A Watery Death (A Missing Pieces Mystery Book 7) by Joyce Lavene, Jim Lavene Page B

but other than that I was unhurt. Just badly embarrassed.
    “I never go running out that way,” I tried to explain. “There was a man over there. He followed me from my house, and he was naked.”
    Peggy laughed. “This is my first visit to Duck. Does that happen often?”
    “Not at all.” I stuck out my hand and smiled. “I’m Mayor Dae O’Donnell. I hope you won’t let this ruin your visit here. Normally we’re a very peaceful town where everyone wears clothes, at least bathing suits.”
    She transferred the large dog’s leash to her opposite hand. “I’m Peggy Lee. This is my husband, Steve, and my dog, Shakespeare. We’re staying with some friends. This is such a beautiful place, and I love the rich history.”
    Steve shook my hand too. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
    “I’m fine. But very late. The town council decided to hold a meeting tonight, even though our festivities are tomorrow. We’ll get through it, but I really have to go.”
    “Let us walk with you to town hall,” Steve suggested. “I don’t see anyone naked out here right now, but he might be lurking somewhere waiting to catch you alone again.”
    “That’s a good idea,” Peggy agreed. “Steve is with the FBI, but I promise not to let him get in his investigative mood. We’re on vacation, after all.”
    “Thank you. I appreciate your concern. Town hall is just right this way. Don’t feel as though you have to stay for the meeting. It’s boring for me most of the time, and I live here.”
    Peggy and Steve laughed, and we walked quickly through the rest of the parking lot.
    “Shakespeare is a very well-trained dog,” I told Peggy. “Is that what you do, train dogs?”
    Steve laughed from behind us.
    “Ignore him.” Peggy gave him a dirty look. “Shakespeare has his moments. But no, I own a garden shop in Charlotte and I’m a part-time forensic botanist on the side.”
    “That’s great. We have something in common. Actually we have two things in common—my fiancé is a former FBI agent, and I own a thrift store on the boardwalk. You’ll have to come visit me.”
    “I’d love that. What’s the shop’s name?”
    “Missing Pieces.” I explained about my gift for finding lost things, and how I’d come to open the shop.
    “Amazing,” Peggy said. “I’d like to see you find something for someone.”
    I felt strange, as though I were bragging about my gift. I was saved from feeling even weirder because we’d reached the door to the room where town hall meetings were held.
    To my surprise, Mary Catherine was anxiously waiting for me.
    “Are you all right?” She looked at my dirty dress. “Did you decide to work in the garden on the way?”
    “I don’t have time to explain now.” I glanced at my watch. It was six fifty-five. Nancy Boidyn, our town clerk, was standing by my seat on the dais waving papers at me. “I have to go. It was so nice of you to walk with me. I hope we see each other again, Peggy.”
    Mary Catherine was touching the Great Dane and smiling at him like he was an old friend. “Is that who I think it is? Shakespeare? You’re the dog that was afraid of ghosts in your new house after you were rescued.”
    Peggy shook her head. “Mary Catherine Roberts? You’re the pet psychic. You helped me with him years ago. I always wanted to thank you but didn’t know where you’d gone.”
    I left them shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries. It appeared that they’d met before. I wanted to stay, but the meeting had to come first. It was a packed house, as always. Our usual problem residents were right up front with their questions and suggestions. It was going to be a long night.
    “You made it just in time.” Chris Slayton handed me a pile of papers.
    “What in the world happened to you?” Nancy tried to brush some of the trash off my back side where I’d fallen in the parking lot. There was no good way to take care of the problem.
    “I’ll tell you later.” I took my seat behind