Charity Begins At Bone: Naomi & Winston Mysteries, #5

By Maddie Sutton

One charity auction. Two feuding antique store owners. Three guesses as to what happens next…

When local businesswoman Rosalind Murphy suspiciously goes missing before Harmony Grove's big Charity Auction for the children's wing of the local hospital, Naomi is determined to dig up the truth. The circumstances behind Rosalind's disappearance just don't add up, and the suspicion it casts on her business rival Tom Skinner—one of Naomi's grandma's close friends—is a little too convenient.

But when Rosalind's body is discovered, Naomi realizes she may have bitten off more than she can chew. As she slowly fits the pieces of the puzzle together, will Naomi be drawn into danger that only her doggone best buddy can dig her out, or has this dog finally had its day?


The fifth book in the southern, small town Naomi & Winston Mysteries, Charity Begins At Bone contains no adult situations or gore, only fun and high jinks as the heroine solves mysteries and chases behind her perpetually confused, endearingly curious, and continuously chatty Chihuahua. This story has a light paranormal element.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maddie Sutton
• Release date: Nov 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201714628

Book preview

1

The weight of a Chihuahua at three fifty-eight in the morning was a boulder sitting on my chest. Even the annoyance of an alarm clock wasn’t as jarring as smelling dog breath as I swam to consciousness.

Morning, Mary! Winston said. His seven pounds were drilling down through each paw and pressing in painful points on my diaphragm.

Good morning, Winston. Why are you up so early?

Because the clock is going to make the noise I don’t like.

Of course, superior hearing would play into this. I covered my head and curled into a ball which caused Winston to tumble across the blanket. I have two minutes, I groaned softly.

Undaunted, Winston walked up the side of my body and rested his head on my shoulder. But it’s time to get up. I have to go winky.

I really wished he wouldn’t use that word. I think he picked it up from his previous owner. Walkies was acceptable but he resisted using it. Even outside would do. I would understand outside. I’m a reasonable adult.

You’ve held your bladder for far longer, I said from my cocoon beneath the cover.

But I have to go winky now. And the clock is going to make the noise I don’t like.

With a heavy sigh, I flipped the covers off. Winston disappeared under them. He had taken that as a sign to play.

Ever since I was struck by lightning and was gifted with the ability to talk to animals, it was hard for me to tell if Winston’s playful growls were actually giggles or if that was just my imagination filling in a cute detail.

Perhaps it didn’t matter. His little tribble-sounding growls were enough like giggles when we played ‘blanket-monster’ and it elevated my spirits. It was okay that I was getting up at 4 AM.

On cue, the alarm clock bleated out its annoying alarm to let me know it was now officially time to get up.

Winston stopped playing and wiggled out from beneath the covers. Can I go winky now?

Okay, Winston. Time to go winky. I swung my feet over the side of the bed. With my toes, I searched for my slippers until I could hook them. Slipping them firmly on my feet so I didn’t take a header down the long staircase, I grabbed my robe, killed the alarm, and headed down to unlock Winston’s doggy door.

He raced through the backyard, kicking up leaves and twigs. So much for having to go to the bathroom. I went through the motions of breakfast. Winston got his morning kibble and I had a bagel while my coffee maker slowly filled the house with the aroma of fresh brewed life-giving coffee.

I would have my donut fix once I got to Jolene’s shop.

My cell phone rang, flashing Mom’s number. I swiped it on, hitting speakerphone as I started speaking. Morning, Mom, I said.

Morning, honey. You sound chipper, she said sarcastically. I hope this means I didn’t wake you up.

You didn’t. Winston did. I don’t need an alarm clock. He gets me up before it goes off.

Animals have that innate sense, she said. I just wanted to make sure you were up. We don’t want to be late for Jolene’s opening day.

Wouldn’t miss it. Especially as it took her so long to decide on a date. Not showing up now would throw everything into chaos.

And Jolene into an uproar. Do you want me to swing by to get you?

I’m good. I have my own set of wheels now, remember?

How can I forget? You remind us at every opportunity.

She’ll be open for carpooling once she tallies up her month’s worth of gas, Dad said in the background.

