The Sandy Bay Cozy Mysteries series Box Set

by Amber Crewes

  Meghan smiled. “You have quite the appetite, Daddy,” she said as Henry settled in the chair next to hers.

  Henry shrugged. “Your mother likes to have options,” he explained. “And frankly, I am worn out from arguing with her. I need some food in my belly if I’m going to go around with her about it again.”

  “About what, Daddy?” Meghan pried.

  Henry gave his daughter a knowing look. “I’m sure you heard us from the hallway,” he stated. “Your mother wants to move here permanently, and much as I would love to be near you full time, my dear, it just won’t work for our businesses. This is one of your mother’s flights of fancy, and she just needs to accept that we are not moving here.”

  Suddenly, Rebecca burst into the sitting room, a joyful look on her face. “That was Kayley Kane on the phone,” she exclaimed. “She has a new property that has everything I want, Henry! Everything. She assures me that it will meet all of my needs, and that it will be to my liking.”

  Henry shifted in his chair. “Rebecca, we just spoke about this,” he told his wife. “Why don’t you sit down? It’s almost happy hour, and I’ve ordered snacks and drinks for all of us. I ordered you a whiskey sour, just the way you like it. Sit down, my dear, and let’s just enjoy this time together. I don’t want to spend another minute of our visit with Meghan fighting about properties or second homes.”

  Rebecca glared at her husband. “Henry, this is important to me,” she hissed. “I want to see this property, and I want you to go with me. You are my husband, and I can’t finalize anything without you. Come with me, fall in love with the place, and let’s pursue it together. Please?”

  Meghan stifled a giggle as her mother pouted dramatically, extending her bottom lip out and making sad eyes at Henry.

  “Fine,” Henry said. “Fine. But I hope you remember this in two weeks when we vacation in Greece. You will inevitably do this same song and dance and beg for a home there, and my answer will be----”

  “Your answer will be whatever makes me happy,” Rebecca informed her husband as she winked at him. “Meghan, this is a great lesson for you for someday: happy wife, happy life. Isn’t that right, Henry, my love?”

  The Trumans bundled up and walked the two blocks to Kayley’s office. As Henry held the door for his wife and daughter, Lewis Templeton, the manager of the fine hotel where they were staying, marched outside with a grin on his face. He stopped to greet the Trumans, and Meghan was surprised with how familiar Lewis was with her parents; he kissed Rebecca on both cheeks and gave Henry a firm handshake.

  “The Trumans,” Lewis gushed. “Such lovely people. It’s been such a delight hosting you in my hotel.”

  Rebecca blushed. Lewis was very handsome, and Meghan could see her mother’s cheeks burning as she reveled in Lewis’ compliments.

  “You are a doll,” Rebecca told Lewis. “You truly know good service, unlike other businesses around here. We went into that department store, and they had next to nothing on their racks. Unacceptable, yes?”

  “Oh, yes,” Lewis cooed as he dusted lint from his perfectly-tailored trousers. “To be honest, I am happy they might be going out of business.”

  “Oh?” Meghan asked. “Why is that?”

  Lewis shrugged. “I feel torn regarding that department store’s dealings with the homeless. On one hand, I think it’s amazing that they gave away so much money to help someone get back on their feet. I do, however, think that we have a homeless problem here in Sandy Bay. The economic impact of the homeless population is undeniable; when they loiter, businesses typically see a decrease in their revenue, and as someone invested in this town’s prosperity, I find it alarming that we encourage them through the department store contest.”

  Meghan raised an eyebrow at Lewis who stared into her dark eyes. He adjusted his popped collar and cleared his throat. “Look,” he said to Meghan. “I love this town, just like you, Meghan, and I want it to grow. I have brought in so much business with the hotel, and I want to attract the right crowds. Like your parents. Rebecca and Henry are our ideal clients, and I want to see more fine people exploring what our sleepy little town has to offer. Sandy Bay is so beautiful, and with its proximity to the sea, well, I think we should be seeing more tourism than we are.”

  Meghan bit her lip. “I don’t get it,” she said to Lewis. “What does that have to do with our homeless population?”

  Lewis sighed. “We have such a large homeless population,” he said. “And “I think they drive away the right kind of people. Your mother told me that the group of homeless people outside of Luciano’s was disturbing to her, and I can only imagine it would be disturbing to others.”

  “But there are homeless people everywhere,” Meghan countered.

  “Not so,” Lewis argued. “Plenty of finer communities have rules that make it impossible for them to simply camp out in the towns. It’s time we adopted those rules. I just met with Kayley about purchasing that lot next to Luciano’s for a boutique inn, but I told her that if we can’t eradicate the problem outside of Luciano’s, I will have to pass on the property.”

  Meghan’s eyes widened. “You mean eradicate the homeless?”

  Lewis nodded. “Precisely. They simply must go if this town is going to thrive, Meghan, and I’m not going to let a gang of hooligans prevent my boutique inn from being the next best business in Sandy Bay. Thankfully, she has another perfect little bungalow ready for me to buy that isn’t teeming with scoundrels. Anyway, I have to run; I’m due for some shopping and tea soon, and I’m already late. Toodles, Trumans!”

