by Wendy Heuvel
Cassie’s spirits lifted slightly at his touch. “Sure.”
“Don’t worry. You’ll figure out another angle.”
“I hope so.”
They stacked the books and placed them on the return cart. Cassie thanked Roberta once again, and followed Daniel out of the library into the cold night.
Instead of following the library lane back to the street, they headed for the trail alongside the river as Daniel had suggested. The moonlight glistened off the snow and the ice, making it possible to walk without using flashlights once their eyes adjusted.
A great horned owl hooted in the distance.
“Is that your owl?” Daniel asked.
“It is!” Cassie beamed. A pair of owls were raising another brood on the Anglican Church grounds in Banford. The Bird Club, Cassie included, continually monitored their progress with a live cam Cassie had helped install last Christmas—before helping solve the previous murder in the village.
“It’s certainly beautiful out here.” Daniel paused to look out over the icy river.
“Very.” Cassie stopped beside him to share the view. A moment later, his gloved hand wrapped around her own mittened one. She held her breath. Her arm tingled, and her heart soared.
But her head screamed at her to let go.
She gulped. What should she do? There’s nothing she wanted more than to hold Daniel’s hand on the walk home—even more than she wanted to see the eagles’ death spiral. But she couldn’t.
Not yet.
Could she?
“Cassie?” Daniel’s breath formed a cloud as he spoke. “Would you go out to dinner with me on Valentine’s Day?”
She let go of his hand. “Daniel—”
He raised his palms to her. “Never mind. Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.” He started walking again, single file, ahead of her.
“Daniel, please.”
“Please what?” He whirled around. “Please wait? Please be patient? I have been, Cassie.”
“I know.”
“Do you? Do you really know?”
Cassie swallowed the lump in her throat. “I just... can’t. Not yet.”
“Why? What are you waiting for?”
“I don’t know! I only know I need more time.”
“Okay, okay. You’re right. I’m sorry. I don’t want to rush you. It’s just such a beautiful night. And you’re so beautiful. And your heart is beautiful.” Daniel touched his glove to her face. “And I’m out of line. I apologize.” He shook his head.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I just have to keep placing the notion of us into God’s hands. He knows what’s best for you and for me. I have to work on the patience thing a little more.”
Was this really Daniel talking? His faith had grown so much in only a few short months. He was truly a man of God. Cassie could feel it in every fibre of her being.
So, what was her problem?
Cassie followed Daniel as he continued to walk down the trail. Whatever it was, she was sure to be up all night thinking about it—and an old murder.
Chapter 9
Cassie stomped the snow off her boots on the mat inside The Tea Garden's door and waved to Lexy and Maggie, already seated at the café table by the window. The girls had a weekly breakfast date Tuesday mornings before work. It was a high point in Cassie’s week, a time she’d come to enjoy and value with her best friend and sister-in-law.
A berry muffin called out to Cassie from behind the glass display window, and she ordered an Earl Grey tea to go along with it. The tea was served in a pretty teacup with pink flowers. She carefully took hold of the saucer and carried it to her table, admiring the décor.
“Hi, Ladies.” Cassie sat and smelled the pink roses in front of her. “Isn’t this cute?”
This month, the tea shop had been decorated to reflect Valentine’s Day. To play on the lace and Victorian themes, hearts and roses had been added to the flower vases, window display, and table centrepieces.
“Very.” Lexy finished sipping her tea. “And for once, I’m looking forward to Valentine’s Day.”
“Oh?” Maggie asked. “Got a hot date?”
A grin stretched across Lexy’s face. “Brent asked me to dinner.”
“Finally,” Cassie smirked. “It’s about time you two stopped flirting all the time and actually went out.”
Both Maggie and Lexy froze and stared at Cassie.
“What?”
“Look who’s talking.” Maggie’s bobbed hair danced as she shook her head.
“Hardly the same situation. Where’s he taking you, Lex?”
“He made reservations at The Inn in Oxford Mills. It’s so romantic there.”
