by Lynn Cahoon
“Are you writing?” I guessed.
“Exactly. People are so nosy. I even had someone read through some draft scenes I’d printed out.”
“Wow. Did you catch them?” Mary was a big Nathan Pike fan. “I’m sure reading a new story is a big temptation for your biggest fans.”
“No. I guess it’s just the price you pay for writing in a public place. Although I hope you don’t post that I’m here.” He handed over a credit card for the coffee.
“I wouldn’t do that.” Although, I would have, if I’d thought about it. Now I’d just have to deal with someone being around all morning. Or just get used to reading while someone was working across the room. I ran the card and handed him a receipt to sign. Then I filled a large ceramic cup and pointed to the edge of the counter. “Here’s your coffee. Free refills are over at the end of the counter. I’ll be around if you need something else.”
“No problem. I’ll be lost in the pages most of the morning.”
He didn’t know it, but that was my plan too. At least it was until Aunt Jackie showed up right at nine. She came through the back door, and I was so deep into the latest Heather Graham Krew of Hunters book that I didn’t hear her until she stood in front of the couch.
“You look busy.”
I jumped and tried to tuck the book under the couch cushion. “Aunt Jackie, I was just…”
She waved my excuse away. “That old trick didn’t work when you were in high school and read all those Victoria Holt books. Why would it now?”
I waited as she joined me on the couch. “Fine, you caught me. But the shop’s been slow.”
“Which would have been a perfect time for you to study. Finals are coming up you know.” She moved the book to the coffee table. “I read the advanced reader copy for this one. I really liked it.”
“Who are you and where is my aunt?” As far as I knew, Aunt Jackie hadn’t read a romance for years.
“I like to mix it up a little. Besides, I liked the cover.” She shrugged. “I didn’t come down to make you feel guilty about not working during your shift.”
I waited for the but. There was always a but with statements like that. Like I didn’t want to tell you that you were fired before Christmas but… Or I didn’t want to break up with you until after our first date anniversary, but…
When I didn’t say anything, my aunt continued. “I am concerned about our hiring practices. Maybe this time, we should hire someone who isn’t friends with anyone we know or isn’t related to someone who works here.”
“Like me and you?” I thought her worry about nepotism was somewhat ironic, since my aunt had been my first employee. Besides, as soon as she started, she’d hired Toby. “The Toby and Sasha thing happened after we hired her. They weren’t dating when she first started.”
“I know, but maybe we could hire someone who was already married or not interested in finding a man.”
“That eliminates a whole lot of people. Toby is pretty charismatic. I bet a woman would consider chucking her life and leaving her family if he asked them to go with him.”
Aunt Jackie studied me. “Are you trying to tell me something? Do not tell me you’re breaking up with Greg.”
“What? No. Of course not, but you’ve seen Toby’s effect on women. He’s a natural chick magnet.”
My aunt sighed. “Then don’t hire any ‘chicks.’” She made air quotes. “Look, I know we can’t foresee the future, but we don’t have to put a mouse in the same cage as a cat.”
“Right now, I’m looking for a warm body to hire. We only have two weeks and we were already stretched with Sasha’s minimalist schedule.” I held up two fingers in a salute. “I promise to hire someone with no familiar ties to anyone we know or who work here. Unless of course we get an excellent referral from our current staff. Does that work?”
“As long as you realize I’m not comfortable with hiring referrals. I know the business books say it’s the best way to get quality employees. It just feels wrong.” She pulled a folded slip of paper out of her purse, which now sat on her lap. “Here’s a list of all the things I need you to follow up on or do tomorrow. Are you going to be okay with opening and handling all this running around?”
“We kind of need me to be.” I stated the obvious.
A shadow fell over the couch. I looked up and Nathan stood nearby, his laptop packed away into his tote.
“Miss Jackie, I thought I heard your voice. What are you doing here in the shop? I thought you worked nights.” His voice was warm like melted caramel.
My aunt brightened at his comment. “I’m just having a quick meeting with my niece. What have you been doing? Writing?”
