Panic at the Pier Read online

  Panic at the Pier

  A Whodunit Pet Cozy Mystery Series Book 1

  Mel McCoy

  Copyright © 2019 by Mel McCoy

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Want to help out?

  Book Two Sneak Peek!

  About the Author

  Blurb

  Vacations always make Sarah Shores smile, and this year is no different. When summer break from her teaching job in New York starts, she and her yellow lab, Rugby, head down to Cascade Cove, Florida, where her grandpa and cousin run a pet boutique.

  Sarah is looking forward to two weeks of beachside fun, antics between Rugby and her cousin’s Persian cat, Misty, and quality time with her family while preparing the boutique for busy season. But her plans are quickly capsized…

  Soon after arriving, a mystery unfolds, starting with the washed-up body of a local landowner, a lost corgi carrying an antique locket, and a family secret that may hold the key to the puzzle. Will Sarah be able to wade through the wave of suspects in order to piece the puzzle together? And will she solve the mystery before peak season ends up being a flop?

  Join Sarah and the rest of the gang at Larry’s Pawfect Boutique in this fun Whodunit Pet Cozy Mystery Series. So, get nestled in your favorite chair, put on a pot of tea, and escape into the cozy beachside town of Cascade Cove!

  Chapter 1

  Sarah Shores was startled when she felt a tongue hit her cheek. She gripped the steering wheel of her Corolla, focusing to keep it from veering toward the sandy shoulder. Driving for nearly four hours since her last pitstop, on her way from New York City to Florida, the slobber had shocked her into alertness.

  Taking her eyes off the road for a moment, she caught the yellow lab’s head popping between her and the passenger seat. His eighty pounds of muscle and fur were hard to miss.

  “Take it easy, Rugby. We’re almost there.”

  She took the exit off the highway and saw the billboard.

  “Cascade Cove,” she said, smiling. “Glad to be back.”

  It was true; she needed this vacation from the city, from her stressful job teaching. The politics were definitely getting to her, holding her back from the teaching and nurturing she really wanted to provide to her young students. Instead, she often felt more like a caseworker fighting against the system. A couple of bad-apple superiors made the job more difficult than it needed to be.

  She shook her head, ridding her mind of those thoughts. Today was the start of her vacation and there was no use in dwelling on the stress back in the city.

  Getting closer to Cascade Cove, she felt her tension melt away. It was ironic—she’d spent her formative years wishing to be anywhere else but in that sleepy, beachside town, when she’d visited her grandparents each summer. She had dreamed of the hustle and bustle of a place that never slept. Now, deprived of sleep, she couldn’t wait to downshift into a more relaxing life, even if only for two weeks.

  Along a narrow two-lane road, Sarah made her way into town, feeling her long brown hair waving in the late-spring breeze. She inhaled, taking in the salt-water aroma that she’d missed so much.

  After a quarter-mile or so, she saw the abundance of vacation homes flanking the road—all looked currently vacant, but soon, Sarah knew the area would be a bustle of activity.

  Past the vacation homes, Sarah saw the beachgrass-topped dunes off to her left. Between them, she spotted the ocean, the waves lapping against the sand. Then she saw the start of the boardwalk that ran along the coast and parallel to the small beachside town. From the boardwalk, vacationers could easily access the many businesses that lined the main road of Cascade Cove. The main road itself was a top destination, as it featured many small shops, restaurants, and attractions.

  “We’re almost there,” Sarah said to Rugby, who was panting in the back seat.

  Overhead, a few seagulls squawked, the sound of their chatter mixing with the crashing of waves on the pristine beach. The sun warmed her skin as she approached the middle of the town, finally reaching her grandfather’s business, Larry’s Pawfect Boutique.

  “Looks exactly the same,” she said to Rugby, whose nose was pressed against the rear passenger window, fogging it up with each huff he made. In honesty, there were some differences from the last time she visited—the store’s sign showed evidence of the years past; the latex paw-prints on the glass front door were crinkled on the edges, victims of the blistering summer sun. Sarah figured this coming summer would be their last before they needed to be replaced, but then she realized she’d thought that last summer.

  Heaving a sigh of nostalgia, Sarah turned back to Rugby. “You haven’t seen the crew in a while. Let’s go, boy.”

  She got out of the car and opened the door for Rugby, who lumbered out and shook himself off. He tugged on the leash and led her along the sidewalk toward the entrance to the boutique.

  Bells jingled above her head as she entered. Rugby darted toward the checkout counter, where her grandfather, Larry, stood smiling. He was a bespectacled man with gray, curly hair. A Persian cat rushed off the counter and dodged Rugby, a moment before collision. Rugby stopped abruptly, then sauntered toward the hesitant cat, lapping it lightly along the side of its head. The cat batted Rugby’s nose, then darted away.

  “Score one for Misty,” Sarah said.

  Larry smiled. “She misses this big lug, almost as much as I missed you.”

  “Aw, Grandpa. I missed you too.”

