by Leena Clover
She sucked in huge mouthfuls of freezing air, trying to catch her breath. Her eyes watered, her nose ran and she could feel her cheeks burn.
“You’re a mess, Cassie.”
Teddy Fowler was doing stretches at his usual spot. Cassie had gone to school with him. He and his wife were big fans of Cassie’s movies. Cassie often bent Teddy’s ear to learn more about what the police thought about a case.
“Do I look that awful?” Cassie pouted. “I’m glad there are no paparazzi hiding in the bushes here.”
“You look cute.”
“Don’t let your wife hear you say that.”
“She won’t mind,” Teddy blushed. “She knows I don’t mean it in a bad way.”
“How have you been, Teddy?” Cassie pulled a tissue out of her pocket. “Work keeping you busy?”
“I know you’re trying to pump me for information about the Gardiner case. You won’t get anything out of me.”
Teddy’s face was set in a smirk.
“Come on! You must have narrowed down a suspect.”
Teddy sat down next to Cassie.
“The Gardiners were always a close knit family. They were generous and friendly toward everyone so they have a lot of goodwill in these parts. Can’t imagine anyone wanting to harm them.”
“So you think one of the family is responsible?”
“That doesn’t seem likely either. This one has me stumped, Cassie.”
Cassie stood up and started doing jumping jacks, trying to stay warm.
“You’re no help.”
“I got the invite for your mom’s Christmas Eve party. Will you thank her for me?”
They chatted about holiday traditions and gifts. Teddy told her how he was building a model airplane for his boys.
“Bring Meg over for dinner sometime. I’ll ask my wife to set it up.”
Cassie began a slow, laborious jog back home. After a while, she gave up trying to run and settled into a brisk walk. Sofia stood at the front door with her hands on her hips, clucking with disapproval.
“You must be mad, going out in the cold like that.”
“I need to get some exercise in, Nana. A few extra pounds are fine, but I can’t look like a pumpkin at my next audition. My agent will have my hide.”
“Your mother and Meg have already left for the café.”
Cassie pulled off her damp hoodie and walked straight into the shower. Sofia slid a hot omelet onto her plate a few minutes later.
“What are you doing today, Nana?”
Sofia told her she was going to bake some cookies for the cookie exchange.
Cassie headed out, feeling how glad she was Meg was home with them now. Over the years, Cassie had donated a lot of money to different charities for kids, always wondering what her own child was doing for Christmas. In her wildest dreams, she had never believed she would be reunited with her daughter.
A couple of regular customers looked up from their magazines and newspapers when Cassie reached the bookstore. She set about her daily routine, straightening things and dusting the shelves. She was about to walk into the café to talk to Meg when the doorbell jingled. A tall, beautiful woman with emerald eyes and a distinctive dimple came in with a dark haired fella.
“Alison, right?” Cassie greeted the newcomer brightly. “I’m sorry about your grandpa. How are you holding up?”
Alison Gardiner thanked Cassie profusely. She hadn’t lost any of her effervescence.
“Old man had to die sometime,” the man with Alison chortled. “The timing couldn’t be better.”
Cassie guessed he was the boy Meg had run into earlier.
“This is my boyfriend Rupert.” Alison introduced him. “He’s a film director. We were hoping to get some pointers from you.”
“I was never involved in the technical side of things,” Cassie told them. “Now if there was something you wanted to know about acting, I’m your gal.”
“I told you coming here was a waste of time,” Rupert hissed at Alison.
“Be quiet, Rupert.” Alison smiled endearingly. “Of course we know you’re an actress, Cassie. I bet you have plenty of contacts in Hollywood. Maybe you could just introduce Rupert to some studio people you know.”
“I can put in some serious money,” Rupert preened. “Especially now that old man Gardiner finally croaked.”
“How fortunate.” Cassie flashed a smile.
“Grandpa was going to finance Rupert,” Alison said hastily. “What a pity he’s not around.”
