Free A Story to Kill by Lynn Cahoon

where he was killed.”
    She patted Cat’s arm. “Now don’t you worry about Tom passing here. My husband was very good at making friends, but for some reason he was better at making enemies. I guess he knew what he wanted and went for it. Some people just can’t understand that type of dedication.” Linda Cook stepped around them and toward the staircase. “Honestly, I’m surprised someone didn’t kill him sooner.”
    Cat and Shauna stared at the woman as she made her way up the stairway. They turned and looked at each other when they heard the door to her room open, then close. “She’s taking his death pretty philosophically, don’t you think?”
    â€œI think she’s weird,” Sara said. The girl walked into the foyer from the small alcove between the living room and the hallway. “Who says that about their husband?”
    Sara left the house through the front door, and Cat looked at Shauna who shrugged. “Maybe he’s had death threats before? Maybe she’s been expecting something to happen to him.” Maybe Linda had been hoping for her husband to pass on . She decided to take a trip down to the station to talk to her uncle.
    â€œYou have any of those chocolate chip muffins left over from breakfast?” Cat aimed her friend to the kitchen.
    â€œYou’re actually hungry? It’s mid-day; you’re never hungry after lunch.” Shauna pushed the door to the kitchen open. “I could make you a sandwich or a bowl of soup.”
    â€œJust the muffins, and put several in a sack. I’m taking a treat down to Uncle Pete.” Cat grabbed her keys and wallet and stuffed them into a jacket pocket. “I’ll be back soon.”
    â€œSeeing if he knows Linda Cook is a little off her rocker?” Shauna held out the filled bag.
    Cat nodded. “I want to make sure my guests are safe. At least the ones that aren’t dead.”

Chapter 7
    â€œSorry, the chief just left.” The cheery receptionist wore an Aspen Hills official police uniform. “He was called up to the campus again. Fall semester is always a little crazy until the kids realize being away from home doesn’t mean they’re away from rules.”
    Cat held up the sack filled with muffins. “Can I leave this on his desk with a note to call me?”
    The woman waved the sack closer and took it from Cat. “I can put it on his desk.” She unfolded the top and peeked in. “Are those blueberry?”
    â€œChocolate chip. My friend made them up this morning.” Cat leaned closer to read the woman’s nametag. “You can have one if you want, Katie.”
    She pulled out the top muffin and set it on her desk. Then she peered at me. “Are you the chief ’s niece? Catherine, right?”
    Cat held out a hand. “Everyone calls me Cat.”
    â€œKatie Bowman. Your uncle talks about you all the time. He’s so happy you moved back to Aspen Hills.” Katie leaned closer. “Tell me about California. Did you meet any celebrities? Any actors?”
    â€œI thought I saw Hugh Jackman in the coffee drive-up once. The car was a sweet little roadster and the guy looked just like Hugh. I mean, it could have been someone else, but the car was way too expensive for a normal guy.” Cat nodded to the muffin. “You can try the muffin. I just ate.”
    â€œI’m saving it for my three o’clock treat. Typically, I get something out of the vending machines. I need the sugar for a pick-me-up.” Katie sighed. “Of course, then the sugar rush is gone by five and I’m dragging myself out of here. Hugh Jackman, that’s so cool.”
    â€œI think it was him, at least.” Cat leaned her arm against the high desk. “I have to tell you, meeting Tom Cook was twice as cool. Or at least it was until he was killed in one of my rooms. I mean, what’s the luck that I’d have a murder