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Chapter One

Whoooo…. Whooooo…. WHOOOOO!

Ghostly wailings seemed to issue from the blackened rafters of the Crow’s Nest bookshop.

“What the hell is that noise?” Pirate Cove’s Police Chief Jack Carson stared ceilingward, his blue-green eyes wide with alarm.

Ellery Page, mystery bookshop owner and Jack’s boyfriend, took his oat-milk-laced coffee from Jack’s unresisting hand. He said glumly, “The building is haunted.”

“Since when?”

“Since the Sing the Plank organizers announced there’ll be an amateur talent stage at the festival.”

“Ah.”

They listened in silence for a moment to the muffledtwangof a banjo andplinkof a…ukulele?

WHOOOOO… Whoooo…. Whooooo….

“Despite evidence to the contrary, the only souls suffering the torments of the damned are yours and mine.”

Jack grinned, sipped his coffee. “Is this going on during business hours?”

Ellery nearly choked on his coffee. “Don’t even joke!”

“Sorry. Have either of them ever performed before an audience?”

“It seems so. Kingston and his late wife were active in their local folk music club, and Nora used to perform regularly at Pirate Cove’s Traditional Music Society.”

Jack’s brows rose. “I didn’t know we had a Traditional Music Society.”

“We don’t. Not anymore. I have my suspicions.”

Jack chuckled, started to speak, but was interrupted by Watson, Ellery’s black spaniel-mix puppy, who dropped his squeaky toy and began to howl.

Aaah-oooooooh… Ow… Ow… Ow… Aaah-oooooooh…

Ellery sighed. “Right. That started yesterday. I’m not sure if he’s protesting or auditioning.” He called to the puppy, “It’s okay, buddy. It’s almost over.”

“Speaking of almost over.” Jack’s tone was regretful. “I’ve got to get down to the station.”

“Coward.”

Jack shook his head, leaned across the sales counter, and kissed Ellery lightly. “I came for the drinks, not the band.”

Ellery laughed.

Jack headed for the door, bending to tap Watson’s upturned nose with his finger. Watson cut off his serenade mid-note, looking ever so slightly sheepish. “Working late tonight?” Jack asked Ellery.

Ellery nodded.

“Are you staying at my place or heading out to Captain’s Seat?”

“Your place if that’s okay.”

“Best news of the day.” Jack winked and went out.

The brass bell on the front door swayed, chiming a fond farewell.