Enchanted Island Mysteries : Serena & Grant Page 16
“You crazy witch!” he cried. “Are you insane?”
I cackled maniacally. “The jury is still out on that, Maxwell.”
Laughing, Shayla engaged her binder and aimed it at Maxwell as police sirens filled the air. “Looks like your boyfriend is on his way.”
I groaned. “Wonder how mad he’s going to be.”
Chapter 15
As it turned out, Grant was both furious and relieved. An odd combination for sure. I didn’t bother telling him that I was never in any real danger. Shayla wouldn’t let that happen. There was a reason why she held one of the top positions at the Paranormal Apprehension and Detention Agency.
Everyone scattered after Maxwell was taken away. Grant said he had overdue paperwork to work on, and Shayla said she’d call her partner to have someone pick Maxwell up. I had to admit, I was surprised she didn’t offer to deliver him to The Agency herself. With a kiss on my cheek, she simply said she’d meet us at Mom’s house later that night around six for the Christmas Eve dinner party. Since Tamara and I were helping Mom set up, Grant said he’d just meet me at Mom’s too.
The first dinner guest arrived at six, and yanking off my apron, I hurried to Mom’s front door. I’d put a couple curls in my usually straight chin-length bob, so I gave them a good fluff before opening the door. Mayor Stone and his wife stepped inside and handed me a bottle of wine. As I took the wine into the kitchen, Tamara passed out hors d'oeuvres. There was a steady stream of partygoers coming in for the next fifteen minutes.
Picking up my champagne flute off the counter, I entered the living room where Mayor Stone stood talking to Sheriff Hawkins, Grant, and Shayla. Mom sidled up behind me and made the announcement that dinner was almost ready if the guests wanted to top off their drink glasses.
Mayor Stone stepped forward and lifted a hand. “Can I just take one moment, Starla?”
Mom nodded. “Of course, Mayor.”
“Tonight is a night for celebration and thanks. Not only for the new season and new year we are about to embark on, but also for the time we are given to celebrate such things with family and friends. It’s also a time for reflection. And tonight we have many memories to reflect back on, and even a few blessings to announce. The first being that I just received notification through Sheriff Hawkins that Officer Hexton has officially resigned from the Enchanted Island Sheriff’s Department. He has decided to stay in Connecticut with his mother as she recovers from her stroke.”
“Oh no!” Mom said. “The department is already stretched thin as it is.”
Murmurs of surprise filled the air and Mayor Stone let them ring for a moment before clearing his throat. “But not to worry. I already have a plan in motion.” He turned to Sheriff Hawkins. “It’s your turn now.”
Sheriff Hawkins handed his drink to Mayor Stone as the guests started to again titter and murmur and guess at what Sheriff Hawkins would say. “I’ve known most of you in this room all my life. Starla, Serena, Serenity, GiGi, Mr. & Mrs. Gardener, Tamara, Mayor Stone, Shayla…all of you mean so much to me.” He stepped forward, took Mom’s glass out of her hand, and passed it to Mayor Stone. “Some of you mean the world to me.”
I heard myself gasp as Sheriff Hawkins took both of Mom’s hands in his.
“Starla, you know how much I loved and respected your husband. Heck, he was my best friend and still is, even though he’s been gone now for almost twenty-seven years. I even stood as best man at your wedding. But if I don’t say this now, I may never get the courage to say it again.” He gave Mom’s hands a squeeze. “I’ve had feelings for you for quite a few years now, Starla. I know I never voiced them, but I didn’t want to risk rejection. I’m making quite a few changes in my life in the next month, and I’d like you and Serena to be one of those changes.” He pulled my shocked mother toward him. “Starla Spellburn, will you do me the honor of going out on a date with me?”
My eyes whipped to my mom. A flush crept up her neck and settled prettily in her cheeks. “Sheriff Hawkins, I’d like nothing more.”
Whoops and whistles filled the air as Sheriff Hawkins leaned down and kissed Mom’s cheek.
