Scone Cold Killer

by Lena Gregory

  Hank puffed up his chest.

  “No. It’s fine. Everything is fine.” Gia opened the register. This was getting out of hand. She’d just pay the woman for the day and be done with her before the situation escalated any further. She quickly counted out the pay they’d agreed on and handed it to Maybelle. “Just do me a favor, and don’t come back.”

  “Is that a threat?” Maybelle asked.

  “Threat? What are you talking—”

  “I don’t take kindly to someone threatening my wife.” Hank took a step toward Gia.

  Hunt stepped in front of her.

  Savannah slid between them and placed a hand on Hank’s thick chest. “That’ll be enough now, Hank. You know Gia didn’t mean no harm. But Maybelle, well, she didn’t exactly do the right thing the other day.”

  He stared at his wife. “That true?”

  She pointed at Gia. “That woman’s a slave driver. And Savannah here, she just goes right along with her and her highfalutin ways.”

  “Look, I paid you for the day. Now let’s all just move on.” Gia wasn’t about to let Savannah or Hunt fight her battles. But she had no fight left in her. Especially not for Maybelle. She simply wasn’t worth the aggravation. “I’m sorry things didn’t work out.”

  Maybelle huffed, then turned and stormed out of the café.

  With one last dirty look at Hunt, Hank followed her.

  “Sorry about that,” Gia said.

  “It’s not your fault,” Hunt offered. A look passed between him and Savannah, but no one said anything.

  Mark rang the bell to indicate her breakfast order was ready.

  Ignoring the uncomfortable silence, Gia went to get the order. After setting Hunt and Sonny’s plates on their table, and apologizing one last time for good measure, she dropped onto a stool at the counter beside Savannah. “I’m sorry about that, Savannah.”

  “Don’t worry about it. Maybelle is quick to rush to judgment with absolutely no facts to base her opinions on.”

  “Sounds like you’ve dealt with her before?”

  She waved off the question. “You look tired. Did you end up getting any sleep at all last night?”

  Gia let it drop. Obviously, whatever was between Savannah and Maybelle was going to stay that way. “A little. Thank you for coming out and staying with me last night and getting up with Thor this morning.”

  “No problem. That pup is a real sweetheart. Better watch out or I’m gonna make off with him one of these days.”

  “Oh, no you’re not.” She’d already become attached to the little ball of fur. “How did he do when you dropped him off this morning?”

  “He trotted off happy as could be with the other puppies in the room. You have to pick him up by seven, though.”

  “That’s fine. I close at six, and it doesn’t look like there’ll be much to clean up.” At the rate things were going, she’d have everything cleaned up and prepped for the next day by the time she locked the door. She might even make it out early. The only thing saving her from total depression at that thought was knowing Thor was waiting for her. Her excitement about getting home to him lessened some of her anxiety.

  “I even managed to unpack a few boxes for you before we left. I got most of your clothes put away, at least.”

  “That’s great, thank you.”

  Willow placed a cup of coffee in front of each of them along with a plate filled with muffins.

  “Thank you, Willow.”

  “You’re very welcome.” She rushed to seat two older women who’d just walked in.

  The women eyed Gia as they crossed to a table, sat, and thanked Willow for their menus; then they opened the menus, leaned toward each other, and started whispering.

  Gia shifted, uncomfortable beneath their not-so-discreet stares. The whole scenario was a little too reminiscent of life in New York after Bradley was arrested. Only this time, she lacked the strength to deal with the controversy. The emotional toll Bradley’s trial and the divorce took on her had drained every last ounce of energy. She tossed her half-eaten muffin back onto the plate.

  Savannah leaned close and pinched her leg beneath the counter.

  “Ouch. What was that for?”

  “Don’t you dare wither. Now pull up your big girl panties and go say hello,” she whispered. She kissed her cheek and gestured toward the women. “I have to run now, but don’t you dare let Bradley take this from you.”

