Page 17 of Fatal Fall Foliage Cruise (Cruising Through Midlife: Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries #10)

CHAPTER 17

H attie’s eyes gleam as if she just caught a big fish, and ironically, it’s me on the hook.

“I know all about your transmundane abilities,” she says. “And unless you want to find yourself locked in a government lab by midnight, you’re going to start talking.”

My heart leaps into my throat as I blink at her. “Pardon?”

“You heard me.” She gives me a wicked smile before calling out to the other women to go on ahead and lets them know that we’re staying behind to do a little brainstorming on the investigation.

Hattie leads me to the bar and we pick up two hot apple ciders, on the house, or on her, I’m not sure which, and then I follow her to the corner next to the window.

We snag a sofa next to the roaring fireplace as the heat from the flames crackles away.

I narrow my eyes on the woman, not in the mood for whatever game she’s playing.

“Okay, who spilled the beans?”

Hattie waggles her brows, looking far too pleased with herself. “ You did.”

My eyes widen. “Excuse me?”

She gives an enthusiastic nod. “Turns out, I’m transmundane, too.” She leans in. “I’m telesensual. I can read minds. ”

“ What ?” I squawk so loud half the room turns our way briefly just as a cute little beige cat runs up and curls itself into her arms, followed by the cutest little golden retriever puppy you ever did see. “These are my sweet fur babies,” she says, picking up the cat and giving the dog a quick pat. “This feline cutie pie is Cricket, and this little drool-worthy sweetheart is Rookie. My boyfriend Killion thinks we share custody of him, but this sweet boy is mine through and through,” she laughs as she says it.

“ Aww ,” I say, giving them both a hearty scratch. “Aren’t you the luckiest one of them all?”

“Even luckier, because not only can I read the human mind, I can read the minds of animals, too.”

My mouth falls open. “Wow, I didn’t even know that was a thing. I mean, I still have so much to learn about the transmundane. I did meet a baker in Vermont who shares my quirk. She can see the dead, too.”

“Lottie Lemon?” Hattie inches back. “She’s a good friend of my cousin, Bizzy Baker Wilder. Bizzy runs an inn down in Cider Cove.”

“Small world.” I laugh. “For a second, I thought you were serious about that whole government lab thing. You almost gave me a heart attack!”

“I’d be the last to feed you to the feds. Although…” She shrugs as she leans in once again. “My boyfriend Killion did some digging on you last night after I told him all about the bodies you’ve found. He says your fiancé is a true-blue fed, retired FBI.” She wrinkles her nose. “Does he know?”

“About my supernatural quirk?” I tip my head. “Yes. He found out recently, and thankfully, he’s taking it in stride—or as best he can.” I eye her curiously. “Does Killion know about yours? I’d imagine mind reading is a tough one, especially in a relationship.”

She gives a single nod as her lips pull into a rueful smile. “Oh, it’s a doozy. He found out fairly recently, too, and even though he wasn’t all that thrilled in the beginning, let’s just say he’s found a way to make it work to his advantage.”

“I bet he has,” I say, and we share another laugh, this time far more huskier.

I shake my head at her. “I can only imagine how fast you can track down a killer just by being able to listen in on their thoughts!” I can’t help but marvel at this. “If I could somehow trade seeing a ghost or two for prying into people’s gray matter, I’d do so in a heartbeat. Most likely regrettably, but still. I bet that makes catching the killer a snap.”

“One would imagine, but you’d be surprised. It’s not the gold mine you’d think it was. Shockingly, killers don’t run around admitting their guilt or even showing an ounce of remorse most of the time. In fact, I’ve stumbled into more red herrings that way. What about you? I’m sure having a ghost that was once close to the deceased helps invaluably.”

I make a face. “Some of the ghosts are more trouble than they’re worth, but in the end, every last supernatural one of them has helped me land the killer, so there’s that.”

“So, who’s the ghost this time? I think I heard you mention it.” She leans in hard and both Cricket and Rookie whimper in unison.

“Aww, come here,” I say, scooping up Rookie into my lap and he licks my face silly. I can’t help but laugh before sobering up and leaning close to Hattie. “You’ll never believe it, but it’s Merritt Garrett herself.”

“ What ?” she squawks.

