Welcome to Sweetwater (Annie Parker Mystery Shorts Box Set)

by A. J. Bromley

  “Let’s eat and then make plans for this afternoon. I brought lunch so we won’t even have to cook.” Annie started taking some ham and cheese sandwiches from her cooler. Pasta salad and iced tea completed the meal.

  There was a knock at the back door while they were eating.

  “Hello, it’s me, Miss Olive, checking to see if everything is okay.”

  Taylor looked at Annie with a smile while getting up to let in her landlady.

  In the doorway stood a short round person with a big smile on her face.

  “Miss Olive, come in and meet my aunt. We are having lunch. Can I get you a sandwich?” Taylor started to set a place for her.

  “Oh my no, Taylor. I don’t want to intrude. I’ll have a glass of iced tea though. It is quite warm today.” The woman had beads of perspiration on her forehead. “I’ve been out weeding my flower bed.”

  “Miss Olive, I’m Annie Parker, Taylor’s aunt. I’m happy to meet you.” Annie stood to greet her. “What a beautiful home you have.”

  “I have always loved living here. Now I am content with my small apartment in the back.” Miss Olive wiped her face with a flowery colored handkerchief, sat down and drank some tea.

  “I have the worst news to tell you. Someone killed Jane this morning. We found her in the shop.” Taylor was trying not to cry.

  “Goodness, what is this world coming to?” After she added extra sugar to her tea, Miss Olive went on, “What a dreadful thing for you, Taylor. I know you have enjoyed working for her. Do the police have any idea who did it?”

  “I don’t think so.” Annie liked this woman. Taylor had made a good choice. “I didn’t like Officer Weber but he seemed to know what he was doing.”

  “Stan Weber? I thought he retired ages ago.” Miss Olive sighed as she took a sip of her drink and wiped her forehead again.

  “You must know a lot of the residents here.” Annie took a bite of her ham and cheese sandwich. Breakfast was hours ago and she was hungry.

  “I have lived here a long time. What I really enjoy are the young people. I’m tired of listening to the old folks talk about their aches and pains. Well, let me go home. You two have enough to do without me in the way.” Miss Olive glanced around at all the boxes waiting to be unpacked.

  Taylor quickly told Miss Olive about the friends coming in the morning. “They are going to help us find Jane’s killer.”

  “You be careful, Taylor. I don’t want anything happening to you.”

  Chapter 3

  The afternoon went quickly. Taylor and Annie finished washing and putting everything away. What an eclectic display. Some practical items and some were dust collectors.

  In an effort to lighten the mood, Annie asked Taylor about her love life.

  Taylor blushed slightly. “Nothing serious; I have had a few dates. You know pizza and a movie. I’m too busy to spend time dating.

  “Did you date a lot when you were in school?” Taylor knew her aunt had gone away to college but didn’t know any of the details.

  “That was eons ago but yes, I did have a special man in my life. We started dating in our senior year. Brad was from San Francisco and his family had money. We went together for four years. After graduation, I went to culinary school, while he went on to study law.

  “When Brad graduated from law school, his parents informed him that his ‘playing around days’ were over. He left me to marry Penelope Wentworth. She was a socialite and could help Brad’s career. I know that things are working out better for me now that I have met Sam.” Annie had to smile to herself just thinking about him.

  “Brad sure sounds like a loser.” Taylor was feeling better when Annie mentioned Sam. She had always liked him.

  After making a shopping list, they headed to the grocery store. They got salads and sliced meat from a great deli. “That should do us for lunches. This pizza will be a quick meal for us tonight. Later I’ll come up with a dinner plan for tomorrow.”

  It was 10:00PM when Annie and Taylor finally said good night. Taylor had texted her roommates yesterday about buying dishes. Now she had to tell them about Jane.

  Annie needed to call Sam. She knew he would be waiting to hear from her. He is going to be upset about the murder.

  She picked up her cell and dialed her sweetheart. “Hi, Sam, I’m calling to say good night.” She had known Sam since he came to town seven years ago. Their friendship was developing into a serious relationship.

  Sam was so happy to hear from her. The day had been very lonely, knowing that Annie was away. “Are you two having fun?”

  After a moment of silence, Annie replied. “Well Sam, it has not been quite the vacation that I was hoping to have.”

  Annie sounded different to Sam. She was usually very upbeat. “What’s happening, Annie?” Sam asked hesitantly. He could hear her start to cry. What was going on?

  “Okay Sam.” Annie tried to stop crying to tell him. “Taylor’s boss was murdered this morning. We found her in her shop.”

  “Are Taylor and you okay?” His voice was broken up with the emotion.

  “The police are looking into it. Now don’t get upset Sam, but I have asked the posse to help. Kate, Molly and Polly will be here in the morning.” Annie was waiting for an explosion from Sam.

  “I never thought I would say this but I’m glad you called them. I feel better knowing that your friends will be around you. My sympathies go to the Boulder Police Department. They have no idea what they’re up against with you and your posse.”

