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Festive Shadows
Festive Shadows
Festive Shadows
Ebook267 pages3 hours

Festive Shadows

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Finalist in the Mystery/Suspense and Cozy Mystery categories of the 2022 American Fiction Awards

Libby and Alexis’s business, the Dharma Inspired Day Spa, will participate at Mesa’s biggest arts and crafts fair this year, but right from the start, bad stuff starts happening. On the very first morning, several booths are vandalized and products are stolen, among them the hand-knitted items Libby’s mom and her friends have made for charity.

Everyone pitches in to get the booths rebuilt in time for the festival opening, but the calamities keep piling up. Dogs are becoming ill, one vendor’s business is being threatened with shutdown, and there’s more theft. None of the stolen items or destructive acts qualify as major crimes, and the police have their hands full with bigger things. Everyone is begging Libby to help track down the perpetrators. But when Libby and Shadow start investigating, someone turns the tables on her and she finds herself in a cold white room at the police station, accused.

Why would someone go after the vendors and their livelihood? And who would want to see Libby blamed? If she can’t find the answers, she’s likely to be the one on trial.

Praise for the Libby Madsen Cozy Mysteries:

“A fun read from first page to last ... an impressively original and deftly crafted read”—Midwest Book Review

“Readers know what a sucker I am for dogs, and the Libby Madsen mysteries are some of the best. I love, love, love Shadow and Libby and the adventures they get themselves into. Jennifer J. Morgan is destined to be one of the brightest new stars in the cozy mystery scene!” – Connie Shelton, USA Today bestselling author

“I'm hooked on this series. Completely adore Libby and Shadow (her companion black Lab pup—so adorable!). Without giving any spoilers at all, I couldn't put the book down once amateur sleuth, Libby Madsen, was on the search. The suspense amid so many suspects, I never did figure out how it would all turn out. Overall, it's a clean read--appropriate for all ages.” – lovereadingmysteries, 5 star online review

“This cozy mystery series has become one of my favorites! Libby Madsen, along with Shadow her dog ... Alexis, her best friend/business partner, and her family ... and the gorgeous forest ranger, Greg! I love the friend group! And Jennifer doesn’t disappoint in her second book of the series ... I find myself turning pages just wanting to know what happens next. Hope the next title comes soon...” – 5 stars on Barnes & Noble

“After meeting Libby and Shadow, Greg, Alexis and JJ, and the other great characters in this series, I couldn't wait to get right into this second book. Excellent action, just as in the first one—a great overall whodunit!” – avidmysteryfan, 5 stars online review

“Shadows in the Forest will leave satisfied mystery buffs looking eagerly toward the next Libby Madsen story.” – The Midwest Book Review

LanguageEnglish
PublisherColumbine Publishing Group, LLC
Release dateMar 4, 2024
ISBN9781649141743
Festive Shadows
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Author

Jennifer J. Morgan

Jennifer J. Morgan grew up in the desert Southwest where she always dreamed of becoming an author. When she was younger, she was a huge fan of mystery/suspense novels—favorites being Dean Koontz, James Patterson, and Sue Grafton. A cozy mystery is more of a favorite today—enjoying the fun and adventurous spirit of authors such as Connie Shelton, Tonya Kappes, and CJ Love.When she’s not writing, Jennifer enjoys camping, hiking, and traveling with her husband and two dogs. She is also an arts and crafts nut, always taking on a new project that sparks her creativity.Fun fact: Most of her characters in the Libby Madsen Cozy Mystery are named after beloved pets she has owned over the years. She is a HUGE animal lover and given the chance, she’d rescue them all.

