The Full Cup of Murder: Cozy Murder Mystery (Full Cup Mysteries Book 1)

by Ruby Jones

  “Hi Ali.” Dan sat next to me. I hugged him.

  “Now, Mr. Jones.” Linden began.

  “Detective Jones. “ Dan corrected quickly. “I may be retired but I put in years of service to earn the right to be called that.”

  “I apologize.” Linden said. He shifted a little and I could tell he felt uncomfortable. “We need a little bit of what you know so we can further this investigation.”

  Frightening History

  Dan looked at Jason and Jason shook his head.

  “Go ahead Gramps. I have Lena coming in to write a report as well.” Just then, Lena Anderson our court secretary came in. I liked Lena. She was a tall thirty-year-old single mother. Polite, sweet and very good at her job. Lena sat down. She smiled at all of us and then shook her head indicating she was ready to record.

  “Back in 1982,” Dan began, “My partner, Brooklyn Dyer and I stumbled across Justin Malanta as we stopped him for drinking and driving. He had just left your place.” He said looking at me. “When we got him out of the car to do the sobriety test, Brooklyn found 10 kilos of cocaine. Justin went through the court system and served a little bit of time but Brooklyn and I decided through our superior to investigate a little. We came to find out over the years that the Malanta family was using our fishing ports to have drugs smuggled in and brought over to Redwood. Justin had just closed out a deal. He admitted to going down to the docks, picking up the small shipment on that particular night then headed to the Full Cup to meet the supplier to pay him. We have not figured out who the supplier is nor how the Malanta family is making this work. We do think the Coast Guard has a small part in it as obviously some of the local fishermen.” I sat there in shock. I knew we had had a few drug problems but I had not even realized it was going on right under my nose in my own bar. I was upset and angry.

  “Don’t you think it would have been nice to let me know?” I asked. “I mean am I under investigation?”

  “At first,” Dan admitted “but I know your family Ali. I have known you forever. I knew but we had to check.” I was indignant. Almost angry but Jason was shaking his head gently.

  “I think you should have at least let Alison know you were investigating her place.” Jason said lightly.

  “Yes, perhaps but in the 80’s you did what you needed to do. “

  “Ok. So who are the big players?” Linden asked to get the conversation back on course.

  “Well Grand Dad Malanta is definitely the purse strings. Me and old George go back a long ways.” Dan said almost smiling. “His son Jonah and daughter Leanna are good kids. They grew up. They have families and careers. His son Riley though I have a funny feeling is the main man.” Even in our little town, we knew Riley Malanta. He ran one of the biggest dance clubs in Redwood and a few little businesses as well. He owned the biggest house and was driven around all of the time. He had a friend, Shanna Williams here in our town and she dated him from time to time so that was the connection for him in our town. Shanna ran the beauty parlor next to the bank. She was a good girl. Stayed out of trouble but mostly kept to herself. She was occasionally seen riding around with Riley but mostly could be found in her little shop just trying to make a living like the rest of us. I found it a little hard to believe Shanna was involved but I would not put past Riley to use her shop right behind her back for his activities. I began to fear for Shanna’s safety.

  “We need to formulate a sting.” Holbrook stated.

  “Definitely.” Linden agreed and he turned and looked at me. “Alison you will be the center of this sting.”

  “I am not too sure I am even happy with that.” Jason interrupted. “She has received one threatening call already.”

  “Alison will be safe. That is pretty much why I do want to do this.” Holbrook explained. “For her safety. If we put a surveillance on Alison then she will have a team of local and the FBI in her pocket per say.” I could tell my life was about to change and I am not really sure I was ok with it. Just because these people chose my bar to do their dealings. My livelihood. I have to say I was not too impressed with any of this. As I listened to the men, make a plan and basically dominate and take over my life I was growing a little angry and resentful.

  “Ok Ali.” Jason asked. “Ali?”

  “Oh oh I am sorry. I guess I was deep in thought.” I replied. They were all looking at me. “I am fine. I am just not used to people being around me all of the time.”

