Peach Cobbler Murder

by Joanne Fluke

  “Are you okay, Aunt Hannah?”

  “Fine,” Hannah said, gathering herself together as best she could. “I was meditating on the meaning of marriage.”

  Tracey grinned. “No, you weren’t. You were sleeping. But that’s okay. Nobody saw you but me.”

  “Did you drive here alone?” Hannah asked, recovering enough to tease her favorite five-year-old.

  “Yes, but I let Daddy take over once we stopped at the church and he’s parking the car. Mommy’s downstairs, checking to make sure she’s got enough pins for the flowers that the men have to wear. What are they called again?”

  “Boutonnieres.”

  “That’s right. And it’s because they go in the buttonhole. I looked it up in the dictionary you gave me for my birthday. Everything’s in there, even the German words Karen’s grandma and grandpa used when they talked about her Christmas present.”

  Hannah’s brows shot up at this reference to Tracey’s best friend, Karen Dunwright. “Karen remembered the words and you looked them up in the German-English section of your dictionary?”

  “That’s right. It was just great, Aunt Hannah. Karen knew what she was getting before she even opened her present. I did it for Calvin, too. His grandparents speak French.”

  Hannah sent up a silent prayer that the grandparents of Tracey’s friends never found out, but she grinned as she got to her feet. She was vindicated. Delores and Andrea had thought she was crazy buying the massive unabridged dictionary as a present for Tracey, but Hannah had been sure that her niece would use it.

  “Do you like my dress?” Tracey whirled around, an exact imitation of the model’s turn that her mother had given in The Cookie Jar the other morning. She was wearing a wine red velvet dress with an empire waist and white roses embroidered around the neckline and the hem.

  “You look lovely. That’s a beautiful dress and it makes you look very grown-up.”

  “That’s silly, Aunt Hannah. I’m not any older than I was before I put it on.”

  “I know. It’s just that it looks like a dress an older girl would wear. And you’re wearing lipstick.”

  “Only because the lights are dim here in church. Mommy said it was like makeup for a child actor, not like makeup for when you’re old like she is. I have to take it off before we go out to the reception.”

  “That’s probably wise,” Hannah said with a nod. “You wouldn’t want to look too old, or people might think you were the bride.”

  Tracey laughed, an action that made her blue eyes sparkle. Hannah’s niece was already a beauty and she had the classic features that would grow even more attractive as time passed. It wouldn’t be long before the boys would notice how pretty Tracey was, and Hannah didn’t want to see her grow up too fast.

  “Come on, Aunt Hannah. Mommy said to bring you downstairs so she can put some makeup on you. She wants you to look good for the wedding.”

  Hannah knew there was no use arguing. Andrea was already a ball of nerves from imagining the catastrophes that might happen during the ceremony and the reception, and she’d only get more nervous if Hannah didn’t cooperate.

  “I’m right behind you,” Hannah said, sliding out of the pew and following Tracey to the steps. “But do you really think I need makeup?”

  “It’s not that you need it. You always look beautiful to me. But Mommy thinks you need it, and we want to keep her happy, don’t we?”

  “Absolutely,” Hannah said, feeling more like Tracey’s co-conspirator than her aunt as they hurried down the steps to the dressing room where Andrea was waiting for them.

  “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  Hannah blinked back tears as Herb folded back Lisa’s veil and kissed her. She wasn’t sure why she always cried at weddings, but she did. She glanced at Andrea and saw that her sister was wiping her eyes on Bill’s handkerchief. A glance at their mother confirmed that crying must run in the family, because Delores was dabbing at her eyes with a white lace handkerchief.

  She was about to turn back to listen to the rest of the ceremony when she realized that Winthrop was no longer sitting at her mother’s side. Had he decided a small-town wedding was so boring, he’d taken a powder and risked alienating his ladylove? But then she saw him slipping in through the door of the church and walking forward unobtrusively until he reached the pew where Delores was sitting.

