Tricks and Trouble: Miss Fortune World: Wholly Moses!, #12

By Kamaryn Kelsey

"Murphy" girl Jo Jeffries decides it's time for a change and moves to Sinful. She isn't looking for trouble. Her aged Aunt Trix already provides plenty of that.

When Trixie lands herself in the middle of a murder Jo asks the Sinful ladies for help. But along with Trixie's dilemma, she has to deal with a housing mix-up, a bratty neighbor, and an old flame. Being Sinful, things are bound to get worse before they get better.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J&R Fan Fiction
• Release date: Dec 10, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386148753

Book preview

Author’s note:

This is book 12 in the Wholly Moses series and is not intended to standalone.

This is a work of fiction. Other than Jana DeLeon’s original story elements, the characters and names are creation of the author’s imagination.

Chapter 1

Jo Jeffries hands tightened on the steering wheel as she eased her car to the side of the highway- again. Her blue eyes twitched when her traveling companion cackled at their predicament.

Maybe you should have brought another spare.

Jo's opinionated sidekick, Trixie Sylvester, was her deceased Great Aunt Fanny's best friend and Jo's current responsibility. Jo called her Aunt Trixie since the elderly woman had been like a relative standing by Fanny and Jo through the years. Now Jo was determined to do the same, so she bit back the sharp comment and wiped her dark hair back in frustration.

Maybe you can blow it up, Trixie suggested and Jo chuckled at the absurdity of their situation. That she was moving to Sinful, Louisiana didn’t seem relevant. Two flats didn’t forecast trouble- it was just an unfortunate coincidence, right?

Let's take a look. Trix hopped out of the car before Jo could stop her. By the time she reached the passenger rear corner of the vehicle Trixie was on her knees examining the tire. She held out her hand for Jo to help her rise, then wisely announced, Yep. It's definitely flat.

Jo rubbed her dripping forehead with a shaky hand and counted to ten. Finally, she spoke. Trixie, you'll get your clothes dirty if you keep kneeling on the ground. I'll call for assistance. It's blistering out here, so let's get back in the car.

Trixie glanced down at her clothes and waved her hand dismissively. Ah, they’re old clothes, anyway.

Jo eyed the screaming abstract print, button front blouse and tan polyester slacks, wondering how she could tell the difference. Except for a variety of shades, they all looked the same to Jo. Trixie herself looked the same with a heavy chest drooping to her waist, white ankle socks, and black shoes. Although she'd updated those from laces to Velcro straps. Trixie kept her short white hair tightly rolled in the same style she'd worn for decades, but her green eyes were still bright and twinkled with mischief behind her eyeball magnifying trifocals.

As Jo prepared to help Trixie into the car, the distinct sound of a slowing motorcycle distracted them. The small trailer she towed prevented Jo from seeing the rider, so she released Trixie's arm and reached across the passenger seat for the bag with her loaded gun inside. Slinging the purse over her shoulder, she stepped around the front of her car to view the rider who pulled to a stop behind them, unsure if he was there to help the women or help himself. She snorted under her breath. Mr. Harley was in for a surprise if he imagined she and Trixie were helpless and stranded.

The man removed his helmet and set it on his bike. He wore a kerchief over his head and Jo wondered how he managed a beard in the humid weather. It covered the lower part of his face with dark hair. As he approached, Jo saw a few white strands mixed in. His lined, deeply tan skin and bright blue eyes suggested he enjoyed being outside, even in the heat. Waiting near the driver's door, Jo kept her hand ready to pull her weapon. The stranger had a big chest and powerful arms and she wasn't taking any chances.

You ladies need some help?

No! Jo’s blood boiled when she recognized his voice. Ross Colton- one of the hottest man she’d ever known and one she vowed to leave in her past. Jo eyed him as he waited for her response. He’d filled out since college and he hadn’t worn a beard then. But he still had the impish light in his eyes. Her own eyes narrowed.

"What are you doing here?" she spat, and his brows rose.

Jo? He took a step toward her and then paused to examine her head to toe. Jo’s scowl deepened when he asked, What the hell happened to you?

Don’t tell her she’s fat, Trixie cautioned under her breath and Jo knew he referred to her own filling out since college. Her transformation from skinny girl to shapely full figured woman wasn’t complete when they parted ways. But if he made an unflattering comment...

His eyes shifted to Trix and he murmured, She’s just right, but... His appreciative eyes settled on Jo’s huge chest. Did you have surgery?

