Purrfect Roast: A Dragon Cozy Mystery by Verena DeLuca (the giving tree read aloud TXT) 📗

"Less sass," he transmitted. "More action. Put me down."

"No," I transmitted as I readjusted him in my arms to cradle him like a baby. "If you want to get high on catnip at home, that's your prerogative, but I'm not going to let you make a fool of yourself here."

"I am ordering you to put me down," he transmitted, and meowed aloud to push the issue.

"I am overriding that order because you are not in your right state of mind," I transmitted.

"I need to go back, just put me down," he transmitted. "I can still smell the intoxicating allure. I want to feel it all over my fur. Let me drown my sorrows of this whole trophy nonsense in the ecstasy that is catnip. Please put me down."

"I knew there was a reason to keep your leash with me," I transmitted.

"No," Azure transmitted.

"Maybe we should head to the car and get the leashes?" I said aloud.

Skylar must have been having the same conversation with Shadow as she too was working to keep him in her arms.

"Totally," she said.

"Shadow and I will be having words with you two when this is over," Azure transmitted.

"I'm shaking with fear," I transmitted and rolled my eyes.

What was he going to do, fire me?

We continued to wait our turn in the hall, having to push past the mess of adults, leashes, and cats. I thanked my lucky stars to see Aubrey working to make a path in front of us. She was able to use her free hands to part the seas. It was nice having one person without a pet in tow to lead the way. I felt for the ladies stuck at the back wall of the vendor room. They would not get out of there any time soon.

As we cleared the hall area, I looked up to have the unfortunate experience of making eye contact with the officers investigating the theft. They looked at each other and conversed for a few seconds before pointing at us and heading our direction.

Tea.

I needed more time. I was not avoiding them per se, I just would have preferred to be the last person they spoke with so I could have a better feel for who they were suspecting. Maybe even offer up the culprit myself. Not that I was any closer to figuring out who took the trophies.

"Excuse me, ladies," the male officer called waving us over to him and his partner.

"Uh-oh," Aubrey said.

"It'll be fine," I said. "It's not like we are guilty or have anything to hide."

"Speak for yourself," Skylar said, causing us all to laugh as we walked up to the officers.

"Oh really," I said, "And I thought we were friends! If you were going to pull off a heist, it'd be nice to at least be given the option to be involved."

"Put me down," Azure transmitted.

I ignored his request. Acknowledging him only seemed to make him more restless. Hopefully, the officers had something to add to our investigation that would distract Azure long enough to forget about the catnip.

"Doubtful," Azure transmitted. "Thinking about ignoring me, while you ignore me is only going to make your punishment worse."

"I am terrified," I transmitted in a deadpan tone. "Please don't punish me. Whatever will I do with you mad at me."

"So rude," Aubrey whispered as I cleared my throat to control my own laughter at the situation. "I want to take part in a heist!"

"Shh," Skylar said. She too was attempting to plaster on a straight face.

We stopped in front of the officers, and I knew they were aware of our presence, but they took their time acknowledging it. Instead, they flipped through their notes and whispered to each other. I cleared my throat again, but it was no use.

Thanks for making it awkward officers. We would be glad to stand here until it is convenient for you. Could have at least let us reach the cafe first.

Based on how they were standing prior to us walking over to them, they seemed to be purposely avoiding all nonsense, and had not glanced behind us at the vendor halls, keeping a drone-like decorum. Did they think they were going to get sucked into another investigation? Maybe they were not cat people? Either way, their behavior toward this case was probably the whole reason we were still stuck in the hotel in the first place.

"Hello ladies. I'm Officer Spencer," the male officer finally said, then he pointed to his partner. "This is my partner Officer Branson."

He did not offer to shake hands, nor did his tone sound welcoming. I was thankful for the lack of touching but could have done without the disinterest. Did they not teach officers how to fake it in the academy?

"What are y'all's names?" Officer Branson asked.

They both looked to be young, and it would not have surprised me if they were fresh out of school. No wonder they drew the short stick in coming here. Why send someone experienced when all that is missing is cat show trophies. I internally rolled my eyes but tried to keep my best customer service smile plastered on my face as she stepped forward with a clipboard and highlighter.

"Hailey Morton," I said.

She flipped through a few pages, found my name on the list of attendees, and highlighted it.

"Skylar Cooper."

The officer flipped back to the front of the pages and highlighted another name.

"Aubrey Brooks."

After reading through the first page of names, she made eye contact with Aubrey for the first time and asked, "Were you a contestant? You're not on my list."

"Oh, no," Aubrey said with a giggle. "I don't own a cat. I just came for the show."

Officer Spencer stood unfazed by the response, but his partner raised her eyebrow. As if coming to a cat show for fun was the strangest thing on the planet.

"She came here to see Azure," I said, not trying to hide my annoyance with