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    Festive Shadows - Jennifer J. Morgan

    CHAPTER ONE

    Over the past several months, I’d found myself on more than one occasion reminiscing about the events of our winter ski vacation in Taos, New Mexico. Although it ended sadly, Greg and I still vowed to return someday soon—we loved that part of New Mexico and also wanted to continue nurturing our new friendship with Samantha Sweet and her family. She was fascinating—the baker, and quite the mystical one, I might add. Ever since our experience there, my intuitive abilities seem to have sharpened somehow. Mainly during massage sessions—my clients tell me more than they should; they always have. Is it possible that I sense more now?

    That wasn’t the case today, however. I’d just finished my morning massage sessions when I ran into my mom in the Serenity Room. We normally see our clients relaxing with a nice cup of tea before or after their treatment, so it surprised me to see Mom curled up on the sofa with a cuppa. Julia Madsen looked over as I crossed the room. Her graying shoulder-length bob swished across her face as she used her index finger to pull it behind her ear.

    As soon as she heard my voice, Shadow, my one-year-old black Labrador retriever, who apparently was keeping Mom company, perked up and intercepted me. Her tail wagged briskly as I leaned over to scratch behind her ears and tell her what a good girl she was.

    Looking again at my mom, I smiled. I wasn’t expecting you. So good to see you! I walked over, reaching out to give her a hug as she stood up. Are you getting a treatment?

    Nope, just wanted to stop by and take my girl to lunch. If that sounds good to you?

    I lifted my left arm to check my watch.

    I already checked with Bella. You have a few hours’ break, she said, smiling.

    I watched incredulously as she bent down to pet Shadow, wondering when she’d stop trying to organize my life. Before I could utter a word, she further informed me, And Bella said she’d take Shadow out for a walk during her lunchtime.

    I chuckled. Wow, you’ve thought of everything. Sure! I’d love to have lunch. Where are we going?

    We’ll meet Jordan over at this cute new brunch place near her house.

    And there it was. Mom hadn’t stopped out of the goodness of her heart to take me to lunch. Instead, I was probably about to be ambushed by her and my sister. I’ll back up a step. Jordan and I get along well enough, but she and our mother are so much alike and I’m the odd one out between the three of us. Generally that means they gang up on me, telling me how wrong I lead my life. Well, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration. Let’s just say that Jordan has always been my overbearing older sister who tends to make life a competition. When she divorced several years back, during her pregnancy with her fourth child, I thought perhaps her perfect homemaker persona might end. Nope. She, and my mother, harp on me all the time to settle down, get married, and have children. Apparently, that’s the measure of success. Jordan, in particular, doesn’t understand why I’d choose to run a business over being a stay-at-home mom. I have the utmost respect for those who choose, like her, to do that. But I also am realistic—that’s simply not me. I wish my family would finally get that through their heads, too. My late father would have understood.

    I realized by Mom’s expression how long I’d zoned out after her question. Uh, where? I think we were still discussing where lunch would be.

    C’mon, I’ll drive, she picked up her purse and led me out through the lobby.

    I gave our receptionist, and my roommate, a piercing side-eye as we passed her. Bella, of all people, should have realized she needed to warn me when my mother had big plans up her sleeve. Even though Bella has only been in my life for about a year, she understands well about overbearing mothers.

    Bella shrugged and mouthed sorry. I gave her a smile to let her know I wasn’t truly angry. After all, I was hungry and I always enjoy trying new places.

    * * *

    Jordan and her four children were already waiting at a large table in a side room at Basil & Beets. Her youngest was three, close to turning four—Ryan was born literally the day before we opened Dharma Inspired Day Spa. Her next youngest was Chase, who had recently turned eight. And then, the eleven-year-old identical twins, Apple and Annie who were growing rapidly. I did a double-take, stunned by how much they were already maturing. Their eyes were intent on their iPhones and they still hadn’t noticed me admiring their beautiful spring flowered dresses. How is it that these two look more adult every time I see them?

    I went around the table, hugging Jordan, mussing up the boys’ fine blonde hair, and giving all my nieces and nephews kisses on top of their heads as I passed them by. I sat down next to Apple at the same time both she and her sister were grumbling about handing over their phones to their mom. The twins got new ones for Christmas, which quickly became a whole new discipline strategy for their parents. Mealtime is off limits and Jordan enforces it strictly.

