Chapter 10
T he dog park buzzed with the low hum of chatter, barking, and the rhythmic squeak of tennis balls caught mid-air. Alex stood at the edge of the green, phone pressed to her ear while she gave a mighty toss of Lady’s latest ball.
"Hey, Tori. You know I’ll be home tomorrow, right?" Alex said, her tone casual as she tracked Lady’s sprint across the grass.
Back in McKenzie Ridge, Tori stood behind the counter at The Word Well Bookstore, the phone tucked between her shoulder and ear as she fiddled with a stack of bookmarks.
"We have a problem that can’t wait," Tori said, sounding less panicked and more like someone delivering bad news with a side of popcorn.
"Let me guess, another meteor hit Main Street?" Alex asked with a smirk, stepping aside as Lady bolted past her.
"Now who’s reading post-apocalyptic sci-fi?" Tori replied with a teasing lilt.
"Not me, that’s your job. So, what’s going on back home that can’t wait?" Alex asked, brushing hair from her face as she settled onto a nearby bench.
"A waterline here at the B&B broke, but I got Smitty on it before any damage could be done," Tori said with a shrug Alex could practically hear.
"Okay, not so bad," Alex replied, sounding relieved.
Tori chuckled sarcastically. "Remember that because there’s more. We also need to source new buntings for the Founder’s Day Parade."
"Okay, we have some time. Can they just ship late when they restock?" Alex asked, watching Lady zigzag around a Labrador.
"They've sort of been out of business for a while now, but still taking orders... and money," Tori said with a cringe.
"We were scammed," Alex said flatly.
"Yes, but it could be worse," Tori offered.
"How?" Alex asked suspiciously.
"I’ll get back to you on that," Tori deflected.
"I’ll try to source new buntings or something equally festive. I’ll tie balloons everywhere if I have to," Alex said, already mentally planning her crisis decor strategy.
"That’s the spirit. Keep that enthusiasm rolling," Tori encouraged.
"It gets worse, doesn’t it?" Alex asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Well, it just depends on how you look at it. See, the Founder’s Day Picnic... in the park..." Tori began carefully.
"Did cats really leverage the park?" Alex asked, only half-joking.
"What would you say if I told you the park was closed due to an insect infestation?" Tori replied.
"I’d say, call an exterminator," Alex said with a shrug.
"Well... Would you believe me if I told you we can’t call an exterminator because it’s a rare and endangered insect?" Tori asked.
"Seriously? An endangered... insect?" Alex echoed in disbelief.
"Apparently, they only migrate this far north every hundred years for mating season and skipped the last century, hence being endangered," Tori explained.
"And they chose our park to make their big comeback," Alex said, rubbing her temple.
"I mean, it is a beautiful park," Tori said with a hint of pride.
"Odd circumstances, but nothing we can’t overcome. All fixable," Alex said, her tone firm and focused.
"While we toss around ideas for all of that, how about I give you the rest of... the news?" Tori said, her voice drifting into ominous territory.
There was a pause in the conversation.
"Oh. You’re serious. There’s more..." Alex said, feeling the weight settle in.
"Serious as a detective in a mystery novel," Tori confirmed.
"Oh no. That’s definitely serious," Alex replied.
"It’s a significant plot twist," Tori added.
"You’re reading a murder mystery," Alex accused.
"It’s my love language, and this is me, lovingly telling you..." Tori started.
Alex gasped and began to pace. "Wait. Don’t say it. You’re speaking in book code — detective in a mystery novel. Alistair Wentworth?"
"If you’re referring to our local celebrity who starred in the novel adaptation of 'Murder in Moonlight Hollow,' the only movie ever filmed here, decades ago, Alistair Wentworth... then you’d be correct?" Tori said.
"Is there any other?" Alex replied dramatically.
"Dramatic effect," Tori said.
"Of course. Please tell me he’s still Grand Marshal in the parade," Alex said, hope clinging to her voice.
"I’m just going to say it. He got a better gig and ditched us," Tori confessed.
"Oh no. How am I going to find someone in just a few weeks? Someone we can actually afford, considering he volunteered," Alex said, anxiety creeping in.
"I can see if Lucy the Llama is available. She’s a local celebrity," Tori offered.
"For all the wrong reasons. She’ll spit on everyone in attendance," Alex replied.
"That’s what makes it funny. Maybe she’ll go viral again," Tori said with a giggle.
"That’s it. I’m coming home tonight," Alex declared.
She looked at her watch, eyes narrowing in calculation.
"Right now?" Tori asked.
"If I hurry, Lady and I can catch the last train up the mountain and get a jumpstart bright and early," Alex said decisively.
"Don’t you have a date tonight?" Tori asked.
"Darn. Guess I’ll have to miss it," Alex replied without a trace of regret.
"You sound heartbroken," Tori said dryly.
"PTA guy..." Alex muttered.
"Enough said. See you tonight," Tori said, ending the call with a knowing smile.
Alex disconnected, slid her phone into her back pocket, and scanned the park.
"Lady!" she called.
A woman nearby jumped, turning in surprise.
"Not you. My dog. Sorry," Alex said with an apologetic wave, then broke into a grin as Lady trotted over, oblivious to the chaos that had just been set in motion.