“I…did not see that coming,” Greg said, and he wasn’t talking about her dog. Cocoa always yipped.
She scooped Cocoa into her arms to calm him down, though she’d expected Greg to be the one who needed calming. Instead, he responded to Tandy’s confession in his debonair way. How did he remain debonair in the face of a six a.m. ambush at her front door? Tandy had better explain quickly to keep him there.
“I didn’t want to kiss Connor. He was giving me a ride home when we saw someone driving my car. We followed, and when the thief found us parked outside his house, that was the best cover we could come up with. I was afraid he’d kill us the way he killed George.”
Greg’s head tilted. His eyes softened. “That would have been good information to start with when pleading your case.” He was at least going to give her a hearing.
“Is it too late to plead innocent?”
“The term is ‘not guilty.’ And I’m the guilty one. Had I been a better boyfriend, this would never have happened.” Greg extended the coffee mug flower arrangement once again. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you yesterday. I didn’t even look at my phone until after midnight, so I didn’t realize what was going on. Are you okay?”
Tandy reached for the mug with one hand and inhaled its summery scent. Not quite as nice a smell as the scent of coffee. But she wouldn’t complain.
Greg was taking responsibility because he was a responsible person. What made him a good boyfriend was what also made him so good at his job. She couldn’t have all his attention, or it wouldn’t be worth having. “Thank you. And yes, I’m okay.”
She sat the bouquet on the entry table, adjusted her wiggly pup in her arms, and arranged a few of the short stems to get a better look at the mug. It read Coffee is my Valentine. So sweet of him to be willing to share her affections with coffee. Not sweet that it had her thinking about the tea she’d tried the day before.
Coffee was her thing. Which was the real reason she adored this arrangement. The flowers would die, but coffee was forever.
Greg reached past her for the hook with her scarf and jacket. He looped the scarf around her neck and pulled her close enough to read her eyes. “Will you be kissing Connor anymore?”
“No. Only you.” She smiled, awaiting their first kiss.
Cocoa’s tongue licked her cheek.
“And Cocoa.”
“Good.” He scratched Cocoa’s head then reached past her to grab her jacket. “That would have made competing against Connor and Marissa in The Dating Game rather uncomfortable.”
Competing against the other couple was still going to be uncomfortable when the other man was the only man on stage who Tandy had kissed. Rather than make a big deal out of it, she turned around to slide her arms into her coat while juggling her dog. Perhaps Greg was waiting to make their first kiss as memorable as possible. At least she could breathe again now that she wasn’t holding in a secret.
Greg was even able to joke about the kiss. Plus, he apologized for being so busy at work. Things were going to work out for them.
Greg offered his arm, and she looped her hand in the crook of his elbow so he could escort her and Cocoa down the stairs of her apartment to his waiting luxury sedan for a ride to work. “Tell me more about George’s murder. Do you really think the man who stole your car also killed him?”
Tandy slid her eyes sideways. He was talking like an attorney again. “George’s half-brother, Derrick Snodgrass, stole my car.” Greg wouldn’t consider representing the criminal in court, would he? “I hope he’s guilty of George’s murder. If not, then there’s still a killer on the loose.”
“My dad did not kill anyone.”
Marissa scooped tea leaves into an infuser and poured hot water over the top to make a drink order for George’s niece, Susan Snodgrass. She never would have expected Susan to be a tea-drinker with her tattoos, pink hair, and nose piercing, but she did have a sweet side, and the large plastic glasses frames hinted at intellect.
The young woman had come to Grace Springs to plan George’s memorial, but, surprise, her dad was arrested for his murder. Poor thing.
“Here.” Marissa slid the chocolate tea across the coffee shop counter. It was the only way she knew how to help. Though her parents had their own issues, they’d never killed anyone. That she knew of.
Susan didn’t even touch the mug. “Uncle George gave my dad a job here after he got out of prison. They both used to boost cars together, and yeah, maybe Dad went back to his old ways, but he would never kill anybody. Especially not his brother who was trying to help him.”
