Page 14 of Fish and Chip: Nine Lives One Murder
This place needs you. And maybe you need it, too. And according to the mice problem I’ve seen, it definitely needs me.
“That’s it. I accept.” I hear myself say, the words coming out before my brain has fully processed the implications of managing an entire theme park when my previous experience tops out at organizing school fundraisers—and a couple of stellar bake sales. I really can make a mean chocolate chip cookie. The secret ingredient? Maple syrup.
The Merryweathers light up like a couple of Christmas trees.
“Wonderful!” Eddie shouts with glee. “When can you start?”
“How about right now?” Edie doesn’t wait for my answer. “That group of travel writers you’ll be hosting tomorrow—the ones here for their annual Hidden Gems Conference—well, they’re quite influential. I think the welcome reception in Magical Marvels Hollow will be the perfect introduction for you as the new manager.”
“Hosting a major event on my first day?” I repeat, the reality of what I’ve just agreed to is hitting me like a theme park ride that’s definitely not up to safety code. “That’s not terrifying at all.”
“Don’t worry.” Eddie pats my hand with the confidence of a man who has clearlyneverhosted a major event on their first day. “We’ll be there to support you. And after that, it’s all yours.”
I leave the office in a daze, clutching a folder full of contracts, event details, and a set of park master keys that weighs more than Chip.
Ree and Georgie descend upon me immediately.
“Well?” Georgie demands, her carousel hat spinning with anticipation. “Are you our new carnival queen?”
“I got the job,” I confirm. “And apparently, I’m starting immediately.”
“Congratulations!” Ree squeezes my arm with genuine pride—and the ability to leave a purple mark that will last for weeks. I had a sneaking suspicion she’s been hitting the gym. “Fromfinancial advisor’s wife to theme park manager. That’s quite the career pivot.”
“And it wasn’t exactly planned,” I admit, thinking about how twenty-four hours ago my biggest concern was catching my husband with his yoga instructor.
“The best adventures never are,” Georgie says with surprising wisdom. “Speaking of adventures, it turns out there are many eligible bachelors among the park staff! I spotted a distinguished gentleman with very promising forearms by the popcorn stand who looks like he could use a little company.”
“Speaking of company,” I say, adjusting my tote as Chip shifts position, “are you ladies up for joining me at the welcome reception happening right now in Magical Marvels Hollow? Consider it moral support for my first official appearance as manager. And by the looks of it, the place is teeming with distinguished gentlemen.”
“With all those travel writers?” Ree nods approvingly. “Business professionals with expense accounts?” She shoots a wry look at her bestie. “I don’t see a single thing that can go wrong.”
“Lucky for everyone, I’m always prepared,” Georgie announces, reaching into her oversized purse and pulling out what appears to be a collapsible hat with a miniature light-up Ferris wheel that sits on top of it. She swaps it for her carousel hat like a pro. “I never leave home without a backup statement piece. If I’m lucky, I’ll dig up my good hat for tomorrow.”
I don’t dare imagine what hergoodhat might entail. But my guess is pyrotechnics are somehow involved.
“Dibs on the caramel apple guy!” Georgie shouts as she charges on ahead. “And let’s hit a roller coaster or two on our way over!”
Did they say reception? As in food?Chip perks up and his whiskers twitch with anticipation.I expect funnel cakes will be present. For quality control purposes, I’ll need to sampleat least four.
Your dedication to gluttony is truly impressive,Fish mewls his way.I’ll be monitoring for health code violations. The cinnamon apple vendor’s hands looked suspiciously unwashed.
She’s not wrong. I thought the same thing.
We head back toward Magical Marvels as the afternoon sun glows over Huckleberry Hollow Wonderland.
For the first time in weeks, I feel a flicker of excitement in my chest.
A new job. A fresh start. A chance to create something magical from something forgotten. It sounds a lot like me.
Who knew my husband’s malfunctioning libido would lead me here—to a magical castle full of possibility, two opinionated cats, and a future where nothing, not even my ex-husband’s betrayal, could stop what might be coming next.
My life may have exploded like a popcorn stand left unattended, but you know what? This might be the best disaster yet.
And if it’s not? Well... it just might be murder.
CHAPTER 6
Huckleberry Hollow Wonderland Theme Park is even more enchanting as twilight approaches—like a fairy tale that downed a pumpkin spice latte, put on a flannel, and embraced its autumn era.