“About damn time,” GiGi muttered before knocking back her drink.
Sheriff Hawkins raised his hand in the air. “And now I have one more major announcement to make.”
“Now what?” Aunt Serenity mused. “My heart can’t take much more!”
Sheriff Hawkins chuckled. “I’ve decided to hang up my badge. I’ll be retiring at the end of this month.”
The whoops and whistles that had filled the air just moments before now turned into gasps of shock and dismay.
Mayor Stone stepped forward and slapped Sheriff Hawkins on the back. “Don’t worry. I already have a solution in mind. Sheriff Hawkins has been discussing his retirement with me for a couple weeks now, and it just so happens I know a sheriff who is currently looking for a position. He has been wanting to relocate to Enchanted Island for a while now, but the timing was never right. It is now. When I told this other sheriff about the position open here on Enchanted Island, he resigned his current position and will be ready to start here at the first of the year.”
“Who is it?” Mrs. Gardener asked.
“My nephew,” Mayor Stone said proudly. “He’s been living in the Pacific Northwest for the last—well, a long time. He’s always been in law enforcement.” Mayor Stone puffed up his chest. “He’s a gargoyle after all, and we are fiercely protective. He has an exemplary record, and he’s excited to start.”
Aunt Serenity lifted her glass in the air. “Then I guess we have much to celebrate tonight. I—”
“Wait.” Every eye turned to Shayla, and Aunt Serenity lowered her flute of champagne. “I have an announcement too.”
“Please don’t tell me you’re leaving after dinner,” Aunt Serenity pleaded.
Shayla smiled. “No. In fact, just the opposite. I’ve spent all afternoon on the phone with my commander.” She took a deep breath. “I have officially resigned from my position with the Paranormal Apprehension and Detention Agency.” She turned to Aunt Serenity. “I’d like to come back to Enchanted Island and live.”
Aunt Serenity yelped and threw herself at Shayla, hugging her fiercely. “Are you serious? You’re sure? But what—I mean, what job will you do? Mayor Stone already hired a new sheriff.”
Shayla smiled. “I want to step back from law enforcement and apprehension for a while. I think I’m burned out.”
“But what will you do?” I asked. “I mean, you could always help us out at the bakery.”
“Yeah,” Tamara agreed. “It would be fun to have you with us every day.”
“Thank you, girls,” Shayla said. “But I already have another job in mind.”
“What?” Aunt Serenity asked.
Mayor Stone cleared his throat. “There’s been a job opening on Enchanted Island now for—oh, many years. Until Shayla, we’ve never had anyone qualified to fill it.”
“What is it?” I asked.
Shayla smiled. “I’m going to be the new wildlife, fish, and forest officer for Enchanted Island.”
“The what?” I asked.
“Simply put,” Shayla said, “you’re looking at the island’s new game warden.”
***************
Want to continue reading with Shayla’s story? Grab the first book, Deadly Claws, here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VL4T46H
Do you love the idea of a time-traveling, cold-case solving witch? Then Lexi and her side-kick detective familiar, Rex the Rat, are just what you’re looking for! Check out their first stop to 1988 in Time After Time https://www.amazon.com/Time-After-Witch-Book-ebook/dp/B07MHBD6B4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1608255390&sr=1-1-80ba0e26-a1cd-4e7b-87a0-a2ffae3a273c
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-
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Love the idea of a bookstore/bar set in the picturesque wine country of Sonoma County? Then join Jaycee, Jax, Gramps, Tillie, and the whole gang as they solve murders while slinging suds and chasing bad guys in this hilarious series. https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Vine-Sullivan-Sisters-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01KECDAOQ/ref=sr_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=jenna+st.+james&qid=1594531354&sr=8-13
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
Or maybe you’re in the mood for a romantic comedy…heavy on comedy and light on sweet romance? Then the Trinity Falls series is for you! https://www.amazon.com/Blazing-Trouble-Trinity-Falls-Book-ebook/dp/B07WFX2L1C/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
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.