31. Hattie

HATTIE

T he beach just past Henry's restaurant looks like a postcard from an autumn wonderland.

The sky is a watercolor blend of oranges, pinks, and purples as the sun dips toward the Atlantic, and the crisp fall air has that perfect mix of brine from the sea and the scent of the freshly grilled steaks wafting from within.

There's a large sign covered with a black cloth sitting in the sand as we wait for the big renaming reveal. My brother's grand reopening is in full swing, with an expansive patio full of guests eagerly awaiting Henry's big news.

It's just two days after Halloween and the residents of Brambleberry Bay have gone from mainlining chocolate to chattering about what side dishes to serve on Thanksgiving.

Personally, I'm rooting for my mother's famous lobster mac and cheese. Since it's essentially a comfort food—and a luxurious one at that—it's been an on-and-off-again side dish at our family Thanksgiving dinners for as long as I can remember.

"Everything smells so good." Killion pats his belly as he looks back at the Lobster Boil. We've yet to be seated. Instead, we're all standing around, per my brother's instructions, waiting with bated breath as to what he's going to rename the place.

My mom and dad are here, too, looking every bit the proud parents they are, with Winnie and Fitz beside them chatting animatedly. Even Neelie is here, mercifully alone, with no sign of Stanton and his geriatric theatrics. Thank goodness for small mercies.

"I'm half-starved, too," I say, wrapping an arm around Killion's waist. "Would it be rude to sneak into the kitchen and dip a few lobster tails in butter while we wait?"

Killion's chest thumps with a laugh. "A little petty theft sounds like a good time. As long as we're together."

Oh please, Cricket groans from somewhere near my feet. The maple trees want their sap back.

Rookie gives a few quick woofs and they sound like a laugh. Killion is not sappy, he's happy. He told me so this morning. Rookie bobs his head and Jolly Beary bobs his head by proxy as if he, too, agreed.

" Aww "—I coo, giving the handsome detective in front of me a quick scratch to his facial scruff—"Rookie just outed you. He says you told him you were happy."

He shakes his head, his green eyes glinting in what's left of the daylight. "I'm ecstatic. And it's all your doing." His lips curve just enough. "I love you, Hattie Holiday."

"And I love you, Killion Ma?—"

"There you are," a familiar voice croaks and we look up to see Nora headed this way with Venetta in tow.

Good grief.

I can't help but frown. I knew Nora would be here because my mother invited her, and I would never object to having Killion's mother around—even if Killion's mother objects to having me around. But Venetta?

"Venetta is my guest this evening." Nora spears me with her eyes as if she read my mind. Nora's hair is pulled back so tight her lips are receding to her ears. She's appropriately bundled in a dark wool coat, but Venetta, however, looks as if she left the house in a frilly feathered bathrobe.

All right, so Venetta looks stunning and a bit psychotic in a dark crimson coat fringed with red and pink feathers, long black boots that stretch to her thighs, and what looks like a tight sweater and even tighter jeans. Her crimson locks are perfectly coiffed and her face looks as if it was expertly airbrushed on by Michelangelo himself.

It's so not fair.

Why do some girls hit it big in both the looks department and the good body department?

And judging by how tiny those jeans of hers look, it's obvious some of us didn't buy Halloween candy in bulk at the big box store this season and gobble it down all by our lonesome.

I glance past them to see Tipper clinging to Henry like a brassy blonde suit, her laughter reverberating through the air as she whispers something in his ear. Henry, ever the gracious host, manages to look both flattered and slightly uncomfortable. Although judging from the steady stream of white noise I pick up whenever he's nearby, I'm betting he'd like to drag her off to the nearest dark corner.

I shake my head at the thought.

I'm not sure why, but I have a feeling Tipper and Henry are going to implode before they ever kick off.

"Venetta, Mother." Killion nods their way. "It's nice to see you both."

Nora lifts her chin and gives Venetta a satisfied nod.

And to think, Venetta almost refused to show up this evening, Nora muses. I got the feeling she was trying to avoid Killion like the plague. I bet it's all Hattie's fault for hogging him. Why else would Venetta feel so uncomfortable?

I practically gag just hearing her thoughts.

"Oh hush, you," Venetta snips my way.

"But I didn't?—"

Venetta lifts a finger and cuts me off. "I know darn well you told him the truth." The words seethe from her and her chest pulsates hard as if she were operating off one big adrenaline surge.