  Savannah slipped her sunglasses on, stopped to say something to Hunt, then strode out the door.

  Gia rubbed the sore spot on her leg. Savannah was right. Hiding only made her look guilty. She waved Willow back, took an order pad, stood and crossed the dining room, all too aware of Hunt’s stare. When she reached the two busy-bodies, she offered a broad smile. “Good morning, ladies.”

  They looked at each other before returning the greeting.

  “I’m Gia Morelli, owner of the All-Day Breakfast Café. It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

  “I’m Estelle,” one of the women offered, patting her perfectly coiffed blue hair. “And this is my sister, Esmeralda.” She gestured toward the other woman who looked remarkably like her. Twins?

  “It’s nice to meet you.” Esmeralda’s smile held a little more warmth. “Are you new to the area?”

  “Yes. I’ve been here less than a week.”

  The sisters shared a knowing look, though what they thought they knew was beyond her. “So, what can I get for you?”

  She wrote down their order, then excused herself and practically ran for the kitchen to put the slip up. Willow could serve them once their food was ready. She’d done her part. After she tacked the order slip above the grill, she slumped against the hallway wall. All she wanted now was to go home. But she didn’t even know where home was.

  “Are you okay, Gia?” Willow laid a gentle hand on her shoulder.

  Gia could only manage a weak smile, but she patted Willow’s hand. “I’m fine. Thank you.”

  “I brought the old biddies their breakfast, and they are scarfing it down like they never ate before. Maybe they’ll tell all of their friends to come.”

  “Yeah. Maybe.” Of course, if they did come, it would probably just be to stare at the town’s new killer.

  Willow started to walk away, then stopped and turned back. “I know I’m young, and we don’t know each other all that well, but I heard what happened, and I still came back. You know why?”

  Gia shook her head.

  “Because something about you touched me. You’re smart and strong and ambitious and a hard worker. And someone I think I could look up to, admire even, once I know you a little better. Earl came back too. He obviously saw something in you that touched him as well. When I was about to start ninth grade, my mother got a transfer and we had to move, a terrible time to have to start attending a new school. I was sick to my stomach for a week before I started. So worried I wouldn’t make friends, wouldn’t fit in.” She tapped the small gold hoop she wore through her nose.

  “I’m lucky my mom and I are very close, and I talked to her about how I was feeling. And you know what she told me?”

  “No, what?”

  “She told me to be myself. She said not everyone would like me, but that’s okay. You don’t need to make everyone like you. But the ones who are important will. She also said anything worthwhile is hard work. You’ve got this, Gia. Just have faith in yourself. I do.” She walked away, leaving Gia to think about what she’d said. Smart kid. Full of confidence, even though she was clearly different.

  And she was right. Not everyone had to like her. She’d concentrate on getting to know the people who did. Hopefully, there’d be enough to keep her in business.

  She headed back toward the dining room. When she passed Willow, she leaned close and whispered, “Thank you.”

  “That’s wh
at friends are for.”

  The two older women finished eating and left Willow a generous tip. They stopped to let Gia know how much they’d enjoyed their breakfast and said they’d be back again. Maybe things were starting to look up.

  A man opened the door and stepped back, smiling and nodding a greeting to the two women as they exited. He looked familiar, but she couldn’t quite place him.

  A moment of panic gripped her, until recognition hit. How could she have forgotten Mr. Tall, Dark, and Stylishly Disheveled even for a moment? “Caleb. How are you?”

  “Hi, Gia. It’s good to see you.” He greeted her as if they were old friends, gripping her hands and kissing her cheek, even though they’d only met once in the café on her opening day.

  She couldn’t help a quick glance at Hunt from her peripheral vision when Caleb stepped back. She needn’t have wasted her time. He was thoroughly engrossed in whatever conversation he was having with Barbie…or whatever her name was. “It’s good to see you too, Caleb. Still have business in Florida?”

  “Still looking into a few things.”

  She seated him at the counter and handed him a menu. “Coffee?”

