Ashley Crane Cozy Mystery Collection

by Laurie Anne Marie

  “Sounds delicious mom; let’s eat.” Sean had walked into the living room, and she heard him and her dad yelling at the TV.

  It was another football game marathon.

  “Dinner!” April chirped. The men came charging in, followed by Betsy, Mary, and Amelia, three of April’s members from her decoupage group. Ashley was surprised.

  “Oh hi, I didn’t know you were going to be here,” Ashley said.

  Mary laughed. “We wouldn’t miss one of your mom’s homemade meals when she asks us.”

  “Yeah, that means I could skip microwaving for one night,” Betsy said

  “Before you do any more yakking, let’s sit and start passing the food,” Burt insisted. His eyes gleamed at the bounty. “You know Ashley, we almost started without you,” he said.

  “I know dad, everyone keeps telling me that,” Ashley replied.

  “But it’s a good thing that my team was behind, I had a chance to see them catch up before we sat down. Otherwise, you would have come to a nearly empty table.”

  “Now Burt, I made plenty,” April said.

  “Plenty for me, you mean. I’ve got a lot of room to fill,” Burt teased.

  They passed around the food, and everyone took heaps of it. Between the groans of happy eaters and the clinking of knives and forks, there was no sound for a few minutes. Everyone focused on eating. April smiled.

  “I’m happy to know that my food has left you all speechless,” she said.

  “Not entirely. Can you pass me some more potatoes?” Burt asked.

  “Your dinner is delicious April. I must say, you are quite the cook,” Mary stated.

  “Well, thank you. I’m not the cook Ashley is, but I’m trying to get more sophisticated with my menus. I used to only make comfort foods you know,” April explained.

  Burt cut in. “And don’t you ever stop. This fish is great and so is your pasta Ashley by the way, but nothing beats homemade mac n’ cheese.”

  “Burt, I purposely made this dinner to cut down on our carbs. Better for your health dear,” April admonished.

  “Pass the bread,” Burt said, as he munched away. “And the butter.”

  Ashley and Sean burst into laughter.

  “What? Can you imagine life without bread and butter?” Burt asked.

  Sean piped in. “Not me.”

  “Well Ashley, your mom invited us so we could give you some input into Bob Hartman’s murder. I’ve come to the conclusion that his son did it. I based that on all that I’ve heard on the news and the backstory I got from your parents after they came home from the party at the dealership,” Mary said, triumphantly.

  “And I’ve deduced that the secretary did it. We heard that she got called out for having an affair with Hartman by his wife at the party and confronted him. He probably told her he couldn’t leave his wife, and bam! There you go,” Amelia said.

  “Wrong. It was that general manager, Laughlin. He was exactly like Hartman, out for only himself and money. He got mad that Hartman wasn’t going to retire and turn the business over to him to run. Frustrated guy. You should have seen him at the party. Mad as a hornet,” Burt added.

  “Well dear, they all sound likely to me. What has the detective come up with?” April asked.

  “Honestly mom, nothing. And even if he had, he wouldn’t be divulging it just yet. There are a lot of loopholes still. Not to mention, a lot of questions,” Ashley stated.

  She hoped that would quash the decoupages group from speculation, but she really knew it would probably only entice them to speculate more.

  Mary piped up. “Well, I’m sticking with my theory.”

  “I don’t know; maybe we should look at another suspect,” Betsy said.

  “No need to look anywhere else but Laughlin,” Burt added.

  “Why are you so sure of that, dad?” Ashley questioned.

  “Because they’ve had a beef for years. Everyone knew about it. And a twenty-year long feud can build up some real frustration,” Burt mused.

  April agreed. “Well, that could be dear. You have a good point. Frustration and pent up anger is just no good for you.”

  “I’m getting frustrated sitting here waiting for dessert. Who’s with me?” Burt asked.

  “Oh goodness, we’ve barely finished dinner, Burt. Hold your horses,” April said.

  Sean smiled. “No problem Mrs. C, I’ll get the cannolis.”

