Book 8 in the 9 Lives Cozy Mystery Series
Developer Murdered In Show Home, Lover Arrested: Christy Jamieson searches for the real killer in Listen to the Cat!, a cozy mystery from Louise Clark.
–Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada–
When renowned property developer Clayton Green is murdered, Quinn’s cousin, Jodie, becomes the prime suspect. Convinced of her innocence, Christy and Quinn set out to find the real killer among Vancouver’s professional elite.
Evidence points them to a consortium of international investors. The sleuthing duo quickly discover evidence of conflict both personal and professional. Is one of those professionals capable of killing?
With a lengthy list of suspects, it’s going to take a special cat to flush out the killer before it’s too late for cousin Jodie.
“These cat themed mysteries will prove to be enduringly popular . . . unreservedly recommended . . .” – Midwest Book Review
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EXCERPT
Patterson didn’t move. “I understand Jodie Webster is staying with you.”
Roy nodded.
“Is she here? I’d like to speak to her.”
Frowning, Roy said, “She’s in the kitchen, having breakfast. What’s going on?”
Probably something to do with the murder. The cat’s voice was loud in his head.
“Would you ask her to come down here, please?”
Murder? What murder? No one had told him about a murder. And how would Jodie be involved in a murder? Roy contemplated the detective. “I could, if I knew what this was about.”
Annoyance flashed in Patterson’s eyes. “It’s a private matter, Mr. Armstrong.”
Roy blinked and smiled in a fatuous way that he hoped would get under the detective’s skin. He liked Patterson, but Jodie was family, even if she was irritating family. “Come back in a couple of hours. That way Jodie will have finished her breakfast and Trevor will have arrived.”
Patterson’s jaw flexed and her mouth tightened into a hard line. “This is not a joking matter, Mr. Armstrong.”
Roy raised his brows. “I wasn’t joking, Detective Patterson.”
“Stupid cat,” said Jodie’s voice. From the direction of the sound she was in the living room and coming closer. “Uncle Roy? Why did you let this awful beast in?” Any moment now she’d be at the top of the stairs.
“Mrs. Webster, I’m Detective Patterson from the Vancouver Police department. I’d like to have a word with you.” Patterson was looking over Roy’s shoulder as she spoke. Jodie must have arrived at the top of the stairs.
Roy slowly turned and yes, there was Jodie holding the cat, who looked remarkably smug. Roy wasn’t sure why Frank had fetched her from the safety of the kitchen but he could guess. Jodie could hear the voice, but she refused to acknowledge it. The cat was annoyed with her. He figured Patterson would make her uncomfortable, and he’d be there to enjoy her unease.
“About what?” Jodie put the cat down. Stormy crouched beside her, paws tucked under his body, sphinx-like.
Patterson looked at Roy. “If you wouldn’t mind leaving us, Mr. Armstrong?”
Roy opened his mouth to say “no way.”
Might as well. We won’t find out what Patterson wants until you’re gone. Don’t worry. I’ve got this.
Roy thought about the way the cat had influenced the results of other investigations. He closed his mouth, shrugged, and went up the stairs. As he passed Jodie he poked her in the arm. “When she asks you a question say ‘no comment’ and tell her you want to see your lawyer.”
“Mr. Armstrong!”
Jodie’s eyes widened. “I don’t have a lawyer.”
“Yes, you do. I’m phoning him now.” Roy went into the kitchen to call Trevor who promised to come as soon as he could. Roy quietly returned to the living room to listen to the voices that drifted up from the front foyer.
“All right, it’s true! I had an affair with Clay. That’s why I’m here, camping out at my uncle’s, instead of home with my husband.” That was Jodie, sounding agitated, her tone strident.
Hey! Give the old man a break. He’s offered you sanctuary. Don’t diss him because you’re upset.
“I’d like you to come down to the station with me to answer some questions, Mrs. Webster,” Patterson said, apparently unaffected by Jodie’s rising emotions.
“What? No! Why?”
It’s obvious. She thinks you killed Clayton Green.
“If you’d come with me, please.”
“No!”
Roy couldn’t tell if Jodie was refusing Patterson’s request or denying the cat’s observation. Either way, he should probably intervene.
Good answer. Now say you want your lawyer and tell her to go away.
“I won’t say anything until my lawyer is with me!” Jodie sounded panicked now, as if she was teetering on the edge of a precipice and she was afraid of heights.
Roy ambled to the top of the stairs. “Trevor’s on his way. It would probably be best if you waited in your car until he arrives, detective.”
Patterson shot him a frustrated look. “Tell Mr. McCullagh to have Mrs. Webster at the station by one this afternoon.”
Roy nodded amicably. “Will do.”
Patterson shot Jodie one last searching look, before she opened the door, closing it behind her with a quiet click as she departed.
Jodie looked up at Roy, her eyes wide, her lips slightly parted as if she wanted to say something, but couldn’t quite manage it. Roy and the cat stared back.
You are in so much trouble.