A Villa in Sicily: Figs and a Cadaver

by Fiona Grace

  Oh, God. “I’ve got to go.”

  She set the phone aside, placed and smoothed the mortar, and affixed the first row of tiles. Not bad, not bad. Thanks to Mason’s sanding, the kitchen was going to be fantastic when it was done. She’d done this before, with her father, and of course, always had his expertise to rely on. Now, it was almost as if she could hear his voice, strong and gentle, guiding her. Make sure it’s level. Right. Just like that. Perfect.

  Before she knew it, a tear trickled down her cheek and landed on the mortar. She wiped it away, reached for her glass of wine, and took a big gulp. She didn’t need to be getting sad now.

  She cracked her knuckles and prepared to do another row when someone rapped on the door. Jumping over the tile cutter, she rushed to answer it.

  Thank goodness, it was Orlando Falco. She’d been waiting impatiently to hear the results of the vote all day. Luckily, she’d had quite a few interesting activities to fill her time, but it’d been on her mind ever since he’d told her about it.

  She wanted to ask him, but she also didn’t want to be rude. “Hello, Signore Falco. Come on in. Can I get you some wine?”

  He looked around the place. “Ah. Nice tile. So you’re proceeding with the renovations on your lovely home, I see.”

  “Yep. Keeping busy.” Tell me what the outcome was. Please? She held up the bottle to him. “Wine?”

  He nodded. “That would be lovely.”

  She poured him a glass and handed it to him. “You’ve got me on the edge of my seat. Was there an outcome to the vote?”

  He nodded and a small smile crept onto his face. “Denied.”

  “What?” She jumped so suddenly she sent wine from her own glass sloshing onto her hand. Shaking it off, she reached forward to him to toast. “I’d say this definitely calls for a celebration.”

  He clinked glasses with her. “I agree. Salud.” He took a sip. “The rumors have gotten out that Mimi Catalano was intentionally trying to flood the streets of Mussomeli with strays to further her case for the tax. And because of that, the council members agreed that perhaps it isn’t as big a problem as she made it out to be. And so we all agreed to give the clinic time to work before we attempted other measures.”

  “Good choice.” She sipped her wine. Finally free of the tax worries, all those grand ideas she’d had for the clinic competed for attention in her mind. She wasn’t sure what to ask him about first. “I’m sure once the rumor gets out, I’ll be getting a lot more calls from people missing their pets, if Mimi was indeed doing that. Maybe we can make a few matches.”

  “Yes. I hope.”

  “And I’ve been kind of planning it on the down low, but now I can really get things moving. I want to have a pet adoption day right away. Maybe two Saturdays from now? We’re already getting close to a full house. I’ll waive the adoption fee for anyone who takes in one of our strays. What do you think?”

  Falco smiled. “Yes, that would be wonderful. Let me know what I can do to help. Dottore Smart, I always knew you were the best one for this job.”

  EPILOGUE

  On a bright Saturday afternoon, the clinic was packed with animals and people alike.

  Audrey sat behind the reception desk and watched the Meet and Greet. So many people, interested in adopting one of the many strays that had made their way into the clinic. So many children, giggling with delight. So many smiles, contented purrs, and happy barks.

  All in all, a very good day.

  “I think you can call this a success,” Orlando Falco said to her with a smile. “How many adoption applications have you gotten in?”

  “Ten, so far,” she said, counting the papers. “More to come, hopefully.”

  “That means ten new clients for you.”

  Yes, that was the point of waiving the fee. She’d collect a salary to keep this place running later, when they came in for their wellness visits and shots, and when they recommended their friends to her. But that was a small price to pay for all the love and happiness the animals would give them in return. There really was nothing more special than helping an animal find its fur-ever home.

  As she was watching a little boy cuddling a giant white lop-eared bunny on his lap, petting it gently while the animal shivered in delight, someone approached and threw her big purse on the counter. “I’ll take this one. How much?”

  She looked up to see Nessa unzipping her wallet. “Which one?”