  Where had he gone? Hannah wondered, knowing it could have been anywhere including the men’s room downstairs. Delores looked up as he slid into the pew and handed her a silver tote bag Hannah recognized. The tote was filled with several dozen small packets of rice that Delores and everyone surrounding her would toss at the new bride and groom. The mystery of Winthrop’s disappearance was solved. Delores had left the rice in the car and she’d sent Winthrop back out to the parking lot to retrieve it.

  Delores reached out to take Winthrop’s arm and Hannah wished that she’d turned away a few seconds earlier. Her mother’s face was radiant. It was apparent that she cared about Winthop a lot more than Hannah and her sisters wanted her to.

  For Pete’s sake, Mother. He just went to the car. It’s not like he was out slaying dragons for you, Hannah thought, frowning a bit. She stared, willing her mother to turn and pay attention to Lisa and Herb, but the mother-daughter radar must not have been working because Delores just smiled and slid a bit closer to Winthrop’s side.

  “And now I give you Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Beeseman,” Father Coultas announced, turning Herb and Lisa around so they faced the congregation and giving the signal for Immelda Giese at the organ to play the recessional.

  As the newlyweds began their walk down the aisle, stopping every foot or so to exchange words with friends and relatives, Hannah saw Andrea beckoning to her frantically from the rear of the church.

  Me? Hannah indicated her question by tapping her chest and Andrea responded with several definitive nods. And then she gave another signal for Come here right now, by opening her mouth in a silent yell and beckoning frantically again.

  Hannah wasted no time sliding out of the pew and rushing down the side aisle to the back of the church. When she reached Andrea’s side, her younger sister grabbed her by the arm and rushed her into an alcove.

  “What is it?” Hannah asked, resisting the urge to yelp as Andrea’s nails dug into her arm.

  “The chauffeur slipped on the ice when he got out of the limo and broke his arm. Doc Knight had to take him to the hospital, and now I need a substitute driver.”

  “Bill?”

  Andrea shook her head. “He has to lead the procession in the squad car, and Mike’s out at the station filling in for everybody else.”

  “How about Norman?”

  “His car is all packed with photography equipment so he can take candids at the reception. You’ve got to help me, Hannah. I called the company and they’re sending a replacement driver, but he won’t be here for at least an hour. The newlyweds and their parents will be here any minute and I need somebody to drive them to the reception!”

  “And you want that somebody to be me?”

  “Yes! I’m in a terrible spot, Hannah. Say you can do it.”

  “I can do it.”

  “But can you, really?”

  “Of course I can. Too bad I don’t have the uniform. I could do it in style.”

  “I’ve got the driver’s cap,” Andrea said, pulling it out of the large carryall at her feet and clapping it unceremoniously on top of Hannah’s curls. “I grabbed it before Doc Knight drove him away. I just wish I’d thought to ask for his uniform.”

  Hannah laughed. She couldn’t help it. Andrea was used to getting her way and she’d think nothing of asking the poor limo driver to shed his pants and his jacket, and go off to the hospital in his underwear.

  “He left the limo running and the keys are in the ignition. Go see if you can find something good to play for the drive out to the inn. They were supposed to provide music as part of the limo service. And I’ll open th
e door when the bridal party gets there. I don’t want to take a chance on losing another limo driver!”

  Hannah was chuckling as she opened the driver’s door to the white stretch limo and slid in behind the wheel. She’d never driven a limo before, but how hard could it be? She’d driven everything else on wheels or runners, including a tractor, a snowmobile, a powerboat, and a school bus. The only thing she hadn’t driven was an eighteen-wheeler and as long as she didn’t have to do anything tricky, she figured she could drive that, too.

  The wedding couple’s trip down the aisle was taking a while, and Hannah used the time to her advantage. She checked out the passenger compartment, opened the champagne bottle, and set out four glasses. There was a selection of music for them to peruse and Hannah picked something innocuous to put on the sound system until they’d made their own choice. She was just checking out the intercom and the glass partition that separated the compartments when the church doors opened wide.

