Page 192 of Will Bark for Pizza
It was still strange having Beckett’s sister in town, but also nice. She warmed up to me more quickly than I thought possible, considering how distrustful she was with me upon first meeting. Though this newfound friendship might be courtesy of my dog. Husker loved the twins. Especially when they dropped food or sneak-fed him snacks.
“Do you want to join us?” I offered, motioning to the table.
“I’d love to, though I have to admit, I haven’t read the book yet.”
“Technically it’s not out until next week,” I said. “But I can get you an advance copy if you’d like.”
“That would be lovely, dear.”
Dear? Did Pauline just call medear?
“I actually have some news,” she announced, “about Margene Miller.”
The chattering at the community table turned to a low hum as several sets of eyes looked at Pauline expectantly.
“Did you say Margene Miller?” Thelma asked. “Or Satan’s mistress? They sound a little similar.”
“She’s been apprehended.”
The group went dead silent, no doubt from shock or fear of having misunderstood what Pauline said. Though we still regularly cursed Margene’s name, we’d given up on actually finding her and bringing her to justice.
“In Cozumel,” Pauline added.
“I knew it!” Dylann said. “She talked about Cozumel all the damn time.”
“What happens now?” Carlos asked, adjusting his purple-rimmed glasses.
“She’s sitting in a jail cell waiting for a court date,” Pauline said.
“Did you hire a PI?” Beckett asked her, looking as surprised as I felt.
“Better. A bounty hunter.”
“You know a bounty hunter!” Lotti cooed, pulling out a chair. “Do tell!”
Pauline focused on me, making me feel both naked and loved at the same time. It was a very confusing feeling.
“There’s nothing I hate more than a spineless cheat. You tell your father I have a fantastic lawyer on standby.”
“Wow, I don’t know what to say.”
“Thank youis fine,” Pauline said.
Tears welled in the corners of my eyesand I threw my arms around Pauline before she could escape me. I think I startled the woman, but so be it.
“Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“You’re family now,” she said.
“Family?” A tear trickled down my cheek, emotion swelling inside me.
“I don’t say that lightly. So don’t fuck it up and get on my bad side.”
I let out a laugh, but I knew how serious she was.
“Now, who’s pouring me a margarita?” Pauline asked, turning to the table.
“Me!” Dylann volunteered. “And we want to hear all about how this handsome bounty hunter captured the devil incarnate.”