  “Are you dating anyone, Alison?” Holbrook asked.

  “Yes Reese Barter. He is a “transplant”. Not from around here. He really doesn’t know anyone but a few regulars at the bar and me.”

  “Well we are going to have to speak with him as well.” Linden said. “Ok, why don’t you get some rest Ali? I, Jason and Holbrook will meet you at your house later today. Please have Mr. Barter there as well.” I thanked them all. Jason and Dan stayed to chat with them. As I was leaving the building I still felt that feeling, I was being watched. I drove over to the Full Cup. The CSI team was there. I let them in showed them around and then went to my office. The phone was ringing as I came through the door.

  “Good Morning. “ I answered.

  “SO, what did you tell them,” The same man’s voice that called me this morning only this time of the business phone. I realized whoever this was did follow me to the station this morning and to here as well. I hung up the phone fast. I dialed Reese.

  “Good morning hun what is up?”

  “Reese I got my second call this morning.”

  “You got another one. On your cell?” He sounded very concerned, which made me even more a little nervous.

  “No here at work which is why I am so upset? They knew I had just left the police station.”

  “Ali, I am getting pretty concerned.” He said. I went on to tell him about my meeting with Jason, Dan, Linden and Holbrook. “You mean they are going to follow and watch you wherever you go?”

  “Yes.” I could tell he was not happy. Reese was a very private and quiet person. In truth and reality, I really knew nothing about him. I mean nothing about his past. Every time I had tried to get him to tell me some memories, he avoided the whole subject. I did not pry but it did make me wonder at times. “They want you to meet with them when they come later to the house to wire it up.”

  “Alison, I am not comfortable with this. Why are they involving me? I have nothing to do with this town at all. We have not even been together that long. I work at a school. I doubt very highly they will find me too interesting.” I kind of started to get a little upset.

  “Well you are a part of me, Reese. I am sure they just want to let you know what their plans are and you can hear it first hand from them. I imagine they may want to even make sure you are going to be ok too.” I tried to explain.

  “Alison, I have to go back to work. Lock the doors and carry your cell with you at all times.”

  “Um…ok”

  “I will be there later.” He assured me. We said our goodbyes but the whole conversation left me very unsettled. I did a few things around the bar. Cleaned a little, some paper work and finally was able to leave when the CSI crew was done. I drove back to my house. As I entered, Carl came out of my room. He wobbled over to me. As I bent down to pet him, I saw a small piece of folded paper attached to his collar. I plucked it off. All of a sudden, I felt an unbelievable chill. It read:

  Alison,

  What we do is no one’s business. Get the FBI off our tail or you will be the one to suffer.

  My whole entire body shook. How did they even get this on to Carl? I walked around my house. All of the windows were still closed and locked, as was the back door. I opened the door to my cellar and walked down but all of the windows and bulkhead door was closed and locked as well. I heard a knocking upstairs so I went up and opened my door. It was my neighbor, Bonnie Litermen.

  “Hi Bonnie.” I said a little annoyed. Bonnie liked to gossip. She came over a lot to fill me in on what was going on in the neighborhood. Came
to my bar, talked with everyone, and gossip about him or her as soon as they would leave. I never cared for Bonnie but I kept the peace, as she was a neighbor.

  “Ali. Are you ok?” She asked and she looked truly concerned so it rather gave me a red flag. “I saw a black car pull up early. They knocked on your door. A man and a woman. Then I saw them go in but did not see you open the door. Do they have a key?” I was stunned. I could not even imagine how they got a key to my door any more then figure out whom they were. “Ali are you ok?” I heard her ask as I slipped to the ground and all went black.

  When I opened my eyes, I saw Reese and Jason standing above me.

  “Sweetie?” Reese asked gently. “I think she is coming around.” They helped me sit up. I was lying on my couch. I remembered Bonnie coming over but after that, I was a little confused.

  “You passed out.” Jason told me. I saw Linden and Holbrook in my dinette with a few other men. When Jason saw me looking at them, he started to explain. “They are wiring up the house.”

