by Cat Chandler
“I was hoping to do a little shopping in town,” Jane said. She sent a bright smile around the island. “I haven’t had much of a chance to explore it.”
“The shopping is much better in Santa Rosa, dear,” Maxie said. “I’d be happy to take you, if you’d like.”
“Oh, well. Thank you, that’s very kind.”
Nicki could see the disappointment on Jane’s face before she ducked her head. “If it isn’t too much trouble, Jane. Maybe you could shop in Soldoff today? I think it would good if you kept close, in case we have to put something together quickly for the magazine.”
“Excellent! I mean, that would seem to be the prudent thing to do on a weekday.” Jane smiled at Maxie. “Maybe we could go to Santa Rosa on the weekend?”
“And maybe you should take my car? Maxie and I could go to Wine Time in hers. Interviewing Charlie would be easier if both of us were there.” Nicki carefully kept a straight face when Maxie’s eyebrow winged up and she turned to give Jane a speculative glance.
“That would be fine, if Maxie is in agreement? We could meet in town for a late lunch since you won’t be leaving until after your phone call with Matt at eleven.”
Jane looked at Nicki for a confirming nod before returning her gaze to a clearly amused Maxie.
Nicki doubted if her generous landlady would ever turn down such a hopeful request, and wasn’t disappointed when Maxie immediately agreed. After Nicki had turned over her keys and Maxie walked out of the kitchen with Jane, Jenna began to drum her fingers rapidly against the island’s quartz top.
“Okay. What’s going on? An emergency magazine article? And since when is Charlie so intimidating it takes two people to interview him? He’ll probably hand you a bouquet and the keys to his winery the minute you show up.”
Nicki cast a quick glance toward the open kitchen door. “Shh. Keep your voice down.” When the front door opened and closed, she grinned at Jenna. “I think Jane has a crush on Sam Moore. And it looked to be mutual.”
Jenna’s mouth dropped open. “You’re kidding? Jane and Sam?”
“Not kidding,” Nicki said in a bright voice. “They were really cute together yesterday.”
“Is that so?” Jenna’s brown eyes sparkled with amusement. “And what were you doing while they were being so cute together?”
“Nothing. They didn’t even notice I was in the room.”
The computer geek laughed. “Well there’s a first. A male not noticing that you were even in the room. That must have done wonders for Jane’s ego.”
“Oh stop.” Nicki rolled her eyes. “Jane is very attractive when she drops her efficient assistant facade. And trust me, that Jane was nowhere to be seen in Sam’s shop yesterday.”
“Speaking of which, how’d the interview with Sam go?”
Nicki sighed. “I’m not sure.”
“How did the interview with Sam go?”
Nicki looked at Maxie from the passenger seat of her landlady’s very comfortable Mercedes. She was beginning to feel like a parrot.
“Not as well as I’d hoped. I think he’s hiding something, but I doubt if he killed Viola.”
“Why do you think he was hiding something, dear?”
“He wasn’t happy when I said that the chief had Viola’s laptop, and relieved when Jane told him the files had been erased.”
Maxie frowned. “Then why do you think that means he didn’t commit the murder?”
“Well, if he had, and he’s the one who erased the files, he wouldn’t have been bothered to hear that the chief had the laptop, or been so relieved to hear that the files had been erased. Because he already would have known that.”
“Oh good.” Maxie smiled as she made the turn into Wine Time’s parking lot. “Jane is rather taken with Sam, if I’m not mistaken.” She pulled the vehicle into a vacant spot and turned off the engine before turning in her seat and looking at Nicki. “I’m not mistaken, am I?”
“No. You aren’t,” Nicki grinned.
“The two of them being an item would be wonderful.” Maxie stepped out of the car and clapped her hands together. “Simply wonderful. That would give Matt one more reason to relocate here.”
Nicki looked around at the mostly empty parking lot at the edge of the seemingly endless acres of grapevines. And not much else. Compared to the vibrant and busy air in Paris, Soldoff didn’t seem to have much to offer a young, successful, and still very up-and-coming magazine or its editor. She couldn’t see Matt being too thrilled about relocating to Soldoff.
