Halloween Hiccups: A Mercy Mares Cozy Mystery Novella Read Online Free PDF Page A

asked.
     
    “Sure, follow behind me. I can't allow you in the interrogation room, but you can sit in the lobby. By the way, they aren't under arrest.” Myron said.
     
    Luigi, the restaurant owner, walked over, asking, “Is everything okay over here? Did you not like the mostaccioli?” He was kidding, but none of us felt much like laughing at the moment.
     
    The cross looks on our faces straightened him right up. He cleared his throat and said, “I'll get your check.”
     
    “Yes, do that.” Ruby fanned her face with her hands.
     
    All eyes were on us. It was all I could do to not say something to the other customers, most of them familiar to me. They acted like they'd never seen the police speak to witnesses before. We'd all seen the detective shows. I knew they had. They could have at least pretended like this little exchange was business as usual.
     
    “Girls, this is just part of the process; don't let your emotions take over.” Hank said, looking directly at me as he spoke.
     
    “Why are you looking at me? He was already dead when I got there.” I didn't mean to imply that Ruby had anything to do with what happened to Stanley, but that was kind of the way it sounded. Ruby's furrowed eyebrows confirmed my suspicion.
     
    We followed Myron out of the restaurant, trying to act as nonchalant as possible, like this was par for the course and absolutely nothing to worry about.
     
    “Thanks, Luigi, for another fabulous meal. I'll probably see you tomorrow night for dinner. It's not like we're being arrested or anything.” I said loud enough for everyone, including the cooks in the kitchen to hear.
     
    Ruby scowled in my direction. “What are you doing? Why are you screaming?”
     
    I shrugged. “What? I'm just trying to make sure that no one starts spreading a rumor that you and I got arrested for murder.” I said.
     
    There was an audible gasp behind us.
     
    Ruby rolled her eyes.
     
    “I probably shouldn't have said the “M” word.” I said.
     
    Hank muttered under his breath. “You're probably right.”
     
    We filed into Hank's car in silence. It was better that way. I needed a few minutes to calm down. I'd been in this position before, and let's just say, it didn't go particularly well for me.
     
    As we drove through Lake Villa, I took in the quaint downtown. There wasn't much to offer, but enough to keep our little town sustainable and welcoming to the few tourists that ventured our way in search of mom and pop shops and restaurants.
     
    I loved it here. Everything about it appealed to me. From the antiques shops to the art studio to the locally owned and operated bakery.
     
    Lake Villa residents took holidays quite seriously; Christmas and Thanksgiving among their favorites.
     
    As we drove through downtown, I couldn't help but notice the Halloween decorations. Every storefront, restaurant and office space had some form of fall decoration or other on display. I wondered if it would all change now that we've had a murder take place on Halloween.
     
    “Mercy?”
     
    I blinked to clear my thoughts when I heard Hank calling me.
     
    “Sorry, I was lost in thought.” I offered.
     
    “Well, if you want my advice, you just need to stick to what you know and avoid mentioning your personal feelings about Stanley.” Hank offered.
     
    “Are you insinuating that I'll say something incriminating?” I joked, knowing full well what he meant. While I didn't entirely agree with his statement, I understood where he was coming from.
     
    Over the years, Ruby and I may have gotten into a little bit of trouble now and then. None of it really anything to worry about as far as I was concerned.
     
    “All I'm saying is that it wouldn't be a good idea to give them more information than what is absolutely necessary. It will be better if you didn't. Trust me.” Hank offered me a smile.
     
    Ruby bit her lip, staring at him curiously.
     
    I already knew what she was thinking. She thought we were in