Pelican Cove Cozy Mystery Series Box Set 1

by Leena Clover

  Jenny scrunched her face and shook her head.

  “I need a change of scene.”

  Jason arrived just then. He was dressed casually. Jenny surmised he must have had time to go home and change.

  “You look tired, Jenny.”

  Jenny waved off his concern.

  “I need some fresh air. I’ve been cooped up at the café far too long.”

  “I know just the place,” Jason quipped. “Shall we?”

  Jenny was surprised when Jason pulled to a stop outside Ethan’s Crab Shack. Ethan Hopkins was Adam’s brother.

  “Hey Jenny, Jason!” Ethan greeted them.

  Jenny couldn’t help smiling back.

  Ethan was Adam’s twin but they couldn’t have been more different. Ethan boasted a paunch and his blue eyes twinkled merrily without effort. He didn’t seem to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders like Adam.

  “You wanted fresh air,” Jason said. “And I figured you weren’t up to a long drive. So I brought you here.”

  “You’re the best, Jason,” Jenny said, planting a kiss on his cheek.

  “You want the House Special?” Ethan asked and they both nodded enthusiastically.

  Jenny suddenly felt very hungry. She grabbed a table near the water while Jason collected their beers. Ethan brought over a platter of fried mozzarella sticks, hush puppies and onion rings.

  “Fish is coming right up,” he promised.

  Jenny gorged on the hush puppies and the cheese sticks, dipping them in Ethan’s special marinara sauce.

  “So tell me what’s new, Jenny. How goes the search?”

  “I spoke to Linda again,” she told Jason. “I had no idea Asher came here from Germany.”

  “He didn’t talk about it,” Jason said. “You know how the local hierarchy works. I guess being a foreigner in Pelican Cove was hard enough.”

  “Luke’s name keeps coming up. I think I should go and talk to him.”

  Jason was looking toward his right. He smiled and waved at someone.

  “You are in luck,” he said, turning toward Jenny. “Luke’s right here.”

  “Is he alone?” Jenny asked, turning around. “I don’t want to interrupt his dinner.”

  “Let me go talk to him,” Jason said, getting up.

  He came back five minutes later.

  “It’s all set. We can talk over dessert. Luke doesn’t mind.”

  Ethan brought over their beer battered fish and shrimp just then. Jenny spotted something peculiar on the platter.

  “Soft shell crabs,” Ethan announced. “These are my first batch of the season. You’re going to love these, Jenny.”

  Jenny devoted herself to doing full justice to the tasty meal. She vowed to walk extra to work off all the grease.

  “You’re perfect just the way you are,” Jason said softly.

  “How do you always read my mind?” Jenny groaned.

  “I have special powers,” Jason grinned.

  “Let’s call Luke over.”

  A tall, hefty, brown eyed man ambled over to their table. He slapped Jason on the back and sat down next to him.

  Jenny introduced herself to him.

  “Linda’s told me about you,” he told her.

  “You don’t look like Jason’s uncle,” Jenny blurted out.

  Luke Stone had the same angular face and chiseled features as Jason. But he didn’t seem much older. Jenny tried not to stare at the black spot on his left cheek.

  “I’m about thirteen years older than him,” Luke told her. “Stone men age well. It’s in the genes.” He jerked his thumb toward Jason. “Hold on to him, young lady.”

  Jenny tried to hide a blush. She rushed ahead with the first thing that came to her mind.

  “So you are the head honcho at Cohen Construction?”

  “You’ve been talking to Hans, haven’t you?” Luke winked. “Only he uses those words.”

  “I didn’t mean any disrespect,” Jenny mumbled.

  “That’s fine,” Luke reassured her. “Asher handed over the reins to me many years ago. In fact, my time there is almost up.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m looking forward to retirement,” Luke explained. “Five more years at the most. Then it’s me and my fishing rod.”

  “What will happen to the business?”

  Luke shrugged.

  “Frankly, I couldn’t care less. Asher was good to me, and so was the business. I’m grateful for that. But I won’t be wielding a saw forever.”