"Venetta?" Nora leans back to get a better look at her. "What truth?"

" Fine! " Venetta tosses her arms in the air and Cricket gives a quick chitter that sounds unmistakably like laughter.

"You would laugh at my downfall." Venetta turns my way as she spits the words out.

"But that wasn't me, that was my?—"

"Okay, fine," Venetta screeches. "I'll confess. But only because it's been eating me alive ever since you've found me out."

Killion takes a deep breath. Why do I get the feeling I'll need my cuffs soon?

"Sooner than you think." I glance at Venetta. "Go ahead. Confess. But let the record show, I'm not twisting your arm to make you do it."

She turns to Nora and sniffs. "I've been swiping a little off the top down at Velvet Vanity for years. It's not my fault you've never even bothered to give me a raise. And how did you expect me to maintain my standards of living in the manner to which I've become accustomed? I might come from a long line of European peasants, but that doesn't mean I want to be treated like one." She turns my way and growls. "I hope you're satisfied. You've shattered everything I've worked so hard to build. And for what? Some silly confession?" A shrill cry of frustration escapes her as she tosses up her arms and makes a run for the parking lot.

A choking sound emits from me. "Don't just stand there," I say to Killion. "Arrest her."

Killion pats his weapon and poises himself as if he were about to sprint across the country, but Nora is quick to block his path.

"Don't you dare go after her," she growls. "Not for that reason anyhow."

" Mom "—Killion leans back—"the woman confessed to stealing from you."

Nora snaps her fingers wistfully as if she's just been bested before straightening her back.

"It doesn't matter." She lifts her chin as a canopy of twinkle lights blink on over our heads. "Venetta is right. I should have given her a raise."

Both Killion and I groan on cue.

You've got to be kidding me, Cricket mewls from below.

Gram Gram does have her favorites, Rookie barks. Sometimes I think she even prefers Jolly over me.

I gasp just hearing it. Nora Maddox has crossed every red line tonight.

"Don't either of you judge me," Nora snaps our way before looking down at Cricket and Rookie. "You either."

Rookie whimpers as he retreats. Can't say I blame him. Something tells me Nora Maddox could scare an entire tribe of serial killers off without trying.

"Venetta is like family," she goes on. "She loves me and she loves you, too, Killion." She wags a finger in his face as she says it. "She was obviously stealing just to impress you—what with all the fancy clothes, shoes, and purses she parades around in."

"Me?" Killion looks gobsmacked by the notion and more than slightly ticked.

"Yes, you." Nora goes on with her unreasonable line of defense. The woman would have made a darn good defense attorney. "A woman who'll go to any lengths to please her man is all right in my book."

Both Killion and I gasp at that one.

Nora tightens the belt on her coat. "Now where is Ruthie? I believe she promised me lobster." She takes off, but before either Killion or I can process what just transpired, Henry and Tipper call us all to attention.

"All right, everyone, listen up," Tipper shouts and claps her way through the crowd as if she owns the place. In the least, she seems to own Henry.

The Atlantic stretches out before us in a mesmerizing blend of blues and silvers as the waves gently lap at the shore. The autumn leaves rustle in the breeze, adding a swish of whispers to the gathering as we all wait rather impatiently to hear the big news.

Henry steps out to the sand to a small makeshift stage and clears his throat. And the crowd quiets down, turning their complete attention his way.

"Thank you all for coming." Henry's voice carries over the assembled guests. "I want to thank each and every one of you for supporting me through this journey. Especially my father, who provides us with the best quality lobster around." He nods to his older look-alike and the crowd offers up a whoop and a spontaneous applause.

I give a little cheer of my own just for my dad. And considering he's the best dad in the world, he certainly deserves it.

"And now"—Henry continues with a smile tugging at his lips—"I'm thrilled to announce the new name of our restaurant. Drumroll, please."

The crowd obliges, patting their thighs and tables in a makeshift drumroll and it sounds like thunder.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Holiday Lobster House!"

The applause is deafening, and I can't help but grin from ear to ear. The name is perfect as a nod to yours truly—or at least my family.

A couple of female voices shrill from our right and we turn to see Peggy and Clarabelle finally make their entrance, fashionably late as always, and as my personal guests. Peggy's hair is slightly askew, and Clarabelle looks like she's just sprinted a marathon.