“I’m surprised he got in.” Cassie tore another piece off her muffin. “You have to book weeks ahead to get in there for Valentine’s.”
Lexy’s eyes lit up. “That’s right. So, he must have...” She hunched her shoulders and giggled.
“Good thing you said, yes.” Maggie grinned.
“Are you sure about this, though? With Brent? Have you guys talked about faith?” Cassie eyed her friend with concern. As much as she wanted Lexy to be happy, it was more important that she be with someone who shared her faith. God required it. “You know what Grams always says. Be with someone who loves God more than you, and you more than himself.”
“She has a point,” Maggie agreed.
“Don’t worry.” Lexy picked at the paper on her muffin and avoided eye contact. “We’ve talked about it. A little. He goes to church regularly. He believes in God, and wants to become more serious about his faith.”
Cassie reached out and put her hand on Lexy’s. “We don’t mean to chastise. We just want what’s best for you. We love you.”
“Thanks. I love you guys, too. But I’ll be okay.”
“Just remember,” Maggie said. “Faith has to come first. If you find out he’s not serious about God, it’ll be a lot harder to pull back once you give your heart to him.”
“What about you?” Lexy’s gaze finally connected to Cassie’s. “Do you have plans with Daniel?”
Now it was Cassie’s turn to stare at her muffin. “Uh... he asked, but I’m not ready.”
Maggie slapped the table. “Oh, come on! Enough already! You two were born ready for each other.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“Uh, yeah it is! He loves you. You love him. You both love God. Hello?”
“Yup,” Lexy chimed in. “Simple.”
Cassie shook her head. “I’ve never said I love him. And there’s more to it. What about Spencer?”
“What about him? Do you still love him?” Maggie asked.
“I never did. And that’s part of the problem. I barged ahead of God and ended up hurting Spencer in the long run. And Daniel, while he watched what I was doing.”
“And yet he’s still here,” Lexy added. “Waiting for you.”
“Exactly.” Maggie turned her cup on its saucer. “He forgave you, so you should forgive yourself.”
“But what if I’m running ahead of God again? I couldn’t bear it if I messed things up with Daniel.”
“Maybe you’re messing it up by stalling.” Lexy tilted her head. “Or maybe, you’re just scared.”
“Are you scared, Cassie?” Maggie asked softly.
“I’m not afraid, but I don’t want to hurt him. I don’t want to rush ahead of God. And I don’t want to mess this up and... and... risk losing him.”
Both Maggie and Lexy grinned.
“So, you do want to be with him.” Lexy winked.
“I... can we talk about something else?” Cassie didn’t want to spend any more time thinking about the feelings she may or may not have for Daniel. She looked at her sister-in-law. “Is my brother doing anything nice for you, Maggie?”
“Rick’s taking me to the Blackhorse Inn. We’re having dinner and staying the night. Grams is taking the girls overnight.”
“The Blackhorse!” Lexy gasped. “I’ve
heard their Valentine’s wine list is to die for!”
“I won’t be having any wine.”
“Why not?” Cassie asked. “Too expensive?”
“That and... other reasons.” Maggie rubbed her belly.
“What? Are you?”
Maggie nodded.
Cassie squealed and clasped her mouth with both hands. Then joined Lexy in rushing around the table to give Maggie a hug.
“Congratulations!” Cassie gushed. “When are you due?”
“It’s early days. We really weren’t going to tell anyone yet, but I couldn’t resist telling you two.”
“Does Grams know?”
“Yes. But only since last night.”
“So exciting!” Lexy returned to her seat. “What do the girls think?”
“We’re waiting a bit longer before we tell them. Just to be sure.”
Cassie sat. “I get to be an aunt—again! Yay!”
Maggie laughed. “And I’ll have another child spoiled by their loving aunt.”
“Always.”
“Oh—so is this a good time to mention I might need some time off in a few months?”
“Sorry.” Cassie shook her head. “You’ll have to bring the baby with you to the store.”
