by J A Whiting
Angie looked around for the cats and Violet, but the kitchen was empty so she headed for the hall that led to Jenna’s jewelry store and workshop.
She stopped short, thinking about the little skulls Courtney saw in the painting.
Then she heard a dog bark, and a wave of anxiety washed over her like a tidal wave.
Violet rarely barks. Who was that?
Angie ran down the hall. “Jenna?”
When she opened the door to the workshop, she saw Jenna tied to a chair near the fireplace. There was a gag over her mouth and her face was full of fear.
Angie turned and saw what had frightened her sister.
Tom Bass stood near the backdoor … with a huge knife in his hand.
“Shut that door behind you.” He pulled a chair out from the work table and placed it in the middle of the room. “Sit.”
Angie didn’t move. “What are you doing? What are you doing here?”
“Tying up loose ends. Take a seat.”
Angie could smell gasoline. She looked around the room and saw the gas can on the floor.
“I heard there’s an arsonist around here somewhere.” Tom smiled an ugly smile. “Sit.”
Angie’s blood boiled. If she sat, she knew what would happen to them. “No.”
Tom’s face darkened. “Either sit or I’ll cut your throat.”
Angie saw something sparkling behind the man.
“Come and do it then,” she taunted Tom.
His face turned red with rage, and as he started forward, Euclid crashed through the window screen near Jenna’s desk, skidded across the top of the workspace, and jumped down to the floor. Circe was right behind him.
Tom stopped his advance on Angie and spun around.
Violet’s particles glowed red and intensely bright, and she charged at the man, barking loud and wild, then bit into his leg and held on. The cats flung themselves at Tom, hung onto him with their claws, and ferociously bit and scratched at him.
In the chaos, Angie ran to untie Jenna, grabbed the fireplace poker and held it like a bat. She approached the screaming man being attacked by the animals, but the cats and dog were all over him so she couldn’t get a swing in without hitting one of them.
Jenna made the emergency call then ran to stand by her sister. “Give me that poker. I want a chance to pummel the monster.”
Tom was on the floor, unconscious, by the time the police and EMTs arrived, and the cats were sitting quietly on the loveseat. Violet stood off to the side ready to lunge at the man if he woke up.
One of the paramedics checked Tom’s wounds before they lifted him onto the stretcher. “The cats did this? Looks like dog bites. Weird.”
Chief Martin rushed in and let out a sigh of relief when he saw Jenna and Angie, pale and shaky, talking to the officers. He walked over, put an arm around each one, and pulled them into a long hug. When he stepped back, he said, “Looks like I should be hugging the cats, too.”
“Yeah,” Angie said. “And someone else.” She glanced over at Violet sitting in the corner, and smiled.
26
A few days later, Chief Martin met with the sisters and Finch to discuss some findings of case.
“Employees and associates of Tom Bass said he’d been acting erratically since he and Lynette ended their relationship. Tom had confided in one person he worked with that he’d attempted to get back together with Lynette, but that she wasn’t open to the idea and wanted to remain friends. The man Tom told this to reported that Tom went on a rant against Lynette. It was behavior he’d never seen before in his boss.”
“Tom sure acted like it was an amenable parting of the ways when we saw him at the dealership,” Jenna said.
“He put on a good front most of the time, but it seems the man was slowly crumbling mentally,” the chief told them. “This next bit of information must remain confidential as the investigation is ongoing and could impact the outcome of a trial should the material get out.” The chief took in a long breath and continued. “Tom’s computer was seized and the techs found some unpleasant stuff on it. It seems Tom was planning to abduct Lynette, torture her, and burn the farmhouse down with her in it.”
Everyone in the room gasped.
“There were documents on his laptop where he wrote extensively about his rage and all the wrongs done to him by Lynette. He’d written about how he ran into Rachel and Jessica at the farmhouse. How he followed them back to New Hampshire to Jessica’s house. Tom’s plan was to break in and kill both of them, but when he arrived at the house, some friends were just going inside so he had to abort the mission. He believed he had to murder the women so they couldn’t report to the police they’d seen him at Lynette’s house. He was the one who set fire to the place. He was the one who sent the threatening notes to Rachel. There were copies of the notes on his laptop. Tom followed Rachel back to Sweet Cove and killed her a couple of days later. He tried several times to attack Jessica, but something always thwarted his attempt, until he finally gained access to her house and ended her life.”
“How terrible.” Ellie shook her head. “The man had lost his mind.”
“Tom is in the hospital right now. A psychologist will be determining if he can stand trial or not. Otherwise, the plea will be insanity.”
“Does Lynette know what Tom did … and was planning to do?” Angie asked.
“She does now. She was briefed by a detective who’s familiar with the case.” The chief looked around the room at everyone. “We also know what he was planning to do when he arrived here. The man had to eliminate anyone who could connect him to either the attempt to burn down the farmhouse or to the murders of Jessica and Rachel. And by trying to cover his tracks, he left more clues behind.”