"Did we miss it?" Peggy pants as she struggles to catch her breath.

"Only the big reveal," I say. "But don't worry. We saved you plenty of lobster."

Clarabelle rolls her eyes. "Leave it to us to miss the juicy gossip. And it's all Peggy's fault. She discovered a new senior center out in Eagle that we've never been to before. The place was just crawling with bloodsuckers."

"Vampires?" I muse. "Is that where they go after Halloween?"

Peggy waves me off. "That's where they go to get a free cookie and a glass of orange juice. It turns out, the vampire club was just some big blood drive that the senior center takes part in. But lucky for us, we've got lots of blood to give and lots of love to give, too. I got thirteen phone numbers." She winks my way.

"Don't be too impressed. They're all the same number," Clarabelle says. "Once we call the senior center, all we need to do is ask for them by name."

"Oh you," Peggy snips her way. "There you go spoiling all my fun again." She links arms with her bestie. "Let's head inside and see if we can't spot any silver foxes on the loose. I still have a few empty slots on my Rolodex I need to fill."

"I think you're the only person left with a Rolodex," Clarabelle counters as they head inside.

"And sometimes I think I'm the only one left with a brain." Peggy sighs.

No sooner do they do a disappearing act than I spot a familiar face in the crowd, and once she spots me, she heads this way.

"Hattie?" Stella Woods looks cozy while bundled in a plaid flannel jacket and jeans. "I was just walking along the beach and heard the ruckus. I guess they're renaming the place. Although the food is so good, I wouldn't care what they called it."

We share a quick laugh.

"My brother is actually the owner here," I tell her. "And we're thrilled he's paying homage to the family with the new name. But I'm with you. As long as the food remains the same, it's all good." I wince a little. "So what's going to happen to Moon's Chocolate Delights now that he's gone? I mean, I hear he didn't have any heirs."

"He didn't." She shrugs. "But that didn't stop him from leaving the shop to me. His lawyer called this morning and gave me the news. I guess he didn't think my ideas were too terrible after all."

"Congratulations," Killion tells her.

"Yes, congrats," I say, more than enthused for her. "I'm sure you'll only improve upon its brilliance."

"We shall see," she says with a wink. "Enjoy your dinner and congratulations to your brother as well." She gives a little wave as she takes off and in her place another familiar face crops up.

"Chevy," I say, excited to see her, and I offer her an impromptu embrace. "So glad you could make it." I actually invited all of the women from the murder club, I thought it was fitting, especially since Tipper would already be here.

"I'm glad I'm here, too," she says as the wind blows her blonde locks to the side. "I wanted to let you know in person that I've just sent an official offer to your inbox. And if you don't mind a little spoiler, there's a hefty advance in it for you, should you choose to sign with me."

A breath hitches in my throat just hearing it.

"I accept," I say it so fast it sounds like a sneeze.

"Hattie"—Killion cringes a bit—"shouldn't you at least look over the contract?" She could be eating you alive in the fine print.

"I completely trust you," I say to Chevy. "And I cannot thank you enough for taking a chance on me."

Chevy belts out a laugh. "Welcome aboard. And if you find anything in the contract that you want to change, I'm fine with that, too. Now where's the champagne? We're going to need lots of it. I think you and your books are going places!" She gives a quick whoop before drifting into the crowd.

"Congratulations." Killion picks me up and spins me around before landing a steamy kiss on my lips. "My girlfriend, the big author."

"Unless you're making a dig at my rear end, there's no other basis for the word big . But published ? I'm just inches away!"

Both Cricket and Rookie give a few yowls and howls of approval, too.

A bevy of waiters and waitresses appears with trays brimming with champagne, and soon we're all holding a crystal flute in our hands.

As we all raise our glasses, a warm, fuzzy feeling sinks right down to my toes as I look around at everyone I love.

"Even with all the chaos, the mysteries, and the occasional brush with death, there's no place I'd rather be than Brambleberry Bay," I whisper to Killion and he lands a kiss on my lips.

"As long as you're next to me, I wouldn't mind Mars."

We share a quick laugh just as Tipper gets our attention once again. She really does seem devoted to my brother.

"To Holiday Lobster House," Tipper says, raising his glass high.

