East Pender Boxed Set: Cozy Mystery Series Bundle of Books 1-14

by Leona Fox

  “Let's talk about it,” she said, “I know you've always had...a dislike for your brothers' books but this isn't the worst thing in the world, is it?”

  Andy looked at her with a deep sadness swimming in his eyes. “You know why I feel this way. Am I never going to be allowed to forget about my past? About my mistakes?”

  Ellen had a grave feeling in the pit of her stomach. It had been a long time since they had spoken about Andy's past. She even thought he finally had moved on from it since he didn't suffer from nightmares anymore, at least not on the nights they spent together, but it seemed it was a difficult thing to escape from. She leaned her head against his shoulder and draped her arm across his chest, caressing him gently in the hopes of relaxing him but she could feel how his body was rigid with tension.

  “I thought I'd finally been able to make a go of it here but it's like the universe doesn't want me to move on, what with Lisa coming back and now this. It's almost like I just can't ever start a new life.”

  “You have though. I know it may not seem like it but you have been able to move on and rebuild yourself. This town owes you so much, and so do I because I can't imagine my life without you in it. You're a wonderful person Andy, and you've done so much good. I love the fact you care so much about your job and people that this one case matters so much to you, but losing yourself to it only is going to do more harm than good. Is nothing you do ever going to make up for that one case you couldn't solve?”

  “I just can't get that little boy out of my head. He lost his life because I wasn't good enough, because I wasn't able to get there in time,” Andy said, his voice heavy with the weight of all he had felt throughout the past.

  “Moving here and starting a new life was supposed to make it better but those damned books just won't let me escape.”

  “Are you sure it's those books or is it your own mind?”

  “Sometimes I don't know. Both probably.”

  “You know I've read the books. I wasn't lying when I said the character doesn't remind me of you. I think you're putting your own thoughts about yourself into the book. Sure, when your brother first wrote it I'm sure it was based on you. Writers write about what they know, right? I know if I was writing a book I'd want to base characters on people I knew and respected, but after that the books are their own things. They're not describing your life or dictating the path you're walking. Just because that character was consumed by the guilt of his mistake doesn't mean you have to be as well. Your brother is responsible for that character's life and choices, but only you are responsible for your own,” she said, speaking vehemently. Andy leaned forward and placed his head in his hands.

  “I know, I know all this,” he admitted, “and all I want is to escape this way of thinking and let go of everything but I just can't. I think I've been feeling this way for so long it's become a part of me and I don't know any other way.”

  Then he looked up at her and she witnessed the desperate look in his eyes, a look begging her for help, as though she was his savior. Yet, Ellen did not have any special wisdom or magic salve that could heal his wounds. She only could speak from her own experience and offer whatever came to her mind.

  “Maybe you're looking at this all wrong. See this as an opportunity,” she suggested.

  “What do you mean?”

  “You have this actor who has come to see you to observe the way you are and to learn from you so he can take that back and put all that information into his portrayal. If you're unhappy with the way your brother has been writing this character, then show Paul Diamond how heroic you are and that you are a good cop. Show him that what's in the book is wrong.”

  Andy thought about it for a moment and the tension in his body drifted away as he relaxed. His arms squeezed Ellen tightly and he seemed visibly soothed by her advice. By the end of their talk he agreed with her, and she hoped this state of mind would remain for a while. The last thing East Pender needed was its police chief distracted by personal matters from the past.

  Later that evening, there was a fundraiser at the cafe for a local charity and the place was packed. It was non-stop and Ellen had had to leave Andy early to go and get the cafe ready, and to her dismay she was unable to check on Kelly. The investigation of the murder of Gary Speed had taken up much of her time and, although she never would admit this, the fundraiser had slipped her mind somewhat. However, she managed to get the cafe ready and was glad to do her bit for a local charity.

  Ellen enjoyed the fact her little cafe had proven to be something of a hub for the community. She liked using it to bring attention to good causes, much like the charity this afternoon, which was raising money for the blind. There was no guest list and everybody was welcome to come along. So Ellen really had no idea how many people to expect. Only a few people were there at first but, soon enough, the cafe was full of people and a cacophony could be heard all around. Alison, the charity’s representative, was nervous at the beginning but soon enough was chatting away with everyone. Ellen was also glad to see that Kelly appeared as well, and she managed to get a moment to talk with her friend.

  “How are you doing?” she asked.

  “I've been painting all day and night,” Kelly said, although from her appearance you'd never have thought it. Kelly had an annoying knack of always looking pretty no matter what state she was in.

  “But I'm just...I don't know, part of me wants to call him and part of me thinks I should just leave it. I've done enough damage.”

  “Maybe you can give it a few days and see how you feel? A bit of space might do the two of you some good,” Ellen suggested.

  “Maybe. It looks like this place is busy.”

  “Yeah, hopefully that will translate to a lot of money raised for the charity.”

  “I donated a painting of the town that they can sell, and all the money will go to that.”

  “That's really nice of you. I'm sure it will. Your paintings are always in demand. You know, you really should try getting them into an art gallery or something and have a proper showcase. I've seen some of those things sell for millions! I know you're doing pretty well for yourself but think about all the money you could have.”