  Hannah tipped the driver’s cap down low over her eyes and waited for Lisa and Herb to emerge. People were already lining up on the steps, preparing for the newlyweds’ exit. Once everyone was outside, there was a flash of strobe lights and then Lisa and Herb appeared at the top of the steps. They stopped for a moment to pose for a photo, and then they descended in a shower of rice and flower petals. Her partner looked happier than Hannah had ever seen her, and Herb almost missed a step because he was so busy admiring his beautiful bride.

  Andrea opened the back doors of the limo and Lisa and Herb got in. Marge Beeseman and Jack Herman were right behind them, and Hannah waited until Andrea had closed the doors before she keyed the intercom that connected her with the backseat. “Congratulations from Celebration Limos, Incorporated. You’ll find a complimentary bottle of champagne and glasses on the mini bar. That’s our way of wishing you a happy life together and many rides from Celebration in the future.”

  “Thank you,” Herb’s voice answered her from the back and Hannah grinned as she realized that he’d left the intercom open and she could hear their conversation as the champagne was poured.

  “We’ve got a woman driver,” Lisa said. “I’m glad they hire women.”

  “Her voice is familiar,” was Herb’s comment.

  “You’re right.” Marge sounded thoughtful. “She reminds me of someone, but I can’t think who.”

  “Hannah?” Jack guessed.

  “Her hair even looks like Hannah’s,” Lisa said.

  “That’s because it is my hair,” Hannah said, turning to face them with a grin.

  Chapter Eight

  “This is the best wedding cake I’ve ever eaten!” Sue Ganske complimented Hannah as she came back for a second piece. “I just love having a choice, chocolate with vanilla filling, or white with chocolate filling. And they’re absolutely gorgeous when they’re sliced. Your cakes are every bit as pretty as my Kransekake and they taste a lot better.”

  “Thanks, Sue,” Hannah said, accepting the compliment graciously. Hannah hadn’t tasted the Kransekake and neither had anyone else. Plates and a cake knife were there for those who wished to sample it, but Sue’s cake was still untouched. Even though Hannah had no firsthand tasting experience, she was almost positive that Sue was right. The layers were made of ground almonds, powdered sugar, and egg whites that were kneaded together and baked until they were set. And while there was nothing wrong with that combination of ingredients, Hannah knew the result wouldn’t be particularly flavorful. On the other hand, the Kransekake was beautiful and it made a perfect decoration. Sue had drizzled the golden brown layers with white icing and decorated the resulting coneshaped edifice with miniature Norwegian flags and colorful frosting roses.

  Hannah was in a slightly pensive mood as she gazed around at the wedding guests. Had the traditional Norwegian wedding cake been created to make a point about marriage? The exterior was gorgeous, but the inside would be disappointing to those expecting a perfect treat. It was precisely what not to look for in choosing a bride or a groom, and it reminded Hannah of Shawna Lee Quinn. The southern sister was gorgeous on the outside but she was a pretty shell without an ounce of taste or substance. She’d promised Dick that she’d be there with her peach cobbler in plenty of time for the dessert buffet, and the prime space in the center of the table was still filled with the vase of flowers that Sally had stuck there while they were waiting for her to arrive.

  “You’re doing a great job, Hannah.” Sally, who was stationed behind the dessert buffet to help people dish up the things they couldn’t reach, sidled closer to Hannah’s wedding cake station at the end of the table. At the same time Sally, the perfect hostess, kept up a running conversation with the guests who were trying to decide which desserts to take. “Oh, hello, Gail. Did you try the Pineapple Whip? Marge brought it and it’s absolutely delicious. So, where is she?”

  It took a moment for Hannah to realize that Sally’s question was aimed at her. “Which she are you talking about?”

  “The one you don’t want to see. How about some fresh strawberry pie, Sam? I know it’s your favorite. I’m talking about Shawna Lee.”

  “I don’t know. You’d think she would have called if she’d had car trouble.”

  “Maybe she’s stuck on the road,” Sally suggested, turning to look out the series of picture windows that overlooked the lake. “It’s coming down a little harder now. Would you like me to help you with that chocolate mousse, Lucille?”

