Welcome to Sweetwater (Annie Parker Mystery Shorts Box Set)

by A. J. Bromley

  “Sam, let me get you Roy’s special for today. The Peterson twins raved about it.”

  “What were they doing here?” Sam asked gruffly.

  “Having lunch, of course.” Annie ignored Sam’s attitude.

  “Annie, I know better. What are you up to?” Sam was starting to get more insistent.

  “Well, you remember how the posse helped you with the Edith Compton case?”

  “I knew it! That day you spilled my coffee, I got a bad feeling. You might as well give it to me straight.”

  Sighing deeply, Annie went on to tell Sam everything, starting with her visit to Sadie, the red Cadillac, and Darla’s admission of sending the fated birthday card to her friend. She told him about the business that Victor had in Henderson and his involvement with a Charlie Brooks.

  Sam was not happy to learn that Annie was getting involved in his case. When would she ever learn? He did manage to eat his lunch but left soon afterward. Stomping out of the café, he only gave Annie a glaring look.

  Annie hoped it wouldn’t take him too long to get over this latest disagreement.

  Later that night after he had cooled down, he called Annie.

  “I’m calling to apologize for the way I acted this afternoon. I know you’re only trying to help. I will look into all the information you gave me. Okay?”

  Annie was so happy to hear from Sam. Thankfully, he wasn’t too upset with her.

  “I did want to talk to you about tomorrow night. After the dance, would you come over to my house for a nightcap, since Darla is still at your place?”

  “Sam, I would love that. It will be a perfect end to our first date.”

  After saying good night, Annie got ready for bed. Everything was going great. They would find Victor soon. What could possibly go wrong?

  Chapter 11

  Annie was putting the final touches to her outfit while she waited for Sam to pick her up. Her dress was a deep red with a white Peter Pan collar and the bottom had yards of material, perfect for twirling around the dance floor. She wore white socks and penny loafers. Annie had hoped for her hair to be longer so she could wear a ponytail but no such luck. Finally, she settled for barrettes to hold her brown hair in place. There were a few gray hairs peeking through now. Annie had kindly refused Darla’s offer to color her hair. “People are used to this look, why change now?”

  Sam was due any minute. The dance started at 8:00PM and Annie wanted to arrive early. She had spent most of the day at the community center helping decorate. There were balloons and streamers everywhere. Someone had made a sign calling this a Sock Hop. Kate had tables and chairs arranged around the room leaving an area for the band. The twins had covered a very long table with colorful tablecloths of spring flowers.

  Hearing the doorbell, Darla went to greet Sam.

  “You look like Marlon Brando in The Wild One.” Sam was looking rakish in his black leather hat, jacket and jeans, right down to his black motorcycle boots. The white T-shirt was a great contrast.

  “Thank you Mrs. Franconi. You have helped build my confidence.”

  Annie was walking down the hallway from her bedroom she saw Sam. Oh my, did he ever look delicious.

  “You are looking so sweet, Annie. Will your father let you go out with the likes of me?”

  Annie didn’t realize Sam had such a good sense of humor. Laughing and giving him a playful sock in the arm, she grabbed her jacket. Darla watched them leave with just a touch of envy.

  People were already arriving when Sam and Annie got there. The band, The Five Notes, was setting up. Molly and Polly were in the kitchen making their special punch. No one dared ask what was in it; probably some weird ingredients from their travels.

  Kate was roaming around the room. Annie was surprised to see Mac was sitting at one of the tables. Kate was so cute in her white angora sweater and poodle skirt. Annie wondered if people really dressed like this in the 50s. Kate had her uncontrollable red hair in a bouncy ponytail.

  “Annie, you look so young in your outfit.” Kate went to meet her at the door. “I have saved us a table that is not too near the band. Mac is there now.”

  “I am glad to see that your husband is here.” Annie replied with a concerned tone.

  “Believe me; I’m surprised that he wanted to come after driving back from Colorado Springs this afternoon. Mac usually likes to relax in front of TV after a long business trip.”

  “How did the carnival go this afternoon?”

  “It was such fun Annie. I think all the kids and their parents had a good time. I’m sure I smell like kettle corn.” Kate was still thinking about Hank at the dunk tank. He gave it his all. He helped while the kids dunked their principal causing lots of laughter.

  “Hey, there’s Sylvia from Second Chance; let’s ask her to sit with us. Sam, we are over here.” Annie wanted to fill the table before the town officials showed up. They could spoil any party by talking business.

  Sylvia Daniels seemed pleased to be at Annie’s table. “I had to see all the outfits that people bought in my shop. What fun it has been trying to find the right look for everyone.”

  Sylvia was getting older and she was talking about retiring. A widow in her late 60s with a touch of arthritis, it seemed inevitable. Kate spoke seriously and asked, “Why don’t you lighten your business by selling the used clothing portion?”

  Mac made some comment under his breath but no one paid any attention to him.