She snorted as her gaze followed his. Surgery? For these? I’d have a solid case for a malpractice suit. Hell, no I didn’t pay for these!

She wasn’t mollified by his aside to Trix, Even better, and rumbled a throaty growl of warning. His lips twitched, and he turned his attention to Trix who gaped at him shamelessly. Hi Trixie. Do you remember me?

She giggled and swatted his arm. I’d never forget you, Ross! Fanny always said you were the naughtiest boy in the neighborhood. But you were cute as the dickens too. And still are.

Jo rolled her eyes impatiently as Ross hugged Trixie. The smooth-tongued devil always had a way with the ladies as she well knew. But Ross wasn’t in her life now and she aimed to keep it that way. He had other ideas.

So, Jojo, I hope you’re not still married to what’s his name? Eric Weasel was it? His wide blue eyes looked innocent at the insult but Jo knew better.

Wesley, she growled. And it’s none of your business.

Trixie mumbled, Nope, under her breath and Ross’s smile grew. Jo glared, but he ignored it.

Any current attachments? he asked Trixie, and Jo yelled in protest.

This isn’t a reunion visit, she huffed but Trix shook her head, anyway. He rubbed his palms gleefully and Jo’s repressive scowl didn’t dampen his cheery expression.

So can I help you change that flat? Ross wisely dropped the personal questions and nodded to the rear tire of the vehicle while Jo cussed under her breath.

Trixie explained. We already changed one flat and let me tell you, that was a pain in the butt. Well, a pain in Jo's butt because she had to unhitch the trailer first.

Ross's attention drifted to Jo's backside, and she cleared her throat menacingly. He gave her an unabashed grin and offered her a ride on his Harley. Jo's mouth fell open, and she ignored Trixie's sharp nudge.

Go ahead, Trixie urged. I can wait here. Although I wouldn’t mind a spin on that bad hog!

Jo turned her slack jaw and incredulous look from Ross to Trixie. Go ahead and do what? she asked. Would you like me to push that flat to the nearest town with a stick while I try to keep my balance on the back of that bike? Or maybe we can ride three with that tire between us. Hey, let's pretend we're Bears on Wheels because that worked out so well in the book!

Trixie sniffed and confided to Ross, I don't know what's wrong with her. She just broke up with her boyfriend...

TRIXIE! Jo's already flushed face turned red.

I'm just trying to help, the old woman grumbled.

Me too, Ross added.

Jo slapped her forehead. "I have an idea. Why don't you take a ride on that bike, Trixie? Hey, get back here! I was joking. She turned wide eyes to Ross as she lost control of the situation and Trixie rushed to check the motorcycle. You'd better get back there before she steals it," she warned Ross, pleased to see a stunned expression replace the happy look he wore. She snickered when he hurried to catch up with her aunt.

By the time Jo caught up with them Ross was helping Trixie up from the ground. She examined her torn slacks and scraped knees, then waved it off. I’m fine, she insisted. Let’s saddle up!

Just how long will this take? Jo asked, throwing her arms up in resignation at Trixie’s determination.

Trixie scowled. What difference does it make? she huffed.

Jo and Trix faced off and Ross interrupted, Less than ten minutes, Jo.

A snort of laughter burst from her lips. Well, that doesn’t surprise me! His brows went straight, and she smirked, I guess you’re improving slightly with age, Ross. Just like a cheap wine. She flicked her hand at him dismissively and returned to her car.

Jo leaned against it and smothered another laugh when, five minutes later, she heard the Harley roar to life as Ross pulled onto the road and gave Jo a dirty look while Trixie waved. Then Jo stepped onto the road and pointed her pistol and his expression turned to astonishment. He rolled to a stop and eyed her nervously. Trixie poked her head around and yelled, Get out of the way, Jo.

In a minute. I just want to set a few ground rules, in case you traded your pretend knight in shining armor for a psychopath's suit. She moved her weapon and pointed it down the road. Do you see that garbage bag left by the highway crew?

He cranked his head and laughed. You're going to impress me by shooting it? Hell, I could hit it with a rock from this distance.

Jo gave him an impatient look. Not that one. The other one. He took another look, then flicked his eyes to Jo. She squeezed off a round and hit the bag much farther down the road. As he stared, she approached the bike and yanked his beard.

He yelped and grabbed his face. Are you nuts? Geez, it's just a ride.

Jo held the strands to the light and squinted. "I now have DNA to turn over