Welcome to Sweetwater (Annie Parker Mystery Shorts Box Set)

by A. J. Bromley

  After a moment of silence, people started talking amongst themselves.

  Annie went to the front where Bea was sitting. “How do you think it went?”

  Bea looked up at Annie and then stood up. Even then, she had to look up at this woman. Bea was short and stocky and was always having to look up at others. “There’s really not much we can do but watch out for each other.”

  Taylor walked around the room and listened to bits of conversation. When she saw her aunt and Bea together, she noticed the brooch that Bea was wearing. She had seen it from a distance but on closer inspection there was something vaguely familiar about it. Stepping behind Kate and Brian she discreetly took a picture of the brooch with her cell.

  Molly was enjoying a pleasant conversation with Paul, owner of Between the Covers. Taylor went to join them. “Taylor did you know that Paul has a large travel section? I’ve been telling him about Polly and my trips. If there’s time tomorrow, I’m coming back here to the bookstore. Thanks Paul.”

  Paul smiling as he spoke to Taylor. “Did Jane find those books I sold her to be helpful?”

  “What books were those?” Taylor didn’t have a clue.

  “A month ago Jane asked me for books on authenticating jewelry. I know that she normally didn’t deal with antique jewelry anymore, but she seemed to have a special interest.”

  “All this is news to me. I wonder what she was researching. How do you think it went tonight?” Taylor was beginning to have many unanswered questions.

  “Bea is quite something, after what she has been through. Thankfully, she wasn’t in her shop early this morning. Of course we all are nervous and on edge. Someone was out to get Jane. From what I heard, nothing was missing. I know there are many valuable antiques in the shop. I’m also concerned about the break-in here.”

  “Thank you for your time, Paul. I see my aunt is heading for front the door. I’m going to look for those books.” Taylor glanced around hoping to get a closer look at the brooch Bea was wearing. She was at the back of the room in deep conversation with Brian, so Taylor gave up that idea and joined her aunt and friends.

  “Is everyone ready to leave?” Annie looked at the four women as they gathered by the front door. “Let’s go. It’s been a long day.”

  Back at Taylor’s everyone gathered around the table drinking tea and eating the moist rich chocolate cake. After a big sigh, Annie asked, “Did anyone learn anything helpful tonight?”

  “Brian told me that Jane always came early and would stop in for a coffee to go. He doesn’t remember seeing her Monday morning.” After Kate reported this, she decided to take a small slice of cake. It was hard to resist.

  “I didn’t see any coffee in the shop.” Taylor knew that Jane had a cup of coffee with Brain’s logo setting on her desk each morning.

  “Maybe she was meeting someone at her shop. She came in early and left the front door unlocked for them.” Molly liked solving puzzles.

  “Aunt Annie, did you notice the brooch that Bea was wearing?” Taylor took out her cell phone and showed the picture to the posse.

  “I sure did. It is a beautiful piece. Why did you take a picture of it Taylor?” Annie was curious.

  “It looks familiar. I know I have seen it before. Bea was standing next to you, Aunt Annie. I don’t think she caught me taking a picture.”

  “Oh I don’t think so. She was too wound up about the meeting.”

  “Paul told me something interesting. Jane had asked him for some books on authenticating jewelry. I’m going to look tomorrow in the shop. Hopefully Jane left notes with the books.”

  Polly was the next to speak up. “I had a pleasant chat with Sherri but she wasn’t very helpful. She told me about a good conditioner for my hair. That’s about all the information she had. Sherri said her customers had several ideas about the murder but nothing worth reporting.”

  Molly didn’t think Paul had any clues. “He felt that it seemed more personal but now with the break-in at Bea’s, he wasn’t so sure.”

  “That covers everyone on our list for tonight.” Annie went on to say, “I have to check on things at the café tomorrow morning. I’ll be leaving early but I should be back for lunch.”

  “Susanne said she would arrive in the morning. I gave her directions to here. We’ll go to the police station and then to the shop.” Taylor was hoping to see Alex again.

  “Kate, why don’t you and I have a quick computer lesson while I look up the police records on robberies?” Polly enjoyed teaching and Kate was eager to learn.

  “Oh Polly, I forgot that we were going to do that. What fun?” Kate was smiling as she looked at her friends.

  A short while later the posse was ready for bed. It had been a long day and tomorrow was going to be busy too.

  Annie made her nightly call to Sam, making a coffee date for the morning. “I will explain everything Sam and then I need to get back here.”

  Chapter 9

  Everyone was up early the next morning. Annie got ready to go back to Sweetwater. She was looking forward to seeing Sam. It had only been two days but it seemed longer. She felt comfortable leaving the posse.

  “Before you go running off Annie, I want to report that Kate and I couldn’t find any reports of robberies in the last two months in the area of the shop. Now the mall has had a few problems with teenagers shoplifting during store hours. That doesn’t feel like what is happening here.”

