Page 47 of Trick or Stalk

“Hey, Gracie.” Presley smiles. “Out walking Walter?”

“Trying to. Walter has a different definition of walking these days.”

Presley laughs.

The sound is light and airy.

I've been wondering what her laugh sounded like.

Now I know.

The two women move closer together while their dogs immediately begin sniffing each other.

Walter's tail wags. So does the little dog beside her.

“Hi, handsome.” Presley bends down and scratches beneath the older dog's chin. “Did you miss Penny?”

Penny.

Another piece of the puzzle.

Presley and Penny.

I move off the sidewalk and stand by a bench, pretending to be immersed in my phone. But my ears strain, listening to the two women talking.

“How'd it go?” Gracie asks.

“Really good. I start Monday.”

“That’s amazing.” She hugs Presley. “This is a great opportunity for you.”

“Thank you.”

I can’t resist a peek. Presley’s face is lined with excitement.

My chest tightens. I pretend it’s heartburn.

“I’m a little sad we won’t be working together.”

Presley laughs. “After what happened with your espresso machine, I think Hollow Creek is safer if we aren’t.”

“Yeah, you’re right. We need those machines working. People like their lattes a lot.”

“Me too.”

Gracie laughs. “I know they’re your favorite. Speaking of lattes, I’m introducing a new one next week for Halloween. Witch’s Brew Latte. Complete with chocolate spiderwebs.”

“Ohh, I’m intrigued.”

Penny barks, her tail wagging.

“She wants a pup cup.”

“She gave me an idea. Maybe I’ll give them a special Halloween pup cup.”

Presley laughs. “I have faith in you.”

Gracie smiles. “Stop in and grab one next week. Can you bring Penny to work?”