A Puzzle in Paxton Park Read online

  “That makes sense. I think.” Juliet’s brow wrinkled in thought. “You can also tell your sister to stop being so mysterious with her clues in the dreams she sends you. How about just some straight up information next time?”

  “I hope there isn’t a next time,” Shelly said.

  Juliet gave her friend a skeptical look. “Right. You’d better enjoy tonight because the next mystery is most likely lurking around the corner.”

  When the friends reached the common, they headed for the row of games that had been set up along one side of the space. There was skee ball, and a basketball game, and darts, a short bowling lane, a pitching game, and a ball-rolling game to see if a player could get three balls to line up in a row.

  Jack called to Shelly. “Let’s see how we do on the bowling game.” His eyes lit up like a little kid’s.

  Juliet and a few people from the resort bought cotton candy and went over to watch the others attempt the games.

  Jack won a stuffed ladybug and presented it to Shelly with a kiss and a hug. “Do you know what the ladybug represents?”

  Shelly shook her head.

  Jack held Shelly’s hand and pulled her close. “Well, some cultures believe that if you catch and release a ladybug, she will fly to your loved one’s ear and whisper your name to her and then your true love will rush to your side.” Jack took the stuffed animal from Shelly and gently put the ladybug’s face near her ear. “See? What did she whisper to you?”

  With a pink blush running up her cheeks, Shelly smiled at her boyfriend. “It’s a secret.”

  The two walked hand-in-hand behind the group to find a spot on the hill where they could spread their blankets to watch the fireworks.

  Jack said, “I know these cases are hard on you. Are you doing okay?”

  “I guess so,” Shelly told him. “It’s hard to understand some of the awful things that happen in the world. It’s hard to understand greed and hate … lies, cheating … the urge to kill. It can be so very disheartening.”

  “That’s all true.” Jack squeezed Shelly’s hand in his. “But do you know what’s uplifting? People who use their skills for good, to help, to make the world a better place, a kinder, more honest, and caring place. And you know what? I found someone like that right here in the little town of Paxton Park and she happens to be walking right next to me … where I hope she’ll stay for a long, long time.”

  Jack leaned down and touched his lips to Shelly’s just as the first firework lit up the sky with orange and gold sparkles … and a heart-shaking boom.

  Thank you for reading!

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  Also By J.A. Whiting

  OLIVIA MILLER MYSTERIES

  SWEET COVE COZY MYSTERIES

  LIN COFFIN COZY MYSTERIES

  CLAIRE ROLLINS COZY MYSTERIES

  PAXTON PARK COZY MYSTERIES

  About the Author

  J.A. Whiting lives with her family in Massachusetts. Whiting loves reading and writing mystery and suspense stories.

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