Cassie promised to make a few calls. Rupert messed around while Alison picked up a couple of the latest bestsellers.
Cassie walked into the café through the connecting arch as soon as Alison left with her outspoken boyfriend.
Anna and the Firecrackers sat at their favorite window table, sipping coffee and eating cookies.
“Try these ginger snaps, Cassie.” Mary offered her a heaped plate. “I’m planning to take them to the cookie exchange.”
Cassie stuffed a couple of cookies in her mouth before remembering her resolve to cut calories. Then she decided there was ample time to shape up after the holidays. January was boring anyway. Bobby’s boot camp would keep her busy.
“Did I hear Alison a few minutes ago?” Anna asked.
Cassie plunged into a vivid description of the merry Alison and her deadbeat boyfriend. The Firecrackers exchanged a knowing look.
“He sounds like a bad one,” Mary mumbled.
“My money’s on him alright.” Julie banged a fist on the table. “Pearson is too loyal and Finn O’Malley is a decorated veteran. What does this young man have going for him?”
“We can’t jump to conclusions.” Anna sighed. “The most frustrating thing here is the total lack of evidence.”
“Where’s Meg?” Cassie asked.
“Out for lunch with that guy from the college,” Anna informed her.
“Phoenix?” Cassie’s eyebrows shot up. “This should be interesting.”
Later that night, the Butler women sat in the living room with Julie and Mary, packing stacks of cookies in transparent wrap, tying them with a red satin ribbon. A fire crackled in the grate, lending some welcome warmth while the wind howled outside.
“Are you going to tell us about your lunch date, Meg?” Cassie couldn’t curb her curiosity any longer.
“We just grabbed a sandwich at the Tipsy Whale.” Meg tried to look nonchalant. “No big deal.”
“Did he bring a friend this time?” Sofia growled.
Meg’s cheeks grew pink as she shook her head.
“So it was a proper date then.” Anna smiled.
“What did you talk about?” Cassie pressed. “He didn’t carry on about the plight of whales or sea otters or something, did he?”
Meg shook her head.
“We talked about our backgrounds. Phoenix had a hard life growing up.”
“So you have something in common,” Cassie prompted.
“His mother was a single parent. She worked hard to give him the best of everything. So he wanted to be a lawyer and earn a lot of money, you know. Give his mother all the luxuries she missed while raising him. But then he got into this environment thing. Fighting for the cause means more to him than earning big bucks now. His mother fully supports him.”
Sofia pressed her lips together and said nothing.
“Did you tell him about your childhood, dear?” Anna was gentle.
“You don’t have to hide anything, Meg,” Cassie said seriously. “I’m not going to feel bad if you tell people I dumped you after you were born. It’s the truth, however bitter it is.”
Anna looked pained.
“Don’t be flippant, Cassie. This is why people think you are a cold hearted monster.”
“I told him I grew up in the foster system,” Meg admitted.
“I hope that didn’t turn him off,” Anna said.
“He was curious. He asked me a lot of questions.”
“So is he doing a bunk or meeting you
again?” Julie always liked things cut and dried.
“I think Leo is a nice young man, Meg.” Mary offered her opinion softly.
“Phoenix is no match for Leo,” Meg agreed shyly. “But I’m not ready to get serious with anyone right now.”
“That sounds wise.” Anna patted Meg’s arm. “At your age, you should just go out and have fun.”
“Don’t think too much about the future,” Cassie added. “You’ve got us now. We’ll steer you right if you fall off the path. Won’t we, Mom?”
“We can try.” Anna grinned mischievously. “If she’s a trailblazer like you, she’ll be forging her own way across the world.”
“Guys, I’m right here!”
Cassie was surprised to feel her eyes moisten with tears. Was it Dolphin Bay or was it the holiday season that was making her maudlin?
Chapter 15
Anna couldn’t stop smiling as she broke eggs into a bowl.
The previous evening had taken an unexpected turn. Meg was busy working with her Seaside Lights committee. She had dragged Cassie along with her. Sofia had finally admitted she was feeling exhausted from all the holiday prep. She was going to take a bowl of minestrone soup to her room and lie in bed the whole evening.