  “Oh yay, I love cannolis,” Mary squealed.

  “I’m having two,” Burt said.

  “Wait a minute dear. Keeping the carbs at a limit, remember? I’ll go make some coffee,” April said.

  Burt whispered to Ashley as April left the room. “I’ll take one, and then you take another one for me and hide it, ok?”

  Ashley laughed. “Dad, you’re trying to make me a partner-in-crime.”

  “We’re already partners in crime. Don’t break your part of the bargain,” Burt said.

  Mary piped in. “That’s okay Burt; I’ll snatch one for you.”

  “Wow, you’re all acting like a bunch of kids around these desserts,” Amelia said.

  “Because we are all kids when it comes to sweets,” Sean said.

  He put a plate of his fresh cannolis on the table and beamed at everyone. They were amazing to look at. Hands darted out, and everyone grabbed one and gasped with pleasure as they bit into them. Burt quickly looked at Ashley.

  “Now!” he urged.

  April was walking back in with the coffee.

  Mary reached out and grabbed another cannoli and put it in her napkin on her lap. She winked at Burt.

  Burt sighed. “You find out real quick who’s in your corner.”

  He glared at Ashley. Ashley tried not to laugh and looked at Sean, who was trying to stifle a laugh as well.

  “Here you go,” April said, as she passed the coffee around. She reached for a cannoli and her eyes lit up as she bit into it.

  “Sean, these are the very best ever. I might have two,” she said.

  “Remember the carbs,” Burt replied.

  “Don’t be silly, dear. Sometimes you have to break the rules. And these are worth it,” she said, as she reached for another one.

  Burt chuckled. “Glad to see you’ve come to your senses.”

  He took another one too. He gave Mary a look that meant he would eat the third one later as well. Ashley and Sean laughed at the shenanigans.

  April smiled at her husband. “Time to make our announcement, don’t you think dear?”

  “You said you were going to tell everyone,” Burt said.

  “Ok, I will then,” April exclaimed. “Your father and I are going on a cruise for our anniversary!”

  Everyone gasped. Mary clapped her hands excitedly. Amelia smiled. Sean grinned and high fived April and Burt. Ashley looked shocked for a minute, then jumped up and hugged her parents.

  Ashley smiled. “Mom, dad, you deserve it. You haven’t been away together for ages.”

  “Thank you honey; we’re so excited. We can’t wait to go!”

  “Where are you going?” Ashley asked.

  “Alaska!” April shouted.

  “Alaska? I thought it would be some romantic beach destination with a carnival or something. You know, like you see in all the ads,” Mary said.

  “Yeah, like Hawaii and aloha and sunsets,” Betsy said.

  Amelia sighed. “With umbrella drinks.”

  “Alaska has been on our bucket list, and with all the ice caps melting, we better see it before it’s gone,” April said.

  Burt mumbled as he munched away. “I’m sure there will be plenty of ice left when we get there dear.”

  “Are you going to dogsled on a tour while you’re there? Or go on a fishing excursion?” Sean asked.

  “Everything!” April gushed.

  “That’s what she plans to do anyway,” Burt said. “I’m going to sit on the ship and enjoy the endless buffets and cocktail hour.”

  “Now Burt, if you don’t get off the boat every
now and then, you’ll get antsy,” April admonished.

  “You can get off the boat whenever you want. I’m finding a comfortable seat and sitting in it with a drink in my hand. Just as soon stay on the boat for what we’re paying for it,” Burt groused.

  Ashley’s face lit up. “That’s so cool. I’m so happy you’re getting away. Can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back. And you have to send lots of photos.”

  “And eat lots of salmon,” Mary said.

  “It will be a whole week of eating and drinking and sleeping. Just my type of cruise,” Burt said. He got up with a smile on his face.

  “When are you going?” Ashley asked.

  “In a month. Just enough time to give me a chance to pack.”

  “It’s a cruise dear, not a trip to Paris,” Burt said. “I’m packing pajamas and a bathing suit, that’s it.”