Marissa didn’t know what to say. Definitely not the quote about there being no honor among thieves. Nor was she going to pose the question as to who else might have committed such a crime. That’s what had sent her off on her own investigation last year and had almost gotten her killed.
The bell over the door chimed to announce Tandy’s arrival. About time.
“Tandy, meet Susan Snodgrass.”
Cocoa bared his teeth and growled as if he understood the connection and wanted to protect Tandy…or get his car seat back from Susan’s father who stole it. Or it could have been the college student’s cotton candy hair that made him wary.
Tandy’s eyes widened. “Snodgrass. As in—?”
Marissa made the slashing motion across her throat as subtly as possible. “As in George Knibb’s niece.”
Susan had enough to deal with already without the realization that her dad stole Tandy’s car. The young woman adjusted her glasses. “Uncle George’s memorial is at three o’clock if you want to come. His body won’t be cremated until after an autopsy, but I want the community to pay their respects before anyone brands him a criminal.”
Tandy pinched Cocoa’s muzzle closed and took him to his fenced off puppy corner. Though she probably felt like growling herself. “I’ll be at your uncle’s memorial. I’m sorry about his death.”
“Me too.” Susan looked down. “I’m even sorrier the cops are accusing my dad of killing him.”
Tandy left Cocoa so she could hang her jacket on a wall hook. She eyed Marissa as she passed, her look speaking of frustration and disbelief.
Greg didn’t seem to be as disbelieving. He planted himself next to Susan’s seat. “You think your dad’s innocent?”
Susan’s spine shot straight. “I know he’s innocent. Dad loved my uncle more than anyone. Now he can’t even attend his brother’s funeral because he’s in jail for his murder.”
“Half-brother,” Tandy corrected.
Marissa shrugged at Tandy. For starters, the half-sibling thing didn’t really matter. Plus, it could be possible that there was another killer. She didn’t want it to be Derrick Snodgrass anymore—for Susan’s sake.
Tandy grimaced before turning to wash her hands and get to work.
Greg propped an elbow on the counter to face Susan. “Does your father have an alibi for the time of the murder?”
Susan slouched back into her depressed state. “He was working at the garage. None of the other employees were there yet, so they can’t vouch for him.”
Tandy leaned a hip against the counter while she dried her hands, a sure indicator of coming sarcasm. “Does he have an excuse for stealing my car too?”
So much for Marissa helping Susan.
The young woman’s forehead lined as she turned toward Tandy. She had beautiful skin, and Marissa hated to see her getting wrinkles. “That was your car? I didn’t know. Dad said he was going to pay my college tuition. I guess he resorted to grand theft auto to make the payments.”
Tandy glanced at Susan’s mug with a smirk as if her tea preference alone made her an unreliable witness. “You don’t think George caught him trying to steal the Corvette too?”
Randon strode through the door like he had super hearing and was just waiting for his car to be mentioned so he could show up and annoy people.
Susan didn’t even react to the bell as her gaze hardened at Tandy. “Even if Dad stole the
Corvette, he would have turned himself in before turning on family.”
Randon stopped in his tracks. Apparently, he hadn’t been summoned by discussion of his vehicle and wasn’t expecting to run into relatives of the thief on his coffee break. He leaned forward to get a better look at Princess Bubblegum. “Your dad stole my car? Is it in police possession? Is it damaged?”
Susan spun in her seat. “My dad claims he didn’t steal your car. I’m only saying, even if he had, he wouldn’t have killed his own brother over it.”
“Your dad was George’s brother?” Randon crossed his arms. “He got caught with Tandy’s car, which makes him a thief. Though a stupid thief. Not only did he get arrested, but he chose to steal a car worth so much less than mine.” He held up a hand as if that would smooth things over. “No offense, Tandy.”
