Small Town Spooky (Cozy Mystery Anthology)

by Anisa Claire West

  Rachel feigned anger as she swept her hand across the room, gesturing to the empty café tables. “And leave me with all these customers? But how will I manage?” A gurgle of sarcastic laughter escaped her throat.

  Smirking, I muttered, “See you later!”

  Slipping out the door, I gasped at the transition from freezer burn air conditioning to icky sticky midday heat. “Ugh,” I groaned, pulling my mousy brown hair into a high bun as sweat erupted on the nape of my neck. Hopping into my clunky Ford sedan, I turned the air conditioner on to full blast and switched on my favorite country station. Carrie Underwood’s girl power anthem, “Before He Cheats,” pulsed through the air waves as I tapped my fingers rhythmically on the steering wheel. Belting out my own off-key karaoke version of the song had gotten me through an ugly break-up last year with a boyfriend who could have starred in the music video as the straying jerk. Jonathan and I had been together for more than 3 years when I found out he was having a clandestine relationship with one of his co-workers. Losing him had made me devote all my energy to running the cupcake shop, but to no avail. My career was drowning in the same muddy swamp as my love life had.

  Passing by The Cupcake Cavern, one of my fiercest competing bakeries, I sneered and drove a little faster. The place always had a line out the door and I couldn’t figure out why. The cupcakes were dry as sandpaper and the icing was pasty like glue. Service was mediocre at best, as shop workers were notorious for texting on their cell phones and gobbling up inventory during business hours. So what was their secret? On a whim, I turned my car around and headed towards The Cupcake Cavern to find out. Like a taffy pull, the store was inexplicably drawing me towards it as I jerked my car to a halt in the strip mall parking lot. Stepping onto the steaming concrete, I walked briskly towards the entrance as a strange flutter of nerves knotted and released in my stomach. My gut told me that something was about to go very wrong, but I walked into the bakery anyway…

  Raspberry Cupcake Mistake - Kindle edition by Renee Summers. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

  Who Is Renee Summers?

  Well I’m so glad you asked! I make my home near Branson, Missouri where I’m busy raising my two sons, ages 8 and 10. I’ve always loved to bake and write, so I decided to combine the two with my debut novella, Bake Sale Brawl. My books are designed for the busy modern woman who deserves a break with a light, airy, and uncomplicated story.

  Until We Kiss

  Gold Trotters Series

  Gianna B. Reid

  “Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.” Ben Franklin

  Red Loveseat

  When was the last time they had made love? Kay searched her memory but couldn’t remember. Life had become too predictable. She was curled up comfortably on the couch reading the local paper while Gavin was upstairs writing. Kay sighed heavily. Back from Ireland for nearly nine months, Kay felt their living arrangement needed a push forward. There was no indication that a marriage proposal was on the lips of her lover. She sighed again and turned the page to the classifieds, an ad immediately caught her attention:

  ESTATE SALE:

  One red velvet loveseat, other housewares and furniture.

  Everything must go! 54505 John Street, Pearl River, NY. NO early birds.

  What a comfy gift the loveseat would make for our first Valentine’s Day together,

  Kay thought. How she would bring it home and hide it from Gavin were details she gave little consideration. She impulsively grabbed her purse and would drive to Peggy’s unannounced to see if George’s van was available.

  “Gavin,” she called at the bottom of the landing. “I’m going shopping.”

  “OK, honey. See you later.”

  There was a time and not too long ago that Gavin would have raced down the stairs, wrapped his arms around Kay to plant a kiss on her. Now it seemed the only time they kissed was just before bedtime to say good-night.

  When Gavin was sure that Kay was gone, he made a phone call about a private matter.

  “So, it’s all set, yes?” Gavin asked.

  “We have it ready for you any time. When should we expect you?”

  “Let’s see, today is Saturday. I think I’ll stop by now,” Gavin said. He grabbed his car keys and whistled for Cody. “Come on, boy,” he said to the dog. “We’re on a mission.” Gavin did not leave a note.

  ***

  “A garage sale?” Peggy questioned Kay at the front door. She was still in her plaid flannel pajamas. “You never liked garage sales. And who has a garage sale in the middle of winter?”

  “It’s an indoor estate sale. It’s just over the border in Pearl River. Come on, it will be fun. There’s a red velvet loveseat that I may buy and surprise Gavin with for Valentine’s Day. Oh, and can we use George’s van?” Kay added as if it were an afterthought.

  “Do you plan on buying the entire contents of this estate? Can’t we just take your car?”

  “Well, what if I decide to buy the loveseat? Please, can we take George’s van?”

  Peggy smiled and shook her head as if to say, she couldn’t believe what she was hearing

  “You’re in luck because George is at his Albany home this weekend and he took my car.” She took the van keys from the kitchen and tossed them to Kay. “Here you go, warm up the van while I get ready.”

  Spontaneity was one of the traits that Kay loved about Peggy. She was always ready to get up and go. Of course, the stories that Peggy often concocted on the fly was the downside of their friendship. But Kay had long made peace with this shortcoming of Peggy’s. She knew it had a lot to do with Peggy’s childhood.

