by Linda Reilly
No. That wouldn’t be fair. Unless there was a danger of someone being harmed, she wouldn’t betray Nina’s confidence.
“It’s hard to say,” Lara finally said. “But Charlie can be a bit temperamental. I learned that over the four months he worked on the addition. By the way, where are the other cats?”
“Twinkles was on my bed, last I saw him,” Aunt Fran said. “And I think Munster’s on the cat tree in your room. Snowball…I’m not sure. She’s usually in here, chilling with us humans.”
Lara let Aunt Fran know about their plans for the remainder of the evening, then went about scooping the litter boxes and replenishing the cats’ water bowls. Gideon offered to help, but she knew she could work faster without him. Besides, she loved the idea of leaving him to bond with Orca.
Upstairs, Lara walked into her bedroom, and her heart twisted in her chest. Smuggles was curled up on the oversize bed, one paw resting on his purring companion—Snowball. Snowball looked blissful, stretched out with her head tucked into the elder cat’s neck. Lara had to force back a lump. “Aw, look at you guys.”
Leaving the two alone to snuggle, she made sure Smuggles was set for the night with water, snacks, and clean litter.
Munster was on the cat tree, looking oddly alert. Had he seen something outside in the yard? Lara rubbed his furry head and kissed him good night. “You be a good watch cat, okay? I’m leaving you in charge.”
Lara stuffed a change of clothes and a few other essentials into an overnight bag. Downstairs, Gideon was still playing with Orca. He flushed when Lara came over to him. “You ready?” he said.
Lara slipped her arm through his and gave him a sly smile. “You’re getting attached to Orca, aren’t you?”
Gideon blushed again. “Oh, well, he’s a supercute cat. I love those catchers’ mitts of his. By the way, look at this. I taught him to high five.” He held up the flat of his hand in front of the cat. Orca sniffed it, then rubbed his head against it. “Okay, he didn’t do it that time. But he did it before, didn’t he, Fran?”
Aunt Fran chuckled. “Yes, he did it once,” she said tactfully.
Lara bent over her aunt and kissed her lightly on the cheek. “Be back in the morning. Sure you’ll be okay?”
“Don’t be silly,” Aunt Fran said. “I have a house full of felines to keep me company.”
Lara still felt bad leaving her aunt alone. Friday night would typically be “date night” for Aunt Fran and the chief. They usually stayed in to watch old movies, but occasionally they went out to a movie or a local concert. Her aunt always had a fragrant pan of brownies or blondies waiting for him, but it was obvious she hadn’t baked anything today.
If Aunt Fran and the chief didn’t work things out soon, it might spell the end of their caring relationship. Lara hated the thought. The chief was a good man. He’d always been there when Lara was in dire need. Maybe she’d have to remind her aunt of that.
Lara gazed over at the man she loved.
For tonight, she would concentrate on spending quality time with him.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Before Lara left Saturday morning, Gideon said he wanted to check something in his office. Lara trailed along with him. She loved seeing all his law books, lined up on the shelves along with some of his favorite novels. The watercolor Lara had painted of a much-younger Gideon and his dad hung on the wall opposite the front window. She’d given it to him last Christmas, and he cherished it.
“I just want to check my messages,” Gideon said. “I ordered a cartridge for my printer and it was supposed to be here Wednesday. I still haven’t gotten it, and I’m getting a little desperate.”
“Did you call the people you ordered it from?” Lara asked.
“I did. They were supposed to let me know yesterday if they could do a Saturday delivery, but as of last night I hadn’t heard from them. If it doesn’t come today, it means a trip to the store for me later.” He made a face.
It was more than a ten-mile ride, Lara knew, to the nearest office supply store. “I’d offer to ride along with you later, but today’s an adoption day.”
Gideon glanced over at his desk and saw a light blinking on his phone. “Oh good. They must’ve called early this morning.” He pressed the button.
“Uh…yeah, hi, Mr. Halley. This is Trevor Johnson. I, um, don’t know if you remember me, but I really need to talk to you. I want to make an appoint—”
Gideon grabbed the phone and listened to the rest of the message. After a half minute or so, he hung up.
