#Chapter 35: Mavis

Zane POV The three of us found Mavis in the succulents, swearing under her breath about overwatering. She was exactly as I had found her last, wearing denim coveralls, a utility belt, and a Coolie-style straw hat. “Sarah, Alpha Zane,” she greeted us, wiping at her cheek with the back of a garden-gloved hand. She looked at our third member. “Agent Travis,” he said with a nod. “Ah, heard of you,” she said. “Is there something I can help with?” “Marshal Kim,” Travis said. “Do you remember him?” “Hard not to,” she said. “Odd little fellow. Is he doing OK?” “He’s dead, and we’re treating this as a homicide investigation.” She blinked at us. “Oh, dear. Someone murdered Marsh? Whatever for?” “That’s what we’re hoping you might help us with,” Travis said. “Well, not in the middle of the desert, surely,” she said, gesturing at the desert plants around us. “Come into the shack and have a cuppa.” “You’re British?” Travis asked as we followed her to what looked like a tool