Killer Focus: Mrs. Avery's Adventures, #1

By Victoria LK Williams

Piper Avery thought her day was bad-then she found the body on the beach!

When Piper Avery gets a pink slip, a birthday card, and new neighbors all in the same week, she thinks things can't get any worse. But then she stumbles upon a body on the Florida coastline and her day takes a deadly turn.

To add to her troubles, her new neighbors turned out to be none other than her mother and mother-in-law, best friends and full of advice. While Piper is trying to adjust to their presence in her life, she's also juggling the challenges of her photography gallery opening, and the surprise birthday gift of feisty spaniel named Daisy, who proves to be a bit of a diva.

Piper has no intention of getting involved in the murder investigation, but when undercover cop Joel Stevenson challenges her, she can't resist. With Daisy by her side, Piper begins to unravel the mystery, even as she's caught up in small-town gossip and drama.

As Piper and Joel work together to solve the murder, they stumble on more than they bargained for. With the help of Joel's K-9 partner, Scout, they race against time to catch the killer before Piper becomes the next victim.

Full of humor, mystery, and the beautiful scenery of the Florida coastline, "Mrs. Avery's Adventures: Book 1" is the first in a cozy mystery series that will keep you on the edge of your seat as Piper and Daisy navigate the twists and turns of small-town life, all while trying to keep her nosy mother and mother-in-law out of trouble.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sun, Sand & Stories Publishing
• Release date: Jun 27, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386322665

Victoria LK Williams

USA Today Best-Selling Author. Victoria writes what she calls Cozy Mysteries with a Tropical Twist. Her series are set in small South Florida towns, with fun characters and a dog/cat or two. She also has one series that is paranormal cozy and the plans for a second.  Victoria can often be found writing from her South Florida home, looking into her garden, watching the birds and squirrels fight over their next meal, while she writes. Her two cats, Miss Marple, and Fletch, often join her at the desk and each has their assigned spot. Victoria's not sure they are there to supervise her writing or watch the birds. Victoria and her husband of 38 years share a love of gardening, and together they have written a gardening handbook for Florida gardeners. The Williams are now empty-nesters, giving Victoria plenty of time to dream up the next story. Until then, you can read any of her current titles in the Citrus Beach Mystery series, Sister Station series, Storm Voices series, Mrs. Avery's Adventures series, Beach House Mysteries, Tattletale Cafe, and now Professor Higgins Investigates.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Piper Avery groaned out loud and let her head fall into her hands in frustration. Sitting on the table in front of her was a neatly typed letter, and although it wasn't pink, she knew what it meant.

But as disturbing as the piece of paper was, it wasn't the reason for her groan. Lifting her head back up, she looked at her phone sitting on the table next to the letter and read the text message one more time. Unfortunately, it still said the same thing it had a minute ago, and she groaned out loud again.

Thankfully, her groan was drowned out by the laughter from the table next to her. It was a busy time of day at The Eatery, a popular lunch spot, and she’d been lucky to grab a table. The restaurant was packed with men and women from the nearby office center, all busy talking and trying to eat a quick lunch.

Her attention was diverted by a brightly colored envelope placed on the table from behind her. Okay, that was strike three. The envelope most certainly contained a birthday card. The last thing she needed to be reminded of right now was that her 50th birthday was upon her.

Piper looked up as her best friend sat down next to her, her long dark hair pulled back in a hair clip, her slim figure sporting a pencil skirt and her dark tan shown off by her white blouse.

Oh, come on Piper, it’s just another day. Turning fifty is not that big of a deal.

Piper attempted a weak smile at her friend. She knew the woman was right; it was just another day, just another number on the calendar. But there was something ominous about that age, and suddenly she felt a little bit older than she had the day before.

From now on, I can call you an old lady and get away with it, teased her friend.

Like you have so much experience, Courtney. You're only a month older than me. And I seem to remember you had a major meltdown on your fiftieth birthday.

And don't you forget it. I'll always be older and wiser than you. I've been telling you that since we were teenagers. Waving off Piper’s last comment, she continued with a wicked grin. There was no meltdown. Your memory’s playing tricks on you—comes with the old age.

That got a smile out of Piper, and she looked at her best friend whom she'd known for far too many years and shrugged her shoulders. With lifelong friends, words were often not necessary, and the two women were as close as sisters.

You're right, Courtney. Besides, it's really not my birthday that has me in a tizzy. Look at this.

She shoved the letter across the table as her friend sat down across from her and watched her read it.

Well, that stinks, Courtney said. But, let’s be honest. Since the company bought you out, you've kind of been expecting this. The new owners have drained all they can out of you, and now it’s time to let you go. Big deal. Take the money and run and enjoy your life.

I know you're right, and secretly I have been expecting it, but it still hurts. I built the business up from nothing. Granted, I did sell it, but I really thought I would be needed longer than six weeks. Piper picked up the brightly colored envelope in front of her and burst out laughing at the comic verse inside the card.

Leave it to you to find the perfect card. Thanks, I needed this. You always seem to know just what to say or do, Courtney.

