Fixin' To Die (A Kenni Lowry Mystery Book 1) by Tonya Kappes

looked angry, but she squinted even more than usual now as she scowled at me. Gina had gone to great lengths to help her parents fit in in Cottonwood, but the Kims’ attitudes still reminded me of drill sergeants. “We know nothing about the crime spree taking place here. Thinking of moving.” Mrs. Kim’s combativeness was apparent right away.
    “I wanted to know if I could use your expertise for something.” The way I saw it, I could catch more flies with honey than vinegar, and being nice to Mrs. Kim was mighty important right now.
    “Me? Expertise on the American law?” Her eyes opened a little more. Her lips pursed. “Hurry up.” She flung her hands in the air. Behind her, Gina and Mr. Kim looked curiously over at me. “Don’t you see I have a long line of customers here?”
    “It will only take a second.” I took the camera out of my bag and turned it on, flipping quickly through the images. I showed her the picture the thief had painted on the carpet at White’s. “Do you know what this means?”
    “Family.” Mrs. Kim didn’t hesitate, tucking a piece of her short black hair behind her ear. “Means family.”
    “Find out who the family is.” The voice drifted through the air like a light breeze. I gulped.
    “Are you alright?” Mrs. Kim asked without any emotion in her voice. “Kendrick? Your face all flush.” Mrs. Kim never called me by my nickname. She believed in formality and a nickname was not up to her standards.
    I closed my eyes, trying to get my wits about me. The voice was the same voice from my dream. My Poppa’s. My face felt hot and my head began to spin. I held onto the counter with one hand, hoping the wave of crazy was going to pass.
    “Gina, must hurry.” Mrs. Kim’s voice echoed in my head. “Hot tea,” she ordered, her hand waving in the air.
    “I’m fine.” I opened my eyes and waved her off. I took another gulp. “Maybe a hot tea would be good.” I sucked some air in through my nose and out my mouth.
    “You need doctor. Stress too much for you.” Mrs. Kim took the paper cup of tea and handed it to me. She pointed to the door. “You must go. I’m busy.”
    “Family.” I held the camera back up to get one more confirmation.
    “Yes.” She didn’t bother looking at me or saying goodbye; she simply pointed to the picture hanging on the wall with the same stick symbol in my photo. “Family. Next!”

Chapter Twelve

      
    A picture of Camille Shively in a graduation cap and gown and all sorts of colored cord ribbons around her neck was prominently displayed in the waiting room of her office, surrounded by her endless diplomas.
    The room was filled with several small brown leather loveseats and end tables, as well as inviting artwork, looking more like a living room than a waiting room. The trickling water fountain in the corner instantly calmed me, making me second-guess if I should’ve even stopped in without an appointment.
    When I tried to sign in on the clipboard at the window, the receptionist immediately shooed me away and rushed to the back to tell Camille I was there.
    “Kenni.” Camille stood in the doorway leading back to her exam rooms with a smile. “Come on back.”
    “Oh, I can wait.” I glanced around the room at the other patients who were staring at me like I had just cut in line.
    “Don’t be silly. Come on back,” Camille encouraged me.
    Her girl-next-door looks and good manners made it hard for anyone in Cottonwood not to find Camille endearing. Her hands were tucked in the pockets of her white coat. Her black hair was parted on the side and neatly hung past her collarbone. Her black eyes popped against her creamy white skin.
    I fought my way out of the puffy cushions of the loveseat and found myself taking a seat in Camille’s office.
    “I’m going to finish up with a patient and I’ll be right with you.” She pointed to the coffee maker on the credenza behind her desk. “Grab a fresh cup,” she said over her shoulder as