Chapter 192

Shortly after I found the body, I olly olly oxen freed everyone via text. They came running, the detective winning the race. Dad won the race for pinching everyone's noses though, something I'd nearly forgotten in the hubbub of finding Parker dead. Thankfully, we were all who we claimed to be.

"But no Studmuffin though?" Detective Palmer looked around as if searching for paw prints in the snow.

I joined him, but only found mine and his. Everyone else huddled up against the gas station, having no need to see this particular dead person. Smart. Lucky too. My quota for finding dead bodies had long ago been reached. No more for me, thanks.

"If he's the catnapper and he's now dead, then what does this mean? Where's Studmuffin? Who killed Parker and why?" I blurted, my voice pitching near the hysterical zone.

Detective Palmer put a comforting hand on my shoulder, his gunmetal eyes full of concern. "Victoria, breathe. Please."