He looked agitated. “Lara, I apologize for that. I wouldn’t have played that if I knew it was from a potential client.”
Lara frowned at him. “Potential client?”
“I have no idea what that was about, but any communication that comes into my office that way is confidential. I never should have assumed it was about my cartridge.”
“I–I’m sorry,” Lara said. “If I could unhear that, I would.”
He sighed and then smiled at her. “It’s not your fault. You weren’t trying to eavesdrop.” He slipped an arm around her waist and kissed her cheek.
“If it’s any consolation,” Lara said lightly, “I’ve already forgotten it.” She swiped her hand over her head, as if erasing an imaginary slate.
Except that she couldn’t stop thinking about what she’d heard. Trevor Johnson wanted representation? Why? Was he about to confess to murdering Evonda?
And even if that were true, why would he choose Gideon? Their accidental meeting at The Irish Stew several nights earlier hadn’t exactly ended cordially.
Johnson’s voice had sounded shaky, almost tearful. Was he in some sort of trouble?
Lara wanted to ask Gideon if he was going to return Johnson’s call but stopped herself. It wouldn’t be fair to put him on the spot. He was feeling bad enough about playing the message in front of her.
“Listen, I’m going to run,” Lara said. “We both have lots to do.”
Gideon hugged her. “Before you go, are you on board with my doing some grilling for you and Fran tonight?”
“Totally. What can I bring?”
“Other than your aunt, nothing. I’ve got steaks and burgers, salad fixings, and potato salad from Shop-Along’s deli.”
Lara snapped her fingers. “Corn.”
“Hmmm. I didn’t think of that.”
“I’ll pick up some ears this morning,” she offered. “There’s a farm stand over on Bedford Road.”
“All right. You can do that, but nothing else, okay? Drive you home?”
“Nah. It’s a nice morning, not too hot yet. I’ll hoof it.”
Gideon’s office and apartment were housed in an older home only a short distance from Whisker Jog’s town center. At the most it was a fifteen-minute walk back to Aunt Fran’s. Lara needed the exercise. She’d been feeling like a slug over the past week. Time to get the blood pumping.
Plus, she could pop her head into the coffee shop and say hello to Sherry.
* * * *
“Hey, you’re looking cheery this morning,” Sherry said.
Lara slid onto her usual stool. “I’m not staying for breakfast. I was at Gideon’s this morning, and he made French toast, bacon, and hash browns.” She patted her stomach. “I’m stuffed.”
“You were at Gideon’s this morning?” Sherry said dryly. “With your overnight bag?”
“Well…you know.” Feeling a blush creep up her neck, Lara waved a hand at her friend. “Anyway, I have a question to ask you. About that…thing you showed me.”
Sherry looked alarmed. “Lara, you said you wouldn’t talk about it!”
“I haven’t talked about it,” Lara said in a low voice. “I just want to know if I can take a pic of it with my phone. I promise not to show it to anyone. I only want to examine it a little more closely.”
Sher
ry groaned. She looked around. “Mom’s in the kitchen. I don’t want her to know I kept it.” She reached underneath the counter and whipped out the envelope. “Put it in your bag, quick,” she said, shoving it at Lara.
Lara tucked it away. “I’ll give it back. I promise.”
“You don’t have to,” Sherry said. “Just don’t show anyone!”
Lara’s timing was perfect. Daisy pushed through the swinging door carrying a large tray laden with breakfast platters. She beamed a smile at Lara, then went over to a table where three men sat waiting for their meals to be delivered. When she was through, she came over and hugged Lara. “Hey,” she said. “Seems like I keep missing you lately. How’ve you been?”
“Okay,” Lara said. “Truth be told, Aunt Fran and I have both been going a little nuts. But it’ll pass. It always does.”
“I’m sorry you had to cancel your gig this afternoon,” Daisy said kindly.
“Yeah, me too. But never fear—we’ll still have the unveiling. As soon as things settle down.”
