Buttons & Burglary E-Book

Race Lucinda

• Herausgeber: MC Two Press
• Kategorie: Krimi
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

Enjoy this humorous, small-town, psychic, cozy mystery by best-selling and award-winning Lucinda Race.

Thread carefully—a fashionable pair of sofa sleuths unbutton a mystery that could cost them everything.

Burglary, She Buttoned

Fashion designer Claudia Grant is finally feeling at home in Drakes Bay. Her dress shop is thriving, her monthly dinners with vintage-loving Fiona Doyle are a cozy highlight—and she’s even grown used to sharing the space with her ghostly Uncle Herman. But when a bride-to-be brings in a vintage wedding dress missing its buttons, Claudia turns to Fiona, who always seems to have just the right antique treasure.

Only this time, the treasure comes at a potentially deadly cost.

When Claudia arrives for their Sunday night supper, dessert in hand, she finds Fiona unconscious—and the box of buttons she’d promised to show her, stolen. With the police short on leads, Claudia and her best friend, Beth, decide to get their sleuth on and unravel the mystery themselves, stitch by stitch.

Can Claudia thread the needle before the thief turns violent again in a town where secrets are as well-kept as heirloom lace?

Buttons & Burglary is the second in the “A Dress Designer Cozy Mystery Series” series from award-winning author Lucinda Race. Cozy up, settle in, and prepare to be haunted… in the best possible way!

Leseprobe

BUTTONS & BURGLARY

A CRAFT AND GHOST COZY MYSTERY

A DRESS DESIGNER COZY MYSTERY SERIES

LUCINDA RACE

MC TWO PRESS

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter One

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About the Author

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Copyright © 2025 Lucinda Race

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or means and including training Artificial Intelligence for any purpose. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please get in touch with the author, Lucinda Race.

Editor Trish Long @ Blossoming Pages

Cover design by Molly Burton of CozyCoverDesigns.com

Manufactured in the United States of America

First Edition July 2025

Print Edition ISBN 978-1-966424-27-7

Print Large Print ISBN 978-1-966424-28-4

Print Hard Cover ISBN 978-1-966424-36-9

E-book ISBN 978-1-966424-25-3

1

QUICK NOTE: If you enjoy Buttons & Burglary, check out my offer for a FREE novella at the end. With that, happy reading.

* * *

I settled into a deck chair savoring the warm afternoon, the view of Drakes Bay, and a glass of lemonade on the side table. Then my cell phone pinged. It was Beth, the owner of Knit or Purl and my new best friend.

Be over in ten. Bringing appetizers.

I grinned. Dinner alfresco sounded perfect after the day I’d had. One issue after another arose, not with my brides but with their mothers. It was time to put the day behind me. I glanced at my watch and saw I still had time to call about the antique buttons. Twice Loved, the second-hand shop in town, was open. I dialed and waited for Fiona Doyle to answer.

“Hello, Twice Loved.”

“Hi, Fiona. It’s Claudia Grant.”

“Hello. This is a surprise. I didn’t expect to hear from you until Sunday. You’re still coming for dinner, aren’t you?”

“I’m looking forward to it.” It had been a standing monthly invitation that my late Uncle Herman and Fiona had. When I first moved to town and discovered his ghost was lingering, he asked if I’d continue to have dinner with his old friend.

“Excellent. What can I do for you tonight?”

“I worked with a bride today. She asked me to refresh her grandmother’s wedding dress, which was missing buttons. I hoped to look through your button boxes to see if I could find some that would match or at least complement the dress.”

“Of course. Recently, I purchased a box at an auction. If you’d like to come over now, I can unpack it. I don’t mind staying open a little later.”

“No, thank you. I don’t want you to go to any trouble tonight, but if I could look on Sunday, that would give me plenty of time to devise a new plan if nothing would work.”

“Absolutely. I’ll check to make sure I don’t have any other boxes tucked away. Sometimes, I squirrel away fun do-dads to peruse on a rainy day.”

“Great.” Now that business was settled, I asked, “Would you like me to bring anything special for dessert on Sunday?”

“Whatever you’d like.” She giggled like a schoolgirl. “I’ve never met a sweet I didn’t enjoy.”

“Then it will be a surprise.”

“Goodbye, Claudia. See you soon, and don’t forget to come hungry.”