  Larry turned toward the back of the store, where the door to his office was slightly open, and yelled out, “Emma, your cousin’s here.”

  Larry stepped out from behind the counter and hugged her. Sarah caught a whiff of his cologne, and she coughed lightly. Ending the embrace, she shook her head. “Still wearing that potent stuff?”

  “Of course,” Larry said, grasping the collar of his Hawaiian shirt and taking in the smell. He let out a long exhale. “I love it.”

  Sarah shook her head and smiled. “Grandma always used to complain about the smell. I take it she’s coming around to it?”

  “Not exactly. I’m only wearing it in full force since she’s off working the cruise line.”

  “Again?”

  “Can’t keep that woman from what she loves. She tried to get me to come along this summer, but I can’t stay away from this place. Plus, Emma would be all alone.” Turning back toward the office, Larry called out again, louder this time. “Emma, did you hear me? Come on out—your cousin’s here.”

  Not more than two seconds later, Emma came bolting out of the back office. Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree, and she was all smiles. Her blonde hair was tied up in a ponytail that bobbed around as she bounded toward Sarah.

  “Sarah!” Emma wrapped her arms around Sarah, almost knocking her off her feet. After a moment, she stepped back to eye up her cousin. “How are you? How was the drive he
re?”

  Sarah smiled back. Growing up, they were inseparable, but lately, they had grown apart. While Sarah was building her career in the inner-city public school system, Emma had stayed behind with their grandfather. He’d taken her under his wing, showing her the ropes of how to run the boutique. Perhaps she was happy to escape the cold winters and decided to stick around. Sarah could understand the appeal.

  “Long, as usual,” Sarah said, giving her cousin another hug. “It’s been forever since I’ve seen you, Em.”

  “Almost a year. You staying longer than two weeks this time?”

  Before Sarah could answer, Rugby rushed by between them, Misty hot on his tail. The yellow lab’s tongue flopped around as he raced away from his pursuer.

  “I know what Rugby needs,” Larry said, reaching into a plastic container that sat on the glass display case, with an open top that looked much like a small fish tank. He noodled around with his fingers—the sound of biscuits mingling with one another was effective at drawing Rugby back to them.

  Larry pulled a biscuit from the container and held it down in Rugby’s path. “Here, boy. Want a treat?”

  Rugby’s ears perked up at the T word, and he snatched the treat in one fell swoop, rushing away to enjoy it in privacy behind one of the display gondolas of handmade collars and leashes.

  Larry looked back at Sarah. “These are the new biscuits I wanted to tell you about.”

  “Grandpa,” Emma said before Sarah could reply, “don’t forget we need to place another order with Fudderman’s Bakery.”

  Sarah smirked. “Henry Fudderman is making dog treats now?”

  Larry stepped toward a display of boxes and pulled one from a fully-stocked shelf. “That old coot’s not just catering to people anymore. He’s testing out these new treats with us, giving us exclusive rights to sell them in the Cove. Check these out: ‘Fudderdog Treats.’ Completely organic ingredients and homemade. They come in carrot, sweet potato, or peanut butter flavors.”

  Sarah looked over and saw Rugby finishing up his treat. It was clear he’d thoroughly enjoyed Fudderman’s creation. Rugby sauntered over to a bowl of water—no doubt Misty’s water—and lapped it up voraciously.

  “So, Sarah,” Emma said. “Did you want to go get something to drink and catch up?”

  “Would love to.” Emma turned to her grandfather, expectantly. “You coming?”

  Larry grinned and regarded the dog that swept by his legs. “No, you girls go have fun. I have some work to do and dinner to make for us later. Besides, someone has to make sure these two don’t kill each other.”

  Sarah hugged her grandfather once more, and Larry gave her a few pats on the back before adding, “Just make sure you’re both back by dinner. I’m making something special for your first night back.”

  Emma and Sarah excitedly exchanged glances. Larry was known to cook like nobody’s business. Both girls said in unison, “We will,” before they strode out of the boutique.

  Walking side by side along the street, Sarah looked into the windows of some of the storefronts, most of which weren’t open yet, since the town was still technically in the latter weeks of its off-season. Soon, all of the stores would be open for business, and the little town of Cascade Cove would be a bustle of activity over the summer months.

  A light breeze picked up and she could smell the salt water on the air. On the other side of the line of businesses was the boardwalk, and beyond that, the ocean. She could hear the waves lapping up onto the shoreline and wondered if the sand would be as soft as usual, or if an abundance of shells had washed up in late spring.

  Chatting as they walked, Sarah saw Patricia’s Tea Room off to her right. A few people were outside at tables on the sidewalk side, and she wondered how crowded the boardwalk side seating was.

  “Want to go around?” Sarah asked.

  Emma nodded. “You read my mind. Let’s walk through—I want to see if Patricia is here.”

  “Isn’t she always here? She owns the place, after all.”

  “Her granddaughter helps her now. You remember her, right?”

  “Oh, yes. Nancy, isn’t it? She’s so nice.”