  “Burt, I hardly think you’ll be using the pool on an Alaskan getaway,” April said.

  “Hey, they promised a heated pool on the deck of this big boat, and I’m going to sit in it every chance I get,” he replied. “Mary, I want to show you the project I’m working on in the garage.”

  Mary knew he just wanted to eat the hidden cannoli, but she dutifully got up and followed him. April stood up to clear the dishes and the other decoupage ladies and Ashley and Sean helped. They all talked about the cruise. Ashley hadn’t seen her parents this excited in a long time. The getaway would do them both good. She knew they needed the break to rekindle and have a change of scenery. They also needed time away from the present troubles of Comfortville. With all that was going on, it was nice to know that they would be safely away from the hometown drama. Hopefully, the murder case would be resolved by the time they got back.

  ***

  When Ashley left, Sean and her dad walked her out together. Burt noticed the cop car sitting on the street. He frowned.

  “You didn’t tell me there would be another cop car on us,” he grumbled.

  “Dad, it’s not on you and mom, it’s on me. With all that’s going on, Detective Thompson just wanted me to be safe.”

  “You haven’t mentioned all that’s going on. Is there something you’re not telling us?” he asked.

  Ashley hadn’t told them that they got rammed by a car the night of the party, nor that someone might have gotten into her apartment. They were still unsettled about the last case, and she hadn’t wanted to upset them any more than they already were after her dad found Hartman lying on the ground murdered. His heart couldn’t take it.

  Burt grilled her. “Ashley?”

  “Dad, there is a lot of speculation at this point about Hartman’s murder, and I’m helping the detective. Not much else I can tell you right now, but I feel fine. Everyone is on it. Now I’ve got the car following me as well. So relax, ok?”

  “Maybe your mom and I should cancel our trip,” he said.

  “No! Don’t do that. Please. I’ll be ok. I know you’re worried, but everything will be fine,” she insisted.

  “And I’m here to look after her Mr. C,” Sean said.

  He put a protective arm around Ashley.

  She hugged her father. “Yeah dad, I’m okay, really.”

  “Ok, but don’t just try and rush us out of here if you don’t feel safe,” Burt insisted.

  “I won’t,” she said. “You need to get away and have a great time. See you soon.”

  Sean walked Ashley to her car. It had stopped raining and the night air was fresh. He gave her a hug and quick kiss before she got in. Then he gave her a concerned look.

  “You really mean that you are ok, right? You didn’t just say that to keep your dad from worrying, did?”

  She smiled up at him. “I’m fine. I’ve got the detective’s eyes on me and a car on me, and everyone is working hard on the case.”

  Ashley watched him get in his car and sighed to herself. It was clear that she had reached a fork in the road. Her feelings about him were clearer than ever tonight. She thought of her parent’s anniversary coming up and how they were going away on the cruise. They had been together a long time and had always been there for one another.

  Indecision could ruin something wonderful if she didn’t make a commitment. She tried to focus on why she had been so indecisive. Her last relationship had ended badly, but that couldn’t preclude her future relationships. She had been stalled, but something stirred in her. It was time to make a life decision.

  “I’m not getting any younger,” she thought. “But hopefully, a bit wiser.”

  Just then, her cell rang.

  The lights from the cop car flashed once in her rear view mirror. She knew the cop was waiting to get her safely back.

  Ashley answered the call on speaker phone as she drove to her apartment.

  “Hi Lara. You missed a great meal. Everyone sends their love.”

  “I’m sure it was great, but it was meant to be that I didn’t come. Josh came over to be with me and brought roses and wine,” Lara said.

  “Oh, I’m so glad he was there for you,” Ashley said.

  Lara let out a big sigh. “Yeah, it really helped. He comforted me about Will and told me everything would be okay. And…then he proposed.”

  Ashley thought she had heard her friend wrong. “Proposed?”

  “Can you believe it? First all this mess with my brother, then my boyfriend proposes.”

  “Lara, you don’t sound excited. And this is exciting! What did you say?”