Morning, Dad! I said, raising my voice. I’ll be fine. It’s just up the road for me. Less than a quarter of a mile.

Okay, honey. Your father waved his mug in good morning. We’ll see you there. Love you.

Love you guys, I said. Winston poked his nose through the flap as I was hanging up. Thankfully he was a short-haired Chihuahua and I didn’t have to fight tangles, but a couple of burrs still stuck to his body.

I smoothed my hand over his back to dislodge them. Your breakfast is ready. Eat up. We have an opening to attend.

Yay! Winston spun in a tight circle before he trotted over to his kibble.

It was all hands on deck at the Hole In One at 4:30 AM.

Where are the napkins? Jolene asked, as she rushed through the front of her shop.

I stopped cleaning the display case glass. Did you check in the office closet? I thought you put several boxes up in the top to get them out of the way.

Right. You’re right. Thank you! She kissed my cheek on her way into the back of the shop.

Sarah set up the coffee equipment with professional ease. It wasn’t long before the aroma of fresh brewed coffee filled the shop. Naomi? she asked as she set up the muffins in the basket on the far end of the counter. Could you come wipe down the counter while I start bringing out the donuts?

Sure. I switched places with her, neatening the area behind the counter while she began to fill the cases with finished pastries. Jolene was staggering under the pressure of a thousand little things that, this close to opening her doors, really didn’t matter.

What mattered was she had donuts and coffee. Everything else would settle as the day wore on.

I was certain she was feeling the pressure anyway.

Dad came through the shop with a dolly loaded with soft drinks for the upright coolers. How’s it going, sweetheart? When do you need to get back to your shop? he asked.

I’m not open today. There’s a sign on the door sending people over this way if they need to talk to me. Gramma was a huge help in contacting today’s clients and rescheduling them.

What kind of friend would I be if I abandoned Jolene on her opening day?

Dad smiled at me. It didn’t require words for me to feel the pride he had in me. Without the support and encouragement of my family, and Jolene, I wouldn’t have a successful grooming business.

I glanced around and noticed a distinct lack of a Winston-sized Chihuahua. Did you see where Winston went?

Last I saw him, he was curled up in Jolene’s office chair.

Good. At least he wasn’t under foot or in the food preparation area.

Jolene rushed back through. Naomi, have you seen where I placed the register tape?

I paused and glanced beneath the counter. Here, right where you left it last week.

Oh, right. Jolene stood in the middle of her shop, hands twisting the towel she held. Right. Good. Everything is...good. I feel like I should be doing something.

I put the cleaner to the side and went to her. Gently I pried the towel out of her hands. Jolene, you’re ready. I promise. Today, just sell donuts. We’re all here and we’re ready to be put to work. You focus on the customers, let us handle the rest.

What if I forget—

You won’t. And if you do, it won’t be catastrophic, okay? You have the most important things. Coffee, coffee cups, and donuts. Everything else is secondary.

Jolene blew out a breath. Were you this nervous when you opened Tangled Tails?

A little. But I’d done all of it before when I was in Charleston. That grand opening had me on the edge for a month so your nerves are natural. By the end of the day, you’ll be old hat, I promise.

What if...what if no one shows up?

I gave her a deadpan look. "Jolene Dyson, do you honestly mean to tell me you think no one will show up to get donuts? Are there people who don’t eat donuts?"

The thought was inconceivable to me.

A light tapping on the door got our attention. Officer Denny Simpson stood outside and waved at us.

Well, not at us. He was looking specifically at Jolene.

Jolene smiled and waved back.

Is this what I think it is? I lifted an eyebrow at her but she was paying me no mind at all.

I’d say that it is exactly what I think it is.

He tapped at his watch. She glanced up at the cat clock hanging on the wall behind the counter. Oh. I guess I should open now.

I noted the time. 5 AM on the dot. Your first customer. Get to it, Miss Dyson. You have donuts that need selling.

2

That was exciting, Mom said as she swept the floor during a lull in customers. Is it always this busy?