  Meghan’s heart pounded as her parents led her into Kayley’s office. “Lewis seemed awfully eager to do away with the homeless people. Could he have anything to do with…”

  “Trumans!” Kayley screeched as they walked into her office, interrupting Meghan’s train of thought. “What a pleasure. Sit down, all of you.”

  “Nice to see you again, Ms. Kane,” Rebecca said politely. “Tell me what you called us in for.

  We want all of the details.”

  Kayley glowed. “It’s been such a great day,” she chirped. “Lewis wanted to buy the property next to Luciano’s, but another buyer came through last minute, so I was able to make quite the commission. Now, I have found the perfect property for you.”

  Meghan gasped. “So does the new owner care about the homeless people out front? Isn’t that what Lewis was concerned about?”

  Kayley winked. “I will take care of that little issue, no problem. Besides, it was the Luciano family who purchased the lot. They decided to get it and expand their business! Now, Trumans, let’s get down to business. I have the ideal location for you. This property is on the coast, just outside of town. The main house has ten bedrooms, a workout facility, and an infinity pool on the second-story terrace. There is also a guest house with its own bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, a pool house, and a private dock.”

  Henry grinned. “Private dock, huh? Okay, Rebecca, Ms. Kane has my attention now.”

  Kayley beamed. “With its marble fireplaces, original wood floors, and elegant interior, this property is one of the hottest on the entire west coast right now. There’s even a little building on the property that could be turned into a shop for you to run in your spare time, Mrs. Truman.”

  Rebecca’s eyes shined. “I think it sounds marvelous,” she breathed as Kayley’s face lit up like a star on a Christmas tree. “Kayley, I think you need to tell me every little detail.”

  Meghan raised her eyebrows, still thinking about their encounter with Lewis earlier. She was dismayed by his attitude toward the homeless, and his comment about eradicating them had startled her. “Kayley?”

  Kayley looked up from the photographs of the beach property. “Yes, Meghan?”

  Meghan took a deep breath. “Kayley, can you tell me more about the property next to Luciano’s? I’m just confused as to why they would choose to expand at this kind of a time. What is Roberto thinking?”

  Kayley shrugged. “It is
n’t my business,” she said. “But to be honest, Roberto wasn’t really the one driving the purchase…”

  “Maria wants to expand?” Meghan asked. “His wife?”

  Kayley shook her head. “No, it was Angela. She came in here with a business plan and some ideas, and after she and Lewis went around and around on bids, it appeared that Angela’s offer was the best. It works out well for all involved, as I was able to sell another property to Lewis at a great price.”

  Suddenly, there was a knock on the door of Kayley’s office. The Trumans’ heads turned, and everyone smiled as Angela Luciano walked into the room.

  “Speak of the devil,” Henry said as he rose to his feet and shook Angela’s hand. “Sounds like congratulations are in order, little lady. Ms. Kane here just told us that you purchased the lot next to your father’s business and are hoping to expand.”

  Angela grinned. “Yes,” she confirmed. “My father is letting me handle the expansion deal; we are going to put in a little Italian dessert alcove that connects to our restaurant. It will feature some of Italy’s finest sweet treats, and I could not be more excited to handle this responsibility. I am honored my father and mother trust me so!”

  Rebecca kissed Angela on both cheeks. “How lovely for you,” she cooed. “We will certainly have to try your new place when it opens.”

  Angela nodded, her face bright with excitement. “That would be fantasticio,” she declared. “We love having Jack and Meghan in for dinner, and we have certainly loved getting to know Meghan’s lovely family.”

  Kayley interjected. “Speaking of Meghan’s lovely family, I was just in a meeting with them to discuss a new property,” Kayley matter-of-factly told Angela. “Was I expecting you, Angela?”

  “Oh, no,” Angela told Kayley. “My father wanted me to stop by and see if you had the papers drawn up yet, and I was in the neighborhood and wanted to check.”

  Kayley shook her head. “No, they will be ready tomorrow,” she told Angela. “But let me finish my meeting with the Trumans, and I’ll be right with you.”

  “You found a property? Angela asked Rebecca. “How exciting. I suppose congratulations are in order for you as well. Sandy Bay is a world class town, and I am so happy to see it blossom.”

  Rebecca smiled. “We haven’t decided yet,” she told Angela as she glanced at her husband. “But I think we will make it work.”

  “That’s wonderful,” Angela exclaimed. “What a wonderful day for Sandy Bay to have the Trumans being part of our community.”

  At that moment, Meghan was hit with the realization that she was supposed to meet Jack for a movie at six. She glanced at her watch and realized it was six-fifteen. She frantically pulled out her cell phone and dialed Jack’s number.

  “Meghan, what are you doing?” Rebecca asked her daughter. “We’re having a conversation with Angela and Kayley. Put your phone down right now.”

  “Sorry, Mama,” she apologized. “I can’t. I didn’t expect to be at your hotel today, and I completely forgot about my plans to meet Jack for a movie. I need to call him quickly. Excuse me.”

  Meghan stepped out of Kayley’s office. As she closed the door, Jack picked up the phone call.

