Whispering Walls & Murder Read online

  “There were a lot of clues we all dropped,” Mike admitted. “There was just so much going on.”

  “Which is why,” Gramps said, “I’m proposing at the next city council meeting that the town of Traveler’s Bay hire another police officer and another detective. There’s funding for us to do that. It’s silly for us to expect you boys to work at the pace you do. I’m disappointed Mayor Fillmore never suggested it.”

  “Thank you, sir,” Mike said. “I know it’ll be a big help to us.”

  Gramps’ cell buzzed. He glanced down and smiled. “And I have one more announcement that might be a help to at least two young ladies sitting at this table.”

  Gramps stood and hurried to the side gate, Duke close on his heels. I was surprised to see Major Hopkins standing on the other side of the gate…and even more surprised when he handed something to Gramps. I couldn’t make out what it was because Gramps was in the way. The two men shook hands, and Hopkins turned to leave.

  Whatever Gramps had, Duke was ecstatic over.

  Ruff! Ruff! Ruff! Ruff!

  “Yes, Duke,” Gramps soothed. “I know he’s yours.”

  Jax and I jumped from the table, squealing and running to Gramps. In his arms was a wriggling baby bulldog.

  “What’s going on?” I demanded. “Who is this?’

  “This little guy,” Gramps said proudly, “is your new watchdog.”

  “What? How?” Jax asked.

  Gramps smiled down at Duke. “This is actually one of Duke’s boys. I never said anything, but back in June after your first near-death experience, I talked with Hopkins about mating one of his female bulldogs with Duke. We bred them, took two months for the gestation and delivery, and now eight weeks later, we have this little guy.”

  I reached out and snatched the white and tan wrinkled bundle from Gramps. Grunting at his weight, I lifted him up so Jax could snuggle him too.

  “What’ll you name him?” Mike asked.

  I glanced over my shoulder and saw the whole family standing around us. I glanced at Jax…and she gave me a knowing smile.

  “McLintock!” we both said.

  “Mac for short,” I added.

  “Yeah,” Jax said, nuzzling her face in the puppy’s wrinkled neck. “Mac for short.”

  Ruff! Ruff!

  “See,” I said, “even Duke approves.”

  ****************************

  Have you read the hilarious adventures of Ryli Sinclair and Aunt Shirley? Book 1 is Picture Perfect Murder! https://www.amazon.com/Picture-Perfect-Murder-Sinclair-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0182D2UL8/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=jenna+st.+james&qid=1587863413&sr=8-6

  How about a seaside mystery? My stepdaughter and I write a mystery where high school seniors pair up with their grandma and great-aunt! Book one, Seaside & Homicide: https://www.amazon.com/Seaside-Homicide-Copper-Cove-Book-ebook/dp/B07QM1G15Z/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=jenna+st.+james&qid=1587863553&sr=8-2

  RECIPES

  *Due to mandatory government quarantine from COVID-19, my baking supplies at the house are limited. I did manage to throw together this recipe from ingredients I had at the house. The pumpkin bar recipe is one my dad and sister have used for years, and I just played around with the frosting AND the drink that follows. I have to say, even though we are limited right now in what we can buy at the stores, I’m really proud of this concoction!

  Pumpkin Bars with Amaretto Frosting

  Bar Ingredients

  2 cups flour

  1 cup sugar

  ¼ tsp pumpkin spice

  1/8 ground clove

  1 tsp cinnamon

  ½ tsp salt

  1 tsp baking powder

  ½ tsp baking soda

  15 oz can pumpkin

  2 eggs

  ½ cup oil

  1 tbsp vanilla OR 1 tbsp Amaretto

  Frosting

  8 oz cream cheese

  ½ cup softened butter

  5 TBSP Amaretto

  2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

  Preheat oven to 350. Butter or Pam a 9x9 pan. In a large bowl whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin spice, ground clove, and cinnamon.

  In another bowl on low speed, combine eggs, oil, pumpkin, and vanilla and/or Amaretto. Mix until blended.

  Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until combined.

  Pour into the pan and bake for 30 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

  Let cool.

  Mix the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Then add in the Amaretto and powdered sugar until you have the consistency you want.

  Drink

  2 oz Amaretto

  1 oz Salted Caramel Irish cream

  1 oz coffee liqueur

  Splash of cream

  Fill small glass with ice, add ingredients, and stir.

  About the Author

  Jenna writes in the genres of cozy/paranormal cozy/ romantic comedy. Her humorous characters and stories revolve around over-the-top family members, creative murders, and there's always a positive element of the military in her stories. Jenna currently lives in Missouri with her fiancé, step-daughter, Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever dog, Brownie, and her tuxedo-cat, Whiskey. She is a former court reporter turned educator turned full-time writer. She has a Master’s degree in Special Education, and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She also spent twelve years in full-time ministry.

  When she’s not writing, Jenna likes to attend beer and wine tastings, go antiquing, visit craft festivals, and spend time with her family and friends. Check out her website at http://www.jennastjames.com/. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up with the latest releases! You can also friend request her on Facebook at jennastjamesauthor/ or catch her on Instagram at authorjennastjames.