The two women exchanged knowing looks. A card could only say so much, but their years of shared experiences together said a lot more.

I’ll give you your gift tonight at Mooney’s.

Piper shook her finger at Courtney. I thought we decided we weren’t exchanging birthday gifts anymore.

Yeah, like you remembered that on my birthday. Anyway, you were expecting the pink slip, and you knew it was your birthday. What else is bothering you?

Piper looked back at the phone and groaned again. Courtney was right; it was the text message she'd received that was bothering her the most. Without saying a word, she slid the phone over to her friend, watching to see how Courtney would react when she read the message.

Oh my God, they didn't!

Well, it looks like they did. My life is over. I'll never have another minute to myself.

Courtney looked back at the phone as if she couldn't believe the message. She read it out loud to further prove it really was there.

Great news! We just signed the paperwork on the house across the street. We're your new neighbors! We’ll fill you in on all the details tonight. Love you and happy birthday, your moms.

Courtney tried to hold back the laughter, and as a result, a loud snort erupted. Piper looked at her with disgust and grabbed her phone back.

Just remember, they’ll be sticking their noses in your business too, Piper said. Remember? You’re currently my house guest.

As fast as her friend’s laughter had started, it ended with a gasp. Eyes wide, Courtney looked at her friend.

In an instant, it became clear to Courtney that she would also be in the line of fire of the mothers’ meddling.

Then, with perfect timing that came from years of saying the same catchphrase, they spoke out loud as one:

We’re doomed!

They were silent for a moment, each of them contemplating what was in store for them.

You couldn’t talk them into a nice condo across town? Courtney finally asked.

I wish. Honestly, I didn’t think the mothers were serious about moving in together. Neither has been having any financial problems that would cause this. They’re acting like they’re back in their college days when they shared a dorm room.

Well, seriously, they might be lonely, Courtney said. I mean, each of them had huge houses that they lived in alone. And they are always together. I guess it makes sense.

But across the street? What grown woman wants her mother and her mother-in-law living that close?

Chapter 2

Walking into Mooney’s was always like an assault on Piper's senses, and tonight was no exception. Standing in the doorway of the beachside bar and grill, she couldn't help wrinkling her nose as the mixture of scents engulfed her. Beer mixed with suntan oil, along with the delicious smell of pizza and burgers frying on an open grill. It should have been offensive, but it wasn't, at least not to Piper. It was just part of Mooney's atmosphere. The dim light was brightened with tiki torches and Christmas lights strung all over the inside of the rooms. One of the local bands was playing, and the spotlights were shining on the small stage. People shouted over the sound of the music and laughter filled the air. As she looked around, she heard her name called out, and she turned to watch the owner of the bar walk towards her.

Busy night, Mooney.

Yes, this time of year they always are. Thanks to our tourist friends.

They shared a laugh, as Mooney engulfed her in a bear hug. Then he stood back and tugged on her hair, an old habit of affection.

Happy birthday, Frosty. Courtney has the back room set up for you, and there's already quite a crowd back there.

Piper smiled back at her old friend, taking in the flowered shirt and cargo shorts, his standard uniform of the day. His balding head showed signs of sunburn from days spent fishing in the hot Florida sun, and the tan lines were visible on his muscled arms as he pointed towards the back of the bar.

Piper rubbed the smooth surface of his head, a response she always gave in return for the tug of her silvery hair. Mooney had been tugging her pigtails since she was a little girl, when she would come in with her dad after a day of fishing. Her dad would always treat her to a virgin daiquiri while he downed a couple of cold beers to chase off the salt and the heat of being out on the ocean. He’d been gone for years now, but Piper still came to Mooney’s to celebrate the ups and downs of life and to just relax and enjoy the company of all her friends, who also considered Mooney’s their local hangout.

Thanks, Mooney. Are my mothers here yet?

The older man laughed at the expression on her face, but he knew exactly who she meant.

The Mothers was a term Piper and her late husband had concocted to classify their mothers. The two women had been college roommates, and they'd never broken off their friendship. It delighted them when their children had gotten married, and to keep things simple, they were always referred to as The Mothers. Even Piper's friends referred to them as her mothers. They had to. The two women involved themselves in Piper's life so much, and that included her friends’ and extended family’s lives, too. There wasn't much The Mothers didn't know about Piper's life or the community, for that matter.

Not yet, Mooney told her. You’ve got a little break before they get here. Go on back and enjoy yourself while you can. You know what it will be like when they get here. The two shared a smile, and then Mooney moved away to answer a question from one of his barmaids.

Piper headed to the back room, dodging a tourist with extended arms, no doubt exaggerating his fishing catch from earlier in the day. Everyone at Mooney’s seemed to be in good spirits, and that was the way he liked it. Laughter and talk almost drowned out the band playing. As Piper walked, she noticed a few people she knew and smiled a greeting to them. Then she saw a man sitting quietly in the corner by himself, nursing a beer. He was an older man with a slightly balding head, glasses taped together at the nose piece and a pointed goatee. There was something familiar about him, but Piper couldn't quite place it. Before she could give it any further thought, she heard her name called out from the background, and her attention was diverted.

