Double Fudge Brownie Murder (Hannah Swensen series Book 18) by Joanne Fluke

expression. Hannah was sure he’d understood her. At least she hoped he had.
    “Howie said not to worry, so you shouldn’t worry either.”
    “Rrrrow.”
    This was definitely a response to her words and Hannah took it as such. “I know. It’s impossible not to worry, but I want you to think about what’s going to happen when I come home tonight. I’m going to call Michelle and Andrea when court is adjourned for the day and they’re going to come over with Chinese takeout. They’re both helping out at The Cookie Jar today since I can’t be there.”
    “Rrroww?”
    Moishe’s response was definitely a question. Hannah was sure of it. “That’s right. Chinese takeout. And both Andrea and Michelle know that you like shrimp. When I talked to them last night they promised to bring extra. We’ll all have a nice family dinner together.”
    As Hannah watched, Moishe’s expression changed. His eyes widened in what appeared to be alarm and the fur began to bristle on his back. She was initially puzzled by his reaction and then she realized exactly what she’d said.
    “You can relax, Moishe. I know I said family dinner , but Mother’s not coming. She’s still on the cruise to Alaska. I think today’s the day they’re going to Taku Point in a seaplane to see the glaciers and have a grilled salmon shore lunch.”
    “Rrrrrrow!”
    Hannah laughed. She’d done it again. She’d used one of the words Moishe knew particularly well. “I know. I said salmon . I’ll go get you some salmon treats, and then it’s time for me to leave. Howie should be pulling up any minute now. He’s always punctual.”
    She retrieved the treat canister from the kitchen and returned to the back of the couch where her feline roommate was waiting, his tail swishing back and forth like a metronome beating out a march tempo. “Here you go.” She shook out several of the fish-shaped, salmon-flavored treats and placed them on the back of the couch next to him. “That ought to tide you over until I get home.”
    People claimed it was impossible for cats to smile, but Hannah was positive that Moishe’s expression was close to glee as he stared down at his favorite treats. Then his gaze shifted back to her and he purred loudly.
    “You’re welcome. I’ll see you tonight then. And we’ll have dinner with Andrea and Michelle. And Moishe . . . one of your favorite people is coming to visit me in a week. You remember Ross when he was here with the movie, don’t you?”
    “Rowww.”
    Hannah wasn’t sure if that was a yes or a no, so she didn’t comment. Moishe had liked Ross the last time he’d come to Lake Eden. Ross had even carried Moishe, in his leash and his harness, out to a table at The Cookie Jar when the crew had come in for lunch. Moishe had enjoyed all the attention the film crew had given him.
    Hannah gave her pet a final scratch under the chin and forced herself to walk to the door. She didn’t want to leave, but she knew she had to. She unlocked it, pulled it open, stepped outside, and shut the door behind her, testing it once to make certain that it was locked. Then she stood there on the landing for a brief moment, blinking back the moisture that welled up in her eyes. She’d never been the type to break into tears at the slightest provocation, but she’d done her share of tearing up lately. If this was a by-product of being in love, she hoped she’d learn to control it soon.
    “Silly!” she chided herself, descending the outside staircase and squelching the urge to glance up to see if Moishe was watching her from the living room window. She buttoned her coat and told herself that he was probably busy chowing down on his treats.
    It was a chilly Minnesota morning, colder than usual for the third week in September, and Hannah shivered as she took the sidewalk that wound around the condo buildings. There was a light sprinkling of frost on the yellow and dark orange chrysanthemums in the planters that separated the