Grave Decisions (A Maddie Graves Mystery Book 7) by Lily Harper Hart

Nick argued. “I mean it as an insult.”
    “I know,” Maddie said, her cheeks coloring. “I just … you’re right. He’s an asshat.”
    “You’re too sweet for your own good, Maddie,” John said, snickering. “You need to learn to be meaner.”
    “I was mean to Marla today, although it was kind of an accident because everyone wouldn’t shut up,” Maddie said. “Mom was proud of me.”
    Kreskin’s eyes lit with interest. “That’s the second time you’ve mentioned your mother. Are you saying she’s still hanging around?”
    Maddie bit the inside of her cheek, uncertain how to answer. “I’m saying there are a lot of things out there that I can’t explain,” she said finally. “A mother’s love is one of them.”
    “That was a good answer, Maddie,” Kreskin said, shaking his head. “That was a very good answer.”
    “That was inspired, love,” Nick agreed.
    “Okay, everyone knows what’s going on and what we’re looking for,” Kreskin said. “Nick, you take Maddie back to the festival and stick close. John and I won’t be far behind.
    “No matter what happens today, I think our potential victim is going to be at the festival, so we have to keep our eyes open,” he continued. “Let’s find a murderer … and get the fake psychic out of town. I think Blackstone Bay is only big enough for one psychic, and we want the real one.” Kreskin offered Maddie a sly wink.
    “Let’s go to the festival, love,” Nick said. “We’ve got a girl to save and a murder to solve. I think I’m going to need your help to do both.”

8
    Eight
    N ick helped Maddie pack up her tent when she was done giving readings for the day, closing the flaps and extending his hand for her to take as they stepped outside.
    “What do you want to do now?” Maddie asked. “We could go home and take that bath you wanted. That sounds relaxing.”
    She’d initially been antsy upon returning to the tent, but Nick’s protective nature quickly put her at ease and after a few minutes she happily settled into her readings while Nick watched the crowd. Every half hour or so Maddie would take a break and scan the congregated masses, her eyes keen as she searched for a glimpse of the girl. She came up empty each time, though, and her heart ached when she thought of what might happen.
    “As much as I would like a bath, I think we should stick around here for at least two hours,” Nick countered. “I think we should walk through the fair and see if you can find that woman again. I know you don’t want to do that, but … .”
    “It’s important,” Maddie finished, nodding. “Let me take this scarf off. I should’ve brought different clothes to change into, but I’ll remember that for tomorrow.”
    “I like the outfit,” Nick said, grinning mischievously as he ran his hand over Maddie’s rear end and gave it a little squeeze. “I think you look adorable.”
    “I think I could wear a potato sack and you would find it adorable,” Maddie said, although she returned Nick’s smile.
    “I think you’re right,” Nick said, watching as Maddie removed the scarf and smoothed her hair. “Better?”
    “I’m good,” Maddie said, slipping her hand in his. “We can have dinner here – maybe get a table in the center of things so I can get a better view of everyone without drawing attention to us – and then we can play a few games or something.”
    “That’s right,” Nick said. “I need to win my girl a stuffed animal, don’t I? I promised to do that at every festival.”
    “I don’t need a stuffed animal,” Maddie scoffed.
    “Oh, no, I’m going to win you a stuffed animal of your choosing,” Nick said. “Then you’re going to reward me with a trip to the funhouse.”
    Maddie frowned. “You just want me to be frightened so I grab you. I hate that story.”
    Ever since Nick admitted he first noticed Maddie’s figure developing as a teenager because she jumped in his arms at a funhouse and his hand brushed