As if a magnet pulled her head, Piper looked at the table that held the cake and a pile of gifts. She was searching for a large round box, distinctive in shape. She knew exactly what it was when she saw it. For as long as Piper could remember, there had always been a large box sitting next to her birthday cake. She knew she would find a fantastic hat inside that box, and nestled under the hat was sure to be a pair of shoes to drool over. As a child, the hat and shoes had been cute and fun. When she hit her teen years, the cute sandals had turned to high heels and had remained that way ever since. The hats had gone from being sweet to sassy and frivolous. Her father had started the tradition when she was just a child and when she got married her husband continue the tradition. Twenty years ago, when her husband passed away, her Mothers had taken over. There was a wall at her home that was lined with hats she'd saved from over the years. The shoes had come and gone, but not the hats. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the box, as if something magical had happened. She had always felt her birthday wouldn't be complete without a hat box, or that something would go horribly wrong. Piper wasn't sure why she felt this way, but she was relieved to see the box.

There's the birthday girl.

Cheers rang out as someone noticed Piper walk into the room and she was quickly engulfed in hugs and good wishes.

Piper wandered around the room and chatted with friends until the arrival of another batch of guests appeared at the doorway. This was the group that held a special place in Piper's heart. Courtney came in first, giving her a big hug and tugging on her hair just like Mooney had done. Tonight, Courtney had dressed up in honor of her friend's celebration, a cute summer dress with her hair pulled up off her shoulders in a loose ponytail. She didn't look anywhere near fifty years old, any more than Piper did. Courtney was pushed out of the way, and she didn’t complain, letting the next two women gush over Piper. It was The Mothers.  Piper returned hugs, shaking her head at the constant chattering the two women never seemed to stop doing. One would start a sentence, and the other would finish it. Sometimes it was nerve-racking, but tonight it felt comfortable.

You look wonderful tonight, Piper, Piper’s mom said. Happiest of birthdays.

The more distinguished looking of the two women kissed her left cheek and tweaked her nose as only a mother would dare. The second woman kissed her right cheek, needing to stand a little bit on her tiptoes to reach.

You know, if you didn't wear those high heels all the time, I wouldn't have to strain to reach you, Piper’s mother-in-law teased. Happy birthday, dear.

The two women were quickly swallowed up by the crowd. Everybody knew her mothers and wanted to say hello. When the two women moved off to talk to some of Piper's friends, Piper noticed a fourth woman standing in the doorway. She couldn't help the huge grin that spread across her face, and she held out her arms for the older woman with the pixie haircut to receive her hug.

Charlotte, I had no idea you were coming! I’m so happy to see you. Are you spending the night?

Charlotte Potter returned Piper's hug as she answered with a laugh. I had to be here for my goddaughter's fiftieth birthday. You couldn't have kept me away if you tried. How are you, sweetie? A little stressed tonight? Surely you're not worried about turning fifty? A sly grin crept across Charlotte’s face and she nodded her head towards Piper’s mothers. Or maybe you're worried about your new neighbors?

Oh, you know me so well. I'm not really worried about the neighbor issue; everything will work out, I'm sure. It was just a little bit of a shock this morning, on top of everything else.

Yes, Courtney told me about the job situation on the way over. Charlotte paused. I need to talk to you after the festivities are done. Seriously talk, Piper.

Piper gave a short nod. She knew that tone of voice and understood the conversation wasn't going to be able to be avoided. Giving her godmother a quick kiss on the cheek, she waved to someone else who was coming in the room and excused herself.

The next few hours went quickly, filled with laughter, drinks and good food. Conversations ranged from jobs to the weather. Piper was pleased when she saw some of her coworkers come in and relieved that none of the new management showed up. It would be just like them to feel like they were entitled to attend her party.

When the gifts were opened, Piper found a wide range of gifts, from gag to sentimental gifts. When the hat box was opened, she lifted a pretty straw hat with a wide brim and a black bow out of the box and found a beautiful pair of teal high heels, her favorite color. The fun polka-dots that ran across the shoes made her smile. Things were beginning to wind down when Courtney pulled her aside and asked her to sit in a quiet corner with her eyes closed for just a moment. She ran out of the room, passing Mooney, who had come in to share in the festivities. A few moments later Piper could hear oohs and ahhhs and wondered what was going on.

Piper, open your eyes.

Piper did as her friend commanded and slowly opened her eyes to find sitting in front of her, at attention, a beautiful cocker spaniel. The dog wasn't a puppy, but Piper could tell she wasn't very old either.

She looked at Courtney with confusion. What's this all about?

Okay, just hear me out. You've always said you wanted a dog but couldn't have one because your job was so demanding. Well, that's changed, hasn't it? This is Daisy. She is a year old, fully trained, and desperately needs a home. Her owner just passed away, and I thought of you right away. The two of you would be a perfect match, Piper. What do you say, do we give her a try?

Piper looked at her friend, dumbfounded. This was