  “Yeah, and her grandson was working here yesterday.”

  Sarah scrunched her brow, thinking. “I don’t think I’ve met him before.”

  “You haven’t. He’s an out-of-towner. From what I heard, he doesn’t visit often. Probably works a lot. Sounds like someone I know,” Emma said with a wink.

  “Hey,” Sarah said, giving her cousin a nudge.

  Emma laughed and opened the door for Sarah, and waved for her to go in first.

  Once inside, Sarah saw a young man behind the counter. On a huge board behind him, she saw their menu of hot and cold teas. They had flavors she’d never even known existed, fruit-infused concoctions, and baked goods and finger sandwiches to complete the ensemble.

  “Hi, Danny,” Emma said to the young man behind the counter. “I’ll take the usual.”

  “The Boardwalk Banana Extravaganza,” Danny said.

  “You got it,” Emma said with a big smile.

  Sarah looked at the board. “I don’t remember the Boardwalk Banana Extravaganza.”

  Emma turned to her. “It’s semi-new and you will never forget it once you have it. Patricia came up with it last summer and it’s a huge hit.”

  “Really? What is it?”

  Danny opened his mouth, but Emma interrupted. “Okay, so they take a slice of Patricia’s homemade banana bread, you know, baked with walnuts and cinnamon swirls?”

  Sarah nodded. “Yeah, I love Patricia’s homemade banana bread.”

  Emma continued, “Okay, so they take a slice of Patricia’s already amazing banana bread and they grill it to perfection and top it with freshly sliced bananas. Then they add a dollop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream that is to die for, whipped cream, and then they drizzle a caramel sauce and top it with a sprinkle of candied walnuts.”

  Sarah’s mouth dropped.

  Danny chimed in, “Don’t think I could’ve sold it better myself. And based on your face, I think I’ll just make that two orders of the Boardwalk Banana Extravaganza.”

  Sarah nodded. “Yes, please.”

  “And would you like the cream tea?”

  “Can’t have the Banana Extravaganza without Patricia’s cream tea, now, could we?” Emma said with a chuckle.

  “I guess not. By the way,” Danny turned to Sarah, “I didn’t catch your name.”

  “Sarah.”

  Danny smiled, repeating her name back to her. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.”

  “She’s my cousin,” Emma said. “Came to visit for a couple of weeks, just like you.”

  “Ah, I see,” he said. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise,” Sarah said with a smile.

  “Well then, you can have a seat and I’ll bring your order over to you.” He made a show of getting their tea and dessert ready.

  “We’ll be on the boardwalk side,” Emma said to the young man. Danny nodded without taking his eyes off of what he was doing.

  Opening the door, Sarah saw the waves crashing down on the velvet sand. She smiled when she saw the idyllic beach she’d been excited to enjoy. It would surely calm her nerves.

  Sarah’s smile drifted from her face when she looked off in the distance. Dark, brooding clouds lingered above the horizon.

  Emma took a seat near a woman wearing a brimmed hat who was sitting alone, sipping tea.

  Still standing, Sarah caught movement to the left a long way down the beach, near the pier that ran a hundred yards or so into the ocean. The pier’s thick pillars were being ravaged by the choppy waves. There were a few men on the beach near the pier. They were wearing uniforms.

  “Police officers?” Sarah muttered. “Wonder what’s going on…”

  “Storm’s coming,” Emma said.

  “Looks like it,” Sarah said, louder this time. She kept her gaze fixed on the activity near the pier as a cool
breeze whipped past her exposed arms. Goosebumps quickly appeared, and she felt a chill as she stared, her curiosity getting the better of her.

  Chapter 2

  “Sarah?” Emma said. “Earth to Sarah.”

  The loud clatter of a cup against a saucer broke Sarah from her trance. She looked down at her cousin, feeling her heartrate pick up slightly. In her daze, she’d apparently missed the fact that their tea and dessert had been delivered to the table.

  “Try some,” Emma said, picking up her cup of tea. After taking a sip, she returned the cup to its saucer, a blissful smile on her face.

  Sarah sat down and regarded the spread of tea and the two orders of Banana Extravaganza that sat between her and her cousin. She felt the smooth side of the fine china to test the tea’s temperature. Before she could pick up her cup, she heard a voice off to her right.

  “Good afternoon, Emma,” said the woman in the brimmed hat.

  “Marigold,” Emma said, her voice emotionless.

  “Another beautiful day in the Cove,” Marigold said, her southern accent heavy. Sarah eyed the woman, envious of her loosely curled strawberry-blonde hair that waved out from the summer hat. She wore a beautiful floral dress with elegant shoes. She took a sip of her tea and gently set the cup in its saucer with no more than a barely-audible clink. Then she lifted the fine cloth napkin that had laid across her lap, and raised it to her ruby-red lips, dabbing softly. “So, who’s your friend? Have we met before?”

  “This is Sarah,” Emma said. “She’s my cousin. Lives up north, in New York City.”