  “Please.” He set the menu aside. Though his expression remained aloof, something in his eyes changed, a subtle shift from carefree businessman to…something else. Something predatory. The already deep green darkened to match the color of the ring around his irises. “I heard about what happened. I’m sorry.”

  With a discreet glance to see that Hunt was still there, she nodded and poured Caleb’s coffee.

  “Do the police know who killed him?”

  “No. Not yet.”

  “Rumor has it you’re a suspect.” He caught her gaze and held it captive.

  She studied him more closely. The distressed jeans and cream-colored tunic top. The brown leather sandals. He almost pulled off the beach bum look. And yet, there was something… “If it’s okay, I’d rather not talk about it.”

  He studied her another moment. Then, just as quickly as his mood had changed the first time, he smiled. “I’m sure they’ll straighten it out.”

  “Yeah. Me too.” At least, I hope they will. “Can I get you anything to eat?”

  “Um… I already had breakfast, but I wanted to stop in for an amazing cup of coffee.” He grazed a hand over his scruffy five-o’clock shadow. “And to ask you to have dinner with me tonight.”

  The request caught Gia off guard. “I uh…” She hadn’t given much thought to being with another man. At least, not until Hunt had barged into her life. But trusting another man would come slowly, if at all. Still, that didn’t mean she couldn’t go out and have a good time. Going to dinner wasn’t any kind of commitment. “I’m sorry. I-I’m a bit overwhelmed with getting the café opened and everything else that’s happened since I arrived in Florida. Maybe another time?”

  “Of course. Perhaps I’ll stop back in again before I leave.”

  “I’d like that. Thank you.”

  He lifted his mug and sipped his coffee. His eyes brightened back to their normal shade. Then he lowered his mug to the counter, stood, and fished some bills out of his pocket. He started to drop them on the counter.

  “No, please. It’s on me.” She laid a hand over his.

  He turned his over and caught her fingers in his. “Thank you. That’s very kind of you.”

  Her hand heated in his. His penetrating gaze sent warmth surging through her. He lifted her hand and pressed his lips against her knuckles.

  “Until we meet again, then.”

  She watched him walk out, fully absorbed in thoughts better left alone. The last thing she needed was involvement with any other man, let alone a stranger from New York. And yet, that was one fine looking, charming man.

  “If you can bring yourself back to reality, I’d like the check, please.” Hunt stood at the counter, studying Caleb as he stepped outside and the door fell shut behind him.

  “Uh…” Her cheeks burned. “Sure, sorry.”

  “Mind if I ask who that was?” Though he phrased it as a question, she had no doubt it was a demand.

  She bristled. “A friend.”

  “How long have you known him?”

  Who was he to question her? Especially after he’d come into her café with another woman. Just because they weren’t dating or anything didn’t mean he shouldn’t show a little respect. “Does it matter?”

  “Oh, I don’t know, Gia…” He leaned closer, and the breath of his husky whisper tickled her ear. “Your ex was found dead in your dumpster, your house was broken into, and someone quite possibly tried to run you off the road. What do you think?”

  If it was possible to die of embarrassment, she would have dropped right there on the spot. She should have realized Hunt’s interest was only a logical question from an investigator, and not a bit of jealousy from an admirer. “The garage.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “The garage. Someone broke into the garage, not the house.” With that, she dropped his check on the counter, turned, and walked away.

  Chapter 14

  The lunch rush had consisted of a few tourists, a young couple, and a small group of college students between classes at the local university. Gia sighed and started cleaning up. Might as well get everything prepped for tomorrow. She sorted through what was left from the day, determining what could be salvaged and what had to go in the garbage.

  She cracked a couple of eggs onto the grill, then added a small stack of pre-cooked bacon to heat. The sizzle of food cooking made her stomach growl.

  “Hungry?” Mark gestured toward the grill.

  “Oh, no. It’s not for me.”

  “Have you eaten anything yet today?”

