The Nut Case: A Sister Sleuths Prequel Novella: A Sister Sleuths Mystery, #0

By Rayna Morgan

If you like fast-paced murder mysteries, witty heroes and ruthless villains, then you'll love this exciting novella in Rayna's high-octane series!

 

The day began in typical style with "June gloom" weather. It turned into the starting point for two sisters' adventures into a world of mystery and crime.

This Novella, the Prequel to the Sister Sleuths Mystery Series by Rayna Morgan, is a whodunit that will keep you guessing until the end!
A fascinating introduction to how the siblings broke into amateur sleuthing by cracking a case full of nuts!

What readers are saying about Rayna Morgan's entertaining Sister Sleuths mysteries:
 "This is a well written story with mysteries overlapping one another. Very good book. Am looking forward to the next installment. Loved it."
"The sisters are fun to read. The characters are well developed. The plots have twists and surprises. Can't wait to read the next one of her books."
"Loved the characters, story line and development of the entire book. Definitely worth the time to read. Highly recommended."
"Very nice, fun and easy read. Good story, interesting characters. Really an enjoyable book to read."
"Rayna Morgan has a deft touch with making everything real."
"Nice and entertaining who done it mystery that leaves you satisfied. The characters are not complex but somehow true to life."
"Once again a wonderful book true to its characters. I am already anxiously waiting for the next."

Get the book that tells you how it all began now!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rayna Morgan
• Release date: Sep 11, 2017
• ISBN: 9781393906230

Book preview

INTRODUCTION

The driver’s eyes narrowed, piercing the morning fog in search of a familiar landmark. After navigating miles of roads with sharp curves and falling rock, the truck stop was a welcome sight. He exited the interstate and pulled his vehicle to an open pump.

The driver, a man with a long, patchy beard wearing a nylon windbreaker, hopped out, stuck a nozzle in the tank, and wiped the windshield with a squeegee. While he waited for the tank to fill, he threw his jacket onto the seat of the cab and ran a comb through hair sticking out under a Dodgers baseball cap.

He walked inside the convenience store to pay the cashier, a woman with steely blond hair and dark sunburn.

I’m going to Buena Viaje. They still working on the road to the coast? he asked.

Yep. The westbound lane is closed for six miles. I guess we should be grateful the state has enough money to fix the potholes. I blew a tire on one of those things last month.

I’m hitting the traffic wrong, just in time for the morning commute, he grumbled. He looked over her shoulder at pictures on the wall showing glimpses of breakfast specials at the 24-hour diner.

She caught his eye as she handed him the change. The waffles are good. I had ‘em this morning.

Yeah, I might as well be sitting here eating as waiting twenty minutes for a flagman to wave me through.

Move your truck to the lot in the back.

Sure thing.

The driver emerged from the diner thirty minutes later rubbing his belly. Approaching his vehicle, he noticed one of the cargo doors swinging open. He ran around to the back and saw the broken lock dangling. The Sunny Orchards truck was empty. He threw his baseball cap on the ground and swore.

CHAPTER ONE

Lea stood in her front yard waiting for the dogs. She pretended not to see the gray-haired, stooped woman walking toward them. Ignore her, she warned the pets.

The Border collie disobeyed the command. With her white and gold tail waving in the air, the dog pranced over to the approaching figure.

Good morning, Lea, Ida Allen said as she crossed the street. It looks like another day of June gloom. Lea’s neighbor pulled a treat from her apron pocket and offered it to the dog. Here you go, girl.

Now you’ve done it, Gracie. For the sake of a biscuit, I'll be delayed twenty minutes. She brushed long, red hair from her face and forced a smile. "It will burn off by noon, like every other day." She didn’t mean to be unfriendly, but Ida’s penchant for gossip created a distraction she tried to avoid. As a home-based freelance copywriter, she had little time for idle chatter.

Paul must be working at the house this morning, Ida said.

Does she watch us come and go? He has a conference call before he goes to his office. Not that it’s any of your business. How are you?

Now that you ask...

Here we go.

Do you remember the odd noises I told you about the other day?

Wait, this sounds more interesting. The ones in your back yard?

I heard them again last night, this time on the patio.

It could be a house burglar.

I screamed and the intruder ran away.

How terrible! Lea imagined how frightening the scenario would be for someone living on their own. Did you call the police?

Ida looked down. I didn't want to do that.

Why not?