Anna found herself at a loose end after a long time. She was debating between reading Julie’s latest romance or watching Downton Abbey reruns when Gino called. He wanted to know if Anna was free for dinner.
A sudden burst of energy propelled Anna to put on a nice frock and dress up. She observed herself in the mirror, wondering if the lines on her forehead had deepened. Feeling reckless, she applied the dark red lipstick Cassie had given her and dabbed some perfume behind her ears.
She was pulling on her winter coat, longing for warmer weather, when Gino arrived. He couldn’t stop staring at her.
“You’re so beautiful, Anna!” Gino sounded breathless.
Anna felt her pulse thrum against her throat as they drove to Gino’s stately home, set amidst the Mystic Hill vineyard. They stole glances at each other every few seconds but neither of them said anything. Anna felt giddy with excitement and couldn’t help the blush that stole over her.
Gino led Anna to his sunken sitting room and lit a few candles. A bottle of wine was breathing on the table and a tray loaded with assorted cheese, olives, fruit and crackers lay beside it. Gino poured the wine and they clinked glasses, toasting each others’ health.
“How long has it been since our last date, Anna?”
“It’s a wonder we could get away tonight.”
“You’ve been working really hard at the café and it’s paying off. People are talking about your cupcakes wherever I go.”
Anna asked after Gino’s family. His kids had to be overseas that year for work. They were celebrating the holiday abroad along with his grandkids. Gino tried to hide his disappointment.
“You will spend the holiday with us. I won’t let you wallow, Gino.”
“I’m grateful. I wouldn’t dream of being anywhere else.”
The talk inevitably turned to the Gardiners.
“I got a call from Edward’s estate manager today, Anna. It seems the old guy kept his will in the office safe. Basil had specific instructions regarding when and how to access it.”
“Has the will finally been opened?”
Anna told Gino about her meeting with Basil.
“His hunch may be right. The will is missing.”
“Are you saying someone stole it?”
Gino shook his head.
“Edward might have been working on creating a new one. He must have discarded the old one. My guess is it had something to do with that big announcement.”
“Do you think he was going to disown someone in the family?”
Gino gave a small shrug.
“Hard to say now, Anna. There are some rumors going around, of course. The police think George Pearson knew what was coming. He got nothing in the new will so he bumped the old man off.”
“Pearson told us the old man set up a sizeable trust for him.”
“What if Edward promised that in a fit of generosity?” Gino wondered. “He could have changed his mind later.”
“Do you think the man you knew would do that?”
“Not unless something dire happened.” Gino refilled their wine glasses and bit into a cube of cheese.
“Think of this from Pearson’s perspective. He’s ready to retire and has been promised a nest egg. He has no options other than the largesse of his employer, a reward for 40 years of loyal service. What if that was suddenly taken away?”
“I think I would be blind with fury.” Anna was dismayed. “Do you think he killed the old man in a fit of rage?”
“The police believe so,” Gino sighed. “Although I think their evidence is circumstantial. Pearson is the only person with motive and opportunity. He wasn’t related to Edward and he needed the money.”
Anna thought the whole theory was very flimsy.
“Are the police going to arrest Pearson?”
“They plan to bring him in,” Gino told her. “Honestly, I feel bad for the poor man.”
Anna admitted feeling a bit tipsy. Gino sat up with concern.
“Dinner is ready, Anna. Let’s eat.”
Although Gino employed a full time cook, he liked to dabble in the kitchen. Anna had experienced his gourmet cooking before and was looking forward to what he was serving that night.
Gino had cooked chicken with sundried tomatoes and spinach. He served it with creamy orzo pasta and a salad.
“This is so good,” Anna said between bites. “You’re gifted, Gino. Cooking is more than just following a recipe.”
They sat by the fire in the sitting room, enjoying warm apple crumble laced with brandy and bursting with cinnamon.
