Chase's Return: The Clear Creek Series Presented by T. E. Killian

When I need a break from everything, I turn to a cozy mystery, preferably with a cat character... And I found just what I needed with Chase's Return by  T. E. Killian, with a wonderful cat named Garfield!

She’d thought she had loved Bobby, and she’d thought he’d loved her too. But boy was she ever wrong. At least she’d been wrong about Bobby. He couldn’t have loved her, not after the way he’d put off starting a family and then finally how he’d literally run off with another woman. She had to be honest, though. She had loved Bobby. So how could she know if hr love for Chase was strong enough? The words to a song were trying to invade her mind just then. It was an old song, and she was pretty sure that Frank Sinatra had sung it. What was it? She searched her mind and came up with part of the lyrics. ‘Love is lovelier, the second time around.’ That was it. Then she remembered that the title was ‘The Second Time Around.’ After some more thinking, she remembered a little more. ‘With your feet firmly planted on the ground.’ She laughed so loud that Garfield, who was taking a nap on her bed, raised his head to give her one of his looks. Well, she knew she didn’t have her feet firmly planted on the ground this time, either. But she was thinking that this time her love might just be enough to keep the man. Or was it just that Chase was a totally different kind of man than Bobby had been? She hoped and prayed that was the case. 

She started getting ready for her date then. She wanted to look nice for Chase, but couldn’t decide what she should wear. She finally settled on one of her favorites, a dark blue summer dress she knew highlighted her long blond hair perfectly. So, what if it was February? Her coat would keep her warm on the way and the restaurant would be warm once they made it there. She had barely finished and was leaving the bedroom to wait in the living room when the doorbell rang. Once she opened the door, she couldn’t help but notice the look that Chase gave her. That appreciative look made her feel special, even cherished. They both just stood there, staring at each other. He was wearing a dark green long sleeve sweater with tan corduroy slacks. He didn’t look so bad himself. 

Finally, he asked to come in, saying he had something Hunter wanted him to ask her. But as he was going through the open door, he stopped to look at the door facing. His whole body seemed to tense up. “Let’s go sit down for a minute. I have to call Hunter right away.” They both sat on the sofa as he made the call. Tiffany couldn’t tell anything from what Chase said to Hunter on the phone. All she knew was that he was somewhat agitated, and that Hunter was coming right over. 

When he disconnected the phone, Chase looked into her eyes. “As soon as Hunter gets over here, he’ll explain everything to you. Okay?” She only had time to nod her head before Garfield came flying through the air and landed on the sofa cushion between her and Chase. She had totally forgotten about the big cat. She wrapped her arms around his neck just to make sure he didn’t attack Chase. But no, she was almost shocked when all Garfield did was to sit there rather calmly, for him at least, and stare at Chase. She had to smile at the expression on Chase’s face as he stared back at the huge cat. After a long moment like that, Garfield made a strange sound between a growl and a hiccup, curled up on the cushion between them, and purred loudly immediately. In fact, Chase had to move a little to give the ornery cat room to do so. Even so, Garfield seemed to be keeping one eye on Chase. They just made nervous small talk until they heard a car pull up out front. Chase went to the door to let Hunter in. Tiffany wasn’t surprised to see that Frank Slaughter came in behind Hunter. But she was surprised when she realized that Denise Boone wasn’t with them. Frank saw her surprise. “Denise had to go back to Jeff City tonight on some personal business, but she’ll be back in the morning.” 

Chase showed the other two men the door facing that for some reason had caught his eye earlier. After they all examined it, Frank came over to where she sat. “Tiffany, did you know someone has broken into your apartment recently?” She was really shocked then. Her face had to have lost all color. Her apartment? No! “Are you sure?” 

“Yes, I’m afraid so, and I’d say it was done within the last week or so. Have you noticed anything missing or disrupted in any way?” She was shaking her head before he even finished. But then she remembered something. “Oh dear! Yes, come to think of it. When I came home Saturday night, I went into the kitchen to get a drink of water and my knife drawer was halfway open. And I’m sure I didn’t leave it that way.” 

Frank jumped back up out of the chair he’d just sat in. “Would you show me that drawer right now, please?”

~~~

I found this book at Author's Den where I am once again reviewing books for their members... At some point a mention was made of an earlier book, and I knew right away I wanted to read the series--3 book series now in place on my Kindle... This is a book where the characters often pray for each other... Nothing deep or religious in the story--just friends and family caring for each other and acting in faith to support their neighbors... Jesus was indeed welcome in Clear Creek Baptist...

The two main characters are the principal and English teacher, respectively. Chase lost his wife to cancer two years ago, while Tiffany Cameron was divorced, having been devastated when her husband ran off with another teacher... Needless to say that neither had been interested in looking for another mate... It took one hateful person to bring strong feelings from both of them where they began to worry and be concerned about the other. In the end, both realizing just how much they had started to care...

What a lovely romantic story... What horrible villains...

Tiffany was short... That wasn't the problem, however, it was the fact that several larger children were bullies and had chosen Tiffany as one they could easily intimidate... Two women who had tortured Tiffany throughout her school years was now also teachers at the same school... One of them had also recently filed a complaint against Chase, in his role as principal. It was later when she even added that Chase had touched her inappropriately.

Chase had an excellent reputation with most of the town, so that, when she filed the additional charges, Hunter, the local police officer arranged to make the arrest, but he'd also contacted the judge for being freed on his own recognizance. At the same time, Tiffany had her own problem of dealing with her mother having been diagnosed with cancer. Both of these issues began the closer connection between the two as they, separately, tried to deal with their own life situations.

And then, one night, when Tiffany decided to go and visit with her parents, she was rammed by someone driving an old truck. Tiffany was forced off the road and taken to the hospital for a checkup, having a large bump on her head... It was later that the driver of that truck was discovered, murdered... And because of who it was Tiffany had become a prime suspect! But, so was Chase--the woman murdered was the same one who had filed a complaint against the principal!

This is such a heartwarming story. Both Chase and Tiffany were insecure in their respective lives. Chase's wife had died of cancer two years ago, while Tiffany had been jilted by her husband when had had left town with another woman... But they differed in one major way. 

Chase had stopped attending church; he felt that God had not helped when his wife had cancer and died, leaving him and two sons... Tiffany stood firm in her faith, even while her husband deserted her...

And, with the help and support of friends and families on both sides, they moved quickly when they realized just how much they cared for each other... The wedding was set for a month away! But, of course, they'd known each other for ten years... getting to know each other professionally and to some extent personally as situations brought them together.

But would one of them be charged with murder? Soon outside police were called in since the local officers were close to the possible suspects. And they were quite demanding in following the trail to the truth...

Personal events kept occurring for the happy company, as they moved closer together... Until suddenly, there was another murder! And it seemed certain that Tiffany was the next target!

But Garfield Was There to Protect Her!

Cozy and Cat fans are bound to consider this a must-read! It's a cat-as-tro-phe if you miss it! LOL

GABixlerReviews