    You’ve been here before, Jordan? I asked.

    My new favorite place, she said, holding up her blackberry basil tea. "My, uh, new friend brought me here right after they opened."

    I caught onto her dating code. She had previously shared with me that when the kids were with their father, she was venturing back into the dating world. It took her a while, especially after a really creepy guy tried making friends with her while she was going through the divorce. She’d thought he was a nice man. In the end, that wasn’t the case at all and now he’s spending time behind bars. That cured her from wanting to date, at least until now.

    We perused the menu and everyone ordered. I got half a turkey salad wrap and a cup of beet gazpacho that sounded interesting. After Jordan raved over their tea, I had to try that as well. I looked over at our mom, who brimmed over with excitement.

    What is it, Mom? I chuckled. You appear to have some news. I looked over at Jordan and ribbed, Isn’t she giddy?

    Julia placed both hands on the table in front of her, saying, Well. You’ll never guess what Margie and I have been up to.

    Both Jordan and I encouraged her to go on. We were certainly intrigued because Julia is not typically secretive about anything in her life.

    We’ve been knitting! And crocheting… she prattled on, explaining how they’ve been creating all kinds of fun hats, sweaters, stuffed animals, blankets, etc., for children. She reached into her purse and pulled out a blue-green funny floppy crocheted bunny rabbit with long arms and legs and wore the cutest pair of red plastic-rimmed glasses. It was adorable. She passed it around the table for the kids to see before our food arrived.

    "You see, we have been donating items like these to organizations who provide children comfort while undergoing treatment at The Children’s Hospital. We’ve actually started a charitable business now, too. It’s called Stitches of Love." She smiled proudly, then her eyes followed the floppy rabbit as it passed through all her grandchildren’s hands.

    Wow. Mom, this is fantastic. But that’s not exactly new—you’ve been knitting and donating to the hospital for years.

    Yes, but now we’re officially a 501c charitable organization. We’ve just taken our crafts a step further now. I mean, we had to come up with something during the pandemic to pass time. Other than our spy games, you know. She giggled, taking a sip of tea from her glass.

    I chuckled to myself, remembering about a year prior and how I was actually concerned for my mom, thinking she’d lost her mind. You see, there was a rash of break-ins in their senior neighborhood community, and they decided they’d take things into their own hands. If you could picture it, two ladies in their seventies, dressed in all black with night vision goggles—slinking around their yards, spending their time spying on the comings and goings of the neighborhood. Ultimately, they started a Neighborhood Watch, involving all the residents, and the police. At least that helped ease my mind once the police were involved. That certainly helped, but in the end, it was my black Labrador, Shadow, who sleuthed the culprits out from their hidey holes and into the confines of the law.

    I, for one, am thankful you’re knitting. Much safer than past ventures, I thought to myself.

    So, the bigger news is that we’re considering setting up a booth at the Spring Arts & Crafts Festival this year. All proceeds to be donated, of course.

    Jordan’s ears picked up. "Oh, I love that festival! It’s huge … we go every year."

    Our mom considered Jordan’s comment for a moment. You go to the Mesa one each year?

    Oh, no … I forgot they have that one now.

    Yes, we’re considering the one right here in Mesa. You know, it’s gotten quite large over the years, too. They have some great entertainment now … music, magic, and comedy.

    Yes! We’ve applied for a booth, too, for Dharma Inspired, I added.

    My sister’s face squinched up. Why would a massage parlor be at an arts and crafts festival? she questioned. She never has quite gotten on board with my profession.

    Jordan, there are many types of businesses that promote themselves there, my mom cut in before I could.

    The mother of four leaned in and whispered, as though her kids couldn’t hear her, "You can’t give massages in public!"