  She sighed, bent down, and lifted a giant gray cat into her arms, holding it like it was a foreign object. “This one.”

  “Seriously?” When Nessa put it down and nodded impatiently, she said, “This isn’t like checkout at the supermarket, Nessa. You have to fill out an application first.”

  Her eyebrows came together. “How long will that take?”

  “I’m doing approvals on the spot, but—”

  “Good. I need him because I think he’ll add so much to my HGTV show. Filming is starting next week, you know. Imagine me, petting my cat on the sofa, while they’re interviewing me. People love… animals. So they’ll automatically love me.” She wrinkled her nose. “Not that they wouldn’t already, but …”

  “Um,” Audrey said, already knowing there was no way she’d let her pass muster, if that was her reasoning for owning a pet. Cue months, even years, of unneighborly interaction. “Nessa, a pet is not a prop. It’s a lot of work. That’s one of the first things we ask on the application—whether you’re ready to assume that responsibility. And didn’t you mention you were going to flip the house and leave soon?”

  “Change in plans. My agent’s thinking bigger. Season two. He’s talking about me fixing up and flipping more houses in town. If I do that, I’ll need a home base.” She looked down at the animal. “And a cat.”

  Gnawing on her lip, Audrey grabbed the application and handed it to Nessa on a clipboard, already knowing this wouldn’t end well. Like the people who adopt bunnies just for Easter, anyone who needs a cat just for Hollywood is a disaster waiting to happen. Great. Nessa’s going to hate me even more when she gets the ol’ APPLICATION DENIED stamp. “Just fill this out. The adoption fee is waived if you’re accepted, today only.”

  Nessa threw her purse on her shoulder, tucked the clipboard under her arm, and picked up the cat. “Come on, Lambchop baby, let’s go make this official,” she said, stroking her fur gently.

  Lambchop baby? Hmm. Audrey watched her carefully make her way to a seat and settle the cat comfortably down on her lap before beginning to fill out the form. The cat curled there, looking completely content, as Nessa put pen to paper, still stroking the cat’s fur with her other hand.

  Well… maybe… and hey. If Nessa loved something other than herself, maybe there was hope for her after all. Maybe she and Nessa could even be… gasp… friends one day.

  “Hey.”

  Audrey swung her head back to the entrance at the sound of the familiar voice. It was Mason, standing with his new pet mastiff. She hadn’t seen him in a while, since he’d taken some time from volunteering at the clinic to help his new pet get settled and was also busy getting his house fixed up for his guest. She jumped up and ran around the counter, petting the dog’s fur. He had a brand new collar on. She lifted the charm on it and read, Polpetto.

  “Oh! You changed his name?”

  Mason shrugged. “No doubt about it. He’s definitely a Polpetto.”

  “You haven’t brought him in! I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages. How are things going?”

  “They’re going,” he said stiffly.

  “Are you sure?” she asked him, worried. Yes, he’d had a dog before, but that was a long time ago. And there was nothing sadder than when pet and owner didn’t make a good match. “Nothing bothering you about him? I can help. I know it can be an adjustment.”

  He scratched the back of his neck, something she’d already started to learn he only did when he was nervous about something. “Nope. Everything’s good.”

  She couldn’t figure out what mi
ght be wrong with him until she looked behind him and noticed an older woman with white blond hair cast up in perfect ringlets over her head, a fully made-up face, and a smart black suit with a rose-colored silk scarf around her neck. She looked like a wealthy society lady who’d gotten lost on her way to the tea shop.

  Audrey straightened, and, because something about this woman’s perfection made her feel even less so, smoothed down her hair. “Can I help—”

  “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend, Mason?” she cooed in a sweet southern accent, offering Audrey her pale hand. She had hand-model fingers, thin like flower stems, with a flawless manicure and a blindingly giant rock on her ring finger.

  Audrey took the tips of her fingers and shook them gently. That was it, the woman was a Southern belle. She smelled like a rose garden. And she was Mason’s…

  Mason jumped between the two of them. “I was just gonna. Audrey’s the veterinarian here. Audrey, this is Constance Rose Jackson-DeWitt.” He was rubbing the back of his neck even harder now. “My momma.”