“It was a good writing session. I love days like this where the story just about tells itself. Thank God it can’t and the world still needs storytellers like me to keep the line between good and evil.” He looked down at me. “Thank you for your warm welcome today. I might come back later this week. Tomorrow, I’m doing a ride along with the younger deputy. Greg suggested I might benefit from visiting with different staff member so I get the whole picture.”
And, I thought, that way, Greg didn’t have to let him into his murder investigation. The guy would be bothering his staff, not him.
“Come by anytime. And of course, we’ll see you on Friday for the book club meeting. They’re so excited about your visit.” My aunt almost purred her response.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I just hope Greg gets this whole murder thing wrapped up so we can get back to me riding shotgun with him. I see us like those old westerns. Maybe Jesse and Frank James. Ready to chase the bad guys.” Nathan adjusted his man purse tote strap on his shoulder.
I wanted to tell him that the James brothers had been the bad guys so honestly his metaphor didn’t work, but my aunt nudged me, anticipating my response. I turned her way, gave her my best “quit it” stare, and then turned back to Nathan. “You and me both.”
Toby hurried in as Nathan was leaving. “Sorry I’m late,” he called from the back of the coffee bar. Aunt Jackie pointedly checked the clock. He was almost thirty minutes late.
“I’ll handle this,” I said quietly. I walked over to the coffee bar and watched as Toby switched his persona from South Cove police deputy to CBM barista. He’d changed at the station from his uniform into jeans and a Led Zeppelin T-shirt. Now, with the blue apron on and a white bar towel over his shoulder, he played a new role. In this one, he could be funny, most days, nothing crazy happened, and he could relax. “So what happened?”
He gave me a quick glance as he stacked coffee cups in preparation of his midday rush. “Greg needed me to stay on the clock for an hour while he talked to the parents of that kid.”
“Thad Coltrane? The one that drowned?” I didn’t say the one that Esmeralda had been risking her life looking for.
“Yep. They insist that Greg reopen the case and start searching again. They say they have it on good authority that their son is alive.” Toby paused and leaned on the counter. “Man, it was a rough scene. The mom is crying, the dad pounding on Greg’s desk. I feel bad for them. It’s like they’re still losing him.”
“Because Esmeralda told them he was alive.”
“I don’t know. To her credit, her exact words were “I don’t think he’s crossed over yet.” Which in woo-woo land, doesn’t mean alive or dead.” Toby looked up as the bell rang over the door and a few women came into the shop. “Anyway, I better get moving. Greg agreed to put guys on the beach today and tomorrow. Then Saturday, we’ll do a longer walk-through with volunteers to see if we can find any trace of the kid.”
I heard the heels on the tile floor behind me. “Thanks for letting me know.” I turned and smiled at the newcomers. “Ladies, he’s all yours.”
That got several giggles as they swarmed the front trying to be the first one Toby acknowledged. It was a game to them and I liked the extra sales. I just hoped Toby liked playing the hot barista role. I couldn’t afford to lose another
employee right now.
Aunt Jackie was standing by the coffee bar now. “I heard. Those poor parents.” She pushed the piece of paper I’d left on the coffee table into my hands. “Take care of these things and I’ll do the rest. See you tomorrow at three. No need to stay after your shift.”
She kissed my cheek, then slowly moved to the back door leading to the office and the stairwell to her apartment. She said she liked the exercise of the stairs, but I was wondering if that trip was becoming too much for my aunt.
A problem to think about another day. Today had its own issues. One being Greg would be tied up at the station all day. Maybe I’d take him dinner from Lille’s to pay him back for last night.
When I walked outside, Josh was sweeping the sidewalk in front of his shop. Or trying to, I should say. Mandy was by his side. I waved at the couple. “Hey, Josh, Mandy. Great day, isn’t it?”
Mandy turned to me, her face beaming. “I was just saying the same thing to Josh. It’s a wonderful day. I’ve asked him to come walk the beach with me after he closes. I’d love to go exploring, but I’m not sure I want to go alone.”