  “I think you are right, Polly, thanks for checking it out. Well I’m on my way. Taylor, call me if there’s any problem. I will be back by lunchtime.” Grabbing her purse and keys, Annie left.

  When Susanne showed up at 9:00AM, she was driving an older well-maintained Ford truck. She looked like a tan, athletic version of Jane.

  Taylor greeted her at the door. “Susanne, I’m Taylor. Please come in.”

  “Hi, Taylor.”

  “I want you to meet my friends. They’re here to help solve this crime. We are all so sorry about your sister. Jane was a special person and did not deserve to be killed.”

  “I can’t image how anyone could do this. I’m anxious to see the shop and check Jane’s computer.”

  “We are all going there this morning. I’m looking for books that Jane ordered from the bookstore. The owner told me that she wanted information on antique jewelry.”

  “I have been working on moving down here to help Jane. I only wish I had come sooner. She sounded troubled when I talked to her last week but she didn’t tell me what was bothering her.”

  “She never mentioned anything to me.” Taylor felt that she might have missed something. “Susanne, I’m going to take you to the police station. They wanted to see you when you arrived.” Turning to the other women, Taylor continued to say, “Why don’t I call when we are headed to the shop, okay?”

  “Sounds good, Taylor. Molly and I are going the bookstore to look at Paul’s travel section. Then we’re stopping in to see Sherri for conditioner.” Polly patted her already neat hair.

  “Kate, do you remember how to get to the shop?” Taylor felt responsible for the group while her aunt was away.

  “I think between the three of us we will find it.” Kate was amused how Taylor took charge when Annie was gone.

  Taylor and Susanne left, giving Kate the house key. “I’ll drive, Susanne. It will give you a break.”

  As they turned into the police station, Taylor saw Alex leaving. “Oh darn, I was hoping he would be talking to you.”

  “Sounds like you know him.” Susanne liked this friendly young woman.

  “We have become friends during the investigation. The other officer is old and cranky.” Taylor was making a sour face causing Susanne to chuckle.

  As they were getting out of the SUV, Alex approached them. “I was going to the courthouse to file some reports, but it can wait. You must be Mrs. Stevens. I’ll come back in and get the information we need.”

  With a smile Alex, spoke to Taylor, “Why don’t you wait in the lobby. We won’t
be long.”

  Susanne and Alex returned 20 minutes later. “Let me know if you find out anything new. I understand there was a meeting of the shop owners last night. I’m glad they’re being proactive. I know about the possible robbery at one of the other shops. I hope that you are all being extra cautious.”

  After saying goodbye, the women left the station. Taylor phoned Kate. She and the twins were at the coffee shop visiting with Brian.

  Susanne started talking about her son, Rick, while they walked to the vehicle. “Officer Smith said that he had an argument with Jane on Friday. The police questioned him about his whereabouts on Monday. I’m shocked to hear about this.”

  “Rick wanted to borrow money to start a business. Jane refused and he got angry.” Taylor felt guilty about adding to Susanne’s grief.

  “I wish that he had called me for help. I would have tried to do something. Oh well, it’s too late now. I’ll give him a call when we get things done here.”

  When they arrived at the shop, Taylor handed the keys to Susanne. She was happy to give up the responsibility. “It won’t be the same without Jane.” Susanne unlocked the door and the two women went in.

  “Oh my, this place is so sad. Let’s get the lights turned on.” Susanne knew she couldn’t spare the time to grieve. “I’m planning to reopen the shop in the near future. It was always in the plans for the Jane and me to work together.”

  The first thing to catch Susanne’s attention was the carousel horse. “What a beautiful piece. Jane told me about buying this. It is lovely.” She gently touched the horse’s nose.

  “It is my favorite in the whole shop. I named him Jelly Bean.” Susanne noticed how Taylor’s brown eyes were soft and warm as she looked at the horse.

  “Jelly Bean?”

  “Yeah. Jelly Bean. Cute, don’t you think?” Taylor was smiling at Susanne’s odd expression.

  Taylor left the front door unlocked and then she and Susanne went to the office. “I know Kate and the twins will be here shortly.”

  “I printed out copies of the inventory yesterday. The police had me check to see if anything was missing. Molly and I went through the whole shop and everything was here. It doesn’t look like a burglary gone wrong.” Taylor was looking at all the books neatly stored on the shelves.

  “Maybe Jane put those books in her desk. Let me look.” Susanne started pulling out drawers and searching through them. The bottom drawer was jammed. Giving it an extra hard yank, the drawer suddenly gave way. Books were at all different angles, which had caused the problem.

  “Look what we have here.” Susanne pulled out the books along with a small notepad.

  “Taylor, I think this is what you are looking for.”

  Taylor grabbed an extra chair and started looking through the books and Jane’s notes. It wasn’t long before the front door opened.

