A Fishy Dish (A Hooked & Cooked Cozy Mystery Series Book 3) by Lyndsey Cole Page B

have the right guy?”
    Pam shot death rays at her father. “I’m on my way out,” Pam said. She brushed past her father without another word.
    Nellie bolted from her dog bed in the corner of the office at the sound of Olivia’s voice. Her tail smacked one side of her body, then the other. The two—dog and girl—were obviously best buddies.
    “Cal said I get to play here with Nellie until he takes me to his boat for dinner. After he’s done working at my house.”
    And just as quick as a click of her fingers, Olivia’s innocence dispersed the heavy mood hanging in Hannah’s office. Leah White even managed a small smile as she watched Olivia’s enthusiastic dog hug and Nellie’s happy little girl face lick.
    “Come on, Nellie, let’s look for shells in the sand.”
    “Only as far as the bottom of the porch,” Jack reminded Olivia. “I need to be able to see you at all times.”
    “Thanks, Jack.” Hannah kissed his wrinkled cheek. “Meg will be happy to have Ruby helping out today.”
    “Yeah, yeah.” Jack rubbed his cheek with his shoulder. “Shoo now. Go get something important done.”
    Leah walked out and headed in the direction of Cottage Two.
    Hannah lingered with Jack. “Chef Belair is their suspect? Thanks for letting that tidbit drop.”
    “Not a big deal. Everyone probably knows by now. They can’t keep him without real evidence.”
    “What about Samantha? Do you think—”
    “I know what you’re thinking, and the answer is a definite, no ,” Jack interrupted.
    “But Jack. Samantha was alone in the kitchen at The Chowder House, well, apparently not alone, but she went in first. When I went in with her, that’s when we found Gavin dead in the freezer. How can you be so positive she didn’t stab Gavin?”
    “For one, Hannah, I would have been splattered with blood,” Samantha said.
    Hannah spun around. “I didn’t hear you.” Her face burned with embarrassment.
    “Obviously. Listen, my dear, why didn’t you ask me to my face? That’s the best way to get information, you know.” She waved her arm expansively. “Of course, you approach the subject from some side road, but if you watch body language plus listen to the words, you’ll learn a lot.” She brushed off imaginary dust before she settled in the office chair. “For example, your face is telling me you feel like a complete idiot and you’ll probably offer to buy me breakfast as some kind of apology.” One side of Samantha’s lips curled into a grin.
    Jack laughed.
    Hannah picked up her sling bag. “Let’s go. You’ve got plenty to teach me.”
    “I’m just messing with you. I already had a delicious breakfast—stuffed French toast with a mountain of strawberries.” She smacked her lips. “Now, I could use a walk on the beach.” She stood in the doorway. “Coming?”
    Hannah checked the time. “Sure, a half hour walk would do me good. You’re all set here, Jack?”
    “I certainly am. I’ve got my helper outside.”
    “Yeah, don’t let her wander off.”
    Samantha looped her arm through Hannah’s. “Not too fast, my legs aren’t as long as yours. Or as young.”
    “Something tells me that if push comes to shove, you’d manage to talk down, glare down—”
    “Or shoot down.” Samantha patted her left side and whispered, “I have a concealed carry permit. And I’m not afraid to use this. You know, if push comes to shove.”
    They walked in silence for several minutes. Hannah mulled over this person, Samantha Featherstone, also known as Sam Stone. She held more intrigue in that silver hair covered head than anyone Hannah knew.
    “Tell me about your conversation with our mealy little friend, Sean Payne,” Samantha said, breaking into Hannah’s thoughts.
    “How do you know about that? You left in Mini May before Sean was even out of bed.”
    Samantha tapped her finger on her head. “I know stuff.” She laughed. “And it helps that Meg told me you and our Mr. Payne had your heads together over