Dog Days Murderous Nights: Winnona Peaks Mysteries Book 1 Read Free Page A

“We were just having such a good time on the porch I thought you might want to—”
    “Championships are not won by lazing around a drafty farmhouse porch!  That J.W. is such a blow hard.” Nori stood up pushing the chair aside and strode past Christy out to J.W. who was still gently tossing the ball back and forth to Alfie and Snowy.  Mable barely gave them a nod, tucked safely in Nori’s arms.  “I will have you know that there is not a single dog in the Regional show that can hold a candle to my Mable!  Not that upstart Snoopy’s Tempting Delight! Not anybody’s dog!”
    “Didn’t mean to offend you, Nori.  We were just talking about some photos,” J.W. said.
    “Is there something you would like prepared for dinner?” Christy ventured.  “I have to change the recipe since J.W. is allergic to peanuts.”
    Snorting in disgust, Nori turned to leave the porch.  “Most assuredly not.  It’s bad enough I couldn’t find proper accommodations in the first place.  I certainly don’t have to eat here among—“
    “No need to speak like—“
    “Like what! J.W. you are no saint.  Wouldn’t his young lady love to know what went through your head back when you started taking photographs of dogs.  You were certainly the talk of the circuit.”
    “Now, Nori—“
    Whipping around to Christy, Nori ignored J.W. and scolded her like she was a sloppy maid. “If you’ll excuse me, Ms. Roberts, Mable and I will be dining at another establishment and returning to retire early.  The only thing I require is that my room is cleaned and bed turned down properly. ” She suddenly turned sweet and smiled, kissing Mable on the nose.  “Aren’t we, my sweet Mable.  We both need our beauty rest.” With that she marched down the path to her car, placing Mable gently in a custom-made car carrier.  They all watched her drive away with a puff of dust rising behind her.
    Pointing at Nori’s car, J.W. said, “That, my dear owner of this esteemed establishment, will be on the latest cover of Canine Philosophy,” J.W. said.  “I’m sorry for her tone.  I’m also afraid that her opinion of my exploits as a younger man were a bit exaggerated.  Ask Hailey.  She can attest that I am a fully recovered Casanova.  She has to turn down all those emails I get from the ladies at the dog shows.”  He tossed her a wink, bumping Christy slightly with his shoulder. Hailey rolled her eyes.  “In fact, my dear owner of this esteemed establishment, to make up for her rude behavior I would like you to be my personal guest at tomorrow’s dog show.  How’s that sound?”
    Christy flushed and looked down at her skirt. Looking out at the dust Nori kicked into the air, smiling, she hoped that her cheeks didn’t betray her feelings.  She said, “Oh, Mrs. Deswood just seems distracted.  But it would be nice to see all those dogs.  Thank you. You know, it’s too bad Mrs. Deswood stays in such a bad mood.”
    “With good reason,” Hailey piped up from her rocking chair.
    “What do you mean?”
    “She’s on the brink of losing her kennel.  If she doesn’t win this regional title, there’s rumors she’s going to have to toss in the towel.”  With that Hailey went back to her laptop to work on a project for J.W., and he tossed the ball for Alfie one more time.

Chapter 4
    J.W. wasn’t the first thing on Gregory Binks’ mind when he stepped foot on the porch the day before.  He was just wondering if Christy would recognize him after all these years.  They’d gone to school together way back then.  He still remembered Christy Roberts stopping to help that dorky freshman the first day of school when they dumped their books. Her smile still lit up the sky. Seeing her there reminded him why after working homicide all those years he needed a change.  The Simon Pecarella case beat the stuffing out of him.  It was so gruesome.  There were so many hours wasted.  It still made his head spin to think they spent all