  “I said yes, of course, but it’s a tough time for me, so excuse me if I don’t sound excited. It’s just crazy to have all this going on in our family and then have someone ask you to marry him,” Lara said.

  “Yes, I can understand that. He must really love you to want to get married despite the problems with Will. That means he’s willing to take that on. You’re lucky.”

  “That’s what my mom said. She said Josh is a keeper. Dad said he has guts,” Lara replied.

  “They’re right. What a great guy. Hey, I’m so happy for you. We have to celebrate,” Ashley said.

  Lara sighed again. “We will. But not just yet. This mess with Will needs to get worked out first. Right now, I think I just want to absorb everything and have a good night’s sleep.”

  “Hey, you deserve it. Talk soon, Night night.”

  “Wait, Ash, are we still on or lunch tomorrow to talk about your new catering gig?”

  “Sure thing, call you tomorrow. Get some sleep.”

  Ashley hung up the phone and let her head spin off in a million directions. She was ecstatic for her friend. Lara deserved a good man, and now she could look forward to a future with one. Hopefully, everything with Will would get worked out soon, and Lara could start planning a wedding.

  Then she thought about Sean again. Just maybe he’d propose to her, too. Then the murder case could get solved, and there would be peace again. If all that happened, they could all live happily forever in their homey small town. She laughed ruefully.

  Ashley didn’t expect life to be wrapped up in pretty bows, but it would sure to be nice to realize her dreams. She felt a little silly for thinking along these lines. This wasn’t some goofy romance story. It was real life, and of course everything wouldn’t go smoothly all the time. You had to work for your happiness. You had to reach for it. And you could never take anything for granted.

  ***

  Ashley parked at her apartment and waved to the officer. He nodded and drove off. The complex was quiet, and Mrs. Norris’s lights were off. She started upstairs when Mary Gilden opened her door and poked her head out.

  “Good evening Ashley,” she smiled.

  “Good evening,” Ashley said. “How are you?”

  “Sleepy,” Mary said. “I’m heading off to bed soon but was hoping to catch you.”

  “Ok, well here I am,” Ashley said.

  “Are you doing alright?” Mary asked.

  “Sort of. Lots going on,” Ashley said.

  She smiled at Mary without giving away
any of her troubles. Mary had that knack for understanding things, even when one thought they could put on a game face.

  Mary peered at Ashley’s face. “Well, you seem troubled lately. If you ever want to talk about anything, let me know.”

  “Thanks, I’ll remember that. Good night Mary,” Ashley said.

  “Remember what I said about looking out in left field. Look behind near the big fence by the tree line too,” Mary added.

  She closed her door.

  Ashley shook her head. What was that supposed to mean? Mary Gilden always had that psychic thing about her. Ashley couldn’t figure out what she was trying to say. At the moment, she was too tired to give it any more thought anyway. She trudged upstairs.

  ***

  The second she opened up the door, she saw that the kitchen floor had kibble strewn all over it again. The cat toys had been batted all over. The water bowl had been overturned again.

  Ugh.

  She wasn’t up to cleaning up any mess tonight, but she sighed and got out the broom and mop and got to work. When she finished, she turned to go to bed and noticed the living room looked out of place. One pillow from the couch was on the floor, another one was laid back at the end of the couch as if someone had been sleeping on it, and the throw blanket was rolled up. Ashley stared for a minute and went to straighten it out.

  “The cats couldn’t have done this,” she thought. “Not even that little doggie Charlie.”

  Come to think of it, where was Charlie? And Susie Q? Normally they would have been at the door waiting for her the second she got in. She called them as she started straightening out the couch. The pillow and blanket and bed of the couch were warm, and not just in a little spot from a cat’s body.

  “Charlie? Susie?”

  Ashley walked into her bedroom. No sight of the cats, but her bedroom window was open. She distinctly remembered shutting it before she left. Her screen had been pushed back in place, but the frame was bent.

  Ashley froze. Then, she heard a loud thump.

  Chapter Eleven