She disconnected, and I smiled. Herman had been right when he said Fiona was wonderful. Personally, I think he had a crush on the woman and was too shy to speak up. But that ship sailed.

I went inside my apartment. “Lola, time for dinner.” The sweet Himalayan cat thumped into the kitchen and jumped on the table. She stared at me.

“Did I interrupt your nap, little lady?” A breeze slid over my arm. “Herman. You’ve made yourself scarce today.”

“That woman, the bride’s mother, Mrs. Vanderkemp, is insufferable. I couldn’t listen to another minute of her moaning about remaking that hideous dress—her words, not mine.”

“Julia is sweet, and the dress isn’t that bad, despite what her mother thinks.” He was right. I didn’t have a bridezilla on my hands; I had a MOB-zilla. “It’ll be beautiful when I’m done with it.”

“I’m sure it will. You’re quite talented, but the best part of being a ghost is that I no longer have to deal with customers like her.”

I laughed. “You’re a resident ghost with strong opinions. How did I get so lucky?”

He frowned. “I should have crossed over to where I’m meant to live for eternity after you found out how I died. I believe you’re stuck with me forever.”

“There are worse fates than hanging out with me.” I opened a can of food for Lola and set the plate on the table, giving her ears a quick scratch. I had given up trying to convince her that cats ate their food on the floor. A good scrub of the table was all that was needed when she was finished. At least she didn’t get on the table all the time, just for meals.

“You’re right. Don’t you wonder why I’m still here?”

“Unfinished business, I suppose.” I poured a glass of lemonade for Beth and placed it on a tray with small plates and napkins.

If a ghost could sigh, Herman did before he drifted from the kitchen. I knew he would take his usual spot on the window ledge in the living room, look down the street, or make his way to the dress shop.

I was about to comfort him when I heard Beth call to me.

“Claudia, are you coming out?”

I picked up the tray and walked to the door. Pushing the screen with my hip, I stepped onto the deck. “Your timing is perfect. I’ve fed Lola, and it’s time to put our feet up.”

She placed a tray overfilled with finger foods on the table between the lounge chairs and reclined. “It’s been a day. Is there a full moon tonight? I swear every customer was out to push my buttons.”

“Same.” I set my tray on the dining table and passed her the lemonade, plate, and a napkin. “I had a MOB-zilla.”

She wrinkled her nose. “What’s that?”

“A mother of the bride who’s acting like Godzilla.”

“I get it now. Someone local?”

I eased into the chair after filling a small plate. “No, that’s the funny part. They’re from New Hampshire. I never thought anyone would drive a long distance to my little dress shop. Despite that, the mother of the bride is lovely, and I can’t wait to design dresses for the two attendants.”

“You possess a unique talent for making people feel beautiful when they wear one of your designs. It’s truly a special gift.”

Heat flushed my cheeks. “Thank you. I— I don’t know what to say.”

She held up her glass. “Cheers to us. We survived our customers and a long day. Tomorrow will be easier.”

With a laugh, our glasses clinked together. “Salute.”

I leaned back. “I can’t believe it’s been six months since I moved to Drakes Bay. Living in Maine is a dream come true.”

“After the rocky start, the sofa sleuths started strong, but since we solved the murder of Colton Prescott and Herman’s death, life’s returned to normal. Well, except for the summer tourists.”

“I think we should leave solving crimes to your cousin, Eddie.” I sipped my drink, hoping to avoid her questioning look. I tried hard not to show anyone that I thought he was the best thing since the invention of the sewing machine and oh-so sigh-worthy.

“He’s not dating anyone. Why don’t you ask him out? The fall festival in Pembroke Cove is coming up soon.”

“I have too much that requires my attention. The business is more than a full-time job.”

She snorted. “Right. We could go to the festival if you want. It’s a lot of fun; you’ll see Lily and Gage again. She always has a booth with her parents’ tea for sale.”

“That sounds like fun.”

With a saucy wink, she said, “I’ll ask Eddie to come with us. Just as a friend for you, of course.”

I shook my head. Eager to change the subject, I cleared my throat. “The dress I’m going to remake is missing some buttons. Do you have anything in your shop that could be considered antique knockoffs?”

“Stop in before we open tomorrow, and I’ll let you look around. But Fiona’s store would be a better option.”