“You could go with her.” Josh pointed his broom at me.
“A walk on the beach, that’s a great idea. I run there with my dog most days.” I skirted past the shop, turning around and walking backward away from them. “Unfortunately, I’ve got plans tonight. Have fun you two!”
I giggled all the way home.
CHAPTER 10
When I came through the police station entry door with tote bags filled with today’s special from Lille’s, meatloaf and fixings, Esmeralda took in a deep breath. “You’re making me hungry.”
“I figured everyone would be gone already.” I glanced at the clock. “It’s after six. Don’t you go home at five?”
“Greg’s out with Tim, doing a search of the beach. I told him I’d watch the phones for him until the dispatch company takes over.” Esmeralda blushed. “I’ve caused him a lot of extra work the last few days. I can put my shoulder to the wheel as well.”
“I’m sure you were doing what you thought was right.” I pointed toward Greg’s office. “Mind if I wait in there? I’ve got some reading to do before class tomorrow.”
Esmeralda started to gather her stuff. “I’ll lock the doors when I leave. And by the way, thanks for not telling Greg about the other night.”
“I didn’t intend to keep it from him, but I didn’t see any need to add fuel to the fire this morning. But I won’t keep it a secret from him. Especially if you keep putting yourself in danger.” I let my words sink in. “But we need to get through the week and put some of these problems behind us, so if I happen to blurt it out, I’ll try to soften the actual incident.”
Esmeralda smiled. “Besides, why would he care that you gave a neighbor a ride home.”
I got her meaning. “Exactly. Just don’t get hurt. I don’t think Maggie really wants to live with Emma and me.”
“She is attached to you two.” She cocked her head and looked at me. “I may have to make an addition to my will.”
“Not funny.” I went into Greg’s office and sat the bags on his desk. A file with Walter’s name was on top. Devil, get behind me, I thought. Then glancing to see if Esmeralda was watching, I flipped open the front cover. A coroner’s report was on top. The page was marked in big red letters, PRELIMINARY. Running my finger down the page, I got to the main conclusion: Walter had been murdered. His throat slit, after he’d been tied to the tree. A note stated that the toxicology report was not available yet.
A door slammed in the outer office and I quickly closed the file and settled on the couch, far away from the desk. I pulled out my economics text and pretended to read.
“I expect to see you with the latest mystery or romance, not something so serious.” Doc Ames stood in the doorway to Greg’s office. He smiled when he saw me jump. “Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you, but I was looking for your guy. Is he around?”
I sat the book down on the couch. “I’m waiting for him to get back from a run. I figured I could study here just as well as home.”
“I see you brought him some dinner. If I were Greg, I’d put a ring on that finger of yours and seal this deal. You’re too good to let go.” Doc Ames took in a long breath. “Today’s must be meatloaf special at the diner. I’m going to have to stop on the way home.”
I moved the book. “Sit down and wait with me. I’m sure he’ll be back soon.”
Doc Ames shook his head. “I’ve still got paperwork to finish up and there’s a funeral for Mrs. Mathews tomorrow so I better get going. Just tell Greg I left him the full report on poor Walter on his desk. The toxicology screens should be in next week.”
“Do you think he was drugged? Or drunk?”
He shrugged. “Hard to say. I’ve taken my share of suicides off that old olive tree, but no one ties themselves to a tree and slits their own throat. This was definitely a murder. Although who would want Walter dead?” He paused. “I’m glad Greg has to figure this one out and not me.”
“He’s pretty good at these things.” I glanced over at his desk and the report I’d already read.
“From what I hear, so are you.” Now, Doc’s smile was full bore. “Don’t look so surprised. Your man and I talk. Besides, it’s not a secret around here that you like to snoop around, especially after a murder.”
“You make me sound like a busybody or something.” I figured I was, but I didn’t want everyone to think of me that way. “I just like to solve puzzles.”