  Hannah looked out at the snow on the ground. Barely an inch had fallen and anyone could drive through that. “No way she’s stuck. She just got a brand-new SUV with enough power to go through a lot more snow than what we’ve had today.”

  “I forgot about that. A big piece or an even bigger piece, Ed? It’s made with butter from Lake Eden cows. Well, maybe she changed her mind and she’s not coming.”

  “You think?” Hannah felt a surge of hope.

  “Not really. She loves the chance to impress people and there are a lot of people here. Let me put that in a parfait glass, Eleanor. It’s so pretty that way. I thought for sure she’d show. Do you think I ought to try to call the bakery and ask her if she’s coming?”

  Hannah thought that over and then she shrugged. “It can’t hurt. Maybe she’s tied up or something.”

  Sally gave Hannah a sharp look as she spooned caramel sauce on top of a serving of custard. “Whipped cream on that, Joyce? I didn’t think so. I thought I remembered you liked it plain. Mike’s not here yet, either. And didn’t you say he asked you to save the first dance for him?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you think they might be together?”

  “Your guess is as good as mine,” Hannah said, visions of Shawna Lee and Mike in a clinch to end all clinches dancing on the screen of her mind.

  “You don’t have to choose, Barbara. You can have a little of each. Just as soon as this line ends, I can call the bakery.”

  “What good will that do?”

  “If she answers, I’ll listen for the sound of someone else in the background. You know…like breathing or coughing, or anything like that. Do you want to know? Or would you rather not know?”

  “I want to know if you don’t hear anyone in the background, but don’t tell me if you do.”

  “Got it.” Sally waved over a waitress to take her place. “I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.”

  As Sally headed off to the phone in the kitchen, Hannah was already regretting her words. She really didn’t want to know if Mike was with Shawna Lee, at least not right now. And she’d set herself up without realizing it. If Sally came back and said nothing, it would mean she’d heard someone in the background. Why hadn’t she instructed Sally not to tell her, either way? That would have been the smart thing to do.

  “Your truck’s parked in the lot,” Andrea said, arriving at the cake station without Hannah noticing her.

  “Andrea!” Hannah gasped, jumping slightly and feeling a bit foolish for doing so. “You startled me.”

&n
bsp; “Sorry. Here’s your key ring. The limo driver thought your heater was broken, but I told him it was always like that. What’s the matter? You look like you just lost your best friend.”

  “I may have. At least one of them.”

  “Mike?” Andrea asked, proving that as the consummate wedding consultant, she knew precisely which guests had not arrived. When Hannah nodded, she reached out and patted her hand. “I noticed that, and she’s missing, too. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re together. Don’t forget that Mike had to work. If there was an emergency, they might have asked him to stay on longer at the station.”

  “Right.”

  “Well, that could be it.”

  “Absolutely. And since he’s right near the phone and he knew I’d be disappointed when he didn’t show up for the dance he asked me to save for him, he called out here and told me he’d be late.”

  “He did?” Andrea asked, starting to smile. “Well, that’s okay then!”

  “I was being sarcastic. He didn’t call. And it’s not okay.”

  “Well…try to lighten up a little. This is a wedding and everybody’s supposed to act like they’re having a good time, whether they are or not.”

  As Andrea walked away, Hannah thought about what her sister had said. How many other wedding guests were smiling on the outside and frowning on the inside? Actually, her own situation wasn’t that bad. Norman was here and he’d danced with her. She had enjoyed that. And even though Hannah knew that Delores had sent him over, Winthrop had arrived at the cake table to ask Hannah to take what he’d called “a turn around the floor.”

  Hannah wasn’t enthusiastic about the man who’d caught her mother’s interest, but she had to admit that Winthrop was an excellent dancer. He’d held her confidently, led with assertion, and made the waltz they’d danced into a showing worthy of a dance competition. It pained Hannah to admit it since her father had been an excellent dancer, but Winthrop Harrington the Second was even better.