  “Yes, “I finally managed to say. “ I guess it would be a good idea. Did they figure out how this couple got into my home?’

  “No. We cannot find any broken windows. None of the locks have been picked.” Linden told me as he walked in. “How are you Alison?”

  “I am ok. I just do not understand all of this. My life seemed so normal not even twenty four hours ago and then I find out for the last twenty years things were happening right under my nose!” I cried. Reese sat next to me and put his arms around me. It felt good to have him finally be with me and have him hold me. It made me feel the safest that I have felt since this all happened.

  “Ok!” Holbrook came in with another man. “Alison, this is George Motley. He is in charge of all of our surveillance programs.”

  “Hi Alison.” George said gently. “I know you are stressed out. I do these all of the time and I know that ninety percent of our clients are nervous. First, we do not have cameras in your bathrooms or bedroom although there is a camera in your bedroom but only you can turn it on and off. That is to protect your privacy. There are also bugs in every room and this does include your bedroom and bathroom. We have your business phone, your home phone and your cell phone all set up as well.” I looked over at Reese. Although he looked concerned for me, he still looked very upset about all of this surveillance.

  “Ok.” I said. They went over more things with me but I could not help but let my mind wander off. How did these people get into my home? Thank god, they did not hurt Carl. It took awhile but eventually everyone left. Reese closed the door and sat down. “What?” I asked. I saw him breathe in deep.

  “Alison, I think you are an amazing woman. I cannot believe anyone would put you through this. I lead a very quiet life style…”

  “Stop.” I said. “It is ok. Reese I do understand. You do not have to say another word or defend what you feel is best for you.” We hugged and he quietly got up and left. Carl sauntered out of the bedroom now that everyone was gone and as if on cue he knew I needed comfort, jumped in my lap, and laid on his back waiting for his belly to be rubbed as he has done when he was just a kitten. I picked up the phone and dialed Jason’s number. I told him Reese left me.

  “Are you kidding? Why?” He asked.

  “I think this is just way too much for him.” I sighed. “I certainly cannot blame him. It is for me too. I do not have the option of leaving my own life.” I said bitterly.

  “Do you want me to come over Ali?”

  “No. You have been so busy taking care of me since this all happened. You have a life of your own.”

  “Not really.” Jason’s wife, Linda, left him and took the kids about two years ago. He is seeing the kids now but not dating yet. It stung him pretty bad. Therefore, as town rumors are, I had learned he did major over time at the station. “I get off of my shift at six. I will come over.”

  “Ok.” I finally agreed. I really did not want to be alone tonight and I did not want to go to Jenna’s tonight. We said our goodbyes and hung up. I called up Jenna and rescheduled and assured I was totally fine with mine and Reese’s break up but disappointed to find he would be the type to just run when things got tough but Jenna was right. Better, he do it now then later down the road. I decided to get into the shower. When I got out, I heard my home phone ringing.

  “Hello!” I said grabbing it. I had wrapped myself in a towel but I will still dripping wet.

  “I will make this quick as I know I am being recorded.” The familiar voice said to me. “Watch your back Alison. You have gone too far now.” He hung up. A knock at my door nearly made me jump out of my skin. I looked and saw it was Jason. I looked at the clock on the wall. It was only six thirty.

  “Ali are you ok?” He asked when I opened the door. He could tell right off that I was upset. I closed the door behind him. I turned and looked at him. It was as if all of a sudden we both realized I was standing in my living room, dripping wet and wrapped in just a towel. Jason was someone that I never considered a romantic prospect. Other then the fact he was married, he is also ten years older than I am and we just never considered the fact I guess.

  “No.” I finally said. “I will go get dressed first. Can you start some coffee?”

  “Why don’t I take you out to go get something to eat?” I had not eaten today with everything going on so it made perfect sense.

  “Ok.” I agreed. I went into my bedroom. I looked into the mirror and realized I looked and felt flushed. It had to be because of everything going on. Jason and I. I just could not see it but the feelings I felt in the living room was defiantly making me wonder. I picked out my denim skirt and a white loose sweater. Boots or heels, I wondered. I threw on my high heel boots and grabbed my black pull over.