“Well, Greg may just need your help with this one. I’ve known Walter all his life. He grew up in my neighborhood. Good kid, Eagle Scout, smart. He even won the National Merit scholarship his senior year. Tough competition, but he beat them all out.” Doc Ames looked at his watch. “If I’m going to get dinner before I finish that paperwork, I better get going. You come visit me some day, just to talk. I think you’d enjoy learning more about my official position.”
I said my good-byes and thought about what Doc had said. Walter had been well liked. At least here in South Cove. Maybe this was a random killing and Walter had just been in the wrong place. A thought broke through my musing. Maybe he’d had an altercation with someone at the B&B. I’d head over there tomorrow after my shift to pay my respects and maybe find out exactly who was staying there the last week or so. Aunt Jackie had told me she didn’t need help until three. “That’s plenty of time.”
“Plenty of time for what?” Greg hung his jacket up on the door and then turned to me. Then he caught a whiff of the meatloaf. “You read my mind. Seriously, I adore you. How did you know I didn’t get lunch?”
“You work too hard. So I took a chance that you might have a few minutes to eat dinner with me before I go back home and keep studying.” I stood and gave him a hug. When I walked over to the desk, I opened the sacks and took out the containers. Greg took his gun belt off and put it on the shelf behind his desk. He picked up the file. “What’s this?”
I didn’t even look at it. “Doc Ames dropped it off just a few minutes ago. He told me to tell you that the toxicology report will be in next week. You want to eat at the desk or over on the couch.”
He cocked his head and studied me. Then he put the file in a drawer. “The couch will be great.”
We ate dinner and talked about everything except the question he didn’t ask but I knew was on his mind. Had I read the report in the file?
Greg insisted on driving me home, since the streets had grown dark while we talked. As he walked me to my door, he paused on the bottom step. He took my hand, pulled me toward him, and held me close. “I have to go back to the station for a while.”
“I know. I have to study anyway.” I tucked my face into his shirt, smelling the lingering scent of the bar soap he used. “We’ll go away for a weekend after school’s out and I’ve hired someone to replace Sasha.”
“Wait, what? Sasha quit? I liked that kid.” He brushed my hair away from my face. “Don’t tell
me Toby broke her heart and she had to leave. I’ll have to shoot my best deputy.”
“She broke Toby’s heart, actually. She got an amazing opportunity in the city. She couldn’t turn it down for a just above minimum wage job in a small tourist town. I’m really happy for her, but I hate trying to hire someone to replace her.” I glanced over at Esmeralda’s house. It glowed with several lights. Maybe she was staying in tonight.
Greg caught my stare. “I don’t know whether to be mad at her or worried. Either way, I know this thing has her deep in the weeds. I don’t want her to get hurt.”
“She’s convinced that kid is alive somewhere.” I leaned against the porch frame. “And she’s blaming herself for not finding him.”
“If that kid is still alive, he’s extremely lucky. I think she and the parents have to accept the truth sooner or later. We may never recover the body.”
“I’ve never known her to be this insistent over what the voices, or spirits, whatever, are telling her. Usually, she blurts the standard lines you’d expect from a fortuneteller. This time, she believes her own stories.”
“I’ll talk to her as soon as I put this Knicely murder to bed. I swear, it’s never boring around here.” He kissed me quickly. “You go study and I’ll go find a killer.”
“Be sure to make time for the book club event with Nathan Friday night. I’d like to have you there.” I put my hand on the screen door handle.
He paused at the gate and turned. I could see the brightness of his smile from the distance. “This is one time I’m not sad to say, I’ll probably be working and can’t come.”
“Convenient excuse,” I called out to him as he climbed into the truck.
“Yet totally true.” He started the truck, waved good-bye, and backed out of the driveway. Lights started going out at Esmeralda’s house. Our spirit guide must be calling it a night.
I went back inside and studied until my eyes crossed. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.
Thursday morning I’d finished all my chores at the shop by ten and I hadn’t had a customer since my last commuter left with her frozen mocha at seven. I flipped open the laptop and checked my e-mail. Nothing from my inquiry to the Coast Guard yet. Maybe I could do a Google search for local caves.