“It’s a horrible tale,” Courtney sighed. “He’d clearly lost touch with reality.”
The day was warm and sunny and the sky was a gorgeous deep blue when the family and friends gathered in the cemetery for the graveside service for Rachel Princeton. Even though they’d never met the woman, the Roselands, Finch, and Chief Martin wanted to pay their respects. Rachel’s sister, Rebecca, and a few other members of the family, along with close friends stood near to the casket with everyone else gathering around in a U-shape.
Violet had come with them and sat next to Angie as the minister spoke the prayers, some people gave eulogies, and three musicians played several selections with flute and cellos.
Angie glanced down at the dog and made eye contact with her. She reached down and patted Violet’s head.
When the service ended, people mingled and chatted with one another, and the sisters, Finch, and the chief went over to offer condolences to Rebecca who thanked them for their help in solving the case.
As they were about to leave the cemetery, Angie saw Violet perk up. Her ears twitched and her head spun around to stare at the hill leading to the pet graveyard.
Jenna moved closer to her sister. “Look up by trees near the entrance to the pet cemetery.”
Angie followed her sister’s gaze to the spot where they’d first seen Violet. Something shimmered in the sunlight, but Angie couldn’t make out what it was.
With her tail wagging, Violet trotted toward the hill, but stopped, and looked back at the family.
“What’s there?” Angie asked.
“I think it’s Rachel Princeton. It’s her ghost. She seems to be calling to Violet,” Jenna told her.
Angie looked at the dog, and whispered, “Go ahead, Violet. It’s all right. It’s Rachel.”
Violet glanced up the hill, then turned and hurried over to each member of the family. Each person patted the ghost dog and wished her well. Angie was the last one the dog approached.
She bent down. “The crimes are solved. Now you and Rachel can be together again. She’s waiting for you.”
Violet’s nose rubbed against the young woman and then her tongue ran over Angie’s cheek.
“Thank you for saving us from Tom Bass. I’ll tell Gigi and Libby it was
time for you to go, and I’ll tell Euclid and Circe you said goodbye.” Tears gathered in Angie’s eyes. “We’ll miss you. Go and be happy together. I love you, sweet Violet.”
The dog kept her eyes glued to Angie for another few seconds, then she wagged her tail, and turned around. In an instant, she’d raced up the hill and was bouncing around the glittering particles that were her former owner.
Jenna watched. “Rachel picked her up. She’s kissing Violet. I can see her happy tears.” Jenna’s words caught in her throat and she brushed at her eyes. “Rachel is looking at all of us. She put her hand over her heart. She thanks us.”
The shimmering lights at the top of the hill faded and disappeared.
“They’re gone,” Jenna said softly, and reached for Angie’s hand.
“And may they live joyously ever after,” Finch smiled.
Because it was a beautiful late Saturday afternoon with unseasonably warm temperatures, the family decided to have a cookout and invited their friends to join them.
“It might be the last cookout of the year,” Josh told them as he set up the grill.
“I’m hoping we’ll have nice weather through October.” Courtney carried over a platter with burgers, marinated chicken breasts, veggie burgers, and Italian sausages, and set it on the table next to the grill. “Here’s your grilling apron,” she handed one to Josh. “And here’s one for Tom … the good Tom, not the killer one.”
“I like the sound of that. I think I’ll have a t-shirt made that says I’m the Good Tom.”
Courtney chuckled and went back into the house to get more food.
Mr. Finch, Betty, Orla, and Mel were playing corn hole while Rufus was battling Chief Martin and his wife, Lucille at badminton.
After missing a shot, Rufus puffed. “I need Courtney to help me.”
Jenna and Angie played with the little girls under the pergola and Euclid and Circe sat in the lawn chair.
“It seems funny not to have Violet around.” Angie handed Gigi a toy elephant.
“It sure does,” Jenna agreed. “She was already part of the family.”
Euclid and Circe trilled.
“Where’s Ellie and Jack?” Jenna asked.
“They texted me. They’re on their way. They stopped to pick up some beer and wine.”
Right on cue, the couple came around the side of the house, wearing wide smiles.
“We have good news,” Ellie told the group and everyone stopped what they were doing and walked over to hear.
Jack’s face was flush with happiness. “Our offer on the land has been accepted.”
The family members and friends rushed over to hug them and offer congratulations.
“I really didn’t think our offer would be accepted.” Ellie smiled. “Now the hard part comes. Planning the neighborhood and getting the funding to build it. But we’re over one hurdle. We’ll do our best to make it happen.”
“Such happy news,” Finch beamed.
Jack turned to Ellie. “And here’s some other happy news.” The man knelt on one knee and took Ellie’s hand. “You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Every day is happier, more fun, and more interesting because you’re in my life.”
Tears streamed down Ellie’s face.