  “You look nice.” Jason smiled. I could feel myself blushing again. We got into his car and we drove to Mario’s a small local pizzeria. “Is this ok or do you want something a little better.”

  “Oh no this is fine.” I smiled. We walked in, ordered, and sat down. Jason reached across the table and grabbed my hand.

  “I listened to the recording and forwarded it to the FBI.”

  “Good but you know what. I sighed. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

  “Ok.” He smiled. We looked at each other and began to laugh. Finally, we relaxed and enjoyed our evening with a lot of old stories told. He told me a little bit about the kids. I talked to him a little bit about the restoration changes that I wanted to make at the Full Cup. We left and went back to my house. When we got to the door, I turned around.

  “Jason, do you mind staying over.”

  “Um yes of course I will.”

  “I mean you can sleep on the couch. I am just so spooked by all of this and the phone calls.” I opened my door and both of us stopped short. My house was trashed. I just stood there not even believing what I was seeing. “Oh my god!” I yelled. “Where is Carl?” I started to go towards the bedroom.

  “Wait!” Jason said as he drew his gun. “Just wait right here Alison.” He walked towards the back of the house. I thought for sure I was going to throw up I was so nervous and upset. Jason came back out, picked up his cell, and called the station to have them send out some officers on duty and to have the FBI come. I started to walk towards him. “Don’t Ali.” He called to me. I walked into the bedroom and just started screaming. Lying on the bed was Carl. Someone had killed my Carl; they put a note lying next to him. I went to reach for it when I felt Jason pulling at me. I kept hearing screaming and realized it was me. Jason put his arms around me and held me. In minutes, it felt like officers and the FBI once again invaded my house.

  “They killed my cat,” I kept crying repeatedly.

  “Alison, we have to get you to a safe place.” Linden was saying.

  “I will take her to my house.” Jason told them.

  “This is getting very serious now.”

  “Well what have you found out?” I asked. I was very upset and I know my voice had
gone almost to a shrill pitch but I had had enough. Jason had some of my stuff packed and he guided me to his car. When we got to his house and we settled on the couch he updated me on everything Holbrook and Linden told him.

  “The Malanta family is very much involved with this Alison. We believe as well that Reese may have a part of this too.” I looked at him.

  “Are you kidding? No way. Just because he didn’t want to be directly involved with me Jason, does not mean he is involved.” I was very upset.

  “I called Linden when you told me Reese had left. They put a tail on him sweetheart. He went and directly met with Riley Malanta.” I could not believe what I was hearing.

  “No. No way.”

  “I know. I don’t believe it either.”

  “Well he may be involved but I doubt very highly that he is involved with trying to scare me. I mean it just does not make sense. He loved Carl. I cannot even imagine him even wanting to hurt him. None of this makes sense!” I leaned over and Jason put his arms around me. I sobbed on his chest. I just could not believe everything that was happening around me. All within forty-eight hours. I felt Jason’s arms tighten around me. When I looked up his lips where right near mine and I felt him gently kiss me. I responded and I was amazed how comforting it was. We started to kiss more passionately. I knew I wanted him. I was surprised out how strong the feeling was. I allowed his hands to travel all over my body. All of a sudden, I just wanted to forget everything and it was as if Jason felt that. He picked me up and carried me into the bedroom. As he removed his own clothing, he gazed down at me with so much desire I could feel myself blushing in the darkness. He came to me and he unclothed me and did not leave one part of my body untouched with his lips, his hands. After we lay spent in each other’s arms. It was amazing out of all that was going on around us we found this needing and wanting for each other. We fell asleep and I actually slept better than I had had in a long time.

  I woke up to the smell of coffee and I could hear Jason moving around in the kitchen. I laid there looking up at the ceiling wondering if we did the right thing. I guess it really did not matter. We were both single. Jason emerged in the doorway with a cup of coffee.