by Erin Johnson
He glanced around, a line creasing the space between his thick brows. “You know, Jolene… this isn’t a great area. It’s dark and hardly anyone is around.” He lowered his voice. “And with your… condition… you can’t really defend yourself.” Concern filled his blue eyes. “You shouldn’t be down here alone.”
I took a deep breath, warring emotions filling my chest. On one hand, I appreciated his concern for me. It was true, I didn’t have powers, and the more people who knew that, the more dangerous it would be for me. Which was why he shouldn’t go around talking about it.
On the other hand, the place had been plenty lively and fairly well lit before he and Daisy waltzed down here. Besides, this was my home. I’d grown up in this district and knew how to take care of myself.
I sighed and shoved down my feelings of annoyance. I knew his heart was in the right place.
“Thank you for your concern.” I winked. “But I’m guessing that’s not what you came down here to say—so what’s going on? You just miss me?”
I was teasing, but in truth I’d missed him. It’d been a couple of weeks since the last case we’d worked together… and since I’d told him some hard truths about myself. Including the fact that I didn’t have magic anymore.
I thought we’d taken some big steps, personal steps, but Peter had kept his distance since then. Maybe he just wanted this to be a professional, working relationship and I was the only one feeling like it could be more? Or maybe I’d been listening to too much of my Peter Gabriel cassette and was primed for romantic angst.
Peter’s cheeks flushed pink, and he shot me an earnest glance, then quickly looked straight ahead. “I, uh—there’s been a murder actually, at the Magical Artifacts Museum, and I’d like your help with it.”
I perked up, already interested. Maybe it should concern me that murders actually got me excited now, but I’d found that it felt good to help people get justice again. I’d done that as a lawyer—this was just a different avenue to it. Then again, my heart sank, just a little. That was more evidence that Peter wanted to keep things professional.
I nodded, willing my dumb heart to accept this. “Cool.” Cool, Jolene? Really? He just told you someone was murdered, and you say cool? I regrouped as our footsteps clicked along the cobblestones. “Is there an animal you need me to interview?”
We climbed the stone steps up and out from under the tarps. I glanced back as the alarm bells stopped tinkling and red lamps flickered back on. I fought a grin as I glanced up at the tall Boy Scout of a man. Peter had no idea the panic he’d just caused down there.
I hiked up my hood as rain once again pattered my head. Peter stepped closer and drew his wand. Blue light flashed, and the rain stopped pelting me. I smiled up at him. He’d included me in his protective bubble spell.
I tugged my hood back down, careful to keep the headphones around my neck still covered. I didn’t feel like explaining where I’d gotten them.
“No animals… yet.” Peter leaned closer and lowered his voice. “But I thought the exhibit the victim was working on might interest you.”
I was torn between a grin and a doubtful frown. “Really? What was it?”
His throat bobbed and his earnest eyes found mine. “It had to do with curses.”
WANT to know what happens next? Read Mouse of Cards to solve a mystery at the Magical Artifacts Museum today!
Mouse of Cards is available on Amazon in ebook, paperback and audiobook at https://amzn.to/2zYaWKu
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
I’ve always dreamed of being a full-time author, and now here I am! And it’s all thanks to you— my awesome, supportive readers.
I am so grateful to you for reading this book (and any others of mine you’ve picked up) and truly hoped you enjoyed it.
If so, please check out more of my Magic Market Mysteries or the Spells & Caramels series.
Happy Reading,
Erin
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A native of Arizona, Erin loves her new home in the Pacific Northwest! She writes paranormal cozy mystery novels. These stories are mysterious, magical, and will hopefully make you laugh.
When not writing, she’s hiking, napping with her dogs, and losing at trivia night.
You can find Erin on Facebook and BookBub, or email her at [email protected]. She loves to hear from readers!
Copyright © 2020 by Erin Johnson
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Dedication
Contents
Prequel Novella
1. Primping
2. If Looks Could Kill
3. Policeman's Ball
4. The Bar
5. Raincheck
6. Ladies’ Room
7. And the Award Goes to
8. Ghost Pirate
9. Dead in the Water
10. Party's Over
11. Fish Tank
12. Escape
13. Walk the Plank
14. The Underground
15. Ludolf Caterwaul
16. Owe You One
17. Help?
18. The Pearl
19. An Alibi
20. The Golden Tide
21. Alley
22. All Nighter
23. Questioning
24. The Firm
25. Eve
26. Emerson Watts
27. Favors
28. A Gamble
29. Fifi
30. Cheat
31. A Theory
32. Suspended
33. Walk the Plank
34. Protect and Serve
35. Backup
36. Zale
37. Last Dance
38. Goodnight
Night Job
The Clinic
Time to Face the Music
A Case
A Note from the Author
About the Author
Copyright