  Ethan brought over big bowls piled high with peach cobbler. There was a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

  “This is a family recipe,” he told Jenny proudly. “Our grandmother learned it from her grandmother. I may not be a fancy baker like you but cobbler is one thing we do right.”

  He waited until Jenny tasted the warm, sweet dessert. She moaned with pleasure and gave him a thumbs up.

  Ethan went back to the kitchen with a broad smile lighting up his face.

  “Did you ban Hans from the business?” Jenny asked Luke.

  “I wish,” he sighed. “Asher would never allow that. Nor would I let it happen, for that matter. I bounced that young man on my knee, you know. I hate to see him make a mess of his life.”

  Jenny waited for him to go on.

  “There was an incident with a power saw. Hans almost lost his hand.”

  “Was he drunk on the job?”

  Luke nodded.

  “He’s drunk pretty much all the time. I think he might have a drug habit too. I banned him from using any power tools. It was a safety measure.”

  “Did Asher know about this?”

  “He ordered it,” Luke said. “He was losing his patience with Hans.”

  “But Hans thinks you want him out of there.”

  “I don’t mind being the bad guy,” Luke shrugged. “We all tried to talk to him. Asher, Linda, his mother. He won’t listen.”

  “Any reason for his discontent?”

  “He wanted to control the business. Asher said no way.”

  “Did they fight over it?”

  Luke seemed hesitant to reply.

  “Hans has neither the knowledge nor the experience to head a business like Cohen Construction. Hundreds of people depend on it for their livelihood. He will run it into the ground in no time.”

  “So Asher depended on you. Did you get along well?”

  “Well enough,” Luke said casually. “But I hated the man. I never forgave him.”

  Jenny gave a quick glance at Jason. He didn’t look surprised by Luke’s statement.

  “Err…what are you talking about, Luke?”

  “He ruined my sister’s life,” Luke spat. “She spent her whole life in Pelican Cove, looking after his kids. Never even crossed the state line.”

  “Does Linda feel the same?” Jenny asked, aghast.

  “She doesn’t realize what she lost!”

  Jenny took a big bite of her cobbler and tried to process what Luke was saying.

  “So you didn’t like Asher Cohen, huh?”

  “Like? I couldn’t stand the sight of him.”

  Jason muttered something under his breath and looked away.

  “I thought you were friends,” Jenny said meekly.

  “He was my mentor,” Luke nodded. “He took me in when I lost my parents. I know I owed him a lot. But I still hated him.”

  “You mean you hated being beholden to him?” Jason suggested.

  “No. I worked hard my whole life, gave everything I had to the business. I think I paid him back many times over.”

  “You just hated him,” Jenny repeated. “Where were you on the day of the parade? I don’t remember seeing you in the crowd.”

  “I was picking up some lumber for an urgent job,” Luke said. “Actually, Hans was supposed to do it but he didn’t turn up. Asher told me to go instead.”

  “Can you think of anyone who might have hated Asher?” Jenny asked. “Other than you, that is.”<
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  “He got along with most people,” Luke said grudgingly.

  “Did he fight or argue with anyone recently? Did anything out of the ordinary happen at work?”

  Luke shook his head.

  “Asher was a generous employer. He paid above the market rate and took care of his people.”

  “What about his other kids?” Jenny asked. “Do you suspect any of them?”

  “Linda’s boys are too busy,” he said, counting off his fingers. “Walt and Heidi talk big but that’s just their way of getting attention. Dawn is so exhausted most of the time she’s just happy to put her feet up when she comes here.”

  “What about Emma?”

  “Emma’s always been the peacemaker. She keeps Walt and Heidi in check.”

  “Anyone else?”

  “Have you met Todd yet?” Luke asked. “He’s a smooth operator. Always after another handout.”

  “Who’s Todd?” Jenny asked, making a mental note of the name.

  “He’s Dawn’s husband,” Luke said. “He’ll do anything for money.”

  Luke stood up before Jenny could say anything more.

  “Look, I appreciate your doing this for Linda. One thing’s for sure. Asher’s gone and Linda is finally free.”