The girls laughed.
“Speaking of which.” Lexy checked her phone. “It’s almost time to get going. And I still need to tell you the latest news about Marilyn Howard.”
“Oh?” Cassie gulped down the last piece of her breakfast. “What did you find out?”
“I spent some time at the Land Registry office yesterday checking out the neighbouring houses. Turns out two of those houses are still occupied by the same people as in 1968.”
“Really? Who?”
Lexy smirked. “The first is our favourite friend, Edward Morris.”
“Oh no.”
“Is he the old guy who threatened to call the cops on you?” Maggie asked.
“Yes.” Cassie groaned. “Who’s the other?”
Lexy tapped her phone and read, “Charles Whitehorn. He lives in the house next to the mansion, on the north side.”
“Oh, goody!” Cassie clapped her hands. “Is Brent going to interview them?”
“Yes, but not until this afternoon.”
“Hmm...” Cassie turned to Maggie. “Are you working for Rick this morning before you come to the store?”
“No... why?”
“Feel like starting a bit early so I can run a couple of errands?”
Maggie lowered her stare. “What kind of errands would those be, Cassie?”
“Nothing crazy. I think it might be time for Anna to meet her new neighbours. I might go with her to make sure she doesn’t slip and fall on the icy sidewalks.”
Lexy frowned. “I have nothing to do with this. I promised Brent I’d stop being sneaky with you about the cases.”
“But you just told me the names of the neighbours who might be witnesses or suspects, didn’t you?”
Lexy nodded. “But Brent said I could. He never said anything about you visiting them.”
“Hmm...” Maggie frowned.
“What are you thinking?” Cassie asked.
“That you need to be careful. Don’t step on Brent’s toes.”
Cassie thought a moment. Was she crossing a line again? No. Of course not. She wasn’t going to interview the neighbours—not directly, anyway. She was only going to visit. In fact, she might be more successful in retrieving information from them than a cop would. Especially if they knew something.
And Brent probably knew that.
Essentially, she’d be following through on his intent by doing this.
Wouldn’t she?
Chapter 10
“I come bearing gifts!” Cassie held up three pie boxes as Anna held open the door.
“Cassie! What a nice surprise.” Anna smiled as she let Cassie in.
“Are you free for a little bit?”
“Sure. Who’s minding the store?
Cassie set the pies on a side table and kicked off her boots. “Maggie went in early today.”
“That was nice of her.” Anna rubbed her belly. “The baby’s kicking like crazy this morning. I think he wants out.”
“He?”
“Or she.” Anna grinned. “We still don’t know.”
Cassie hung up her coat, grabbed the pies, and followed Anna into the kitchen. “I love this kitchen. It’s so cute!”
“We never did get to the house tour the other day. Sorry about that.”
“No problem at all. You have a seat, and I’ll take care of the pie. Apple, cherry, or pecan?”
“Mmm! Pecan, please.” Anna ignored Cassie’s direction to sit and went to get plates and forks instead. She set them beside the pies. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”
Cassie licked some crumbs from her finger. “I have a favour to ask, actually.”
“I knew you’d have an ulterior motive.” Anna grinned.
“The other two pies aren’t for you and Zach. They’re for your neighbours.”
“Our neighbours? I don’t follow.”
“I thought it was time you introduced yourself to some people in the neighbourhood.”
Anna sat at the kitchen table with her pie. “I think I see where you’re going with this. Any neighbours in particular you’d like me to meet?”
“Charles Whitehorn across the street, and Edward Morris next door.”
“Edward? Ugh. We’ve already met him. A few times.” Anna took a big bite of pecans.
“So have I. But it turns out he, and Charles, were both living here in 1968 when the murder happened. If they have any information, I’d love to hear it.” Cassie found a glass and poured herself some water from the purifying jug on the counter. “Water?”
“Yes, please. You’re telling me Edward and Charles both knew the victim?”
“Uh-huh. And her husband, Wayne.”
