by J. D. Shaw
He stood up from the table. “I can’t blame you for being suspicious. It happens to me frequently.” As he grabbed his hat and put it on, he looked around the store. “Do me a favor and don’t stay late tonight.”
“I was getting ready to go home right before you showed up.” She stood up and walked over to him. “I can’t take any foolish chances right now.”
“Good.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. “I’m going to have the guys keep a close watch on your house tonight, in case your attacker decides to come back.”
She kissed him on the lips. “I appreciate that.”
“Do you want a patrol to check on your mother’s home too?” He asked.
She thought for a moment. “My mother isn’t a witch.”
“Now I’m confused.”
She smiled at him. “Despite what you may have heard from the gossip mill around town, she’s just a regular mortal. I’ll explain more about it later.”
“If anything suspicious happens tonight, I want you to call. I don’t care how trivial it seems.”
“Don’t worry about that.” She fiddled his badge with her fingers. “I promise.”
He gave her another kiss and then walked to the door. “Are you ready to lock up?”
She nodded. “I just need to get my purse and we can call it a night.”
He followed her out to the back alley where she locked up the bakery for the night. It was the first time she didn’t feel weird about being near the dumpster. She pointed to the broken passenger window of her car. “They didn’t use magic to steal the grimoire.”
“I see that.” He scratched his chin. “Maybe it was just some dumb kids from town?”
“My insurance will cover the repair.” She replied as she climbed into the car. “I just have to get two estimates.” She turned the key and the engine revved.
“Just one more thing before you leave.” He knelt down to face her. “I love you too.”
“I’m never the one to say that first.” She admitted. “So you just think about what that means when you’re on patrol tonight.”
He laughed. “I’m honored.”
She pulled away and sped off for home before the darkness arrived.
Chapter 21
Vivienne was filled with new hope after she returned home for the night. The bakery was filling up with product thanks to hiring Stephanie as an assistant. She and Joshua had finally opened up with the truth about each other and they now shared something few people ever could understand. Nana Mary was off to a secret location seeking magical assistance from the elders at the conclave. Mother, having drunk the magic powder, had believed the cover story and went back to worrying about when she could expect grandchildren from her successful matchmaking venture. Her life seemed to be getting back on the right track.
As she sat down with the chicken breast she had baked for dinner, she cut up a few pieces for Tom Cat, who pawed at her legs, and turned on the television to look for something interesting to watch while she ate.
Tom Cat batted the pieces around on the floor like toys, while she flipped through the channels and stopped when she saw Mayor Richard Clarke addressing a crowd on the local news report. She turned up the volume and listened with interest.
“It is with great sadness that I address you tonight. Having spent a great deal of time with family and friends over these last painful days, I must confess that I have failed the good people of Cayuga Cove.” Richard looked terrible.
His dark hair was limp and blew awkwardly around his head as he faced the microphones from the local news crews. There were dark circles around his eyes from a lack of sleep, and his cheeks looked sunken in as if he hadn’t been eating. “After the arrest of Suzette Powell, I knew I could no longer keep this secret shame inside. I stand here before you tonight to admit that I have been involved in an ongoing affair with Ms. Powell for several months now.”
This was followed by a storm of camera flashes and a chorus of questions hurled from the gathered reporters that surrounded the Mayor. He put up his hands to shield his eyes from the flurry of light. As it died down, he straightened his tie around his neck and gripped the edges of the small podium from where he was speaking. “I have failed as your Mayor to lead this office with the dignity and grace it deserves. More importantly, I have failed as a husband to keep my vows of marriage. So I am prepared to face the consequences of my actions.”
He looked blankly into the cameras. “I am stepping down, effective immediately. The city council has appointed Victoria Clemens as acting Mayor, and I can tell you she is more than dedicated to serving the citizens of our fair town. She will assume this role for the next thirty days, after which a special election will be held if someone chooses to run against her. If not, she will serve the remainder of my term and I’m sure she will lead with the honor and integrity that my late wife so often remarked about her dear friend. Thank you all and God bless our little town.”
He gave a little wave from the podium. “And now, Madame Mayor, will you please do us the honor of addressing the people?”
Victoria Clemens stepped up to the podium looking radiant in a tan business suit with her hair pulled back into a simple bun. “The honor is mine, to serve the citizens of this wonderful town. I accept the challenge to make Cayuga Cove the destination that Mona Clarke dreamed of. It is with deep sadness that I mourn the loss of my dear friend, but I feel so blessed to honor her memory by picking up the torch she lit and carrying it to the finish line.”
There was a little cheer from the assembled crowd. Victoria put up her hands to stifle it. “My friends, I only ask that we come together as a city to make it a home we all can be proud of.” To heal the wounds of the past,” she gestured to Richard by her side, “To blaze a trail of innovation for the future.” She gestured to the city council members who were watching off to the side. “I thank each and every one of you for your faith in me to lead you there. Good night.”
Vivienne stared at the television in disbelief. She was wrong about Suzette Powell after all. Maybe it was a fatal attraction type of murder? With Richard’s confession, the case against her was definitely taking a more certain turn. She speared a piece of chicken with her fork and chewed it thoughtfully.
