She needed killing

Book 3 in the Needed Killing Series. Newly licensed PI James F. Crawford had never considered taking his cat to the local folk festival. But when a friend wants The Black for a photo shoot, Crawford obliges. That a snake will be part of the shoot is just the first surprise in store for Crawford. Snakes, arson, blackmail . . . this festival will be unlike any other in the history of Jemison County."Mr. Crawford." Joyce Fines spoke as the group walked up."Dr. Fines. Nice to see you--""One of the reasons I agreed to this is that Ive met you and between what Rufus has said about you and my own observations, I believe this can work."Dr. Fines had been a suspect in Philip Douglass murder and I had questioned her. I hadnt seen her since."Im a member of the board of The Festival and chair of its executive committee, which is empowered to act for the full board. Understand?""Would this committee have the authority to hire consultants without prior board approval?"I saw Ellen and Lenora glance at each other and nod. I hoped nobody thought I was so stupid as not to have seen that coming. Once Chad Harris had made a public accusation of blackmail, the board of The Festival had to investigate.A hint of a smile appeared on Joyces face. "A consultant such as a private investigator--yes, we have that authority.""You do know that Ive only investigated murders--up to this point." I said that out of some feeling that full disclosure was necessary.The smile grew more apparent. "Youre supposed to tell me that youve worked on a number of blackmail cases--zero being a number.""And solved every one Ive undertaken to my customers complete satisfaction.?