“No, you’re right, Randon. The Corvette is worth a lot more than my Bug. It’s worth enough that someone thought it was worth killing for.” Tandy scooped beans into the grinder, then waved the scoop in the air. “Susan, you said your dad wouldn’t kill your uncle, but what if he didn’t realize who he was hitting over the head with a rock? Or maybe he did know who he was hitting, but he didn’t intend to kill him, just knock him out so he could finish stealing the Corvette without getting caught? If it’s not him, then you’re saying there’s another car thief out there.”
Randon stepped forward, sandwiching Susan between him and Tandy. “Do you actually think this other criminal randomly happened to steal my car on the same day Tandy’s was stolen in a tiny town where car theft has never been a problem?”
Susan’s head swiveled back and forth like she was watching a tennis game, except instead of watching a ball, it was her father getting slammed. Her lips quivered, and her eyes filled with tears.
“I don’t think so.” Tandy lifted a finger and pressed down on the button of the grinder like a judge pounding a gavel, except her action sent the earthy scent of coffee beans buzzing through the air.
Marissa still wasn’t a fan of the smell, but she did desire the energy coffee offered. If she could, she would use it now to rescue the poor college girl who’d come into her tea house for respite. She tugged on Tandy’s scarf to pull her toward the doorway.
Tandy gripped the counter and held herself in place.
“Tandy.” Marissa spoke sweetly through gritted teeth. “I need your help in the kitchen.” She made eye contact with Greg and tilted her head Randon’s direction, urging him to intervene on the other end.
Greg gave a slight nod, already in action. He stood and angled his shoulder to block Susan from the angry car owner. “Randon, you’re smart enough to know that in America everyone is innocent until proven guilty.”
Randon huffed. “I’m also smart enough to know the judicial system doesn’t always work. And I want my car back.”
Susan stood to face him, her simmering pain heating up into a boiling rage. Perhaps her pink hair came from being a hot-tempered redhead who’d tried to bleach the color out. “All right, smarty. Don’t you think if my dad took your car, the police would have found it by now?”
Greg pulled out a business card. He could probably help Susan more than a cup of tea could. “Your father might have a good case. I’m a defense attorney, if he needs representation.”
Tandy finally let go of the counter and let Marissa drag her out of the room. She must not have had any more snappy responses to Susan’s argument.
Marissa lowered her voice to keep from being overheard. “Just because you’re mad at Susan’s dad doesn’t give you the right to try to drive off our customers.”
Tandy plucked one of Marissa’s cranberry scones off a cooling rack and stuffed half of it in her mouth. “She wasn’t one of my customers. And Cocoa didn’t like her, so she’s probably a criminal too.” Her tone lightened. “By the way, what kind of tea did she order?”
Marissa pulled a Valentine’s platter from the shelf to use for displaying her pastries as well as rescuing them from Tandy’s stomach. “It’s the new chocolate tea I’m featuring this week. Chocolate is known to release endorphins, so I thought it might help her feel better.”
Tandy spoke around the chunk in her cheek. “You made her feel good enough to defend a killer.” She glanced toward the storefront. “Is that the kind of tea you fixed Connor yesterday?”
Marissa paused, thinking back. “No, I made him what Latinos call té con leche. But why are we talking about that?”
Tandy reached for another scone.
Marissa hit her hand away.
“Because I’d rather talk shop than discuss the fact that my boyfriend is out there, offering to represent the man who stole my car and probably killed his brother. It’s like his job is more important than me.”
“You really think so?”
“Sometimes it feels that way.” Tandy unwrapped her scarf from around her neck. “But that doesn’t mean you can beat us in The Dating Game. We’ve never broken up before the way you and Connor have, so we’re still a stronger couple.”
Marissa waved away the ridiculous claim. Nobody could beat her and Connor. They had no secrets from each other.
“I meant, do you really think Susan’s dad is a killer?” Marissa set the tray down and twisted to get a better look at the hurting young woman out front. She was now flanked by both Greg and Randon, who seemed to be offering an apology. That had to be a first. “And do you think Greg believes he’s innocent?”