  He turned around and walked out.

  Jenny looked at Jason.

  “That was intense!”

  “Luke doesn’t mince words.”

  “What was all that about hating Asher?” Jenny asked. “Does he realize what he’s saying?”

  “You think Asher’s killer would go around declaring his feelings? Luke’s harmless.”

  “I wonder what the police think about him.”

  “Go ask Adam,” Jason joked. “You are thinking of him, aren’t you?”

  “What? Of course not, Jason.”

  “Prove it,” Jason said. “Let’s go for a moonlight canoe ride.”

  Jenny shivered with apprehension.

  “Anything but that,” she croaked, shaking her head.

  “Is that something you’re planning with him?” Jason asked.

  “What’s the matter with you, Jason?” Jenny asked tearfully.

  She stood up and picked up her bag.

  “Please take me home,” she said curtly.

  Jason paled as he looked at Jenny.

  “I was just kidding,” he said. “Really. You think I feel threatened by Adam Hopkins?”

  Jenny barely spoke to Ethan as she walked out.

  “Jenny?” he called after her. “Is everything alright?”

  Jason hurried after her and got into his car. They drove back in silence. Jason stopped in front of Star’s cottage ten minutes later.

  “Jenny, I’m sorry,” he pleaded. “I don’t know what I said to hurt you, but I’m sorry.”

  “I’m tired, Jason,” Jenny sighed. “We’ll talk tomorrow.”

  Jason watched her rush inside. He was puzzled by her behavior.

  “What have you done, boy?” Star asked from the porch.

  Jason hadn’t noticed her.

  “She’s mad at me,” he said with wonder. “I said something about Adam and she flew off the handle.”

  “Lord have mercy…” Star mumbled under her breath. “I wouldn’t worry about it,” she consoled Jason. “She’ll be fine tomorrow.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, I’m sure,” Star snapped. “Now go on home and get some sleep.”

  Jenny came out after Jason left. She had changed into some sleep shorts and a tank top. She sat down next to Star. Star stroked her back and waited for her to speak up.

  “Is he mad at me?”

  “Jason’s a good man,” Star said. “He was worried about you.”

  “Jason asked if I was thinking about Adam. I don’t know what came over me.”

  “Were you?” Star asked her, holding her chin up. “Were you dreaming about that Hopkins boy while having dinner with Jason?”

  “Ethan was right there!” Jenny argued. “How can I not think of Adam when his photo copy is hovering around me?”

  “They may be twins but they are nothing alike. You know that, sweetie.”

  “I guess it was wrong.”

  “I don’t know,” Star said. “But losing your temper was.”

  Jenny felt she understood why Heather wanted to date other people. She herself had married her college sweetheart. She had never really dated anyone. Now she had two men vying for her attention but she had no idea how to behave with either of them.

  “I need a Duster,” she said suddenly, making Star raise her eyebrows in question. “I have no idea what to do on a date.”

  Chapter 11

  Heather Morse was about to burst. She tugged at Jenny’s arm and almost pulled her into the café’s kitchen.

  “I did it,” she screeched. “I met Duster yesterday.”

  Molly had followed them in.

  “So you went on that date after all.”

  Heather looked like the cat that swallowed the canary. She didn’t need any encouragement.

  “We met at a small diner up the coast. I didn’t want anyone in town telling on me, you see.”

  “How was he?” Jenny asked, unable to hide a smile.

  Heather hadn’t looked this upbeat in a long time.

  “He was nice,” Heather beamed. “His family is renting a house on the beach somewhere off the Chesapeake Bay. He invited me to spend a day with them.”

  “Are you going?” Molly asked. “You shouldn’t go alone.”

  “Will you go with me?” Heather asked eagerly. “Duster has a bunch of cousins. They do this every summer, it seems. Rent a big house somewhere and get together.”

  “Will I need to take a day off?” Molly asked uncertainly.

  “Not unless you want to,” Heather said. “We can go up there this Saturday.”

  She started tapping the keys on her phone.

  “It’s all set. They are expecting us.”

  “Have you told Chris about this?” Molly asked.