I nod. “That’s exactly what I said. Anyway, we haven’t really started our investigation just yet, but I suppose that’s what tomorrow will bring.”

“If you need to brainstorm about anything, I’m your girl.”

“Thank you.” I inspect her for a moment. “So how many people know? About your abilities, I mean?”

Hattie thinks for a moment, her fingers drumming on her chin. “Not many. Just my closest friends, some family—the ones I trust not to go all torches and pitchforks on me. You?”

“Only a few friends on the ship, Lottie and a few of her friends, and now you,” I admit. “It’s not exactly something I’d put in the wedding announcement.”

She chuckles. “Fair enough. And, hey, speaking of keeping secrets, I just wanted to tell you, I know for a fact Neelie is innocent.” She tilts her head. “I’ve tested her—so to speak.” She gives me a knowing look. “Her internal dialogue—her thoughts—they confirmed what she’s been saying. She didn’t kill Merritt. Although I don’t expect you to take my word for it completely.”

An odd sense of relief washes over me. “Neelie’s not even at the top of my suspect list… even though she probably should be. There’s something about her that just doesn’t scream cold-blooded murderer.’”

“I’m relieved to hear it.” Hattie raises a brow. “So, what’s your next move?”

I take a deep breath, glancing at the fire as I gather my thoughts. “I’ve got three people I can speak to—people who might help crack the case, or at least shed a little light in the right direction. Two women who worked with Merritt and a gentleman friend we had in common. I’m hoping one of them—or maybe all three—might know something that’ll point me where I need to go.”

“Sounds like a plan. Mind if we exchange numbers?”

“I’d love it,” I say, and we quickly do just that.

“Perfect,” she says, tucking her phone back into her purse. “If you need backup—or if I can help in any way—just let me know. We transmundane need to stick together.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” I say and we share a laugh.

We stand, and the warmth from the fire seems to carry with us as we make our way out of the Cottage Grill and join the others outside as they finish up hitting those buckets of balls. Soon, we’re all reunited and heading to the beach—Neelie and Hattie included.

The salty breeze fills my lungs as we step onto the soft familiar sand with the waves rolling in and out like an old friend happy to see me. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a golden glow over Brambleberry Bay.

We chat about life—our favorite spots, our routines, the things that make this little slice of Maine feel like home.

Soon enough, it’s time to say goodbye and hugs are exchanged all around.

“It’s been so nice seeing you all,” Abbey says, hugging me tightly as we prepare to head back to the ship.

“I’ll see you in New York, kiddo,” I say, my voice catching just a little. “Can’t wait to have you there for the big day. ”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she says with a grin before hugging Ransom as well. “Parker, Emerson, and I are planning an epic road trip to get there. It’s going to be a blast. Oh, and Owen, Carter, and Kelsey will be joining us as well.”

“Have it be a safe blast,” Ransom says and we laugh as we all pile into our cars and wave as we pull away.

On the drive back to Portland, I decide not to incite any more talk of the investigation. I’ll tell them about Merritt Garrett’s ghost another time. I just want to exist in this moment with my friends and soak in the afterglow of a beautiful day.

Wes takes the scenic route, and we get in some leaf-peeping in Maine after all. We take it all in—the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the fall foliage painting the landscape in brilliant hues.

It’s moments like these—simple, beautiful moments—that remind me why I love my family, my fiancé, my friends, and why I love to paint, too. As fall shows its true colors, I feel as if it forces the rest of us to look inward and do the same. Even if that truth means dealing with ghosts and killers.

And speaking of killers, the truth is out there, waiting to be discovered—and with Merritt’s ghost on my side and a newfound ally in Hattie, I’m ready to hunt the killer down, one clue at a time.

Ransom turns my way and lifts a brow as if he heard.

Thankfully, Ransom Baxter is no mind reader.

He tips his head at me as if he knows exactly what my investigative intentions are.

“Let me in on this one, would you?” he says, landing an arm around my shoulders.

“There’s not a part of my life I’m going to deny you,” I tease. “We’ve got a case to solve before this wedding.”

He nods. “And solve it we will.”

We .

I can get used to this.

We share a steamy kiss that I can get used to as well.

“Get a room,” Nettie shouts from the back.

And soon enough, we will.