“It’s not like he needs the work.” Tandy swiped another scone. “I’m going to find the facts to prove Derrick Snodgrass guilty and get Greg to change his mind about defending him in court. I can’t imagine Greg would want to defend a murderer if he knew the truth. Then he’ll have more time for me.”
Marissa reached for a scone of her own and chewed in contemplation. Her pastry was the perfect combination of tangy and sweet. She only needed something warm to wash it down. “If your investigation ensures George’s killer goes to jail, then I’ll help.”
“Good.” Tandy headed toward the front of the shop. “You can handle business for me while I run over to Billie’s and find out what’s happening with the break-in.”
Not what Marissa had in mind, but at least the rest of her scones would be safe. “Fine.”
Tandy disappeared then returned with her jacket. “You do know how to work the espresso machine, right?”
“I do, but nobody is going to be drinking espressos.” Nobody except Marissa. She needed the energy to handle what was gearing up to become another emotional day.
Tandy swept past Greg and retrieved her pup for the walk to Grandma’s Attic. Her boyfriend didn’t even seem to notice. So much for their reconnection.
Cocoa’s warm tongue licked her cheek in a reminder of who really loved her. She kissed the top of his tiny head and strode toward the exit.
Connor pulled the door open from the outside then waited for Tandy to join him on the sidewalk. “Did you tell Marissa you kissed me? Did she kick you out?”
Tandy snuggled Cocoa into the front of her jacket and zipped it up to both their necks to keep warm. The kiss was the least of her worries. Should it bother her that Greg didn’t care more? “No. Though Greg’s in there, and he knows.”
Connor remained outside with her and let the door fall closed.
“I’m headed to Billie’s to ask about the break-in. George’s brother is claiming he didn’t kill George. I want to find out if Griffin’s been able to pin the break-in on him. If so, then he has to be the murderer. Otherwise, why would he try to destroy evidence of the crime?”
“Makes sense.” Connor reached for the doorknob once again and peered apprehensively through the window.
Tandy took a step toward Billie’s then paused. “Hey, if you want to switch drinks again, ask Marissa to make you the té con leche.”
Connor glanced over his shoulder at her with a not-happening face. “Sorry, I’m headed straight upstairs to avoid the guy who knows his girlfriend kissed me.”
/> Tandy gave him a small smile. She could tell Connor that he was worrying over nothing, but she didn’t want to admit how little Greg seemed to care. She crossed the street and entered the antique store to find glass workers repairing the front window and Griffin listening in as the FBI agent questioned Billie. Did Agent McNeil also doubt the perp Griffin had in custody was George’s killer? Griffin wouldn’t be too happy about that.
Billie gave her a brave smile. “I guess a security camera isn’t enough. I need an actual alarm system.”
Tandy glanced from the woman to the law enforcement officers. “Without an alarm system, you don’t know what time the store was actually broken into, do you?”
Billie shook her head.
Agent McNeil barely glanced at her before focusing on Billie once again.
Griffin, however, approached her. Maybe hoping she could help him solve the case. She had been the one who’d called him after tracking down her car thief.
He scrolled through the notes on his phone. “I’ve questioned the surrounding businesses, and it seems the break-in didn’t happen until most shop owners went home for the evening. That puts the crime between five and seven p.m. when Marissa noticed the broken window.”
Tandy nodded. Nothing surprising there. “Then it’s possible that after you went to the body shop, Derrick Snodgrass overheard your claim that Billie had a security camera. Could he have taken off in my Bug, stopped here to destroy the evidence, then continued on to where Connor and I saw him?”
Griffin peeked at the FBI agent as if to make sure there hadn’t been any sudden revelations to contradict her assertion. “I’d say that’s the most likely scenario.”
Tandy scanned the room. Nothing appeared broken or stolen. “Any other scenarios you are considering?” Certainly not a robbery. It had to have been about the camera.
Griffin leaned forward like he was about to tell secrets.
A Cuppa Trouble Page 5