“She mentioned that I could view her inventory on Sunday when I’m there for dinner. However, I don’t have high hopes of finding what I need. Having a backup plan could help me avoid a trip to Boston or New York City. I’m sure I could find what I’d like there, but I’d prefer not to waste the time driving.”

“I have button books available for you to check out, and ordering through me can help you save money. What about your inventory?”

“Nothing will work. I’ve already checked the basement where Herman kept old lace and leather. He didn’t collect buttons.”

We nibbled in silence.

“Herman was a terrific guy. I wish you could have met him.”

I spoke to his ghost every day and likely knew him as well as I would have if he were alive. “I feel like I know him after everything you and your dad have shared. Fiona’s filled in some gaps, too.”

“That’s good.” She pulled out her phone. “Hold on, it’s Eddie.” She pressed a button on her cell. “Hey, cuz, what’s up?” With a nod, she smiled. “We were just talking about that.” Pause. “I’ll ask her and get back to you, but it sounds great.” Another pause. “Talk soon.” She grinned. “You’ll never guess what Eddie wanted.”

With a chuckle, I said, “You can tell me, and we’ll both know.”

“Eddie asked if we wanted to go with him and Luke Devlin to the Pembroke Cove Fall Festival next Saturday.”

“Did you set this up?”

She waved a hand at me. “Innocent. But this indicates that Eddie wants a reason to spend time with you, and Luke is adorable.” With a wink, she laughed. “I can endure his company for an afternoon.”

“Sounds more like a date for you two and we’re making plans ten days in advance?”

“Correct. It will give us plenty of time to find something to wear.”

“I’m guessing both guys know what you look like, and Eddie has spent time around me, so why go through all the trouble of picking outfits?”

“Well, if Eddie doesn’t trip your trigger, then maybe you’ll meet someone else, so you need to look nice. But I’m sure he’s got a thing for you.”

I shook my head. “I try to always look decent.”

She patted my arm. “Claudia, you wear black or navy almost every day while working. It’s time to put a lot of color in your wardrobe.”

“I have color.” My thoughts drifted to my closet, and she was right; most of it was monochromatic. But I had nine days to whip up a new top that I could pair with jeans.

“It might be cool, so you’ll want a nice sweater. I have the perfect one at the store. I finished it last night and planned to wear it, but you can try it first.”

“You’re determined to increase the contents in my sweater drawer.”

“If we continue to support each other with our talents, we’ll have the best wardrobes in town.”

“And we’ll be walking advertisements for our stores.” I raised my hand for a high five.

“Women businesses working together is our superpower.”

“It is.” Darkness crept across the bay. “I know I haven’t told you, but I’m happy we’re friends. You made the transition much easier.”

“I know what you mean.” She clasped my hand. “Even if we never have to be sofa sleuths again, we’ve got each other’s backs in every aspect of life, and I’m fortunate you moved to town. Making good friends has been difficult for me. The girls at school thought I was odd growing up because I loved to knit.”

I understood exactly what she meant. “Sewing wasn’t exactly popular, either.”

Getting to her feet, Beth stretched her arms over her head. “Look at us now. Forging our destinies with amazing businesses in a charming coastal town. What more could we ask for in life?”

I couldn’t think of anything. “Antique buttons?” I chuckled. “If that’s my biggest challenge this week, aside from MOB-zilla, I’m a happy seamstress.”

It was nine the next morning when I crossed the street to Knit or Purl. The door was propped open, and I went in. “Beth?”

I heard a muffled response that sounded like “In the office.”

Wandering through the yarn shop had become a favorite pastime. I hesitated but contemplated picking up a beginner set of needles and yarn. Every set was designed for children, but my foolish pride held me back each time.

“Morning.” Beth emerged from the back room, holding several magazines. “I brought my accessory catalogs for you to take with you.” She set them on the counter. “First, let’s look at a few options on the rack.”

I walked with her as she guided me to the back wall. “You never said if the buttons were covered, metal, or wood.”

“The buttons might have been ivory colored or pearl and secured with a loop, so there are no buttonholes.”

She nodded. “Then what I have here won’t work. I don’t have any ivory buttons in stock. I thought maybe there were covered buttons, and I do have that option, since I’ve used them as a base for crocheted buttons.”

