A Novel Death: a Danger Cove Bookshop Mystery (Danger Cove Mysteries Book 10) by Elizabeth Ashby, Ellie Ashe Page B

interrupting Adam's polite demur. "You have a beautiful home."
    Pippa gave me a gracious smile. "Thank you. Aren't you the girl who just took over the bookstore?"
    I bristled at the description. I was 30, so well out of girl territory. And I was super sensitive to the fact that at a scant five foot three, I was forever being mistaken for a teenager. But I was trying to make nice, so I flashed Pippa a smile.
    "That's me."
    "Please come in," Pippa said, opening the door and ushering us inside the spacious living room, which was decorated mostly in white and pale-pastel shades of peach and taupe. If Pippa were to sit on the pristine sofa, she'd disappear against the cream fabric. A large stone fireplace dominated one wall. An antique rifle was displayed on the wooden mantel, under the large mounted head of an elk. On either side of that poor unfortunate creature were two smaller bucks—both five-pointers.
    "My son just arrived home, and we're making the arrangements for my late husband's funeral."
    Now my head was really spinning. Pippa had just confirmed what my mother had told me, but technically wasn't Cal her late ex -husband? And what about the husband she'd referred to earlier? My quick glance around the room didn't help. There were two large floral arrangements, the type that one would send after a death in the family. A few family photos were scattered around the room, displayed on the marble mantel and on the bookcase against one wall. In one framed photograph, Pippa and David held up a brace of pheasants. They were decked out in camouflage gear and holding shotguns.
    On a tufted ottoman was a fluffy blond cat curled up into a ball that was nearly camouflaged against the light-colored fabric. It watched us with wide green eyes but didn't move. Instinctively, I took a half step backward, running up against Adam's chest.
    He steadied me, then stepped around me and picked up the cat, which purred and nestled against his chest. I tried not to be jealous—of both of them. I'd always wanted a cat because they looked like they'd be such good snugglers. And while I hadn't always dreamed about rubbing up against a tall and brawny vet, this one was kind of growing on me.
    With great effort, I focused my attention back on Pippa and her comment about the funeral.
    "Oh yes, I'm so sorry about your loss," I said. "Did you get to spend time with Mr. Montague before…"
    Pippa's eyes narrowed, and if it weren't for the Botox, I think she could have shot lasers at me. "No. I haven't seen Cal in years."
    My mother's warning about asking Pippa questions about her ex-husband rang in my ears. Before I could ask a follow-up question, a man walked down the stairs, a cell phone jammed against his face, and I nearly did a double take as I got a look at him—he had the same eyes, the same shock of hair, and the same butternut-squash-shaped head as Cal. He hung up the phone and walked toward Adam and me with a warm smile.
    "Hello, I'm David," he said, extending a hand.
    Adam introduced us and explained that we were there to return the dog, and David smiled again. "My stepfather loves that dog. Thank you for bringing him back. Can I get you some coffee?"
    "No, thank you. We can't stay," Adam said, putting a hand on my shoulder. He was a fast learner, because I was on the verge of accepting the coffee to get the chance to spend time with David Montague.
    "Ms. Sinclair owns the bookstore, David," Pippa said in a tone that implied far more than that simple fact.
    David gave me a sympathetic smile. "Oh, I'm so sorry. Were you the one who…"
    I nodded before he had to go any further. "Yes, and I am very sorry for your loss. I only spoke to your father briefly, but I enjoyed meeting him."
    He took my hand and squeezed it. "Thank you. I know it meant a lot to him to be able to come home to launch his book tour. I hope your business isn't unduly burdened by this mess."
    David's eyes were the same shade of brilliant blue as his father's, but there was a