  Audrey’s widened. “Oh! So you’re visiting us from the States? Did you just come from Charleston, too?”

  She nodded. “I did. Had to see how my baby boy was getting along. He’s never been away from us. This is a big change for him.”

  Audrey glanced at Mason, who now had a pleasant, little-boy blush beneath his flawless tan. “Momma …” he warned in a low voice.

  “Mason’s my littlest. And he’s always had a little trouble leaving the nest. When he got this idea in his head, we all thought he was plum crazy. A house for a dollar. My husband, god rest his soul, was a businessman. He made his wealth on risk. But this? I told Mason that he’d be rolling over in his grave if he ever heard such a cockamamie scheme.”

  “Momma.”

  She grabbed onto his arm and shook it a little. “But here he is! And doin’ a wonderful job with his place. So you got yourself one of these little shacks for a dollar, too? You’re a plucky one. And a doctor?”

  Audrey nodded. “Yes. This is my clinic. I only moved her a couple months ago, so it’s not much, but it’s getting there.”

  She clasped her hands together. “Oh, it’s very nice. Very sweet. The whole town is. I was so worried about Macy gettin’ on around here but I think I got nothin’ to worry about.”

  Macy? Beside her, Mason was fidgeting like a kid made to stand in the corner at school. Audrey stifled the giggle threatening to explode from her lips and said, “Yes. It’s very safe. Very nice. I really have had nothing but positive experiences.”

  “Though I have to say…” She leaned in a little. “How you got him to adopt this big dog is beyond me. He was broken apart when his Snoopy died. That was his baby. I thought he’d never love another.”

  She looked over at Mason. “He told me Polpetto has had his share of heartbreak, too. So I think they are going to be great for each other.”

  She smiled and fanned her face. “Well, butter my biscuit, I’m burning up. I gotta get outside and get me some air. It sure was nice meeting you. Putting a face with the name.”

  Audrey’s heart skipped in her chest. So that meant Mason had told her mother about her? What a little mama’s boy. Now, she really wanted to text Brina this major development. Brina would know exactly what this meant.

  “Likewise,” she said.

  “You should come over to his place for dinner,” she continued with a smile. “Maybe on Sunday? I’m gonna make my famous chicken and waffles. Macy’s really missed that, poor kid. He’s gettin’ so skinny.”

  She squeezed his side and he jumped, flashing her an annoyed look. Then he nodded and scratched the back of his neck. “Yeah. You should come.”

  Audrey nodded, her heart thumping louder. “Uh. Okay. Sure. I like waffles.”

  “Perfect!” The woman flounced out on high heels of the same bright pink color as her scarf, leaving a cloud of rose perfume in her wake. One of the cats managed to invade it and ran away, hair standing on end, mewling like it’d walked through a cloud of Agent Orange.

  Before he left, Mason leaned in. “Now you know why I didn’t want to tell you about her.”

  So he was being deliberately vague. “Why? She’s so sweet… Macy!”

  He gave her a warning look. “Don’t call me that. No one calls me that. That there’s just the airs she puts on to impress people. She’s so stuck up, she’d drown in a rainstorm.”

  “Hey. That isn’t a nice thing to say about the woman who gave you life!”

  “Yeah, and she reminds me every day how she can take it away from me.” He gave her an apologetic look. “Anyway, you try livin’ with her. All she’s been doin’ is complainin’ since I picked her up at the airport yesterday. Car’s too small, road’s too narrow, bathroom don’t have a freaking bidet.”

  Audrey laughed. “Wow. Well, it was really nice meeting your mysterious guest, finally.”

  He nodded, then looked like he was about to say something else. As he leaned in, G appeared in the door. “Principessa!”

  Mason let out a groan as G approached. Mason tapped the counter and murmured, “See you later,” then made a quick exit, glaring at G as he did.

  Really… what was with that?

  “Hi, G!” she said as he laid a tray in front of her. “Come to adopt a little pet for your place?”