Neither noticed the time as they talked about every topic on earth while a classic black and white movie played in the background. Finally, Gino reluctantly stood up to drive Anna home.
They held hands on the drive back. Anna blamed the cold for the goose bumps on her arms even though warm air drifted out of the car’s vents. They stood before Anna’s house and admired the lights. Then it was time to call it a night.
Anna stopped daydreaming when she heard the girls move about in their rooms. She stirred the eggs in the skillet and switched gears, thinking of the unpleasant task that lay ahead.
Cassie and Meg stumbled in, their eyes bright with mischief.
“How was your date, Mom?”
“Why didn’t you tell us you were going out, Anna?”
Anna set a platter of scrambled eggs next to olive and cheese muffins and told them to start eating. But she couldn’t stop smiling.
The three Butler women headed to the café after breakfast. Anna went into the tiny office she had in the bookstore and placed a call to Craig Rose. She debated meeting him at the café or the diner, then decided on a more secluded place.
Two hours later, Anna was bundled up in her winter coat, hurrying down the Coastal Walk trying to keep warm. A dark bank of clouds hugged the horizon. A fine mist swirled around her, reducing visibility, making everything appear mysterious. Dark figures loomed over her and Anna realized they must be the exhibits the Seaside Lights committee was working on.
Anna slowed as she reached a bench overlooking the bay. It was half a mile from the cafe and she fervently hoped she wouldn’t run into anyone she knew.
Craig Rose looked at his watch as Anna approached him. His shock of white hair stood out on the bleak day.
He didn’t waste time on any niceties.
“What do you have for me?”
“Your man is in the clear. I have it on good authority that George Pearson will be arrested today.”
Craig Rose didn’t look convinced.
“Look, I did what you asked. Now tell me about John.”
“Not yet. Let the police act. I need to be sure my boy’s going to be okay.”
“That’s not fair!” Anna felt helple
ss. “We had a deal. You owe me any information you have about my husband.”
Craig Rose stood up and started walking away. Anna simmered with anger but there was nothing she could do. She lost track of how long she stood there with her hands in her coat pockets, staring out at the bay. A few droplets fell and a light drizzle started, finally prompting her into action.
“What were you doing out in the cold, Anna?” Meg rushed to take her coat when Anna walked into the café.
Julie and Mary sat at their usual table, drinking coffee.
“Have you lost your mind?” Julie hissed when Anna sat down before them.
Anna felt numb. Would she ever find out who killed her husband? She had been banking on getting some useful information from Craig Rose.
“We know you’re hiding something from us,” Julie said. “And we know you must have a good reason for it.”
“Just promise us you won’t do anything rash,” Mary said gently. “We are here for you, Anna, no matter what.”
“She knows that!” Julie exclaimed. “She has to.”
“Thanks.” Anna tried to hide her frustration. “There’s nothing to tell, girls.”
The café was full with holiday shoppers. Anna stayed busy serving the customers while Julie and Mary wrapped presents for the tree. Cassie peeped in from the bookstore and offered to do a sandwich run for lunch.
An hour passed but none of them noticed until Cassie came back in, wild eyed. She dumped a big bag of food on the table and sat down with a thud.
Her cheeks were red from the cold and her chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath.
Anna and Meg walked over, feeling concerned.
“What is it, child?” Julie asked sharply.
“Teddy Fowler came into the Tipsy Whale just as I was leaving.” Cassie looked stricken. “George Pearson is dead. The police think he was murdered!”
Chapter 16
Anna wasn’t having a good day. The news of George Pearson’s death had cast a gloom over her. She didn’t understand why. She had barely met the man a couple of times. He hadn’t been a friend or even a casual acquaintance. Anna refused to consider what his death meant for her investigation.
Anna couldn’t stop the thoughts running wild in her head. Pearson’s death had shortened the playing field. The police would look at the remaining people in the Gardiner household as suspects. Finn O’Malley was sure to come under the radar. That wouldn’t make Craig Rose happy.
