Swimples

By Linda Mooney

Six Sweet Short and Simple Cozy Mysteries
Includes: 

"Rescue" - Stella worried about leaving their dog, Oro, so soon after they'd rescued the abused lab. Little did she know how Oro would react to her being gone.

"Sleuth" - It started with a missing hairbrush, then a few spoons. But with a bit of sleuthing, Ava was able to figure out who the culprit was behind the absconded items.

"Sixteen Cents: - Friday morning, everyone in the office found money left on their desks. All in varying amounts. Who'd left it? And why?

"Marshmallows" - Who knew it would be so difficult to keep the little sugary confection in the house?

"Lost" - It's an age thing.

"The Stranger" - Ever get the sense that someone is watching you? Bess is about to find out why that feeling won't go away.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Mooney
• Release date: Apr 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393275312

Linda Mooney

Linda loves to write sensuously erotic romance with a fantasy, paranormal, or science fiction flair. Her technique is often described as being as visual as a motion picture or graphic novel. A wife, mother, grandmother, and retired Kindergarten and music teacher, she lives in a small south Texas town near the Gulf coast where she delves into other worlds filled with daring exploits, adventure, and intense love. She has numerous best sellers, including 10 consecutive #1s. In 2009, she was named Whiskey Creek Press Torrid's Author of the Year, and her book My Strength, My Power, My Love was named the 2009 WCPT Book of the Year. In 2011, her book Lord of Thunder was named the Epic Ebook "Eppie" Award Winner for Best Erotic Sci-Fi Romance. In addition, she write naughty erotic romances under the name of Carolyn Gregg, and horror under the pseudonym of Gail Smith. For more information about Linda Mooney books and titles, and to sign up for her newsletter, please visit her website. http://www.LindaMooney.com

Book preview

1

Rescue

H ey, Mom, we gotta go now if we’re gonna make the flight! Tyler stuck his head around the door to stare at her. He added a gesture, urging her to come on.

Stella kissed Oro’s head and gave him one last squeeze. The golden retriever whimpered as she set him down on the floor, adding a final kiss to the top of the dog’s head. It’s going to be all right, Oro. It’s just for a few days. Auntie Amelia will be here in another hour or two to check on you while we’re gone.

The canine whimpered again, nosing her leg and pawing the top of her sneaker. Stella cast her son a sorrowful look. He’s gotten so attached to me. I hate leaving him so soon after we rescued him.

Tyler entered the room and gave Oro a scratch behind the ears. I know, Mom. But we’ve had this vacation planned since last October. If we back out now, we won’t be able to get a refund on all our deposits. His brows lowered as he gave her a stern look. And don’t you dare even consider backing out yourself. You’ve been looking forward to this trip as much as we have. Besides, Aunt Amelia will take good care of him. She’s owned dogs in the past. Oro will be just fine.

Stella regarded the sad expression on the dog’s face, especially the pitiful, soulful look in his dark brown eyes. With a heavy heart, she agreed. All right. I’m coming. Leaning forward, she took Oro’s face between her hands and gently waggled it from side to side. You be a good boy, you hear me, Oro? Mommy’s going to call Auntie Amelia every night to see how you’re doing. I’ll talk to you on the phone when I do. It’s just six days, old man. I’ll see you again before you know it.

Getting up from the bed, she grabbed her backpack purse and hurried out of the bedroom. She heard Oro trotting after them, but didn’t dare look back. She was fighting tears as it was, and she’d already learned how empathetic the animal was to the feelings of others.

They reached the airport in time, went through security, and were sitting at their gate, waiting to board their flight, when Stella pulled out her phone to call her sister.

Hey, Stell! Everything okay?

Yeah. We’re here at our gate. I was calling to see if you’d gotten to the house yet.

Yep. Got here about ten minutes ago.

How’s Oro?

So far, so good. He’s been sitting at the kitchen door ever since I got here. We were just getting ready to go for a walk. Amelia chuckled. I think he’s missing you guys.

Honestly, Sis, it’s tearing me up having to leave him so soon after we brought him home from the shelter, Stella admitted. He’s had such a horrible life before we found him. I’m worried he might think he’s being abandoned again.

He’ll be fine, Amelia reassured her.

Can I speak to him?

Sure. Hold on. Let me go into the kitchen. I don’t think he’ll come if I call him.

She heard her sister venture into the next room. Presently there was a snuffling sound, and Amelia’s faint voice told