  He shook his head and pulled a checkered napkin off the tray to reveal some beautiful cannoli. “Not today. But I brought dessert for your friends.”

  She smiled. “Yum. You’re so nice,” she said, taking them from him.

  “And… I wanted to see if you are busy, for your next day off?”

  That was Sunday. “Actually, I am. But—”

  He pouted. “I wanted to take you out to see the sights. Don’t make me wait too long.”

  “I won’t. Maybe next Sunday?”

  “All right, it’s a date.”

  She smiled and motioned around. “What do you think?”

  He nodded with approval. “I think that Mussomeli is lucky to have you.”

  As she looked around at the clinic, at the smiling faces, at everything she had accomplished so far, all because she’d decided to take a dollar chance…she could hardly believe it.

  For once in her life, it seemed as if fate was smiling her way.

  NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!

  A VILLA IN SICILY: VINO AND DEATH

  (A Cats and Dogs Cozy Mystery—Book 3)

  "Very entertaining. Highly recommended for the permanent library of any reader who appreciates a well-written mystery with twists and an intelligent plot. You will not be disappointed. Excellent way to spend a cold weekend!"

  --Books and Movie Reviews (regarding Murder in the Manor)

  A VILLA IN SICILY: VINO AND DEATH is book #3 in a charming new cozy mystery series by bestselling author Fiona Grace, author of Murder in the Manor, a #1 Bestseller with over 100 five-star reviews (and a free download)!

  Audrey Smart, 34, has made a major life change, walking away from her life as a vet (and from a string of failed romance) and moving to Sicily to buy a $1 home—and embark on a mandatory renovation she knows nothing about.

  Audrey is busy working to open the town’s new shelter, while also renovating her own problematic home—and dating again. With the help of friends, she begins taking in sick strays. But not everyone in town is grateful for her services, and she soon makes unexpected enemies.

  Audrey’s small Sicilian town hires a new building inspector to deal with the influx of $1 home owners—and he sets about making Audrey’s idyllic Sicilian life utterly miserable. Just when things can’t get any worse, the inspector turns up dead—leaving Audrey as the main suspect.

  Audrey, without an alibi, is under more pressure than she’s ever been to solve the crime. But the inspectors list of enemies was long.

  Very, very long.

  Can she solve this impossible case?

  A laugh-out-loud cozy packed with mystery, intrigue, renovation, animals
, food, wine—and of course, love—A VILLA IN SICILY will capture your heart and keep you glued to the very last page.

  “The book had heart and the entire story worked together seamlessly that didn't sacrifice either intrigue or personality. I loved the characters - so many great characters! I can't wait to read whatever Fiona Grace writes next!”

  --Amazon reviewer (regarding Murder in the Manor)

  “Wow, this book takes off & never stops! I couldn't put it down! Highly recommended for those who love a great mystery with twists, turns, romance, and a long lost family member! I am reading the next book right now!”

  --Amazon reviewer (regarding Murder in the Manor)

  “This book is rather fast paced. It has the right blend of characters, place, and emotions. It was hard to put down and I hope to read the next book in the series.”

  --Amazon reviewer (regarding Murder in the Manor)

  More books in the series will be available soon!

  A VILLA IN SICILY: VINO AND DEATH

  (A Cats and Dogs Cozy Mystery—Book 3)

  Fiona Grace

  Debut author Fiona Grace is author of the LACEY DOYLE COZY MYSTERY series, comprising nine books (and counting); of the TUSCAN VINEYARD COZY MYSTERY series, comprising six books (and counting); of the DUBIOUS WITCH COZY MYSTERY series, comprising three books (and counting); and of the BEACHFRONT BAKERY COZY MYSTERY series, comprising six books (and counting).

  Fiona would love to hear from you, so please visit www.fionagraceauthor.com to receive free ebooks, hear the latest news, and stay in touch.

  BOOKS BY FIONA GRACE

  LACEY DOYLE COZY MYSTERY

  MURDER IN THE MANOR (Book#1)

  DEATH AND A DOG (Book #2)