  The half a muffin she’d eaten that morning still sat like a lump in her stomach. “Not really.”

  “Why don’t you let me fix you something?”

  She waved him off. “I’ll eat something when I get home. I’m just going to finish this, clean up, and get out of here.”

  “All right, then. I guess I’ll get going.”

  “Sure, thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  He untied the back of his apron and slipped it over his head, then rolled it into a ball. “Sure thing.”

  “There’s a hamper in the bathroom you can toss that in.”

  “Got it.” He offered a two-finger salute and left her alone.

  She piled the bacon and eggs onto a roll, topped it with a slice of American cheese, salt and pepper, wrapped the sandwich, and stuffed it into a bag with a container of home fries. Then added a container of grits as well. After she scribbled Harley’s name on the bag and poured a large foam cup of sweet tea, she steeled herself and shoved open the back door far enough to put everything on the table.

  The bag she’d left for Harley the night before still sat untouched. Oh well. Maybe he hadn’t realized she’d opened again. Leaving the new food on the table, she took the old bag and tossed it into the trash. Thankfully, Mark had already emptied all the pails, so she didn’t have to go out to the dumpster yet. She wasn’t sure she’d ever be able to go back out there.

  She made sure everything in back was locked up, then grabbed her purse from her office and started through the café.

  A woman sauntered through the front door, oozing diamonds from just about every finger, her wrist, her neck. Even her ears dripped dangling strings of diamonds. Not a local. Gia had yet to see a resident of Boggy Creek who exuded the opulence, or the arrogance, this woman had obviously mastered.

  “I’m sorry, I’m just getting ready to close.”

  The woman eyed her up and down and wrinkled her nose as if she’d smelled something rotten. “That’s fine, dear. I’m not interested in food.”

  “Oh…” She was sorry she hadn’t locked the front door when Mark had left. Next time. She slid behind the c
ounter. She’d already cleaned the coffee pots, and she had no intention of starting a fresh pot for this woman. “Then what can I help you with, Ms…?”

  “Ainsworth.” The woman stopped in front of the counter and slid her clutch beneath her arm. “Bradley left something with you that belongs to me. I’d like it back.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Bradley didn’t leave anything with me.”

  Her smile held more contempt than Gia would have thought possible. “You really do have that innocent routine down pat, don’t you? But guess what?” She leaned across the counter.

  Gia backed up until she hit the counter behind her. Then, with nowhere else to go, she waited.

  “I’m not buying it. I don’t know what you did to wrap that weasel around your finger enough that he’d get out of my bed to run home and kill a spider when you called carrying on like an idiot, but I’ll never believe you weren’t in on his scam. You’re just a more practiced liar.”

  Spider? What was she talking about? There had been more than one time she’d called Bradley upset about finding a spider in the apartment, and if he was close by, he’d usually come home and dispose of it for her, but from another woman’s bed? Could that be true?

  “I’ll give you two days to decide how you want to do this.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Bradley didn’t leave me anything.” Wait. What had Hunt said? An inheritance? “Are you talking about his life insurance?”

  Her laughter held no humor. “Don’t play dumb with me. If you want to do this the hard way, that’s fine. Two days. Talk to whomever you need to talk to, but the next time I come back, you’d better have answers. Because next time, I won’t be so nice.”

  “B-b-but, I—”

  “In case you come to your senses before two days is up, you can reach me here.” The woman handed her a folded piece of paper, then turned and slinked away.

  Gia stood there, counter top digging into her, and stared after her. True to Bradley’s tastes when it came to mistresses, she was a strong, powerful, confident woman. And beautiful. Shockingly so. But only on the outside.

  Gia moved away from the counter and rubbed the sore spot near her lower back. She willed her hands to stop shaking. It wasn’t the first time she’d been confronted by one of Bradley’s lovers. Heck, this one wasn’t even all that nasty compared to some. But she’d been used to the constant clashes in New York. This was different, had caught her off guard. Next time she’d be more prepared.