They’d think I’m just an old woman imagining things. She shook her head as if to clear it. That might be true. After it was over, I wasn’t sure I hadn’t dreamed it.

Lea nodded. It’s easy enough to do. When Paul’s away on business and Jon and I are home alone, I sometimes imagine noises. She patted the long, floppy ears of the white golden retriever sitting at her side. But we have the dogs. Spirit and Gracie alert me if sounds are real.

Ida twisted the corner of her apron. I was the youngest growing up and my siblings told me ghost stories. Maybe that’s where my fears started.

My sister scared me, too, Lea said. She removed her sunglasses, revealing gray-green eyes and long lashes. I read mysteries under my blanket with a flashlight when mother thought I was asleep. Maddy sneaked into my bedroom wearing a mask and jerked the cover off my bed. I jumped every time, even knowing she'd come.

A smile crossed the older woman’s face. I feel better talking about it, but I don’t mean to keep you. You’re busy.

Did she read my mind earlier and sense I was trying to avoid her? She used an excuse to end the conversation. I'm on my way to Fresh & Healthy to buy vegetables. My parents are coming for dinner tonight.

Ida’s eyes lit up. Will I be able to talk to your mother?

They're two of a kind. Mom knows more about my neighbors from gossiping with Ida than I do.

She may not have time. They’re driving up the coast. Lea read the disappointment in her neighbor’s face. They might stay overnight on their return trip to San Diego. I’ll make sure she drops by to see you.

You do that. The neighbor walked away, waving over her shoulder. I want to tell her about my ghosts.

* * *

Lea followed the dogs into the house and joined her husband in the kitchen. Paul poured two cups of coffee and pushed one across the counter. Who were you talking to?

She wrapped her fingers around the mug. Ida thinks she has ghosts.

Paul’s blue eyes twinkled. Last month, she complained a strange man was lurking around the neighborhood.

I remember. It turned out to be a city inspector.

She nearly had him arrested. I hope she never needs a building permit. He won't be inclined to grant one after the trouble she caused.

Lea shrugged. At least she’s observant.

She has too much time on her hands, Paul complained. I wish she’d keep her crazy ideas to herself and not share them with my wife who has an overactive imagination herself.

Lea’s lips turned into a pout. It’s my nose for crime. I inherited that from my father.

Paul grinned. It’s a cute nose at that, but don’t bring your love of mysteries too close to home.

Speaking of genes, remember my parents are coming for dinner—

On their way to the police convention. Don’t worry; I’ll be home in time to chat before we eat. He stuffed papers in his briefcase and looked for his keys. Do I need to get anything?

All I need is vegetables. I’m going to Fresh & Healthy this morning. She pointed at the Border collie holding a key fob in her mouth. Will Tom be able to come?

Thanks, girl. Paul patted the dog and took his keys. He wants to. He likes talking to your father, but there are no guarantees.

Lea understood the reference to their friend, Tom Elliot, a lieutenant in the major crimes unit of the Buena Viaje Police.

Tell him we’re eating early.

He gets off at six, but he’s always on call.

No problem if he's late or can’t make it. We’re used to it.

All right, I’m off to the rat race.

You can hardly call life in Buena Viaje a rat race.

You’re right. He grazed her cheek with a kiss. Let’s keep it that way.

Her eyes widened. What are you suggesting?

Stay away from Ida and her wild imaginings. I enjoy the peace and quiet of this laid-back town.

CHAPTER TWO

Lea felt the car shake from the dogs moving around. Settle down, you two, she hollered over the seat. We’re almost there.

She pulled into the parking lot of the Fresh & Healthy Food Store. Although she hated shopping, she enjoyed this store. The number of choices offered for each product at the large grocery chains overwhelmed her. She preferred smaller, local markets providing healthier options.

The sweet aroma of strawberries drew her to the display at the front entrance. She placed two baskets of ripe berries in a shopping cart and proceeded into the store.

Soft overhead lighting, walls covered with pictures of fruit and vegetables, and wood shelving created a welcoming environment. Bins displayed the vibrant colors of red tomatoes, green peppers, yellow zucchini, and orange carrots. Rows of vitamins were sorted by brand and cataloged alphabetically. Bulk food dispensers containing grains, seeds, and snacks lined an entire wall.

She peered into a glass display case as she rolled the cart past the delicatessen. A carrot cake bursting with raisins and topped with cream cheese frosting tempted her, but she kept walking.

Checking her list as she