After washing and drying the dishes from dinner, she answered the phone when Kathy called.
“Did you watch the news tonight?”
Vivienne opened the cabinet where her dishware was stored and slid some plates on the top of the pile. “I sure did. Can you believe it?”
“I was working late at the store, so I didn’t know about it until Eunice Kilpatrick stopped in.” Kathy explained. “She knows everything.”
“Oh?” Vivienne closed the cabinet and turned the florescent light over her sink off. “I’m not surprised.”
“She told me that you were seen over on Meier Lane the other morning leaving Joshua’s duplex.” Kathy snickered. “You got caught, you naughty girl.”
“We didn’t do anything.” Vivienne clarified. “I had too much wine and feel asleep on the loveseat.”
“God, if I had a nickel for every time I used that excuse.” Kathy continued. “So things are going well?”
“We’ve certainly moved forward in our relationship, I guess you could say.”
There was a pause as Kathy tried to phrase her curiosity. “In what way would that be?”
“Well,” Vivienne paused, “we’ve both said the ‘L’ word to each other.”
“Who said it first?”
“Does it really matter?” Vivienne sauntered into the living room and plopped down on the sofa.
“As I live and breathe, Vivienne Finch let down her walls.” Kathy’s voice rose slightly with excitement. “I guess that means this is getting serious.”
“It means we’re both very happy with how things are going.” Vivienne countered. “And yes, it’s getting serious.”
“I’m so happy for you two.” Kathy replied. “The next time Nora gets
a notion to play matchmaker, will you send her my way?”
“Are you sure you really want me to do that?” Vivienne laughed. “I’ve had my fair share of duds to weed out.”
“True.” Kathy mused. “But she may be on a hot streak. Does Joshua have any handsome single brothers?”
“Let’s not start raiding the family members just yet.” Vivienne chided.
“I know.” Kathy sighed. “I’m starting to think all the eligible men in Cayuga Cove are either gay or married or both.”
“Both?” Vivienne pondered.
“Well, Eunice told me that that Suzette’s husband, Brad, swings both ways.” Kathy was all too eager to gossip. “She had heard that he went to New York with Tristan from the antique store behind Nathaniel’s back.”
“I wouldn’t put much stock in everything that Eunice says.” Vivienne added. “We’re talking about a woman who has a nativity scene at Christmas that includes three wise men and two lawn jockeys. She’s not exactly an open book on diversity.”
“Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if he has moved on to the men. After all, there are only so many women in this town.”
“He never dated me.” Vivienne was quick to reply.
“Me either.” Kathy added.
“Just don’t call me and say you’re dating Richard Clarke anytime soon.” Vivienne warned.
“Please, like I’d even consider dating that sleaze.”
“Well, they say women are attracted to men with power and money.” Vivienne reasoned. “Can you really blame Suzette for having an affair after how her husband has blatantly carried on like a drunken frat boy over the years?”
“No.” Kathy agreed. “Brad has cheated on her with so many other women I’m actually kind of glad she gave him a taste of his own medicine.”
“Well, she certainly chose a high profile man to do it with.” Vivienne swatted at Tom Cat who tried to claw the sofa arm with his paws. He dashed off with a defiant meow. “But why kill Mona?”
“Mona could have found out and told her to back off.” Kathy guessed. “Or maybe she threatened to kick her off the historic commission and the Women of Small Business Association?”
“So you go out and murder someone? That just seems like a crazy step to take.”
“Isn’t that always the case with those things?” Kathy asked. “What do they call them? Crimes of passion, right?”
“Sounds like one of those tawdry movies on television.” Vivienne put her feet up on the coffee table and leaned back.
“I’m sure the trial will be the main event to see when it starts.”
“I’ll bet Eunice Kilpatrick takes time off from the bank just to have a front seat in the courtroom.” Vivienne said with a laugh.
“Hell, I bet she’ll try to get on the jury.” Kathy laughed back. “So now we have Victoria Clemens as Mayor. Could this week possibly get any worse?”
“She’s been by Richard’s side ever since this terrible thing happened.” Vivienne replied. “She certainly seemed confident and capable addressing the crowd tonight. Maybe we misjudged her?”
“I wish I could move up the rungs of the ladder as fast as she did.” Kathy mused. “Lowly commission member one day, mayor the next.”
“Some people are just lucky like that.” Vivienne let out a yawn. “Did I tell you I hired Stephanie Bridgeman to help me out at the bakery? She’s been such a blessing.”
“Did Clara fire her?”
“No.” Vivienne smiled as she recalled her little foray into reverse psychology. “I convinced her it was the best idea.”
Kathy laughed. “Well, she certainly wasn’t a good waitress but her heart is in the right place.”
“She’s very talented.” Vivienne yawned again. “We’re shooting for opening in two days.”
“It sounds like you’re pooped.” Kathy finished up the conversation. “You better get to bed soon.”
“Good idea.” Vivienne agreed. “Keep me posted if you hear anything else from Eunice.”
“You know I will. Goodnight.” Kathy hung up.
Vivienne clapped her hands as Tom Cat appeared from the kitchen. “Are you ready for bed now?”
