The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer (A Paws and Claws Mystery Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

I’m surprised that Mark invited him to join the Apparition Apprehenders.”
    “You do know that those reality shows are fake, right? They probably did it for ratings.”
    “I wouldn’t be so sure. But it’s Felix I’m after! He’s so adorable. I just want to cuddle up with him, like a puppy! Besides, Mark has a girlfriend. You saw Mallory. He’s a local celebrity of sorts because he wrote a book about Wagtail.”
    “I thought you swore off men.”
    “Felix isn’t like my good-for-nothing ex. Casey says he’s some kind of genius.” Zelda let out a squeal. “I’m so glad you’re back.” She hugged me and did a little dance, seemingly unable to stop grinning. “Welcome home, Holly.”
    “Thanks.” I peered into my grandmother’s office behind the reception desk—our office now, I supposed. “Where
is
my grandmother?”
    “Big session to replace the mayor,” said Zelda. “The village elders are meeting to appoint an interim mayor until they can hold an election. She should be back anytime now.”
    “Did you get everyone else checked in okay?”
    “No problems, but I
was
a little spooked by that ghost. I’m glad Casey’s working here tonight, and not me.”
    “You’re a psychic and ghosts scare you?” I couldn’t help giggling.
    She tossed back her long blonde hair and pumped her fist on a well-rounded hip. “I’m not a people psychic. It’s just that I can communicate with animals. That’s a lot different than being able to connect with ghosts. And animals are always nice.”
    I had serious doubts about her abilities, but Zelda was a wonderful person, full of life and kindness. I would never want to hurt her feelings. She did get a few things right, like Mrs. Mewer’s fear of the vultures. Of course, any observant person might have noticed that. Still, I asked, “You’ve never encountered a growling dog or an angry cat?”
    “Well, sure. But those are their defense mechanisms. Most of the time
they’re
the ones who are afraid. Either people have treated them badly in the past or something has upset them. Animals don’t usually
want
to harm anyone. It’s people who will hurt you.”
    The sliding doors opened again, but this time my lovely grandmother marched through them. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold like red apples. She raised her arms for a hug. “Holly! I apologize for leaving you alone so soon.” She hugged me and patted Trixie. “It could not be helped.” Oma hated that she still spoke with a German accent after fifty years in America. She tossed her short sassy hair in an exaggerated manner. “You are looking at the interim mayor of Wagtail!”
    More hugs ensued, from Zelda, and Trixie and Gingersnap, too. Casey returned just in time to hear the good news.
    “Congratulations, Oma!” I said. “I had no idea you were interested in being mayor. I thought you intended to take a long cruise.”
    “A mayor can take a vacation, no? While I am gone, you will handle anything that comes up.”
    I was pretty sure that there were no rules of familial succession when it came to governing, but I figured we’d take that up when the time came. After all, she was only an interim mayor, and I had a hunch that while she liked the idea of a cruise, it might be difficult to talk her into actually leaving Wagtail, even for a few weeks. The woman was as stubborn as I was.
    “You are settled in, Holly?” she asked.
    “I wouldn’t exactly call it
settled
. But now that I’m here, I can take my time unpacking. I think a few pieces of furniture will have to go across the hall into the storage attic. Is that okay?”
    “Yes, of course.” She gazed at Trixie. “I cannot get over the change in Trixie.”
    “You mean her fur?” I asked.
    “It is so soft now. And almost white!”
    I knew just what she meant. When Trixie adopted me, she had been abandoned and living outdoors, eating what she could scavenge. Her fur had been yellowish and harsh to the touch. I thought her fur was