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

Finn’s voice was borderline concerned, a “do I need to call the paddy wagon to come get you” concern.
    I fanned my hand in front of my face, but not without a big smile.
    “I’m happier than a dead pig in the sunshine,” I called out, knowing I was going to have to face him at some point. After all, he was standing in my hallway trying to check on my mental status.
    “Well…” Finn paused. “I’m not sure what that means, but I’m going to let you get some rest. I think you might need it.”
    “Of course you don’t know what that means,” I mumbled. The fit of laughter left my body as quickly as it came. Too bad. “When a pig dies while in the sun, the sun dries out the body and pulls its skin tight, leaving the pig with a toothy grin. Get it now?”
    “Huh,” Finn said flatly.
    “I called Betty at dispatch to get the mayor to schedule an emergency town council meeting. I think I need to appoint Wyatt deputy until this is solved.” I clamped my teeth together and squeezed my eyes shut when there was silence from the other side of the door as he hesitated. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings like he wasn’t helping, but he was only here temporarily. Who knew how long the reserves would let me keep him here. “I’m hoping to get a meeting set for tomorrow night.”
    “We can grab dinner beforehand if you want so I can tell you what I find out,” he finally said.
    “Did you find out anything yet?” I was curious as to why he had stopped by or even found out where I lived. It wasn’t like he couldn’t ask any Joe Schmo off the street. Everyone knew everyone and everyone’s business. That’s just the way it was in a small town.
    “Nothing real solid,” he said. “I’m still going down the list of patients we divided. I hope to have those done by tomorrow night.”
    “Great. Ben’s before the meeting if Betty can get it set up by then?” I asked.
    “Yeah. See you then,” Finn said, followed by footsteps.
    “Shut the door on the way out,” I said so I could come out of hiding. I had to admit, I was a little embarrassed he saw me in my towel. A little more of me than I wanted him to see. But it was worth the look on my mama’s face.
    I didn’t tell him to lock it. No one on Free Row ever bothered me, and I dared them to now—especially after the day I’d had so far.

Chapter Ten

      
    The next morning while my coffee was brewing, I took Duke on a quick run. I wasn’t sure if I was going to take him with me since I’d hopefully be chasing some leads on the two investigations. I didn’t like the idea of keeping him in the car all day, so letting him get in a little exercise this morning to get out some energy was the plan, though it was a good stress relief for me too.
    I poured myself a cup of coffee and sat down at the table. I dialed my parents’ phone number.
    “Good morning,” Mama sang into the phone. She was always a morning person. “Lowry residence.”
    “Good morning, Mama.” I took a sip of coffee to let her digest that it was me calling so early. “I wanted to make sure you made it home last night after you left here on foot.”
    “Why, Kenni.” Mama gasped. “You waited this long to call? I could’ve been dead on the side of the road or kidnapped in one of your neighbors’ creepy houses and you’d’ve never known.”
    “Mama, if someone kidnapped you, they’d give you back because you’d wear them out with all your talking,” I assured her. “I just wanted to tell you good morning.”
    “Good morning.” She sounded like a spoiled brat, which I blamed on Daddy. He always did spoil Mama and gave her everything she wanted. “Are you going to be looking for clues in the murder?”
    “Goodbye, Mama.” I sighed. “I’ll call you later.” I didn’t offer her any other chance to talk before I hung up the phone.
    I gave Duke some kibble and freshened up his water bowl before I went to take a shower and get ready for the day. I feared it was going to