He cocked his head to the side and meowed.
“Let’s go.” She turned off the table lamp and headed for her bedroom.
Chapter 22
“Stephanie, can you hand me the orange frosting?” Vivienne asked as she decorated an individual cake shaped like a pumpkin.
Stephanie handed her the heavy metal bowl laden with homemade vanilla frosting. “That’s looking great.”
“Thanks.” Vivienne smoothed some more orange onto the cake and sculpted it along the ridges, adding some bumps for a little more realism.
Stephanie busied herself with creating little green fondant leaves and vines to adorn the cake with. It was going to be on the center pedestal in the front window for the grand opening. “I think it’s so clever making the raspberry-lemon cake look like a pumpkin.”
“Let’s hope the customers think so too.” Vivienne rotated the stand to examine her work. “I’m ready for some of those vines and leaves now.”
Their morning routine was working like a well-oiled machine. As the morning hours disappeared into lunchtime, they had almost filled the second display case with cupcakes and whoopie pies. All that was left for the afternoon was to bake some apple blossoms, some fruit tarts, and a few pies.
Vivienne sent Stephanie off for her lunch hour and asked her to swing by the Monarch Grocery on her way back to pick up some more apples. She brewed herself a cup of tea and settled into one of the bistro chairs as the first of her pumpkin pies baked in the ovens. She sorted through the mail that had arrived earlier, thumbing through the usual assortment of flyers from vendors and suppliers asking her to choose them for her business needs. A complimentary issue of a new fashion magazine that promised to help her find that ‘fall runway look for less’ briefly caught her interest before she put it down.
She pushed it all aside and admired her store. It was finally coming together and she felt confident enough to open for business nice and quiet tomorrow morning. No big crowds, no ribbon cutting, no fuss.
The front door opened and the bell overhead jingled. Joshua knocked on the wooden frame. “It smells amazing from out here.” He beamed. “Are you busy?”
She stood up from the table and straightened her apron. “I’m on a lunch break.” She admired the way the sunlight seemed to frame him like an aura. Dressed in a pair of khaki pants, a blue polo shirt that matched his eyes, and a pair of boat shoes worn sockless, his classic good looks never failed to dazzle her.
He held up a takeout bag from Shanghai Sunset. “So I’m just in time to bring the vegetable mei fun?”
Her eyes brightened. “You brought lunch? That’s so sweet.”
He walked it over to the table and gave her a kiss. “I figured this was a good choice.”
She opened the bag and pulled out the little white containers, some plastic forks, napkins, and some packets of soy sauce. “It’s perfect. I was in the mood for Chinese again.”
“You ever had cellophane noodles before?” He asked as he sat down to join her.
She nodded. “There’s this great little buffet out near the outlets.”
Joshua opened his box of noodles. “Never been there, but I’d like to check it out sometime.”
“You have to be careful at the outlets. Most of the time, you’re paying close to retail anyway. But sometimes, you get lucky and find a good deal.” Vivienne opened a packet of soy sauce and drizzled it over her food.
“So I figured this might be a good time for you to ask some questions.” He wrapped some noodles around his fork and slurped them into his mouth.
“I’m glad you said that.” She twirled her fork and took a small bite.
“I’m off today, so I’ve got lots of time.” He smiled.
“What led the sheriff to arrest Suzette Powell?”
“Oh? I thought you were going t
o ask questions about my condition.”
“It’s probably not the best idea here in the bakery where just anyone could walk in.” Vivienne patted her lips with her napkin.
“I’m not really at liberty to talk about the investigation.” He reminded her.
“You know I won’t tell anyone.” She pressed. “After all I’ve been through, you can at least give me one or two answers.”
He set the fork down and folded his arms across his chest. “I suppose I do owe you that much. Fire away.”
She thought for a moment. “What evidence did you have to arrest her? Richard Clarke didn’t confess about his affair until last night.”
“There was a fingernail fragment imbedded near Mona’s wrist.” Joshua kept his voice low. “When all of the commission members were brought in for questioning, Suzette Powell had a broken fingernail on one of her fingers.”
Vivienne leaned forward in her chair. “What about fingerprints?”
“None were found on the weapon or anywhere else.” Joshua shook his head. “It’s the damndest thing.”
“So how did you link the fingernail to Suzette?” Vivienne continued.
“She agreed to DNA testing and the results came back positive as a match.” Joshua shook his head. “I really didn’t expect that because she was so cooperative during the questioning.”
“I suppose the affair with Richard only made the connection more powerful.” Vivienne thought aloud. “You’re going to think I’m nuts, but I still have a hard time believing she’d resort to murder.”
Joshua took another bite of his lunch and nodded in agreement. “There’s not much we can do about it now. It’s in the hands of the lawyers from this point.”
“I suppose so.” Vivienne sounded defeated. “Maybe I’m just paranoid because of everything that’s happened to me over the past week.”
“You’re not paranoid.” Joshua reached over and took her hand in his. “You’re nothing short of amazing.”
She felt her cheeks blush. “Oh, stop.”
He brought her hand up this his lips and kissed it. “You’re probably going to be busy well into the night.”