Wishing Maxie’s daydreams could be a reality, Nicki kept her doubts to herself and followed the older woman up the flower-lined walkway and into the very pretty tasting room Charlie had designed for his little winery.
The owner himself was manning the bar, and he gave them a cheery wave before hurrying over to properly greet them. With the old-world charm he was known all over town for, Charlie escorted his guests to a tall table with stools to match, and made sure they were seated and comfortable before handing them a printed card with the day’s offering.
“What can I get for you?”
Nicki took a deep breath as she looked over the selections. As much as everyone loved Charlie, the entire town knew he made the worst wines in the county. Even Charlie knew it, but it never bothered him.
He still had lots of customers who came out to enjoy his beautiful view and even more magnificent flowers, that not only graced all the tables inside, but dotted the grounds around the tasting room. The price for enjoying all that peaceful beauty was to pay for a glass of Charlie’s wine. Sometimes, just to be sure he wouldn’t get his feelings hurt, Nicki even drank the stuff.
Both she and Maxie selected his mildest chardonnay and settled in to enjoy the view while Charlie hurried back to the bar to pour their drinks. Once he’d returned and they’d all had a sip or two, Nicki set her glass aside and folded her hands in front of her.
“Charlie, I assume you’ve heard about Viola Richards?”
He grimaced and turned to take one of Maxie’s hands into his own. “Of course. And I should have gone to your house right away to offer my condolences and any help I could.” He sighed, and his mouth dropped down toward his chin. “I did see myMason in the square and told him I’d be over to help see you through this loss, but he said it really wasn’t necessary.” Charlie shifted in his chair and cleared his throat. “MyMason told me you and Viola weren’t, well, um, that close.”
Maxie patted his hand before withdrawing hers and wrapping it around her wine glass. “As difficult as this is to admit, I’m afraid my Mason was right. Viola and I were barely business acquaintances for the last twenty years.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Charlie, who cheerfully admitted to being closer to eighty than seventy, shifted his light-blue gaze to Nicki. “Why are you asking about Viola Richards?”
Nicki studied him for a moment. “Because your name and winery showed up in her appointment calendar.”
His eyes opened wider, and he rapidly blinked several times. “It did? I don’t recall that we ever had set an appointment.”
“Viola sometimes used her calendar for reminders to go places, even if there wasn’t a formal appointment. I’m assuming she came out here since it was marked in her calendar?”
Charlie looked out toward the parking lot. “Can I expect Chief Turnlow to show up at any minute and ask the same question?”
Following the direction of his gaze, Nicki nodded. “Probably. He also has a copy of Viola’s calendar.”
“I see.” Charlie bowed his head before finally lifting his gaze to Nicki’s. “I’m not proud that I raised my voice at Viola Richards. But she was crossing the line from curious to rude, asking all those questions about my personal life, where my family had come from, and how I came to have this winery. It really wasn’t any of her business.”
Maxie and Nicki exchanged a long look before Maxie scooted her stool closer to Charlie’s. “That certainly is rude. Was she trying to persuade you to
engage her services to research your family history?”
The elderly gentleman frowned. “No. She never mentioned that, and I certainly wouldn’t have hired her. I know a great deal about my family’s history, as you most certainly know. And as much as I have any interest in.”
“I don’t mean to pry, but exactly what did Viola ask you about, Charlie?” Nicki asked.
He smiled at the petite blond. “You never pry, Nicki. Your snooping around is quite refreshing.”
Nicki laughed. “Why, thank you.”
Charlie winked at her. “You’re welcome, young lady. And you tell that young man of yours that if he doesn’t come up to snuff soon, there are others of us waiting in the wings, ready to swoop in.”
Since Charlie had never married, Nicki was sure Matt didn’t have much to worry about, but she blew the courtly winemaker a kiss from across the table. “I’ll be sure to let him know.”