Daisy hugged her again. “Love to Fran,” she said, and toddled back into the kitchen.
“I should be heading home,” Lara said. “Aunt Fran’s been a little out of sorts. I want to be sure she’s okay.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Sherry said. “Want some cookies to take with you?”
“Thanks, but not today. We still have some—”
“Hey, what are you doing here so early?” Sherry interrupted, grinning over Lara’s head.
Lara turned to see a familiar, pleasing face coming toward them. Clad in a sky-blue, short-sleeved shirt and navy shorts, David Gregson looked at Sherry as if she’d single-handedly hung the stars. His smile stretching into a full-out grin, he leaned over the counter and kissed her. “I missed you,” he said softly.
“Ditto,” Sherry said.
A man at the far end of the counter made kissy noises at them.
“Knock it off,” Sherry warned jovially, aiming a finger at him. The man laughed, then took a long swig of his coffee.
David slid onto the stool next to Lara. “Hey, Lara. I haven’t seen you in a while. How are things going?” He lowered his voice. “I mean, you know, all things considered.”
“Not bad,” Lara said, “but it’s great to see you. In fact, I was just talking about you yesterday. You and Sherry, that is.”
“Uh-oh.”
“Not to worry. It was all good.”
Sherry poured David a mug of coffee. “So, don’t keep us hanging. Why were you talking about us?”
“I was telling Kayla the story of how you two met, right here in the coffee shop.”
“Kismet, right?” David winked at Sherry.
Sherry giggled, something she rarely did. “I still can’t believe the way it happened. David wasn’t even supposed to be working that day, but one of his coworkers had called in sick.”
“That’s right.” David plunked sugar into his coffee. “My boss sent me in his place to meet with the owners of Plaid Brothers Landscaping, who were looking to buy new equipment. I was running early for my appointment and the highway was clogged with construction, so I decided to take the scenic route through Whisker Jog. When I saw this place, I figured I’d stop in and have breakfast. Not only did I land a big account that day but I met the most wonderful woman on the planet.”
Lara smiled as if she was hearing the story for the first time. No matter how often Sherry told it, she never tired of listening to it.
“Anyway, why are you here so early?” Sherry asked David. “Not that I’m complaining.”
“First of all, I wanted to let you know everything’s all set for tonight. Reservations for seven thirty, signed and sealed.”
Sherry did a fist pump. “Yes! Now will you please tell me where we’re going?”
“No can do, my lady. It’s a surprise, and you will just have to be patient. But I assure you, you’re going to love it. Be ready at five, by the way. It’s a bit of a ride.”
“Now I want to know,” Lara groused playfully.
“Sherry will tell you all about it tomorrow,” he said. “So, tell me, how’s Gideon these days?”
“He’s great. Working hard, as always. I hope the four of us can have another date night soon.”
About a month earlier, Lara and Gideon had joined Sherry and David for dinner at The Irish Stew. The evening had been fun and relaxing, and the men had gotten to know each other better.
“We will. Let’s make it a plan,” David said. He looked at his watch, then at Sherry. “Hey, hon, can I take my java to go? I don’t want to be late for Kellie. She’s the real reason I’m here so early.” He stroked his light red beard.
“Wow. You’re really getting spruced up for tonight, aren’t you?” Sherry teased. “At least that better be why you’re seeing Kellie.”
David laughed. “Yep. Haircut and a beard trim. Gotta look my best for my one and only, right?”
A wave of emotion rose in Lara. Sherry and David were so perfect for each other. She loved seeing her friend so happy.
Sherry poured David’s coffee into a takeout cup and snapped on a lid. He kissed Sherry again, said goodbye to Lara, and headed out of the coffee shop.
“He’s so right for you,” Lara said, feeling a bit choked up. “I wonder where’s he’s taking you this evening.”
Sherry waved a hand at her. “You kidding? I already know.”
“You do?”
“Of course. You think you’re the only detective in town? He left printouts, including the menu, on the back seat of his car. I just happened to see them, sitting right there in plain sight underneath his day planner.”