“Will you stay with me forever? Will you always be my best friend and my love? Will you marry me, Ellie?”
The tall blond nodded. “Yes. Yes, I will.”
Jack took a small velvet box from his pocket and slipped a stunning diamond ring on Ellie’s finger. “It was my grandmother’s engagement ring.”
“It’s beautiful.”
Jack stood and swept Ellie into his arms for a sweet, loving kiss while everyone else cheered and clapped.
Circe and Euclid threw back their heads and howled with joy.
“I never thought this would happen,” Courtney kidded. “They’re as slow as molasses.”
“I love a wedding,” Josh whooped.
“If I’d known this was going to be an engagement celebration,” Angie said, “I would have baked a fancy cake.”
“We’ll make due with all the wonderful desserts you did make,” Finch said to Angie as he walked over to Ellie and wrapped her in his arms. “Congratulations to you, my dear.” He shook Jack’s hand. “And best wishes to you. Welcome to the family. Although, you’ve been a part of it for years already, this makes it official.”
“This calls for a toast,” Tom told them.
“There’s a bottle of champagne in the bag with the beer and wine,” Jack said. “I bought it in case Ellie said yes.”
Champagne flutes were brought out and filled, and several toasts were offered up until everyone was giddy.
The food was carried to the long table, the candles and tiki torches were lit, and they all sat together to enjoy the feast.
When the evening was over and everything had been cleaned up and put away, the guests left, and everyone else was in the house, Josh and Angie sat around the fire pit with cups of coffee. Euclid and Circe sat in the Adirondack chairs next to the couple.
“What a happy day.” Angie reached for her husband’s hand.
“The case is solved, Violet and Rachel have been reunited, Jack and Ellie got the land they wanted, and now they’re engaged. Time to plan the wedding.” Josh leaned back in his chair.
Angie looked over at the handsome man holding her hand. “I’m not sure how we could be any luckier.”
“Or more grateful for all the wonderful people we have in our lives,” Josh added, and then looked over at the cats. “And for our two fine felines. We are truly blessed.”
Euclid and Circe trilled, stood, and leapt down. Euclid jumped onto Angie’s lap and Circe joined Josh in his chair, and the four of them sat together on that beautiful, tranquil September evening, under the sparkling moon and twinkling stars.
Thank you for reading! Recipes below!
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Books By J.A. Whiting
OLIVIA MILLER MYSTERIES (not cozy)
SWEET COVE COZY MYSTERIES
LIN COFFIN COZY MYSTERIES
CLAIRE ROLLINS COZY MYSTERIES
PAXTON PARK COZY MYSTERIES
SEEING COLORS MYSTERIES
ELLA DANIELS COZY WITCH MYSTERIES
SWEET BEGINNINGS BOX SETS
SWEET ROMANCES by JENA WINTER
Books By J.A. Whiting & Nell McCarthy
HOPE HERRING MYSTERIES
TIPPERARY CARRIAGE COMPANY MYSTERIES
Books By J.A. Whiting & Amanda Diamond
PEACHTREE POINT MYSTERIES
DIGGING UP SECRETS MYSTERIES
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Some Recipes From The Sweet Cove Series
Soft Pretzels
INGREDIENTS
1½ cups warm water
1 packet active dry yeast or instant yeast (about 2¼ teaspoons)
¾ teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
4 cups all-purpose flour
Sea salt (for sprinkling over the pretzels)
INGREDIENTS FOR BAKING SODA BOIL (this step is optional)
½ cup baking soda
9 cups water
DIRECTIONS
Whisk the yeast into warm water.
Allow to rest for a minute.
Whisk in salt, brown sugar, and melted butter.
Slowly add 3 cups flour. Mix with wooden spoon until do
ugh is thick.
Now slowly add ¾ cup of flour and mix again so dough is no longer sticky. If it still is sticky, add another ¼ cup more flour and mix again.
Place dough on floured surface.
Knead for about 3 minutes and shape dough into a ball.
Cover with a towel and let rest for about 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper (spray with nonstick spray) OR line the baking sheets with silicone baking mats.
With a sharp knife, cut the dough into sections of about ⅓ cup each.
Roll the dough sections into 20-inch ropes.
Take the ends and bring them together to form a circle. Lift the ends and put one side over the other. Now bring them toward you and press them down into the dough to make the pretzel shape.
DIRECTIONS OPTIONAL BAKING SODA BOIL
(This isn’t necessary, but will create a chewier pretzel with a traditional taste).
In a large pot, bring baking soda and 9 cups water to a boil.
Drop 1-2 pretzels into the boiling water for 20-30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon. Let water drip off. Place on cookie sheet.
Sprinkle with sea salt.
DIRECTIONS IF YOU DON’T DO THE BAKING SODA BOIL
Brush the pretzels with an egg wash (1 beaten egg and 1 Tablespoon milk) and sprinkle with sea salt.