“Is there any end to your talent with yarn?”

She laughed. “I hope not. I keep pushing myself to learn new techniques and styles.”

I scanned the rack, but nothing caught my eye. “I’ll take the books. After I look at Fiona’s stock, I’ll figure out my next step.”

“Just tell me how I can help.”

The door opened. The bell above it jingled as Ethan walked in. “Good morning, ladies.”

“Hi, Dad. Did you stop at Brewed Bliss?”

He held up a paper bag and cardboard tray. “As requested.” His smile grew. “Good morning, Claudia.”

“Hi, Ethan. How’s things?”

“Good. I just chatted with Chief Durgin, and he mentioned that Barbara Hall and Amos Branson took a plea deal, and he wanted me to pass along his thanks for the details you provided.”

“That took a long time.” I took the coffee he held out to me.

“Not really. It takes time to bring people to trial, and during the waiting period, I think Barbara and Amos thought about what happened and decided not to fight the inevitable.”

“Sadly, money ruined lives,” Beth said.

“Look at the bright side. It brought us together. If we hadn’t dived into the world of Nancy Drew and Bess, who knows what might have happened.”

Ethan went behind the counter and set the bag down. “Not bad for your first and last case.”

Beth said, “It was fun, even if it was a little scary.”

I gave her a wink. “We could come out of retirement if necessary.”

2

I made my way to the bay side of Twice Loved. Fiona had a set of outdoor stairs, like mine, leading to her apartment. I carried a box of pink iced chocolate cupcakes and a pint of Butter Brickle ice cream from Scoop-a-Licious. I discovered it’s worth the extra stop for sharing a decadent dessert with Fiona.

I rapped on the screen door and turned to take in the view of the bay. It was something I’d never get tired of looking at. A faint groan reached my ears. I spun around and hurried to the door.

“Fiona?” I hesitated to walk in.

I heard a weak voice say, “Help.”

This time, I didn’t hesitate. Flinging open the door, I set the dessert and shoulder bag on the inside bench. “Fiona, where are you?”

The door to her shop was wide open. My heart was in my throat, praying I wouldn’t find her at the bottom like Herman had been discovered. I raced down the steps. When I reached the last step, I called again. “Fiona?”

“Over here.”

The shop was filled with shadows, remnants from the afternoon sun. I scanned each aisle. “Where?”

“Front.”

The word was weaker than before. “I’ll be right there.” I raced down the nearest aisle and fell to my knees. Fiona lay in front of the door, her body crumpled in a way I hadn’t thought possible for the human form. Could she have broken bones?

I clasped her hand. “Where does it hurt?”

“My head and shoulder.”

“I’m going to call for help.”

She clung to my hand. “Don’t. Leave. Me.”

“I’m going to stay with you, but I need to call the police, and my phone is upstairs. Can I step out for a minute?”

“All right.”

It was a miracle that I heard her. I retraced my steps, opened my bag, and dialed the phone while running down the stairs for the second time.

A male voice said, “9-1-1. What’s your emergency?”

“This is Claudia Grant. I’m at Twice Loved. Fiona Doyle has been attacked. Can you send an ambulance?”

“Is there an intruder?”

An icy shiver slithered down my spine. Were we alone? “I’m not sure.”

“Please stay on the line until emergency personnel arrive.”

“Okay.” I sank to my knees once more and took Fiona’s hand. “Everything will be fine. Help is on the way.”

Her eyes fluttered closed.

I pressed my fingertips to her wrist. There was a steady, albeit faint, pulse. “Fiona, open your eyes and look at me.”

“It hurts my head.” She shivered. “I’m so cold.”

I looked around. A few steps away, a quilt was artfully draped over a chair. “I’ll get something to cover you.”

I placed the blanket over her and took her hand in mine.

“Claudia, what’s happening?” the operator asked.

“Fiona’s cold, and she keeps closing her eyes.”

“You’ve covered her with a blanket?”

“Yes.”

“Keep talking to her.”

“Fiona, this nice man on the phone says I must continue talking to you. So please, open your eyes.” The wail of a siren grew louder. “Do you hear that?”

Her eyes fluttered again. “Yes.”

“I have to let them in, but I promise you’re safe, and I won’t leave you.” Reluctant to let go of her hand, I waited until I saw someone at the door. Stepping around her, I twisted the deadbolt and pulled it open.