    I laughed. My sister had become so opinionated over the years. Maybe that’s what becoming a parent does? I don’t know, but it was strange, even for her. Jordan, we wouldn’t be giving full body massages out in public. Don’t worry. We’ll set up a couple of massage chairs where people can receive shoulder, neck, and arm massages. Fully clothed, I promise.

    She scoffed, looking around the table at her children. No one was paying her much attention. Ryan was coloring. Chase was tearing up pieces of his napkin, probably preparing spitballs for what was going to come next if the meal didn’t arrive soon. The twins were interested in the festival, though, and asked their grandma if they could help in her booth.

    We continued the festival chat throughout the lunch. I shared what I knew since we’d received several communications from the Parks and Recreation department, practically begging us to consider renting a booth this year. Not remembering all the details, but sure that they had offered us substantial discounts, which made it enticing to sign up, I told her to mention that when they called.

    Grandma promised Apple and Annie weekend shifts at her booth as Jordan and her kids said their goodbyes after lunch. Mom drove me back to the spa and came inside, where I copied the flier information we had. I had to get my room ready for my next client, so I left Mom talking with my partner, Alexis, about her charity work for the hospital.

    CHAPTER TWO

    Bella got home not long after Shadow and me. I was starting dinner when she walked in, shoulders hunched and looking exhausted. She threw her backpack down on the sofa and came into the kitchen to grab a beer out of the refrigerator.

    That bad, huh? I asked.

    When I saw the look of confusion, I added, Oh, it’s just that you don’t normally drink beer on a Wednesday night. In fact, you’re usually at school—bet since graduation that’s a little hard to get used to.

    It has been different—not having any study group time or evening activities. But, that’s not the reason for the beer. A lady from Mom’s facility called me today. She wants me to come visit her. Bella’s face contorted. She looked miserable.

    I set down the vegetables I’d just pulled from the refrigerator onto the countertop. I took a few steps closer to her, staring her straight in the eyes. Why?

    Using the handheld bottle opener, she popped the lid off her Four Peaks Kilt Lifter. She took a large swig, pulled a chair out, and sat down at the kitchen table.

    Honestly, I’m not sure. The lady on the phone said Mom’s been much more clear-headed and responding well to her therapies.

    Are you seriously considering this? I asked.

    She nodded, looking embarrassed.

    I pulled out the chair next to her and sat. Hey, that’s okay. Totally your choice to do so. I’m a bit surprised—that’s all.

    I know. Me, too. She swallowed more of her drink before she continued. But, she’s my mom. It’s really hard.

    I can’t even imagine. The two of you have been through so much. Do you think things have really changed so quickly?

    I’m not sure. Is a year of treatment and therapy enough time to fix a lifetime of trauma for us? I can’t imagine it is.

    I nodded in agreement. There wasn’t much more I could add to that, but I let her talk it all out as we chopped vegetables. She weighed the options—the benefits of establishing a new relationship, or whether it was even possible. Bella had been undergoing her own therapy and, from my viewpoint, this would be an enormous setback to her progress. But it wasn’t my decision. My job was to be a good friend and listen.

    We continued the conversation as we both put together an entrée salad, complete with grilled salmon and some extra crispy onions on top. I poured myself a glass of white wine and we enjoyed our meal.

    Once done, I asked, Any job leads since graduation?

    I’ve completed so many applications, but no callbacks yet.

    I’m not disappointed—we’d rather keep you at the spa for as long as possible. I smiled, knowing she’d rather put her EMT certification to good use instead.

    I love working at the spa, but you know I’d rather work for a hospital, fire station, or ambulance service as my full-time job. Depending on where I land, it may be possible to help at the spa too. We’ll see…

    She got up, cleared the dishes from the table, and put them in the kitchen sink. Then she grabbed the cookie jar from the counter.

    Oh boy, who knows how old those are… I said, cringing as she set it down on the table.

