A Frightening Fangs-giving

ahead and her cape sails behind her like a kite. “Stop, thief!” she calls out, and I immediately regret anything and everything that’s about to happen.
Georgie tosses herself and the kittens into the path of the tractor pulling a flatbed loaded with guests—all looking to have a good time no doubt—and the entire apparatus comes to an abrupt halt, nearly tossing off a half a dozen people.
“Whoa!” The driver takes off his ball cap and waves it at her in an aggressive manner. “Are you nuts, lady?”
Georgie moans. “You picked a fine time to flirt with me, mister. Catch me on the flipside.”
A kind gentleman helps hoist Georgie and me onboard—pets included—and before we know it, we’re seated on either side of Macy and Ember’s ex like a pair of psychotic bookends.
“Smooth.” Macy nods as the tractor starts up again and the hayride moves along. “Hunter, this is my sister, Bizzy, and her menagerie. Ignore the homeless woman shivering under a blanket. She’s a white witch who has the capability to steal your soul if you look directly into her eyes. Many a good people have suffered because of her. And try not to judge their attire too harshly. The white witch is trying to start up a crooked quilt coven.”
“Wonky quilt coven,” Georgie corrects. “And I’m more into starting a girl gang. I’ll be the leader, of course. Macy, you can bring in the cute guys, and, Bizzy, you can stand guard at the door.” She leans toward my sister. “We’ll have fun on the inside while she plays the part of the lookout.”
Macy nods. “That was my childhood in a nutshell.”
Hunter bucks with a laugh. “Nice to meet you both.” He gives Sherlock a quick pat on the head. “I used to have a dog just like you. Best friend I ever had.” I would still have him, too, if Ember didn’t swear she was allergic to the poor guy. I still can’t believe I chose her over the dog. I’d give anything to have him back. Her, not so much.
“Nice to meet you,” I say just as Fish pokes her head out at him.
It’s the killer! Fish yowls. And we’re stuck on this contraption with him. Quick, toss the kittens at him so they can claw his eyes out before he slaughters us all. We haven’t even tried the turkey, Bizzy. Don’t let him ruin our night.
He leans in and squints over at Fish. “My, what a cute baby you have there.” He chuckles as he gives her a quick scratch between the ears, and I can’t help but like him. He seems nice enough. He’s handsome enough, too, with smooth skin and bright amber-colored eyes. Marigold mentioned he was a pharmacist. Maybe he’s a good match for my sister after all? With the exception of that little killer detail. Leave it to Macy to winnow out the hottie with murderous intentions.
“Thank you,” I tell him. “I think they’re both keepers.” A thought comes to me. “In fact”—I motion for Georgie to hand over the kittens, and soon I’m juggling them as well—“I stumbled upon these little cuties in the back alley of that new shop in town, Suds and Illuminations?”
His eyes grow wide. “Small world.” He flicks his fingers as if asking if he could hold one, and I let him take the one in my left hand.
I’m in the arms of a killer! The tiny thing swats her paws at him full steam ahead. I’m going to die! I’m going to claw his eyes out, and then I’m going to run screaming, all the way home! Her entire body squirms and fidgets.
“Hey there, little one.” Hunter pulls her in and strokes her until she’s purring with her eyes closed.
So much for having an attack cat on my hands. But truthfully, I like this version better.
A sharp mewl comes from the kitten I’m still holding. I want some of that, too, Bizzy, she yelps as she struggles to make her way over.
“Traitor,” I tease as I hand her to Hunter, and soon they’re both fast asleep in his arms.
Georgie coos, “This one is a keeper, Macy. He’s a cat whisperer. Men like that don’t come around too often. I wouldn’t let him go if I were you.” She leans toward Hunter. “If you get sick of this one, you come looking for me, hot stuff. I’ve got a bottle cap collection in my bedroom, you wouldn’t believe. You bring the boozy, I’ll be your floozy.”
“And on that note”—Macy smacks her hand over Georgie’s knee—“Hunter, why don’t you tell us where you were on the night Ember Sweet was murdered? I don’t see why we don’t just cut to the chase.” She glares my way. “You’ve already murdered my date.”
I sink a little in my seat, but before I can plow through my brain in hopes to figure out a way to rectify this, Georgie moans and groans.
“Way to ruin the investigation.” Georgie gives my sister a rather aggressive elbow check and nearly knocks her right off of this hostile hayride.
And now it’s me moaning and groaning. Right about now, I’d like to send the both of them flying into the nearest pasture.
Sherlock whimpers, I’m sorry, Bizzy. Maybe Georgie can give him some bacon? Bacon always makes me forget about anything else going on around me.
He’s not wrong.
Hunter’s brows knit together as he looks my way.
“You must be talking about the investigation involving that murder. I knew the deceased. We dated for a time.” Worst year of my life.
“I’m sorry for your loss.” I offer a mournful smile, but mostly I’m mourning the last few minutes. “Macy tells me that Ember wasn’t all that easy to get along with.”
He gives a wistful shake of the head. “I would tend to agree with that.” And that’s the understatement of the year. “She certainly had a way about her. I’m not sure it was entirely her fault. Ember was given whatever she wanted from the moment she came into