Eddie strode in. “Claudia, what happened?”

I stumbled back against a shelf. He reached out a hand to steady me. “It’s okay. We’re here.”

I nodded. He pushed the door open wide so the two EMTs could come inside. They each carried rigid plastic boxes, which I assumed contained vital supplies.

“When I got here, well upstairs, I knocked on the door. Fiona didn’t answer right away. We’re having dinner tonight.”

He nodded. “Go on.” His hand rested on my shoulder.

“I knocked a second time and called out to her. That’s when I heard a groan. Then, ‘Help.’ I rushed inside and saw the door open to her shop.” I blinked away hot tears. “I was so scared I’d find her at the bottom of the stairs.”

Eddie maintained comforting and steady eye contact. “I understand. Did you see anyone when you came inside?”

Shaking my head, I said, “No. I was focused on Fiona.”

“Okay. Then what happened?”

“I found her like that. I didn’t move her, but I called for help.” My mouth dropped open. “Wait, I forgot to tell the operator that you’re here.”

I put the phone to my ear. “Hello.”

“I’m still here. Have the police and ambulance arrived?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“You’re in good hands.” He disconnected.

Eddie steered me to a chair. “We should give the EMTs room to work.”

Allowing him to remove me from the immediate area was nerve-wracking. “I promised Fiona I wouldn’t leave her.”

“You haven’t, but the professionals need room, and it’s in short supply.”

Standing on my tiptoes, trying to see over or around Eddie, I called to her. “Fiona, I’m right over here.”

I saw she lifted a couple of fingers, and I took that as an acknowledgment.

Eddie said, “Take a deep breath. Each time, concentrate on your breath, in through your nose and out through your mouth.”

While I did as he asked, I scanned the room. “Fiona must have interrupted an intruder.” I grasped his forearm. “We have to look upstairs. If they’re still here, they can’t get away.”

“Whoever it was is long gone. If they had been here when you arrived, they would have snuck out when you were distracted.”

He made a good point. “But we’ll search it once Fiona goes to the hospital?”

“The police will conduct a search. You will not.”

“I can help.” I tipped my head to the table to the left of where Fiona lay, which was empty. “That’s odd.”

Eddie turned to see what I was looking at. “What?”

“Look around. Except for that mahogany table, every surface is covered with boxes, books, and trinkets. It’s strange.”

“Fiona must have sold something and not replaced it yet.”

I shook my head. “No. She’d never leave a spot open. Each time I’ve been in the shop, the moment a customer leaves with something, she rearranges items so there isn’t a bare space. She believes customers expect each surface to be overflowing, stimulating impulse buys since people can’t resist picking up items while wandering around the store.”

His brow arched. “Any idea what might have been there?”

Narrowing my eyes, I tried to recall what might have existed in that space. “Other than the fact that it was square, I don’t have a clue.” Fiona was being lifted onto a gurney. “I’ll be right back.”

She held out her hand. “Claudia, would you mind locking my apartment and the shop when the police are done? And tell them I have no idea who assaulted me.”

I took her hand. “Eddie Jacobs is here. He’s going to give the place a thorough going over. Try not to worry about anything. I’ll come to the hospital as soon as he’s finished.”

“You don’t need to do that.” A tear slipped from the corner of her eye. “It would be comforting to have a friend by my side.”

Giving her hand one last squeeze, I offered her a reassuring smile. “I’ll be there the moment I lock up.”

“Thank you.” She turned her head and nodded to Eddie. “Take care of everything.”

“No need to worry, Ms. Doyle.” He stepped closer. “You don’t have any idea who assaulted you?”

“No. I had been puttering around down here. I went upstairs to unlock the door and heard a crash, so I returned to look around, and someone approached from behind me.”

“Do you know what time that was?”

“I think around four,” she closed her eyes.

An older man, whom I estimated to be around forty, nodded. “Eddie, we need to get her to the ER.”

“Right.” He moved in front of the gurney and held the door.

I wanted to encourage Fiona, but I was at a loss for words. They put the stretcher in the back of the ambulance, and the same man got in next to her. Beth was running in our direction.

“What’s going on?” She looked at me and then Eddie. “Was that Fiona?”