“In plain sight?” Lara said wryly.
“I know I shouldn’t have snooped, but the secrecy was killing me.” Sherry jiggled her fists. “Oh, Lara, I’m so excited. We’re going to that restaurant at the top of the Prudential building in Boston!”
Lara squealed, then leaned over the counter and hugged her. “Oh, Sher, I know you’re going to love it. I lived in Boston for years and never ate there! Take a few pics tonight, okay? And have a fabulous time.”
Lara left the coffee shop feeling elated for Sherry, but a bit depressed about having canceled the reading room celebration originally planned for today. It couldn’t be helped, and it was the right thing to do. Still, it felt like a blade to the heart.
Outside, the sun hovered in the eastern sky, peeking through wisps of fluffy clouds. The distant hills were a lush green that skimmed a cerulean sky. By noon, it would be a scorcher, but for now, the day felt comfortable.
At the kitchen table, Aunt Fran was enjoying a marmalade-coated English muffin with her orange-flavored tea. Dolce rested in her lap while she perused the morning paper.
“Hey, Aunt Fran,” Lara said. She dropped her tote and her overnight bag onto a kitchen chair. Munster immediately trotted over and meowed up at her. Lara laughed and swept him into her arms. “Everything okay here?”
“Of course,” her aunt said. “Things okay with you?”
“Good,” Lara said carefully. “Very good. We’ve been invited to a cookout at Gideon’s this evening. Steaks or burgers—our choice—on the grill.”
Her aunt stiffened. “Just the three of us?”
“Just the three of us.”
Uh-oh. What if Gideon invited Chief Whitley on the sly? He wouldn’t, would he?
“I’ll make sure of it, Aunt Fran,” Lara promised.
“Then I accept.” She tipped her head toward the large parlor. “Take a peek,” she said with a cryptic smile.
Intrigued, Lara set Munster down and crept quietly into the parlor. The sight that greeted her made her gasp.
Smuggles and Snowball were curled up together on the sofa, their furry heads resting on each other. Lara brought her hands to her lips as her aunt came up beside
her.
“Smuggles came downstairs?” Lara whispered.
“On his own,” Aunt Fran confirmed. “I’m guessing he followed Snowball, but that’s only a guess. He also ate from one of the bowls in the kitchen.”
Lara felt her heart race. Smuggles was becoming part of the household.
She couldn’t help wondering if he’d end up with them as a permanent resident.
It all depended on whether or not Brian Downing murdered Evonda.
Chapter Twenty-Four
As she promised, Lara drove over to the local farm stand to pick up corn for Gideon’s cookout. In addition to six ears of fresh sweet corn, she bought three huge tomatoes, a pile of green beans, and a basket of strawberries. Gideon hadn’t mentioned dessert, so she planned to surprise him with strawberry shortcake.
Lara stuffed her purchases into the cooler she’d brought along, then began heading home. When she reached the STOP sign at the corner of Bedford and Loudon, she paused.
Loudon Street.
Isn’t that where the chief said Evonda lived?
She glanced in her rearview mirror. No one was behind her, but she flicked on her right-hand signal anyway and turned onto Loudon.
The street was lined with huge maples that shaded the well-maintained sidewalks. The homes were mostly Cape Cod–style, with a few bungalows mixed in. Save for a gray-haired woman planting impatiens around the base of her maple tree, no one seemed to be around. Didn’t kids play outside anymore? When she was a kid, she’d be climbing trees or trying to spot salamanders along the creek behind Aunt Fran’s vacant lot.
The woman planting the flowers looked up as Lara drove past. Lara smiled and waved, as if she belonged there, but the woman only stared at her with a stony expression. Had Evonda’s murder set the entire neighborhood on edge? Made them wary of anyone they didn’t recognize?
Lara realized that her slow cruising might be drawing attention. She didn’t know Evonda’s house number, but Loudon Street meandered on for quite a distance, so she kept driving. She was beginning to think her side expedition would turn up nothing when she spotted it.