  “I told him yesterday,” Heather nodded. “He’s cool. We are meeting for drinks at the Rusty Anchor later tonight.”

  “You make my head reel,” Jenny said as she walked back to the deck.

  “How’s that young man of yours, Jenny?” Betty Sue asked, busy knitting a pink scarf.

  “Which one?” Star asked and the old ladies sniggered merrily.

  Jenny spotted a familiar figure walking on the beach.

  “Isn’t that Hans?” she said aloud. “What’s he doing here at this time?”

  She wondered if Luke Stone had fired the young man.

  “Why don’t you take this over to the police station?” Petunia asked later, handing her a heavy basket. “We have ten lunch orders from them today.”

  Jenny was secretly thrilled at the thought of seeing Adam. She had missed her after-dinner walk for a couple of days and hadn’t run into Adam.

  “Care to have lunch with me?” Adam asked her as she placed her basket on his table.

  The entire staff at the police station was busy gorging on her sandwiches and cake.

  “There isn’t enough food for the both of us.”

  “Are you sure?” Adam asked with a twinkle in his eye. “Why don’t you look in that basket again?”

  “There’s an extra sandwich here!” Jenny exclaimed. “And two slices of cake. But how could this be? Petunia packed the lunches herself.”

  A gleam came into her eye as she spotted Adam’s smug expression.

  “Adam Hopkins! Did you plan this?”

  “Can’t blame a man for trying,” he said, shrugging his shoulders. “It’s hard to snatch you away from your friends.”

  “I’ve just been busy,” Jenny apologized. “You know it’s peak tourist season. And then there’s Linda.”

  “Yes, Linda,” Adam mumbled, rolling his eyes. “How’s that coming along?”

  “As a matter of fact,” Jenny began, “I did have a few questions for you.”

&nb
sp; Adam held up a hand.

  “No shop talk until we finish eating. After that, I will listen to whatever you have to say about the Cohens.”

  “Deal!” Jenny agreed.

  Petunia had tucked in a couple of plates along with the food. Jenny unwrapped their sandwiches and placed them on the plates. She pulled off the plastic wrap over the pickle spears and tore open the packet of chips. She presented the plate of food to Adam with a flourish.

  “Something’s different about the chicken salad today,” he said appreciatively.

  “I got some fresh tarragon from the inn’s garden,” Jenny told him. “And I added some blanched almonds for crunch.”

  “You’re a sight for sore eyes, Jenny,” Adam said, staring deep into her eyes.

  Jenny took a dainty bite of her own sandwich and asked after the twins.

  “Up to no good,” Adam cribbed, shaking his head. “They are taking a boat out to one of the islands this weekend. Nick’s bringing a friend along.”

  “Nick’s coming here this weekend?” Jenny asked eagerly. “He hasn’t returned my calls, the scamp.”

  Jenny rubbed the tiny gold heart hanging around her neck. She looked forward to seeing her son in a couple of days.

  “Ready for cake?” she asked Adam.

  “Is that the special chocolate cake?” Adam asked. “The same one you made for Asher Cohen?”

  “It’s not the same cake,” Jenny said. “Just the same recipe.”

  “Asher Cohen was supposed to have exacting standards. If he asked for this cake, it must be something special.”

  “Just because he asked for this cake?” Jenny pouted.

  “Anything you cook is exceptional, Jenny,” Adam praised. “You already know that.”

  “Doesn’t hurt to get a compliment.”

  They bantered over the generous slices of cake until they could eat no more.

  “I’m saving this for later,” Adam said, licking his lips. “Any more of this and I’ll fall asleep on my desk.”

  “Not so soon,” Jenny warned. “You promised to hear me out.”

  “Shoot!” Adam said.

  “There’s no doubt that Asher Cohen was murdered, right?”

  Adam nodded. He couldn’t keep that from Jenny any longer.

  “The most obvious suspect is always the spouse, right?” Jenny began. “That brings us to Linda. Linda Cohen was a trophy wife when they got married. She’s what, almost thirty years younger than Asher. That makes her about 70 now.”