  Annie suppressed a laugh while she went to relax on the bed. She had been nervously pacing around the room. Sam sighed when he heard her laugh. He had gotten the right response.

  “You must be tired Annie. Go to bed. I want you to know that I love you.” The last words were like a soft caress to Annie.

  “Night Sam. I love you too.” She ended the call. She was suddenly feeling better. Sam had a way of always lifting her spirits.

  Chapter 4

  Annie woke up to the sound of Taylor working in the kitchen. She yawned and stretched; this would be another hectic day. Then she smiled realizing the posse would be here to share the burden. After a quick shower, she dressed in light blue cotton pants and a print top then headed to the kitchen.

  “They’re here!” Annie thought that Taylor’s happy shout would wake up anyone living in the area. Taylor was wearing faded jeans and a tangerine colored tank top. With her long auburn hair in a ponytail and no makeup, she looked about 15 years old.

  All three women came in smiling and laughing good-naturedly. Taylor greeted them at the door and gave each one a hug.

  “Come in. I’m so happy you all are here. I’ve made coffee and warmed up blueberry muffins. Did you eat breakfast yet?” Taylor started taking cups and small plates from the cabinet. She had bought a collection of Fiestaware. She loved the colors. There were orange cups, green saucers and yellow plates.

  Kate spoke up first. “I did have a quick breakfast, but I won’t pass up a cup of coffee and a muffin. What a cute place you have Taylor.”

  Molly and Polly both took their coffee over to the table. “We saw some dishes like this at Silvia’s Second Chance shop last week. Polly and I couldn’t decide if we wanted to buy them.”

  “I bought these at Second Chance on Saturday. We have had a few of these at Jane’s but they sold quickly.” Taylor was pleased with her purchases.

  “We won’t have to worry about buying any dishes from Silvia.” Molly was laughing as she reached for a muffin. “Taylor, you were smart to grab these. They’re collectables.”

  Taylor was timid as she suggested that Molly and Polly help her with the inventory at the shop. “Officer Smith asked me to see if anything was missing. It is all on the computer and I know how great you both are with research.”

  Polly readily agreed that it sounded like a good plan.

  Annie was amused at how well Taylor got along with the group.

  “That leaves Kate and me to look up Matthew. Taylor
do you have his address?” Annie poured herself a much-needed cup of coffee and joined the others at the kitchen table. Taylor had placed a royal blue runner with yellow trim in the center along with a few knickknacks.

  “Matthew lives with his parents on the other side of town. They have a carpet cleaning business. I think he works there sometimes. I know he was terribly upset when he got caught stealing, but I don’t think he would kill Jane.”

  Taylor looked up Pickett Carpet Cleaning on her phone. She copied the address and phone number on a slip of paper, and handed it to her aunt.

  Annie gave the posse a complete rundown on yesterday’s events. Then she gave a tentative plan for today. “After you do inventory, maybe research Jane and her nephew. Jane’s sister lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming. You may want to check on her also. Taylor, since you have a computer you can all come back here for this work. I’m sure you don’t want to stay at the shop after completing the inventory.”

  “Aunt Annie, don’t forget about the shop owners meeting tonight.”

  “That’s right. Bea left a message on my phone. The meeting is set for 7:30PM at her shop. We can go over today’s information this afternoon.”

  Taylor was blushing when she commented. “We need to go by the police station for the keys to the shop. Officer Smith should have them.”

  Kate couldn’t help grinning when she asked, “Taylor, what does this Officer Smith look like?”

  Still with a pink tinge to her face, Taylor stammered. “Oh he’s young with red hair, freckles and a cute smile. He asked me to call him Alex.”

  The group looked at each other and enjoyed a good laugh.

  Molly tried to ease Taylor’s embarrassment. “Sounds like he is someone you should get to know. Good men are hard to find.”

  Before leaving on their assignment, Taylor showed the posse their bedrooms. Miss Olive had decorated the bedrooms in soft colors with bright accents. The furniture was solid maple in very good condition. Since she only rented to females, she had gone a bit wild with frilly curtains and cross-stitch samplers on the walls.

  Taylor showed Molly and Polly the pink room. Kate would share the blue room with Annie. The third room was more for storage with only a sofa bed that Taylor was using. The sunflower yellow was cheerful. The roommates agreed that this was the perfect house even though it had only one bathroom upstairs. Miss Olive had added a half bath downstairs.

  They put away their bags and hung up their clothes. If it weren’t for having to solve the murder, this would have been a blast. They were all good friends.

  Chapter 5

  Annie and Kate left with the directions to the carpet-cleaning place. Kate drove while Annie watched the street signs. After a couple of wrong turns, they found a small but well maintained business near the mall.

  A pleasant older woman greeted them. She got out a form and waited for them to place an order.

  “We would like to speak with Matthew Pickett.” Annie thought that this woman probably was his mother.