  Kelly blushed, “I'm doing just fine with what I am to be honest. The problem with me is that I like loafing too much. I hear about some artists who paint day and night all the time but I need my downtime. I want to enjoy life really. Besides, I don't think I'd want all the attention of an exhibition.”

  “You don't want the attention? There's something I never thought I'd hear,” Ellen teased. Kelly smiled, and it was a welcome sight for Ellen.

  “I'm sorry I wasn't able to call you earlier. I was busy with Andy and then I had this to take care of,” she apologized.

  “Busy with Andy? I bet you were,” Kelly said with a bawdy smile.

  “Stop you,” Ellen said, narrowing her eyes playfully.

  “I guess you haven't heard. There's an actor in town, Paul Diamond. He's going to be playing the character that was based on Andy so he's come here to see Andy in action.”

  “Oh, he must be overjoyed with that,” Kelly said.

  Ellen gave a slight nod and rolled her eyes. They continued chatting for a little while longer when Andy entered, looking a bit more refreshed and relaxed than before. However, soon enough Paul came into the cafe as well and, of course, the town had been alive with the buzz that a Hollywood star was visiting. However, Andy rolled his eyes and instantly tensed up.

  “Of course he had to come. I've a good mind to slap a restraining order on him for stalking me,” he said bitterly.

  “Oh come now, don't let yourself get in a foul mood. We are at a charity event, remember? And remember what we talked about,” she reminded him.

  Andy had a sullen look about him but it quickly vanished as he forced it away. People gathered around Paul Diamond like moths to a flame. Here was a true star, and you could tell from the way he interacted with the people in the cafe. He was quick with a smile and effortl
essly moved through the crowd, shifting from one conversation to another and, before Ellen knew it, he was standing close to them. The town only had one small cinema and it mostly showed old films, but they did get the occasional big release and she had seen one or two of his movies. East Pender was removed from the world, though and most people just were amazed a star was in their midst. A few of the younger people truly were excited though, and were rattling off how many times they had seen his films and which of his roles had been their favorites.

  “Well, I'm hoping you'll all enjoy my next role, which is going to be based on your police chief here,” he said, and placed his arm around Andy.

  Ellen stifled a giggle as she saw how hard Andy was trying to suppress his irritation. Paul waved a little and then turned around so he could talk with Ellen and Andy privately. Well, as privately as was possible in the crowded cafe.

  “I have to admit it's nice to be in a place like this. And nice to know I have fans, even in these small towns. Although part of me was hoping to remain anonymous and shadow you so I could get a true picture of what you're like. Yet I long ago learned loss of anonymity is the price we pay for fame, and who might you be?” he said, turning to Ellen and holding out his hand. Ellen took it and Paul leaned down to kiss her hand. Ellen blushed a little, and withdrew her hand, then sidled over to Andy.

  “This is Ellen. She's my girlfriend and she also consults with the police on some cases.”

  “Interesting, interesting, I'm sure that must lead to a few different stories. Shame there's not room for that in the movie! I was wondering if I could sit down with you at some point and talk about your work and the things you do around here. I want to make this as accurate as possible.”

  “Well, you know, that character was based only loosely on Andy,” Ellen said, “I mean, I don't know how many of the books you've read but-”

  “I've read almost all of them, and I actually was interested in the dramatic arc the story provided. I mean, a cop who is so haunted by his one mistake that he's driven to take his own life. I'm glad you didn't suffer that fate but to wrestle with those demons makes for some intense material. I've read the script and I'm hoping it might even be nominated for some awards. I know this character isn't the lead but I think with the right research I can make sure I get some good screen time and maybe even get a supporting actor nomination, if I play my cards right. That's really what I'm looking for, you know. I want to move into some more serious films. I'm kinda tired of doing the romantic stuff, but either way, I bet it's not as exciting as the work you do.”

  “There's nothing exciting about murder. This isn't a game,” Andy said. There was an awkward moment, and it fell to Ellen to break it.

  “I'm not sure you'll be seeing many things around here. East Pender is usually pretty quiet but I'm sure we can sit down with you at some point.” She linked her arm in with Andy's.

  “I, at least, am excited about this, and I want you to know Andy is much more heroic than the character in the book. So hopefully you'll be able to take that and let the real Andy influence what you do in the film.”

  Paul then excused himself as he was accosted by more fans. So Andy and Ellen took the opportunity to slip away.

  “I'm still not sure about this,” he said.

  “Just go with it, it'll be fine,” Ellen replied, and then the two of them spoke with the people of the town.

  Scampy loved it as well. He scurried in between people's legs and his barking could be heard in among the excited chatter. People were slipping him food as well. Ellen looked carefully to make sure he wasn't being fed too much, or else he wouldn't be able to keep up with her when she went for her run.