“Now then.” Charlie twirled the stem of his wine glass between two fingers. “Back to Viola Richards. She wanted to know if my family had come from Europe. I recall her specifically mentioning England or France. When I said no, my roots were entirely Irish, she didn’t look as if she believed me. Then she wanted to know if I had a sister or maybe a cousin in England or France. And when I told her no again, I still don’t think she believed me. But when she asked if I had any children and I told her of course not, I’ve been a bachelor my whole life, she said I didn’t need to be married to have children. Well, that’s when I raised my voice at her. I didn’t like what she was implying one bit, and I expressed that to her quite strongly.”
Maxie patted his shoulder. “Of course you did. What else could you do? It’s very clear she didn’t know you at all or she never would have suggested you’d had children out of wedlock.”
Straightening his shoulders at Maxie’s encouraging words, Charlie gave a brisk nod. “That’s what I thought. I told her if she was so interested in the history of the families in the area, she should go over to Madge’s shop and take a look at the Historical Society’s records. Get her facts straight before she goes around spouting off like that.” He shrugged. “I might have given her the impression I wanted her to leave because she sure didn’t stay long after our little chat.” He shook his head. “She didn’t even finish her wine.”
“Is it the only time she was here?” Nicki asked.
“The one and only, and that was plenty.”
Stepping off her stool, Nicki gave Charlie a hug then stood by and waited while Maxie did the same. The two women were making their way toward the door when Nicki looked over at Charlie who’d insisted on walking them out to their car.
“Charlie, do you drink tea?”
Charlie raised an eyebrow at the strange question but answered easily enough. “Sometimes. A hot cup of tea with a little honey always tastes good if I’m feeling a little under the weather. Why do you ask?”
Nicki smiled. “Just curious.”
Chapter One Hundred Seventeen
“There she is.” Maxie waved at Jane who had just crossed the street and was hurrying toward them.
Jane was out of breath by the time she reached the two women waiting by the bronze statue in the center of the square. “I wasn’t sure where we were supposed to meet, so I intended to stand in the square.” She pushed her glasses to the top of her nose and looked around. “I’m glad you had the same idea.”
Maxie took the admin’s arm and led her to a nearby bench. “Maybe we could sit for a minute? I’m quite worn out with our excursion out to Charlie’s winery.”
“Of course,” Jane’s voice was still breathy, and she almost plopped down onto the bench as Maxie sedately took a seat beside her.
The older woman pointed at the light-blue bag Jane had clutched in one hand. “I see something caught your eye.”
Nicki braced an arm on the top of the bench and grinned at Jane. She knew exactly where that blue bag had come from. Sam had stacks of them on a shelf underneath his cash register.
“It’s the loveliest little cat and mouse figurine. I thought it would be the perfect souvenir for my first murder investigation.” Her eyes shone as she turned her gaze up to Nicki. “Sam has the most amazing things in his shop, don’t you think?”
“Absolutely amazing,” Nicki agreed.
“Did you have a nice visit with Sam, dear?” Maxie smiled at the suddenly blushing Jane. “He is wonderful at making conversation, isn’t he?”
Jane’s head bobbed up and down so rapidly, a strand of hair managed to escape the tight bun at the nape of her neck. “He is so interesting to talk to. And he certainly is knowledgeable about stamps. We discussed them all through lunch.”
“Stamps?” Nicki fought to keep the laughter out of her voice. She didn’t want Jane to think she was making fun of her. But a whole lunch conversation filled with stamps?
“Do you also collect them, dear? I know Sam does.”
“Oh no, I’ve never given them a thought until today. But Sam made them come alive for me.” Jane sighed.
“Stamps?” Nicki repeated, then immediately covered her chuckle with a cough when Maxie sent her a warning glance.
“Oh yes.” Jane’s enthusiasm had both women smiling. But the admin’s glow faded a bit as her gaze bounced between Nicki and Maxie. “Oh dear. I hope you didn’t wait on me for lunch?”
Hoping Jane couldn’t hear the sudden growling in her stomach, Nicki shook her head and gave Maxie a discreet nudge in the shoulder. “We had a bite at Charlie’s since he insisted, so we’re fine.”
