WineBuried Wedding (Black Cat Cafe Cozy Mystery Series Book 8)
Page 1
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
A Note from Lyndsey
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Books by Lyndsey Cole
WineBuried Wedding
A Black Cat Café Cozy Mystery Series
Lyndsey Cole
Copyright © 2016 by Lyndsey Cole
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author and/or publisher. No part of this publication may be sold or hired, without written permission from the author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are a product of the writer’s imagination and/or have been used fictitiously in such a fashion it is not meant to serve the reader as actual fact and should not be considered as actual fact. Any resemblance to actual events, or persons, living or dead, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication / use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Connect with me:
Lyndsey@LyndseyColeBooks.com
www.facebook.com/LyndseyColeAuthor
Chapter 1
“Leona?” Annie’s fingers reached for the knob on the radio in the Black Cat Café as she kept an eye on her aunt. “Why are you listening to this country station? You hate country music.”
Leona punched the bread dough.
Hard. “I just don’t feel like listening to oldies today.”
She punched the dough again. Harder.
Annie winced and worried about the source of Leona’s anger.
Annie watched as her Aunt Leona stuffed the dough back into the bowl, pushed her hair out of her face, and wiped her hands on her apron—a black apron, with a bright green cat on it. Except for the green cat, the apron matched her mood perfectly.
Leona filled a wine glass.
To the tippy top.
Annie knew she shouldn’t bring this next subject up, but, well, whatever. “Why are you drinking at three o’clock in the afternoon?”
Leona put the glass down. Wine slopped over the rim of the glass. She stared at Annie. “Your mother told me that Trisha changed her mind and has decided to come to your wedding. At the last minute. Who does that?”
Annie took the glass of wine before Leona had a chance to pick it up again. She carried it and the empty wine bottle to the sink. “You’re my maid of honor, Leona. You need to stay somewhat sober, don’t you think?” Annie asked as she dumped the wine and rinsed the glass and the bottle.
Leona’s mouth opened and closed. “Didn’t you hear me? My and your mother’s cousin, Trisha Fitch, is coming to your wedding. That self-centered, rude, narcissistic sorry excuse for a female. She’s nothing but a witch with a capital W. The thought of seeing her is enough to make me drink and listen to country songs. Need I say more?” Leona focused her attention back to her bread dough. She covered it with a towel and pushed it to the back of the counter. “I thought we dodged a bullet when she didn’t respond to the wedding invitation,” she muttered to herself.
“Wasn’t that problem you had with Trisha, like, twenty years ago? Isn’t it time to let it go?”
Leona glared at Annie. “She hasn’t changed. She’ll never change.” Leona jabbed her finger at Annie. “Mark my words, she’s here to cause mischief. Or worse. Why on earth is she even coming? She doesn’t like any of us and she didn’t even have the common decency to respond when she was supposed to, which made me thrilled to think she was snubbing us. Silly me.” Leona dramatically threw her arms in the air. “If you only knew, you wouldn’t be able to forgive her either.”
Annie slid off the stool. “Great, then you and Mom can fill me in later when we’re all together at Jason’s house, doing whatever it is you all have planned for my last big single bash.”
“Is Jason going to be there? That will put a damper on our girly conversation.”
“Nope. His buddies are taking him out for a bachelor celebration, or so I’ve been told. We have the house all to ourselves.”
A loud crack of thunder outside made both Annie and Leona jump and scream. Then they laughed at their foolishness.
“I was scared to death of thunderstorms when I was little. Do you remember that, Leona? You made it worse by flickering the lights and telling me the bogey man was outside banging on the windows and trying to get in to steal me.”
Leona’s mouth dropped open. “I didn’t do that, did I? I guess I wasn’t a very good aunt. Well, don’t worry, no bogey men tonight. Just me, your mom, Camilla, and Martha to keep you company.”
“You’d better switch to drinking water while you finish baking,” Annie suggested. “I don’t want you to accidentally mix something up and poison all the guests. That wouldn’t be good for my wedding, or your business here at the Black Cat Café. I can imagine the headlines.” Annie spread her hands apart in front of her. “Owner of the Black Cat Café, Leona Robinson, during an intoxicated binge, poisoned her favorite niece, Annie Fisher, on the bride’s wedding day. Accident? Or something more sinister?” Annie cocked her head and tried to keep a straight face as she watched Leona’s lips twitch at the edges.
Leona laughed. “Okay. I get the not at all subtle hint. No more wine until I see you at Jason’s house tonight. But,” she pointed her finger at Annie, “you’ve given me a great idea. Maybe I could do some selective poisoning.”
“I’m ignoring that last comment,” Annie answered. “And, please, don’t bring your foul mood with you. I won’t have Trisha Fitch rain on my party,” she said as she waved and left the café.
Annie’s next stop was Martha’s house to pick up her wedding gown. She pulled into the driveway of the old farmhouse and watched water pour off the red metal roof. “I’m gonna get soaked,” she said before she grabbed a plastic bag to hold over her head as she dashed to the front door just as Martha opened it.
