.” Mavis snorted. “She was married to Carl for ten years.”

  “It wasn’t a happy marriage?”

&n
bsp; “Happiness and Delia don’t belong in the same sentence,” Mavis said. “I don’t know the details, but they were separated. Which is why it was a surprise when I saw Carl lurking around the town hall yesterday. There’s no reason for him to be here. Delia hasn’t spoken to him for some time.”

  “It was definitely her husband?” I asked.

  “Yes, I’d know him anywhere,” Mavis said. “In the early days of their marriage, he’d come with her to the dog shows and help out backstage. He’s an extremely tall man with almost black hair. He’s hard to miss. I did a double take when I saw him. He noticed me watching and disappeared, so I guess he didn’t want Delia to know he’s in town. It’s most peculiar him being here.”

  “Does Nick know Carl’s in town?”

  “I keep Officer Morton informed of all pertinent information,” Mavis said. “Now, I must get on. It will take me hours to sort out these dogs. Come on, boys. Home time.”

  I remained on the beach as I watched Mavis hurry away with the poodles.

  Delia’s estranged husband was in town, and he wasn’t happy. I’d just found myself an excellent new suspect. Now, the challenge was to find him.

  Chapter 12

  I was up early the next morning, ready for the second day of the dog show.

  “Is it true?” Jane said as soon as she spotted me enter the town hall. “Delia’s really dead?”

  I nodded. “I’m afraid so.”

  “How long have you known?” Jane asked. “Some people are saying you found her.”

  “That’s true. When I returned Mischief to you, I couldn’t let on that I’d discovered her body. The police are still investigating what happened.”

  Jane shook her head. “That’s terrible news. I mean, don’t get me wrong; I wasn’t a fan of Delia’s, but to be pushed down the stairs is horrible. She was definitely killed?”

  “That’s what’s being investigated,” I said. “I wondered about canceling this event. It seems in poor taste to keep it going like nothing has happened.”

  “No! That would be the last thing Delia would suggest if she was still here. She wouldn’t want the dogs inconvenienced over the small matter of her death.” Jane smiled at me. “I promise you, Delia would want this to go ahead. What about Asadi?” She nodded at the miserable dog who stood beside me.