  “Meghan? Where are you? Are you okay?”

  She felt a knot in her stomach as she heard the concern in Jack’s voice. “I’m fine,” she told him. “Totally fine. I ended up running over to my parents’ hotel room, and they coerced me into visiting Kayley Kane’s office.”

  “What?” Jack asked in confusion.

  “Kayley is looking for properties for my parents, remember? She found something Mama is interested in, and Mama dragged us all here tonight.”

  Jack sighed. “Well, I’m glad you are fine. I was worried about you.”

  “So sorry, Jack,” she said. “I got caught here talking with my parents, Kayley, and Angela.”

  “Angela? Angela Luciano?”

  “Yes, Angela Luciano,” Meghan said. “What other Angelas do we know?”

  “What is she doing at Kayley’s office with you and your family?”

  “I guess she purchased that lot next to her family business,” she told him. “She’s going to turn it into an Italian dessert place and attach it to her restaurant. Obviously, I don’t love having her as competition; Angela is basically perfect in every regard. Like today, for example, I show up to this office in my sweats, and Angela is wearing this gorgeous red poncho that brings out her eyes. I feel like some sort of unsightly potato, haha. I am, however, excited to try some of her authentic Italian treats. Maybe she and I can collaborate on something in the future.”

  Jack took a long breath. “Meghan? Is Angela sitting next to you right now?”

  “No,” she replied.

  “Where is she?”

  “She’s in Kayley’s office chatting with my folks. I stepped out to give you a call.”

  The phone went dead, and Meghan tried to redial Jack’s number. It went straight to his voicemail, and Meghan pursed her lips. She walked back into the office and resumed her place in the chair beside her parents.

  “How is Jack? Was he fussy that you forgot about your plans? Really, Meghan, I didn’t raise you like this; you should have a proper day planner and write down your engagements so that you don’t miss anything.”

  Meghan gritted her teeth as her mother chided her. “Jack is fine,” she told Rebecca. “He didn’t seem mad.

  “I would have been downright annoyed,” Henry announced as Rebecca nodded. “It’s not nice to miss dates.”

  Meghan pasted a smile on her lips. “Well, he said it is fine,” she reiterated. “The only weird part of our conversation was the end. He hung up the phone abruptly, or his phone died. It was weird. I tried dialing it back, and I can’t get through to him.”

  “Maybe missing your date wasn’t as “okay” as you thought,” Rebecca smirked.

  The color drained from Angela’s face. “I really should be going,” she said as she rose to her feet and pushed in her chair. “Kayley, it was a pleasure, as always. Trumans, I hope to see you all before you leave. Ciao for now, to all of you.”

  “Stop right there.”

  Meghan gasped as Jack appeared in the doorway, a gun in his hand. Behind him were three other Sandy Bay police officers, all holding weapons of their own.

  “Jack? What’s going on here?” Meghan whimpered.

  “That’s a nice gun,” Henry chuckled. “The boy will fit right in in Texas, won’t he, Rebecca?”

  Jack shook his head. “This is no time for jokes,” he declared. “Angela Luciano, you are under arrest for the murder of Roger Williams!”

  17

  “What?” Angela sputtered as everyone stared at her. “What are you talking about, Jack?”

  “It’s Detective Irvin to you,” he told Angela as he fastened a pair of handcuffs around her slim wrists. “Angela, we have hard evidence of your crimes. It’s time you come with us to the station.”

  Angela squirmed as a female deputy helped her to her feet. “Get off of me,” she cried. “I had nothing to do with Roger’s death. I wouldn’t kill a fly.”

  “You may not kill flies,” Jack announced. “But you certainly made your mark on the homeless population here by killing five homeless people in the last two weeks, starting with Roger.”

  Meghan gasped. “Jack, this can’t be true. Angela is a devoted volunteer for the homeless. She is a champion for their plight. You should see her at the food bank; she has such a passion for helping them.”

  Jack scoffed. “More like a passion for murdering them,” he corrected his girlfriend. “We have proof that Angela Luciano killed several homeless people in cold blood.”

  “Jack, this is terribly frightening,” Rebecca whimpered. “Put those guns down.”

  “Seriously,” Kayley snapped. “You’re gonna break something in my office. Either get Angela out of here, or you get out of here, Jack.”

  Jack motioned to the female deputy to take Angela away, but Henry ste
pped between her and Angela. “Now, Jack,” Henry argued. “This little lady and her family have been nothing but good to my family. It would be a shame to further distress her. Look how scared she is.”

  “Yes,” Angela sobbed. “I am so scared. Please, Jack, let me go.”

  “It’s Detective Irvin,” Jack replied coldly. “And Henry? I need you to sit down; I’m doing my job here, and you are in the way. Have a seat.”

  Henry frowned, but obeyed Jack’s order. Jack turned to stare at Angela.

  “Angela, I have no choice here; there is evidence that you are to blame for these deaths, and I am under orders to take you in.”

  The female officer led Angela out of the office, and Jack nodded at Kayley and the Trumans. “I apologize that you had to see that,” he said as he put his hands in his pockets.