Sarah dumped the coffee grounds into the recycle bin and started a new carafe of coffee. It was when Belinda ran the place. Your early morning rush is mostly shift workers. The second wave will be around 7-7:30, when the office crowd heads to work. That’s mostly people who work around the square. Then there’s plenty of time to clean up and make fresh donuts and coffee before the coffee breakers start to show up.

Jolene sagged into one of the four chairs available in the shop. My feet are killing me. I don’t know what I’d do without y’all here.

Sarah pulled a coffee for Jolene and picked one of her delicious donut favorites. I took them to her. You’re doing fine. Business will probably slow to a more or less steady stream after a month or so, once customers get used to your hours and are confident that your doors will stay open.

She took the coffee from me gratefully. I don’t know what I would have done without Sarah. I will hate to lose her.

Lose her? I glanced at Sarah. Where are you going?

Sarah laughed at me. I work for you, silly. I only offered to help until Jolene could hire someone. Don’t you remember?

I guess I do. Vaguely. But if you need to stay longer, I’m okay with it. Gramma has been a huge help at the shop when I’ve needed her. Where is she?

Mom ducked into the back to put the broom away, then returned to get a coffee for herself. She rang herself up and had the money safely in the till before Jolene could stop her. Galen took her and Winston home.

That’s why the little mooch isn’t underfoot.

Don’t think Gramma would like being referred to as little mooch, Sarah said with a giggle.

I tossed a balled up napkin at her. It fell short and bounced off the glass of the display case. Mom frowned at me, then looked at the napkin on the floor. When I retrieved it to throw it away, she slid into my abandoned chair.

The door bell jingled merrily to announce new customers. Are you open?

Mom! Dad! Jolene jumped from her seat to hug her father and mother as they stepped into the store.

It looks like we missed all the excitement, Mrs. Dyson said.

Mr. Dyson stood next to Jolene with his arm around her shoulders like a proud father. Did the customer stampede leave anything for the stragglers?

We just put out a new batch of Boston Creams, Jolene said. She slid her hands into her parents’ and pulled them towards the counter. These are on the house, Sarah.

Yes, ma’am, Miss Dyson, ma’am, Sarah said with a jaunty salute.

No, darling, we will pay, just like customers. Mr. Dyson pulled out his wallet as Mrs. Dyson ordered their coffees and pastries.

Mom stood to greet the Dysons and they chatted quietly. With everyone occupied, I took that opportunity to slip into the back of the shop to see if there was anything I could do. Now that everything had quieted down, I washed some of the trays and bowls to catch things up.

There you are! Jolene said. She joined me at the sink. You didn’t have to do that.

I don’t mind. It was just a few things. I turned off the water and dried my hands. So, what do you think? First day open. Was it what you hoped?

Jolene waggled her head. I don’t know. Maybe? I am not sure what I was expecting. I had this huge thing, she waved her hands around her head, built up in my mind and reality hasn’t matched it.

Is that good or bad?

Good, mostly. It wasn’t the disaster I thought it’d be. I was busier than I had anticipated but Sarah’s advice was spot on. Really, Naomi, she’s been a godsend. I hate to lose her. But I understand that this isn’t her dream, you know?

I’m not sure working as a groomer’s assistant is either, I said.

Your sister has a very creative mind. She needs the stimulation of new things. Working in a donut shop is old hat for her. Working with you is something new.

I took a deep breath. Jolene was right about my sister. She was perfectly suited to be with Robbie and his aspirations for being an artist. Her mind enjoyed new things and challenges, which Robbie’s art promised. Soon working at Tangled Tails wouldn’t be the adventure it started out being for her. Yeah, eventually I’ll lose her, too. So what are your plans?

Hiring someone to take her place. Sarah has agreed to another month here. I have a month to find her replacement and get them trained.

Do you have the cash flow for it?

Dad and I are going to our accountant later this week to run some numbers once I have a better idea of how many hours I’ll need.

I linked arms with her and strolled with her to her office. "You are smart to set up your accountant early. When I opened my first shop in Charleston, I thought I could do it all on my own. That was a disaster and it took three years to fix with the tax man. Don’t mess with the IRS. They like their money due