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

giant grip and pulling himself to a semi-standing position.
     
    “I don't run, especially with the likes of her.” He glared down at Margie, who looked diminutive standing in front of his substantial frame.
     
    Margie clapped her hands together and said, “Good, looks like he's afraid of me too. That's the way I like them.” She turned and marched down the stairs, ready to torture me with a run.
     
    I glanced back at a pouting Nubbin and asked, “Are you going to join us?”
     
    “Not on your life, Studebaker.” Nubbin turned around and walked into the house, slamming my front door behind him.
     
    “Did you have to do that, Margie?” I asked.
     
    Margie took off for her five minute warm up, holding Barney's leash. “Nope, but it sure was fun. Now, get your feet moving. You're killing my mojo.”
     
    I did as she said, not wanting to have her do a number over on me too. It was bad enough that she had me exercising as much as possible to begin with; I didn't need to be put through any more.
     
    As soon as we got a safe distance from my house, she asked, “Have you heard anything about your friend's murder?”
     
    I swallowed hard. After what she'd said the last time I spoke to her about Stanley's death, I wasn't sure whether or not it was a good idea to say anything to her. Not that I didn't trust her because I did. I didn't trust whoever it was that was spreading rumors about what happened.
     
    “No. You know when you told me about what you'd heard, I don't remember you mentioning who you heard that from. Who was it?” I asked.
     
    “Why do I get the feeling you're hiding something from me?” Margie had the remarkable ability to read me. Was I that easy to read? I didn't think so, but maybe I was wrong.
     
    “No, no secrets. I guess I'm still in shock about the whole thing.” I said, before redirecting the conversation back to my question. “Who did you say told you that story about what happened?”
     
    Margie slowed down her pace. “I don't remember. I think it must have been Ruby or maybe it was the mailman. Sorry, but is that what happened?”
     
    The truth was, I had no idea, not even an inkling of what could have happened. One minute, I'm exchanging words with him and the next, I'm lying down in my bedroom, practicing deep breathing to calm myself down after running into the slimy little man.
     
    “I can't say. I mean, I wasn't there. I arrived shortly before the police did.” I explained.
     
    “Did Ruby see it? Poor girl. She must be so broken up about the whole thing. I can't imagine what it must have been like to find him like that.” Margie put her hand to her heart.
     
    “Are you okay?” I asked, concerned that the run may have been too much for her.
     
    “I'm fine.” She giggled shyly. “I was just thinking about your angry, old friend. I really got him going, didn't I?”
     
    I laughed with her. She was right. Knowing Nubbin, he wasn't going to let me ever forget that Margie had challenged him.
     
    “I think, he'll live. He's harmless. He likes to fuss, but he's a good man. In fact, I told him several times that I couldn't wait for the two of you to meet. I thought you'd hit it off.” I said, noticing her face blush slightly.
     
    “Hit it off? If you're going to fix me up with one of your leftovers, you'd have better luck with that handsome sheriff friend of yours.” Margie nudged me with her elbow. “So, have you made room in your house for him yet?”
     
    What was she implying?
     
    “No, Charlie's not going to live with me. I wouldn't do that.” I could feel sweat forming on the back of my neck and I knew it had nothing to do with our little jaunt. “Charlie's here for two weeks while he looks for a place to live. He's staying with Hank and Ruby. Nubbin is staying with me since Tina and Noah are gone.”
     
    “You're blushing. You better watch out or you'll stay that color.” Margie teased.
     
    “Does Charlie plan on living here in Lake Villa?