"To Holiday Lobster House," we all echo, clinking our glasses together.

As the champagne bubbles tickle my nose, I catch Killion's eye. He gives me a wink, and I feel a flush of warmth spread through me.

"Here's to new beginnings," I whisper, and just as I'm about to take a sip, I spot people pointing to something down by the waterline.

Neelie shoulder-checks her way through the crowd as she lands next to me.

"What's happening?" she pants.

"I don't know," I say as we take a few steps out, and to our surprise and delight, it's Fitz down on one knee and he looks as if he's holding up a ring to Winnie.

"Oh my goodness," Neelie cries out. "Look at the size of that rock!"

" Neelie ." I elbow my younger sister. "Who cares about the size of the rock?"

Winnie nods like mad, and soon she's in Fitz's arms and he's spinning her around and kissing her as the crowd goes wild.

"More champagne for everyone," Dad calls out. "It's on me!"

"I can't believe this," I say as I give Killion a hard embrace. "My sister is getting married!"

Neelie groans hard, "Well, I've got some news of my own," she calls out and soon both Mom and Dad have drifted this way. "I'm getting married, too." She shoves her left hand at us, and to our astonishment, there's a notable diamond sitting on her ring finger.

Half the crowd gasps—mostly out of horror, but I'm guessing some are impressed with the amount of pressed carbonite Stanton has managed to procure on a plastic surgeon's salary.

I mean, I know he makes bank, but this rock can rival any of the crown jewels.

Speaking of Stanton, shouldn't he be here for the big rocky reveal?

Both Killion and I give a careful glance around.

I don't see him, Killion muses to me internally and I nod his way.

"I think he's too afraid to show his face," I whisper.

Neelie bites down on her ruby-red smile as she slinks that rock my way. "What do you think, Hattie?"

"I think—" She doesn't want to know what I think.

Neelie simply laughs it off. Nobody has to know that Stanton proposed out of spite. I mean, I totally get wanting to get back at your ex. Heck, my relationship with Stanton is essentially me getting back at all of my stingy exes. And look at all the prizes I've amassed. Pricey purses, pretty clothes, and now this, the ultimate prize that he can never take back. A big, fat diamond to call my very own.

My mother and father offer up apprehensive congratulations her way, as do Killion and I. And, of course, we shower Winnie and Fitz with love, too.

It looks as if Brambleberry Bay is about to be inundated with weddings, even if one of them is building its foundation on a big, fat mountain of spite.

An icy wind picks up and I glance back at the town nestled here by the beach and I can't help but feel as if something sinister is headed this way.

Wedding bells will be ringing soon enough, and something tells me it will be murder.

*Thank you so much for reading Nightmare in Halloween Hollow! If you enjoyed this book and would like to see more in the series please consider leaving a review! It is much appreciated!

***The next book in the series will be available for preorder shortly!***

If you'd like to read the crossover coming up next, click here— Fatal Fall Foliage Cruise

Be sure to pick up Fatal Fall Foliage Cruise , coming up next!

Is that link not working for you? Try this one- Fatal Fall Foliage Cruise Happy reading! XO Addison Moore

Here comes the bride… and here comes the killer.

You are cordially invited to the wedding of Trixie Lynn Troublefield and Ransom Courtland Baxter.

The Emerald Queen is embarking on a breathtaking leaf-peeper cruise up the Eastern Seaboard, promising romance, stunning autumn views, and the wedding of the season. But beneath the beauty of the fiery foliage lies a dark secret, and one unlucky guest will pay the ultimate price.

With friends, family, and one all-too-familiar obnoxious ex-husband, Stanton, joining the celebration, Trixie's dream wedding is about to turn into a deadly nightmare. Because on this cruise, not everyone will make it back to shore alive…

Midlife on the high seas is proving to be murder.

Be sure to pick up Fatal Fall Foliage Cruise , coming up next!

Do you love your books with humor, sass and murder?

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Cutie Pies and Deadly Lies

Lottie Lemon has a bakery to tend to, a budding romance with perhaps one too many suitors and she has the supernatural ability to see the dead—which are always harbingers for ominous things to come. Throw in the occasional ghost of the human variety, a string of murders and her insatiable thirst for justice and you'll have more chaos than you know what to do with.

Living in Honey Hollow can be murder. Click here to get reading— Cutie Pies and Deadly Lies