    "No, I cleaned those out. I baked some fresh this morning before my shift." She gave me a huge smile as she pulled out a chocolate chip cookie.

    Oh my, those look delicious! I grabbed a couple, trying to ignore Shadow at my feet, looking at me pleadingly. I got up and reached for her own cookie jar. Okay, okay … here you go. She snatched the biscuit right up and waited for another.

    Bella changed the subject. Earlier, someone from the City of Mesa called for Alexis. It was shortly before I left, and when I walked by her office, it didn’t sound like the conversation was going all that well. Could that be about the booth at the festival?

    I shrugged. No idea. Last I knew, she had submitted our paperwork. I think we were only waiting for our booth assignment. We’re all paid up, I know that.

    Hmm. Well, Alexis wasn’t happy when I left, that’s for sure.

    We finished cleaning up after dinner, and then I took Shadow for a walk around the neighborhood. We hadn’t been on our usual run this morning because I had an early appointment. Poor girl, I had to leave her cooped up at work most of the day. While walking, I gave Lexi a call. It was past her six-year-old son’s bedtime, so she might answer.

    She did, and I learned a clerk gave her a difficult time about our festival application. They had concerns about a massage business not fitting the vendor criteria. My sister’s words from earlier came crashing back.

    Anyway, I’ve invited Heather Knox to come to Dharma Inspired tomorrow and see for herself and meet us both in person. We can assure her that our business has every right to promote ourselves at their event.

    What time?

    Well, I saw your last morning session ends at ten, so I’ve asked her to stop by around that time.

    Okay, sounds good. Anything we need to coordinate ahead of time? Messaging … that type of thing?

    I don’t think so. I imagine she’s got it in her brain that we’re some sketchy massage parlor that you’d see in a bad movie. We just need to give her a tour—maybe demonstrate the type of shoulder massages we’d give to festival participants and show her the literature we’d be handing out?

    Yeah, that sounds reasonable enough to me. I can’t imagine what the issue would be.

    * * *

    The next day after my session was complete, and I was saying goodbye to Mrs. McAllister in the lobby, Bella and I watched two ladies approaching the building. They’d exited from a white GMC SUV with dark tinted windows. Definitely could have been a government-issued vehicle. They were giving the Dharma exterior much scrutiny, so I figured this had to be the city officials.

    The more mature of the two ladies had a short silver pixie cut, thick black plastic-framed glasses, and wore heavy makeup. She was probably close to a size 18, dressed in an attractive black pantsuit with a cornflower blue flowered top under the jacket. She appeared to be the one in charge.

    The younger woman at her side looked like she could still be in high school, but was probably early twenties. She was petite, slim, with shoulder length black hair showing bright red streaks throughout. She wore trendy jeans with a cute yellow top. I saw white earbuds in her ears, and she held onto a clipboard, appearing to be making some notes. She stopped, reached in her pocket, and pulled out a tin. She offered the other lady whatever she had—the one in charge waved her off impatiently as the youthful one popped something in her mouth.

    In one fluid move, she returned the tin to her pocket and reached for the door, holding it open for her boss. The lady with the black-rimmed glasses approached the desk swiftly.

    I’m here to see… her voice boomed, then stopped, and she looked over at her companion.

    Alexis Johnson. Libby Madsen, a sweet voice answered softly, reading from her clipboard.

    Hello. I’m Libby Madsen, I greeted. And you are?

    Heather Knox, she answered, her voice echoing through the lobby. This is my assistant, Bailey Young. We’re here from the city for the inspection.

    Bella’s eyebrows rose. I gave her a slight nod letting her know I was aware of the visit.

    Very nice to meet you ladies, I addressed as professionally as I could, and then turned back to my friend. Bella, can you please let Alexis know they’re here for the tour? She nodded and immediately picked up the phone.

    I ushered the two ladies to our left and around the front counter.

    Please, this way … I opened the frosted glass door and led them into

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