“Oh yes, completely full. Could not possibly eat another bite, and I’m delighted you had lunch with Sam,” Maxie agreed. She rose and brushed a speck of dirt off her pants. “We thought we’d make a quick stop at the Historical Society before going home. Would you care to join us, dear?”
Jane hesitated, glancing over her shoulder toward the alley where Sam’s shop was located. “I promised Sam I’d meet him for dinner.” She nodded at the other two women. “We’re just going to Eddie’s Diner, and he wanted to be sure that both of you are invited along. And Jenna and Mason too, of course.” Her smile brightened. “Sam said it would be his treat.”
“I have work to catch up on,” Nicki quickly put in. “And I’m not sure how long we’ll be at Madge’s shop, so why don’t you go on ahead, and don’t worry about us. We’ll manage to get something together for dinner.”
When Jane still looked unsure, Nicki threw in an added incentive. “And I’d appreciate it if you’d stop by Jenna’s and let her know you’ll be bringing her back a hamburger. It doesn’t matter how late. Jenna is always ready to eat a hamburger. Especially from Eddie’s.”
“Oh.” Jane stood and clutched her bag to her chest. “Maybe Jenna would like to come with us?”
Maxie immediately shook her head. “No, no. That won’t do. I gave her quite a few changes for the new look on my website, and they must be done today. She’ll be very, very busy, but I’m sure she’d appreciate it if you brought her back something from Eddie’s.”
“Excellent,” Jane proclaimed, all smiles once again. “Oh. How was your phone call with Matt?”
Short, Nicki thought. Once her tall, dark, and clueless editor had found out she’d be spending the day with Maxie out at Charlie’s winery, Matt had grinned, wished her luck in talking with the amateur botanist, and declared that he had to run because his desk was piled high with work. So barely fifteen minutes after he’d said “hello”, Matt had logged off and disappeared from her screen.
“It was fine,” was all she told Jane, ignoring the sympathetic look from Maxie.
“How’s the Paris office coming along?” Jane asked.
Nicki barely stopped from gritting her teeth. “Oh fine, just fine.” When Jane frowned, Nicki was quick to point at her SUV, parked against a curb on the far side of the square. “You need to get going and so do we. If Madge doesn’t have any customers, she tends to close early and head home to watch her late-afternoon soap operas.”
Maxie added her nod. “That’s true, dear. She’s been watching them for decades, and records them all so she never misses an episode.”
Jane gave the SUV a longing look. “If you’re sure? Maybe I should come along and take notes about anything you find at the Historical Society.”
“Completely unnecessary,” Maxie assured her. “We aren’t even sure what we’re looking for, dear.”
“Not a clue,” Nicki chimed in.
Smiling as she gave up the argument, Jane adjusted her tote bag on her shoulder. “All right. I’ll see you both later, then.” She walked backwards for a few steps. “I’ll help update the murder board whenever you’re ready.”
“That’s fine.” Maxie waved her off. “Have a wonderful time with Sam. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Eddie’s. It’s very charming.”
As Jane scurried off, Nicki put her hands on her hips and faced Maxie. “Charming? Are we talking about the same Eddie’s?”
“Oh, I doubt if Jane will even notice where she is.” Maxie took Nicki’s arm and headed in the opposite direction. “And since when does Madge watch soap operas?”
Nicki matched her pace to Maxie’s leisurely stroll. “I was improvising. And you’re the one who said she recorded them all.”
Her landlady smiled. “I was improvising.” She inclined her head toward the shop with the wide windows, with the lettering “Madge’s Mess” painted all across the front. “What do you intend to buy?”
“Another wine glass, most likely.” Nicki knew a purchase was expected if they were going to browse through the Historical Society’s space in back.
“Fortunately, Madge does have a nice assortment of luncheon napkins,” Maxie noted as they reached the shop and Nicki held open the door.
The interior was bright, and shelves were piled high with all kinds of touristy souvenirs, from t-shirts declaring the wearer had been to the wine country, to miniature plastic replicas of the grapevine statue in the central square. The shop wasn’t too busy that afternoon. Nicki only saw one elderly couple looking over the commemorative bells displayed on a shelf in the far corner.