  The woman lost her smile and warm manner. “What’s this all about? I’m his mother.” She tossed her order pad into the drawer.

  Annie regretted putting the woman on the defensive but there wasn’t a lot of time to waste.

  “Have you heard that an old employer of Matthew’s was murdered yesterday? We just want to talk to your son.” Annie wondered how the police questioned people daily. This wasn’t easy. This woman was only trying to protect him.

  “Matthew is helping his father in the back of the shop. I will get him for you.” She made a hasty retreat into the back, leaving the two women.

  Kate and Annie looked at each other. Kate whispered, “That went well.”

  Annie nodded while watching the door to the back. She hoped that this young man wouldn’t try to sneak away.

  The door flew open as a man in his twenties came through. He had a scowl on his face and his cold black eyes glared at them. Tall and wiry he placed his muscular arms across his upper body. “What’s this all about? The police found me yesterday and I went over everything with them.”

  “We’re sorry if we have upset you, Matthew. I’m Annie Parker, Taylor’s aunt. My friends and I are trying to find out who killed Jane Rogers. We are checking out former employees.”

  He uncrossed his arms, placed his hands on the counter, and leaned towards them. “You are checking on me because I took a few little items from the shop. It was a mistake and I’m paying for it. Working here is not my idea of fun. When I save enough money, I’m leaving for Alaska.

  “I suppose you want to know where I was yesterday morning. My dad and I were cleaning carpets at an old hotel. I told all of this to the police.” Matthew slowly straightened up and said, “Now are you satisfied?”

  Annie was feeling guilty for bothering this troubled boy. Obviously, he was unhappy here without being harassed. She wanted to console him but didn’t think he would appreciate any show of kindness.

  “Matthew I’m sorry we bothered you. We’ll be on our way.” Annie hoped that this young man made it to Alaska.

  He turned to leave. Before going through the door, he called over his shoulder. “Tell Taylor ‘Hi’ for me. I think she convinced Mrs. Rogers not to call the police. I’m grateful.”

  “Kate, I think we can cross him off our list of suspects.” The two women left the shop quietly. Kate started her vehicle and drove out of the parking lot.

  “Why don’t we stop in that cute little café we passed when I made a wrong turn?” Kate was happy to be leaving.

  “Good idea. My caffeine level is low. I’m sorry that we upset that man. Our job is finding and eliminating suspects. Right?” Annie breathed a sigh of relief.

  “At least he doesn’t have any police record. He seemed to realize how lucky he is.” Kate slowed down as they reached the Sunny Café.

  They sat drinking their coffee, happy to be finished with Matthew. Annie ate a sweet roll but was disappointed. “I like to try new places to see how my baked goods compare. You only ordered coffee, Kate.”

  “I’m trying to lose weight. During the summer, I’m not as active. I miss being busy with my after school group. I did have a muffin at Taylor’s.” Kate was only 5ft 4 in and maybe 20 pounds overweight. People were attracted to her bubbly personality.

  “You need a new outlet. Are you still thinking about opening up a vintage clothing shop?” Annie remembered how excited Kate had been when she found a possible business partner. Darla Franconi wanted to expand her sewing business.

  Darla had moved to Sweetwater with her husband, Victor, over a year ago. Now he was in prison in Nevada for a scamming operation. Darla was trying to keep busy while he served his 5-year sentence; for some strange reason she still loved the guy.

  “We have gotten together a few times to make plans. Polly is going to help with setting up a business. There is an empty building in town that looks promising.” Kate couldn’t help smiling.

  “Keep working at it. Your face lights up when you’re talking about this new venture. It would make the time pass quicker when Mac is away.”

  Kate didn’t comment on this, she only motioned to the waitress for a refill on their coffee. Kate knew that her marriage had been in trouble for quite some time. She and Mac no longer shared a life together. Even when he was home, they were like strangers.

  After drinking their second cup of coffee, they were ready to head back. Annie was anxious to hear what the rest of the posse had found.

  “I need to make a stop at the store. Yesterday was so hectic, that I couldn’t decide what to have for dinner tonight.” Giving Kate directions, Annie took a small pad out of her purse and jotted down a few items.

  Chapter 6

  Taylor and the twins left on their mission after Annie and Kate had gone. Her parents had gotten her a year old SUV when she started college. It was good for traveling back and forth to Oakley, Kansas, Taylor’s hometown. Many of the kids at school kept their vehicles smelling like fast food nightmares with f
ood wrappers on the floor and soda cans rolling around. But Taylor took pride in her SUV and was always washing it.

  “Taylor, you do know your way around Boulder.” Molly was content to have Taylor drive. She and her sister preferred walking whenever possible.

  “I did have to look up the location of the Police Department. It’s only four blocks away, toward the center of town. I hope Alex is there. I don’t want to talk to his partner. He tried to give Aunt Annie a hard time. She stood her ground and was very polite while she did it.”