  “What a great idea. I will have to give that some thought, but not tonight I’m here to relax and enjoy the crowd.”

  With three empty places at their table, Sam helped by inviting Bill and his wife Lisa to join them. Bill was one of Sam’s deputies and a good friend. Lisa was very likable and fun. Julie showed up solo and took the last seat. Thanks to this woman, the Sweetwater Police Department ran smoothly.

  The place was jumping by eight o’clock. The band had struck up a lively tune and some couples were giving it their best shot. The men tried to get Fonzie style hair. The women wore ponytails and teased hair. With this younger look, many dancers seem to shed 20 years. Everyone would feel it tomorrow, thought Annie.

  Sam asked Annie for a slow dance, where he could hold her close without causing eyebrows to rise. He wasn’t going to try dancing to the 50s tunes.

  Stopping by the refreshment table, Sam got Annie some punch. Molly and Polly were chatting with a group of their students from past years. Peru seemed to be the subject. Taking a small plate of food, they returned to their table.

  Hank Davis was sitting with his employees and their wives. Three men worked for him at his auto repair shop. The wives were always trying to fix Hank up with a date. His wife, Cassie, died of cancer three years ago. Since then he had gone out on a few dates but hadn’t found the spark.

  He noticed Kate sitting with her husband. She was all smiles and full of energy at the carnival today. She thrived around kids. Kevin, his son, always enjoyed being with her. Tonight Kevin was on a sleepover with a friend down the street.

  Hank was thinking that there was no harm in asking Kate for a dance. Since their backyards joined, it was the neighborly thing to do.

  “Okay if I dance with your wife?” Hank tried to be pleasant as he talked to Mac.

  “Yeah, go ahead. I’m headed outside to smoke anyway.” Mac never was very friendly to Hank even though they had been neighbors for several years.

  Kate blushed but quickly got up and joined Hank. He had requested a long slow dance. I can’t get into any trouble with the whole town watching.

  Returning to Kate’s table after a very enjoyable dance, he noticed that Mac had not returned. Kate sat down near Annie and tried to get her pulse and breathing under control.

  Chapter 12

  It was almost midnight when the band started playing one last slow dance; with the lights turned down it was very romantic. Sam and Annie enjoyed a final spin around the floor.

  Molly took charge of clearing away the refreshment table and washing
the punch bowl carefully. It was always a relief when it was stored away. Everyone pitched in to help with the cleanup. Laughing and joking while they worked. All agreed that this was the best dance yet, but every year they said this.

  Looking around for Kate and Mac, Annie could not find them. Someone said that the MacKenzies had left quite some time ago. Annie hoped that Mac was not upset because Kate had that one dance with Hank. She confided this feeling only to Sam; no sense in starting rumors.

  Sam was anxious to leave; Annie felt the same way. The Peterson twins offered to close up after everybody left. They must have thought that Sam and Annie had more plans tonight.

  Getting into his pickup truck, he gave Annie a quick kiss before starting the engine. Annie smiled to herself.

  “Sam I need to stop by my house to check on Darla. It will only take a minute.”

  “I suddenly have a bad feeling about this.”

  “Don’t be silly, Sam.”

  With a groan and some mumbling, Sam got his vehicle headed in the direction of Annie’s house.

  “Oh no!” Annie exclaimed as they pulled into her driveway. The first thing she noticed was her dark house with only the porch light on. Next, she saw that Darla’s car was gone.

  “Dammit, Annie I knew our plans would be ruined.”

  “Easy Sam, we need to go inside to see if Darla left a note.”

  Turning on the hall light, Annie looked around her house. Everything seemed to be undisturbed.

  Entering the kitchen Sam saw a note on the table. It read:

  Annie,

  Victor called and he’s desperate.

  I am going to meet him at the Twilight Motel outside of Boulder.

  I hope I have enough money to save him.

  Darla

  “That just takes the cake!” Sam was mad now. “There goes our night. I may just kill her when I find her.”

  “Oh, Sam what are we going to do? Darla doesn’t know what danger she could be facing.”

  “Try calling her, Annie. Maybe it’s not that bad.” Sam wanted to give Annie moral support. If she didn’t reach that woman, he knew what was coming next.

  “No answer. It only goes to voicemail.” Annie anxiety level was increasing.

  “Sam?”

  “I know what you are thinking. You won’t be happy until we go looking, will you?” Sam reluctantly replied and took Annie in his arms. She felt so soft and warm.

  They returned to Sam’s truck after turning off the lights and locking up. The motel was about 15 miles out of town. They were both quiet each with their own thoughts. Sam broke the silence by asking about Darla’s money.

  “She has been saving the money from her sewing. Victor must have guessed that she had some stashed away. I never asked her how much was in her sewing basket.”

  “How did you know that she kept it there?” Sam was getting suspicious knowing that Annie hadn’t told him everything.