Anna gulped as she swallowed a bite of pie. “Wait. How do you know one of them didn’t murder her?”
“I was hoping you wouldn’t think about that.” Cassie gave Anna a sheepish grin as she delivered the water to the table and took a seat. “It’s a possibility.”
“Great. Nice street we picked. Now my neighbours include a ghost and a murderer. Who next?”
“Don’t worry. It’s likely the murderer isn’t either of your neighbours.”
“I’m not so sure. If looks could kill, Edward’s already murdered Zach and me a hundred times over.”
Cassie used the side of her fork to cut into her pie. “I’m sorry. Forget I asked. It was wrong of me to ask you to do this—especially in your condition.”
Anna laughed. “My condition? Oh, Cassie, I’ve told you before. I’m pregnant, not sick. And I’m just being silly. Of course I’ll take you to meet the neighbours. I know this is important to you.”
“Thank you.” Cassie let out a breath.
“I’d visit with a thousand murderers if it helped you, my friend. Especially after all you’ve done for Zach and me.”
“You don’t owe me anything. It was my pleasure to help you both.”
Anna smiled and downed her last bite. “Who do you want to start with?”
“Charles, I think.” Cassie sliced her own remaining bit of pie into two pieces. “I’m not keen on chatting with Edward.”
“Who knows? Maybe he’ll be friendly. We’ve never brought him pie before.”
Cassie laughed as she finished her treat and brought her dishes to the sink. She picked up the apple pie and followed Anna back out to the foyer, where she helped her friend step into her boots and get her coat zipped around her large belly.
“This is ridiculous!” Anna laughed as the zipper stuck. “And I’ve still got two weeks to go!”
“I bet you’re excited to see this little guy face-to-face.”
“We can’t wait.”
Cassie held the door for Anna and followed her down the walkway.
“Which house i
s it?” Anna asked.
Cassie pointed to a small bungalow with overgrown shrubs and worn siding. Plastic covered the windows. She assumed it was to keep the heat in for winter, but by the looks of the trees growing over the edges, the plastic had been there for a long time.
Anna frowned and crossed the street. “I hope he’s home.”
“Let’s find out.”
Cassie held Anna’s arm as they made their way up the snowy walkway. It hadn’t been shovelled recently, but the snow had been tramped down from someone walking on it. Cassie pushed the round doorbell button, but it didn’t light up, and she didn’t hear it ring. She opted to knock loudly on the door instead.
“Who is it?” A rough voice called through the door.
“It’s your new neighbour. My name is Anna.”
The door opened a crack, and a bald-headed man peeked through the opening. “Are you the gal from across the street?”
Anna nodded. “Yes.”
“We brought pie.” Cassie held up the box.
Charles eyed Cassie up and down. “And who are you?”
“This is my friend, Cassie Bridgestone,” Anna answered. “Can we come in for a minute? It’s cold out here.”
Charles looked at Anna’s protruding belly and pulled the door open wide. “Sure. Right this way.”
After removing their boots and coats, they followed Charles into a sparsely decorated living room. Old paint-by-number paintings hung on the wall, and a television cabinet displayed an old flatscreen, a few toppled books, a duck decoy, a bowling trophy, and a messy stack of papers and bills. The two brown couches were old and faded, looking as if they’d been here since 1968, too. “I hope you like apple.” Cassie held out the pie.
“Yes, thank you. Would you like some?”
“Why don’t you save it for yourself.” Anna grinned at Cassie and whispered as Charles carried the pie into the kitchen, “Maybe we shouldn’t have eaten the pecan!”
“Yeah, I wasn’t thinking about having pie in three places!”
“You like your new house?” Charles returned and sat on the nearest sofa, indicating with a wave of his hand that the girls should sit on the other.
“We do. And it’s a lovely street.” Anna sat.
Cassie felt a spring dig into her backside as she settled beside Anna. “And I love the house next door!” She nodded in the direction of the mansion. “What do you know about it?”