Nodding, I pulled her inside the store. I didn’t want anyone to overhear us. Eddie closed the shop door after him.

“What’s happened?”

Eddie said, “This is an official police investigation.”

She stamped her foot. “Eddie Jacobs, stop being all tough cop on me. Fiona is on her way to the hospital, and you’re here. Which means she didn’t slip and fall. What gives?”

“I’ll tell you what I know.”

Eddie said, “I’m going to wait for additional officers to gather evidence.”

“I knew it. Is Fiona going to be okay?”

“She was attacked, but she was talking when the EMTs took her to the ER. That’s a good sign.”

She nodded. “It is. Why would someone hurt Fiona? She’s a sweet woman.”

“I think there’s been a break-in. Take a look.” I led her to the empty table. “You know how particular Fiona is about her displays; she would never leave a space vacant on any surface at the end of the day.”

Frowning, she said, “I can’t think what she had here.”

“Neither can I. It was something small enough to fit in a backpack.” I tapped my finger to my lips. “You take the right side of the room, and I’ll handle the left. Look for anything that seems out of place.”

“You mean as if something was picked up and placed on another table?”

I nodded. “Yes. Perhaps I’m jumping to conclusions about a situation that hasn’t occurred. Fiona might have opted to rearrange her inventory before she opens tomorrow.”

Beth’s one eyebrow arched. “Unlikely, but let’s check it out.”

Eddie was on the sidewalk in front of the store. “He must have gone around the back.” A police cruiser pulled up, and a female officer stepped out

“Who’s that?” I watched her as she gave Eddie a half smile before her expression became blank. “She’s pretty.”

“If you like petite brunettes proficient in martial arts and sharpshooting.” Beth stood next to me, watching the exchange. “Rhonda Perkins, a new cop. Eddie told us she moved here from Camden.”

With a low whistle, I said, “Seems she’s interested in Eddie.”

Beth gave me a sharp look. “She doesn’t stand a chance in Hades with him. He’d never date another cop or any public servant. It could get messy. Rumor has it that’s why she left her last job. Broke up with a boyfriend who was also on the force.”

“Makes sense. Blurring those lines could be career ending.”

He bobbed his head to the door. She nodded.

“They’re coming in.” I didn’t want it to look like we were being nosy, so I strolled out of view of the door. Beth giggled, but she was right behind me. They came in, and he glanced my way.

“Eddie, did you find anything outside the back door?”

He gave me a somber look. “It was jimmied open. We’ll need to dust for prints inside the store and on the door.

“It was a break-in.” I spoke more under my breath than out loud.

Officer Perkins asked, “Who are you?”

Eddie said, “My cousin, Beth Stewart, and her friend, Claudia Grant. She owns Grants Gowns two doors down. Ladies, this is Officer Rhonda Perkins.”

“And why are you roaming around our crime scene?”

I didn’t appreciate the condescending tone in her voice or the implication that I didn’t belong here. “Fiona and I were planning on sharing a meal, and I discovered her.”

“Claudia, Officer Jacobs and I don’t need civilians contaminating our crime scene. You can leave now.”

Eddie said, “I’ve asked them to look around the store and see if they notice anything out of place. Claudia and Beth are frequent visitors to Twice Loved.”

I stood straighter as Eddie defended us. “Not to worry. We know not to touch anything, and if we discover something, we’ll tell Eddie immediately.”

“Now that I’m here, you can advise me.”

Was this officer trying to assert herself? What was it with cops and having an attitude? I smiled. “I’d be happy to keep you informed.” Turning abruptly, I bumped into Beth. Her eyes widened, and a glint of mischief sparkled. “Come on. The sooner we look around, the quicker we can leave.”

I snapped my fingers. “Shoot. I left the ice cream on the bench upstairs.” Glancing over my shoulder, I caught Eddie’s eye. “Is it okay if I run upstairs and put the ice cream in the freezer?”

With a nod, he said, “I’ll come with you. I have a few questions.”

Beth said, “I’ll stay here and keep looking for clues.”

Officer Perkins said, “You’re not looking for clues. You’re providing me with information.”

I smothered a laugh when Beth looked at me and rolled her eyes out of Rhonda’s line of sight. “I’ll be right back.”

“Take your time.”

As I walked away, Beth asked, “Claudia, how big would you say the missing item would be?”