Martha pulled Annie inside and slammed the door. “I saw you drive up. I hope this weather isn’t hanging around through the weekend to ruin your wedding. The Heron Inn setting is so much lovelier on a bright sunny day.” She took the dripping plastic bag and dumped it on some old newspapers in the corner. “Come into the kitchen. I’m sure you have a million things to do but I have water heated for tea if you would like some.” Martha looked hopefully at Annie.
“That sounds perfect. It’s warm outside but the rain makes me feel chilled, or maybe it was Leona’s mood. I just left her at the café and I had to confiscate her wine.”
Martha looked over the top of her glasses. “Wine? This early? That’s not a good sign.” Martha poured the tea and handed a cup to Annie.
They turned as they heard a knock on the front door at the same time as it opened. �
�Helloo? Is the tea ready?” Camilla stomped her feet on the mat, closed her umbrella, and hung up her raincoat before she walked into the large kitchen to join Annie and Martha. “I was hoping to catch you, Annie.”
Martha poured a third cup of tea and pulled out a chair for Camilla. “To what do we owe the pleasure? I didn’t expect to see you until tonight.”
“Well,” Camilla started as she plopped into the chair, “I made something for Annie and I want to be sure it goes with her gown.” She reached into her giant purse and pulled out a square jewelry box. “You know the rhyme about something old, new, borrowed, and blue?” She handed the box to Annie. “Here’s something new, if you like it.”
Annie had no idea what Camilla made for her but she did know what type of exquisite jewelry she was capable of producing. She twirled her engagement ring around her finger. The ring that Jason designed, Camilla made, and Annie thought was the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen.
She slipped the top off the box and gently lifted out a gorgeous silver and pearl hair comb. Annie slid it into her strawberry blond curls and tilted her head from side to side. “How does it look?”
Martha hovered over Annie like an overprotective grandmother and patted Annie’s curls. “Just lovely, dear. Jason won’t be able to take his eyes off of you.”
Annie placed the comb back in its box. “Thank you, Camilla. It’s absolutely stunning.”
Camilla hugged her friend. “I’m so glad you like it.” She took a sip of her tea before she stood up. “No time to finish this. I have to run, but I’ll see you later at your house. It’s gonna be so much fun, us girls all together.” She paused. “I almost forgot to ask. What’s up with Leona? She acted like a complete grump when I stopped at the café to see if you were there.”
Annie rolled her eyes. “Her cousin, Trisha Fitch, is coming to my wedding.”
Camilla’s eyes widened. “The fashion designer? Didn’t she design your gown?”
“I don’t think so,” Annie said with her eyebrows squished together. “It’s Leona’s gown. I never asked her about the history of it; besides, there never was a wedding so it’s been hanging in Leona’s closet for almost thirty years.”
Camilla walked toward the door. “Sounds like a story for tonight. The gown certainly has the classic design of one of Trisha’s styles. I’ve always wanted to meet her. As a matter of fact, the dress I’ll be wearing is a Trish Designs.” After she pulled on her raincoat, she opened the door and dashed out through the raindrops.
“Well,” Martha said, “I seem to remember something about Leona and Trisha from when they were girls. Something that happened when the girls were in high school. I thought it had something to do with a boy.”
“Of course it would. All of Leona’s drama is around one boy or another. If we ply her with enough wine tonight, her tongue will loosen up and we’ll get the full story.” Annie finished her tea and set her mug in the sink. “Is my dress ready?”
“That’s a silly question. Your wedding is on Saturday. Did you think I’d wait until you were about to walk down the aisle?”
Annie chuckled. “I meant, is it ready to try on?”
Martha led Annie into her sewing room. As they walked through the living room, Martha’s husband’s parrot, Charlie, squawked a greeting and congratulations. Martha laughed. “Harry’s been teaching Charlie some new words.” She rolled her eyes. “Just in case you want Harry to bring Charlie to your wedding. I told Harry not to hold his breath.”
“Thanks for rescuing me from that awkward situation. Charlie’s great, but I think it’s best if he stays home.”
“Uh huh.” Martha handed Annie her gown. “Here you go.”
Annie slipped into the gown and twirled around in front of Martha.
“Step up on that bench so I can make sure the hem is right.”
Annie stepped up and slowly twirled in a circle. “It fits me like a glove.” She ran her hands down her sides. “And the fabric is so silky soft. Does it look all right?”
“Perfect, dear. I’ve never seen a more radiant bride.”
Annie carefully hung up the gown, pulled on her jeans and t-shirt, and hugged Martha. “You’re the best. I’m so lucky to have you to do the alterations, Camilla to make jewelry, Leona to bake my cake, and Mom to, well, to be my adoring, noncritical mom and get me to the hairdresser on time.” She ran her fingers through her curls. “Not that there’s much that can be done with this unruly mess, but Camilla’s hair comb will be a nice touch.”
