Page 14 of Macaron Massacre
“I’m sorry. I was just cooling off for a moment. I must have forgotten I was holding it. I’m thirsty and need a break.”
Cormack chokes as she wags her weapon in my direction. “Did you learn nothing from that—”
Noah practically throws himself over her in an effort to deweaponize the ditz. Not that I proved to be any better. But still. Cormack is dangerous enough when left to her own devices. The last thing anyone needs is a fully armed Featherby.
“Sheesh.” Cormack tosses her hands in the air. “I’m with Leda. A little water break, anyone?”
Noah leads us to a set of picnic tables and quickly furnishes us each with a bottle of cold water.
I down half of it without stopping. “Wow”—I gasp for air—“that was refreshing. Thank you. We should be having a picnic at Honey Lake with our toes in the water—not at some shooting range collecting bruises while spending bullets,” I say as I rub my arm. “It’s actually my entire body that hurts. It’s safe to say I’ll be soaking in the tub for hours tonight.”
“I’ll run the bath.” Everett’s lips curl at the tips with devious intent. I’d reprimand him, but in all likelihood it will be his tub I’ll be indulging in. You can’t blame me. Everett’s tub is a swimming pool compared to the thimble in my rental.
Noah growls over at Everett. “Let’s talk about the case. Who do you think killed Rich Dallas?” He directs the question my way, and I quickly shake my head.
“Nope. I’m stepping out of this one. I have no interest whatsoever in solving this murder. It can grow cold, old, and moldy for all I care.”
Everett leans in. “And it will if you leave it to the Ashford Sheriff’s Department. I was afraid this would happen.”
“What do you mean?” Noah looks baffled by the entire conversation. “Lottie, why on earth wouldn’t you want to help clear your mother’s name? She and Mayor Nash are the prime suspects.”
“I know.” I cringe at the thought of my mother having to go through heck and high water once again because of Rich Dallas. I caught the news this morning, and they’re already expertly pinning Mayor Nash and his alleged “girlfriend” with the crime. “But I’m sure after a thorough investigation, you’ll find her innocent of all charges.” I shrug it off as best I can.
Noah looks to Everett. “Do you know what’s going on here?”
“She has a visitor.” Everett tips his head back because he happens to be speaking in code. Noah just learned of my supersensual standing a few weeks ago. I’m sure there are a ton of kinks we’ve yet to work out.
“Avisitor?” He looks from Everett to me. “Oh.” Now it’s Noah tipping his head back. “I see. Who or what?” he whispers while Cormack busies herself by taking countless selfies with the range to her back.
“It’s Nell Sawyer,” I whisper back. “And there’s no way on God’s green earth I’ll help track down that killer. I want that woman all to myself for as long as I can have her. This case is all yours, Detective Fox. And, unfortunately, I can’t wish you a stitch of luck.”
“You may as well close the case,” Everett quips. “We all know without Lemon you’ll spin your wheels while the killer runs free. I guess all the luck goes to the killer in this one. How is Nell, anyway?”
“Other than being dead, she’sgreat,” I beam, suddenly bubbling with the same enthusiasm I had as I sat by her side. “And she told me amazing things about my future.”
“Like what?” Noah’s eyes enlarge because I’m betting he’s hoping to be a part of that amazing future.
“Like the fact I’m going to be a mother.”
“Leilani!” Cormack shouts with glee, suddenly paying attention to our conversation. “Congratulations!” Her arms flail with jubilation. “That means you’re going to be a father, Essex. Adaddy! Can you believe it? Lord knows you’ll be the sexiest dad on that schoolyard when the time comes.” She gives Noah’s cheek a pinch. “That is, until we catch up to you. Isn’t that right, Boss Man?”
“I don’t know that Everett is the father,” I say without thinking and quickly regret the words as they stream from my mouth.
Noah’s chest expands with pride. There’s a gleam in his eyes that lets me know he wouldn’t mind taking me behind the woodshed we’re seated next to and make that baby right now.
“That’s right.” He beats his vest with his arm. “That baby is as good as mine.”
Cormack gasps. “Goodness! This is terrible. When will we know for sure?”
“We may never know,” I say it curt as I glare at Noah. “It’s up in the air for now.”
Cormack lets out an egregious groan. “This is low, Lou Ann—even for you. What a tacky way to string along two different men. And to think, Essex has pledged his love to you.”
“He hasn’t,” Noah snips.
“He has,” I’m quick to assure him, and any trace of a smile glides right off his face. “And let’s just say I was thrilled when Nell shared this news. I want a family one day. I want the minivan full of kids, the soccer practice, the juice boxes, the endless decorating of sugar cookies. I want the whole nine yards.” I swoon dreamily at the thought.
Everett wraps an arm around me. “And I’m ready to give it to you. We’ll start practicing tonight.”