  Everyone in the cafe was having a pleasant time and from her brief conversations with Alison, Ellen knew it had been a success. The charity would benefit greatly from the evening. However, while everyone was having fun inside, out in the darkness of the night there was a nefarious crime being committed. The streets were filled with cars, and a mysterious figure was going up to them, one by one. Skulking in the shadows and crouching down so as not to be discovered, the figure was siphoning off the gas, then leaving before anyone could discover he had been there.

  Chapter 2

  As the evening went on people gradually grew weary and began to leave. There was a big exodus at first, with a few people staying to talk more intimately now that there was more room in the cafe. Ellen was looking forward to getting to bed, although she was wary of having to clean up after everyone left, so was silently urging people to make their way home. Andy had stayed relaxed, and Ellen put this down to the fact that Paul Diamond had been preoccupied with all his adoring fans, some of whom only had met him that evening. At first Ellen had been wary of him but she had to applaud his attitude. It would have been easy for him to tell everyone to leave him alone but he spent the time speaking with them and answering their questions about Hollywood and the life of a movie star. It gave her hope that he would give Andy the respect he deserved and that, ultimately, both he and Andy would benefit from it.

  Feeling weary, she was glad for the night to be over soon. Yet, she should have known better than to think she was going to get a good rest. For as soon as people began going outside, she heard angry cries as the engines of their automobiles coughed and spluttered, and eventually gave out. One by one, they checked their gas gauges and looked at each other with puzzlement. Upon hearing these cries Ellen and Andy walked outside, followed by Paul, and found out everyone’s gas had been stolen. Andy had a grim look on his face but Paul slapped his hands together excitedly.

  “Guess I will get to see you work after all! This isn't exactly a murder but I suppose a gas bandit will have to do!”

  Andy growled at him, and it was only because of Ellen's presence that he did not snap at the actor. With a heavy sigh, Andy walked through to the throng of people who all were talking at once. He raised his hands high above his head to get them to calm down. Some of the headlights were turned on, and the beams from them streamed forward, sending slashes of light through the darkness. The mood quickly had turned from one of jubilation to paranoia, and there was a sinister mistrust running through everyone standing outside. Confusion reigned supreme and wild theories were thrown about. There was much consternation as people lamented the fact they had to get up for work the next day, or that they had a trip scheduled and now their plans had been scuppered. While they were rushing about in a panic, however, Ellen's mind was racing. Why would somebody steal all this gas, and how did they do it unseen? It was rather brazen of them to commit this crime when the owners of the cars were located in the cafe nearby, but sadly there were far more questions than answers.

  “What happens now?” Paul asked, looking on with wonder as he was in the midst of a small-town crime, exactly what he had come here to see. Andy tossed him an annoyed glance and sighed heavily.

  “Now we get to work,” he said, sounding slightly aggrieved as he was weary, too.

  Back in the restaurant the others all had flocked out to see what the commotion was. The noise levels increased as now they, too, needed an update about the night’s events. This, in turn, led to lights being turned on in houses and windows opening. People began to pour out of their homes. A crime like this was always a thing of public interest, especially since it happened outside The Chrome Cafe. So many things revolved around Ellen's cafe that there were more than a few pointed remarks of this ilk. Ellen brushed them off, although it did irk her that this location seemed the prime place for people to break the law.

  A rather large crowd now had gathered and Andy blew out his cheeks.

  “Are they always like this?” Paul asked.

  “They're people,” Andy replied dryly, “when have you not known them to be curious about things?”

  Paul shrugged, accepting Andy's point. Then the police chief got to work as the noise level rose. People were complaining loudly and due to the tension they had begun arguing with each other, each claiming their own situatio
n was the most dire. Some cars still had a bit of gas in them, and some had been unaffected, yet the owners of these vehicles had remained to see the outcome. However, the others, who had been affected, now were begging and pleading with those who had gas to share it, and they were reluctant to do so. This led to an outpouring of aggression and Andy had to step in to calm matters. He strode through the crowd with purpose and confidence and put on the voice that had practiced authority.

  “I know it's late and this is annoying for a lot of you but we're not going to get anywhere by arguing. I'll take down your statements and I will phone the station to get some replacement cars so you all can get home. This is an unusual crime but we will do our best to solve it quickly. It's late, and we're all tired, so let's try to wrap this up as quickly as possible and we can all go home and get some sleep.”

  This was met with a surge of chatter but it soon plateaued as Andy and Ellen went through the crowd to get their statements. Paul was like a shadow, lurking behind Andy as the police chief went to work. He observed how Andy spoke, how he stood, the way he tilted his head slightly, and it was only because of Andy's professionalism that he did not react. Ellen, however, did see this out of the corner of her eye and found it slightly amusing.

  Speaking to the victims of the crime was a rather fruitless task as none of them had any information to offer, and, in the darkness at least, there didn't appear to be any clues. Soon enough, reinforcements from the station had arrived with cars and buses to take people home. Andy began talking to someone about setting up a special bus service to take people to work the following day, while others worked on getting these cars moved. Gradually people were herded into the cars and buses, grumbling away, until it was just Andy, Ellen, and Paul left standing there with a row of cars before them, ghosts of machines. The owners had turned off the headlights so the moon and the streetlights were the only sources of illumination.