“Try not to get drenched when you head home. As long as it clears up for the weekend, that’s all that matters,” Martha said as she patted Annie’s back. “See you later for our rip-roaring evening.”
Annie was glad to have her gown protected by plastic on her dash through the rain to her car. She drove home with her wipers furiously slapping back and forth. Her mind was on Leona and Trisha Fitch. What could be the problem that had Leona so upset after all these years?
Jason was in the kitchen of his lakeside home, Cobblestone Cottage, when Annie arrived. “You’re still here?”
Jason frowned. “And you aren’t happy about that?” He wrapped his arms around Annie. “Aren’t we getting married in a few days? I’m not sure I can wait even that long.”
“You know what I mean.” She pushed him away. “It’s girl’s night here tonight. You aren’t invited.” She poked her bottom lip out in a pout but ended up laughing instead.
“Don’t worry, I’m on my way out for my own wild time with strippers and call girls. I won’t have enough hands for all the girls that’ll be showing up,” Jason said with a twinkle in his eyes.
Annie’s face fell. “Really?”
“Just kidding. The guys are taking me to the Catfish Cove Pub. I’d much rather be home here with you, though.” Jason shrugged into his raincoat. “Especially with this wild weather.” He pointed to the kitchen counter. “I left plenty of wine for you girls, and I expect Leona will be bringing delicious food like always. Have fun!” He kissed Annie. “I’ll miss you.”
Annie watched as Jason closed the door. “Well, Roxy, it’s you, me, and the cats for about a half hour until the troops arrive.” Roxy barely managed to raise her head off the couch but she did wag her tail. “I know. You don’t like this weather either. You will have to brave the storm and go out eventually. Smokey and Snowball, on the other hand, can use the kitty litter box if they don’t want to brave the weather.”
Annie headed to the shower. With her hair dripping and her comfy sweat pants and a loose t-shirt on, she heard the door open.
“Your mother and Leona are coming in. I hope you’re decent.” Mia’s unmistakable cheerful voice echoed up the stairs.
“The wine’s on the counter. Help yourselves. I’ll be right down,” Annie yelled. She took one last look at herself in the mirror. “Well, Annie Fisher, it won’t be long now until the big day. Nothing is going to get in the way of your wedding with Jason Hunter. Nothing.”
By the time Annie joined the others downstairs, Camilla and Martha had arrived and the wine was already flowing. The talking never stopped. Laughter filled the big cozy living room. Until a loud crack of thunder rocked the house and Roxy charged off the couch, barking at the door. Smokey and Snowball bolted up the stairs, most likely to hide under the bed.
Annie pulled on her raincoat. “I’ll take Roxy out now that she’s finally awake. She hates this rain. Be right back.”
Roxy dashed out the door and down the stairs of the big front porch into a black hole of darkness. Great, Annie thought. Where is she going in this storm? The wind howled, branches swayed all around the house, and lightning lit up the sky. Annie, in bare feet, followed Roxy into the darkness. As she stepped off the last step, she tripped, pitched forward, and landed on something.
Another flash of lightning was all Annie needed to know what she had landed on. She pushed herself to her knees, gasping for air. With legs so wobbly she used the railing to pull herself back up the stairs, sh
e stumbled across the porch and staggered into the living room.
“Call the police,” she managed to get out in one exhale of words.
Chapter 2
Wind whipped around Annie in the open doorway, blowing her rain-soaked curls into a tangled mess.
Roxy streaked inside, shook, and jumped back onto her spot on the couch.
Mia huddled around Annie and Leona slammed the door shut.
“Call who?” Leona said, staring at Annie. “The police? What happened in those few seconds you were outside?”
The once-cozy living room went dark, the music stopped, and there was an eerie quiet for several seconds until all the women started talking at once. A mix of voices shouted, “What happened? Where’s a candle? I can’t even see my hand in front of my face.”
Camilla, who had everything under the sun in her giant purse, switched on a flashlight. “This should help.”
Annie held her hand up, blocking the beam of light. “Not in my eyes, please.”
The light moved to a different part of the room. “Sorry.”
Martha pulled drawers open. “Found some. I knew Jason would have a stock of candles. He’s always the romantic. Any idea where I might find matches?”
Annie managed to get herself to the couch next to Roxy. She pointed toward the fireplace. “There are matches in the metal box on the mantle.”
“The power must be out. There’s probably a tree down on the wires somewhere. Is that what you saw outside?” Mia asked Annie.
Annie shook her head, her hands jammed under her armpits. “Worse. Did anyone call the police yet?” She looked from one person to another and they each shook their head indicating no one had called.
“What are we calling about?” Mia asked, trying to understand Annie’s shocked reaction minutes earlier.
Annie rocked forward and rubbed her hands across her wet thighs. “There’s a body at the bottom of the steps. I tripped and fell on it. Whoever it is won’t be moving. Ever.”