  “I am here.” It was Kate’s voice. “Molly and Polly went to the bookstore.”

  “Come on back to the office, Kate. You’re in time to help with part of the mystery.”

  Taylor was happy to have another friend to share in the work.

  The three books were all about antique jewelry. One dealt with proving the authenticity of antique jewelry. It looked complicated, though probably not to an experienced person like Jane.

  “This notebook shows where Jane has marked certain pages in the books.” Taylor started to take one and check it out. “Oh look here. There’s a note about Bea and her jewelry. She’s written the words fake several times.” Taylor’s excitement was growing.

  “Let me shed some light on this for both of you. Years ago, Jane and Bea were partners at this shop. Bea was new to the business and was mostly interested in the antique jewelry. Four years ago, Jane bought out Bea’s portion. They had different ideas about how to run a business. Bea was out to make a quick buck and didn’t have good business ethics. The place across the street was vacant and Bea moved in there. Their relationship never improved after that. Jane did agree to let Bea handle the antique jewelry.”

  Taylor suddenly remembered the brooch that Bea wore last night. Taking her cell, she found the picture and showed it to Susanne. “I feel like I have seen this before.”

  “Of course you have Taylor. I gave that piece to Jane two years ago for her birthday. She said that it was her favorite. Where did you get this?” Tears were forming as Susanne thought about how pleased Jane had been with the gift.

  Taylor gasped. “Bea was wearing it last night. I took a picture while she was standing next to Aunt Annie. I wonder how she got it.”

  The three women were silent all with their own thoughts.

  Chapter 10

  “Listen to this theory.” Kate and Susanne listened anxiously while Taylor spoke.

  “I think that Jane discovered that Bea with selling fake jewelry. Maybe she was going to report this to the Better Business Bureau. That would ruin Bea’s credibility.”

  “You may be on to something Taylor. Now what should we do?” Susanne was hopeful that this was going to give them some answers.

  Kate spoke up. “I saw some very nice pieces of jewelry last night. Most of the displays were covered but I think I’ll go over now and see what’s there. Mac forgot our anniversary and I need to do something about it.” Kate had a devilish grin on her face.

  “Do you feel safe going in there?” Taylor didn’t want anything to happen. She wished that her aunt were here.

  “There are plenty of people in the shops now. I’ll tell Bea about being at the meeting last night and wanted to come back to buy a pretty piece of jewelry.”

  “Don’t ask her about the brooch she wore last night. We need to take that information to the police.” Taylor hated to send her off alone but Bea might get suspicious if more of the posse showed up.

  “Let me neaten up my hair first.” Kate tried to put some order to her thick red tresses. “Will I know if it’s fake or real?”

  “I really doubt that she has any authentic pieces. She must have someone making the jewelry from the originals. Do you have enough money?” Susanne was reluctant to put her in harm’s way.

  “Oh I’ll charge it. Then Mac can see how generous he was with his gift.” Kate gave a little giggle. “She must be open now. I’m on my way to see what I can buy.”

  Taylor and Susanne sat down and waited. Taylor texted Annie with a few details and hoped she would be back soon.

  Kate entered Bea’s shop. Two customers were at the sales rack of summer dresses. Bea went to greet Kate. “Can I help you? We’re slowly getting back to normal after the tragic event yesterday.”

  “I came back to look at your antique jewelry. I only got a peek last night before the meeting got started. My husband forgot our anniversary and I know he would want me to buy something special, don’t you think?” Kate gave a little laugh and waited to see if this ruse was going to work.

  Bea was all excited and very gracious. “Let me show you my special pieces. I keep them locked up back here. I’m happy to say that this cabinet didn’t get broken into.”

  Bea showed Kate some very impressive pieces. Kate took her time examining each piece. “I hate to admit it but I don’t know very much about old pieces but this one is so beautiful.” She had picked out a bracelet that had precious looking stones and very detailed silver work.

  “You have a good eye for quality. That piece is $500.” Bea enjoyed this customer. The woman didn’t appear very knowledgeable. “This bracelet came from an estate sale out of Texas. It belonged to the wife of an old time oil tycoon.”

  “It is perfect. My husband is not likely to forget another anniversary.” Kate didn’t have to pretend excitement. It was real. Handing over her credit card, she took the time to look around the shop.

  “Can I show you anything else?” Bea was seeing dollar signs.

  “Maybe another day, thank you. I’m excited about my purchase.” Bea had put her bracelet in a small silver colored box and tied it with a pale blue bow. She then put it in a co
lorful bag along with the receipt.

  Kate could hardly keep from running out of the shop. A short time later she was showing Taylor and Susanne her purchase. “I don’t think she suspects anything. She was so happy to make a sale.”

  “Kate, I want to take this to an expert who Jane used all the time. He should be able to give us an answer.” Susanne was encouraged with this new development.

  “Okay by me Susanne. I don’t think I’d ever wear something that style. It’s not me.”