  Glancing sidewise, Annie could make out a scowl on Sam’s face. She quickly turned her eyes foreword. The traffic was minimal at 1:00AM.

  “I must have forgotten to mention about Darla’s ‘bank’.” Annie went on to tell about going to the trailer for her dress that Darla was fixing for the dance. She asked me to get her sewing basket at the same time. I went there after my visit with Sadie. Darla knew that Victor would never look in her sewing basket for anything.”

  “You have any other tidbits you wish to share with me?” Sam was slightly annoyed.

  Pretending she didn’t notice his tone, she replied pleasantly “I think that covers it.”

  Before Sam could respond, the Twilight Motel came into view.

  Annie commented about the vacancy sign and only a few cars parked in front.

  Sam remarked on its rundown appearance. “Bet they rent rooms by the hour.”

  “Oh look, there’s Darla’s car at the end of the motel and the red Cadillac is parked next to it.”

  Not wanting to draw attention to them, Sam pulled into the empty lot at the nearby café. Turning off his headlights and engine, Sam turned to Annie.

  “I don’t want to rush this. Let’s sit here and see if there’s any activity. Darla hasn’t been here very long. If this Charlie fellow kidnapped Victor for money, he is probably mad as hell right now.”

  “You’re right Sam. I doubt that Darla had very much money. Victor must have gambled away what he had from that shady business.”

  “I’m going to call the sheriff’s office. Boulder County is out of my jurisdiction.”

  Reaching a sheriff’s deputy Glenn Young, Sam explained the situation.

  “I’m parked near the motel. You will see my gray Nissan truck in that nearby parking lot. I will be keeping watch.”

  As Sam, hung up his phone, the door to the last room opened. A big man with a shaved head came out. This had to be Charlie from Darla’s description. She also said that he walked with a limp due to an old football injury. Sam and Annie saw a couple sitting on a bed. The man was trying console the woman.

  Chapter 13

  Charlie slammed the door and took out a pack of cigarettes. He put one in his mouth and walked to the red Cadillac. He lit the cigarette and inhaled deeply. Then Charlie started pounding his fist on the hood of the car before he walked toward the office.

  “I don’t think things are going well for Charlie. Annie, you stay here, while I go over to their room. I need to check on Victor’s condition. Send the deputy over when he gets here.”

  Annie knew enough to obey Sam’s orders. She didn’t want to interfere when they were so close to succeeding. She watched Sam walk over to the room. Before going in, he stopped by the Cadillac. Annie couldn’t see what he was doing. Then he went inside. Suddenly there was motion near the truck. Annie almost screamed when a man started tapping on her window.

  “I’m Deputy Young. I got a call from a Sam Sparks who said he was the Chief of Police in Sweetwater. Where is he?”

  With a big sigh of relief, Annie rolled down her window. She quickly explained the situation.

  “I wish that he had waited.” With that, the deputy started across the parking lot to the motel room.

  Rushing into the room, Young saw a man dressed in black standing over a couple.

  “Freeze. Hands in the air.”

  Sam started to turn around when he realized he was the target of this outburst. He was trying to explain when suddenly someone grabbed him. When the sheriff’s deputy turned him around, Annie was standing in the doorway trying very hard not to laugh. A little too late, Sam realized that he did look like a hoodlum in his Spring Fling outfit.

  Annie quickly cleared up the confusion. Then she went to the Franconis. Darla was trying to wipe tears from her face. Victor even looked beaten down. He was no longer his cocky self.

  Charlie returned to the room and was surprised to see what was happening. He quietly turned around and tried to sneak out to his car.

  “You guys better get him. He is in this as deep as I am. Don’t let him go.” Victor was out for revenge. “Also, I want to press charges for assault and kidnapping.”

  The two law enforcement men went after Charlie.

  Charlie wasn’t driving anywhere in his car. Sam had taken the air out of the front tires.

  A second deputy was called and they took Victor and Charlie away.

  Darla started weeping again while she gathered up her broken sewing basket.

  “Charlie laughed at me when I came with my money. He said that was chickenfeed and he needed more.

  “I don’t know what would have happened to us if you hadn’t shown up.” With that, Darla collapsed on the worn, dirty carpet. Annie comforted Darla and helped her out to her car.

  Sam walked out with the women “You drive her car back Annie. I’ll follow you home.”

  Chapter 14

  Darla was sitting up and trying to compose herself when Annie drove into her yard. Driving Darla’s old Toyota was not Annie’s idea of fun. I don’t know how she drives this wre
ck.

  “Wait a minute Darla, while I say good night to Sam.”

  Sam didn’t bother to turn off the engine but he did get out and give Annie a big hug and several kisses.

  “This is not quite how I pictured this night would end. If you can stay out of trouble for 5 minutes, maybe we can spend more time together.”

  Annie relaxed in Sam’s arms and gently stroked his face.

  “You better get your charge to bed. Don’t you have a thank you brunch in the morning?” Sam gave her a kiss then left reluctantly.