  Peggy noticed Kay’s sullen mood while they drove to Pearl River. Likewise Kay couldn’t help notice the big rock diamond on Peggy’s ring finger that sparkled with the sunlight. George had proposed months ago though no wedding date had been confirmed. This detail never seemed to bother Peggy though. Gavin’s faux proposal sounded authentic given the romantic surroundings of Ireland, yet months had passed and there was never any mention of a wedding again.

  “You’re awfully quiet, Kay. Is something wrong?”

  “Gavin,” Kay said with a note of anger.

  “Gavin? My Uncle Gavin is a sweetheart.” Peggy gushed.

  “That’s not the problem. The issue is he hasn’t brought up marriage since Ireland.”

  This very admission made Kay uneasy. She sounded like some school girl instead of the confident independent woman she was. Place a man in a woman’s life and she easily slips into dependency, she thought.

  “Oh he will. Be patient.” Peggy winked. What does she know that I don’t know? Kay wondered. And if Kay asked, how likely would Peggy tell the truth or make up a story? Kay’s better judgment prevailed and she ditched the conversation. Besides they were already in Pearl River passing the public library and making a right onto John Street. Cars were parked on both sides with eager customers ready to pounce. Will this happen to my belongings when I die? Kay pondered.

  “Peggy, promise me if I go first, you won’t hold an estate sale like this,” she placed her hand on Peggy’s arm. “Just donate my stuff to the Salvation Army or something.”

  “You think too much. Let’s hunt for treasures!” Peggy said in a low mischievous voice.

  It was already 10 in the morning, the front door of the home swung open. A young pretty woman motioned that the house was ready for business. People rushed from their cars, some visibly impatient with others who took their time going up the front steps. The young woman blew into her long blonde tresses to remove the hair that fell onto her face. She looked bewildered and the sale had only just started.

  “How much is this lamp?” One woman asked the instant she set foot inside.

  There in the corner, Kay spied the red velvet loveseat. She was surprised how her heart raced as soon as she saw it. She had to have it no matter what the asking price. She grabbed Peggy by her coat and darted straight toward it. Together they sat down and giggled.r />
  “What do you think?” Kay asked while wiggling deeper into the plush cushion.

  “I say don’t think. Just buy it!”

  That was exactly the endorsement Kay wanted. She instantly weaved her way to the young woman to make the purchase. Peggy watched the crowd as they looked beneath plates and behind framed pictures no doubt trying to find a priceless bargain. Don’t they know all the lost Rembrandts in the attic are long gone, Peggy mused to herself. By the end of the day these vultures would just leave the bare bones of this once beautiful home. She saw Kay hand over cash to the young woman while an older woman started to argue with Kay. The young woman shrugged her shoulders. Peggy stayed glued to the loveseat.

  “What’s going on with that woman?” Peggy asked when Kay returned.

  “She said the deceased had promised her the loveseat. But the young woman said she was never aware of that. Only $45! Do you see anything you want to buy?” Kay asked out of politeness. Peggy shook her head no. “OK, let’s go!” Kay said excitedly.

  ***

  They pulled up to Peggy’s home and left the engine running to wait for Kay to drive her own car back home. “Say, Houdini, how do you expect to keep this a secret from Gavin until Valentine’s Day?”

  “I guess it will have to be an early present,” Kay chided. “Do you think he’ll like it? Is it too girlie?”

  “It’s…stunning,” Peggy stumbled on her words.. “Come on let’s get this loveseat to its new home. I’ll meet you back at your place.”

  When she arrived home Kay noted that Gavin’s car was gone. “Lucky for us Gavin is out. Let’s bring it in and find a place for it in the living room.”

  Actually Kay had already figured where she wanted to place it. The wall beneath the staircase was an ideal fit with several of Kay’s photographs overhead. As soon as anyone would enter the foyer it would be seen. In fact, it couldn’t be missed.

  “Well I’d like to stay to see my uncle’s reaction, but I have some errands.”

  Kay gave Peggy a bear-hug. “Peg, I don’t know what I would do without you. Thank you so much.”

  Kay watched from her window while Peggy pulled away. She focused her attention on the loveseat imagining Gavin kissing her just like it used to be. She removed her shoes and snuggled into one of its matching red corner pillows. What a find, Kay repeated to herself. But just what did Peggy mean she wish she could stay to see Gavin’s reaction? Never mind, Kay assured herself while she fluffed the matching pillows fantasizing Gavin cuddling and kissing her. Kay stopped. Where did Gavin go? She made her way slowly into the kitchen for tea interrupting her pace to repeatedly glance backward at the loveseat. Kay found it irresistible and ran back to brush her hand across the soft velvet. Everything about it thrilled her.

  ***

  “Where did you go, Erna? You took off without telling me,” the young woman, Denise, complained. It was her aunt’s estate sale that she was overseeing.

  “Never mind where I was,” Erna began. “You must have known that your aunt and I had an agreement about that loveseat.”

  Denise ran her hand through her long hair to better steady her gaze at Erna and stand her ground.“Honestly, auntie never mentioned anything about any agreement. She told me before passing not to feel sentimental about any belongings and to have a house sale.”

  Erna squinted and frowned at Denise not only appearing angry but downright frightening. They stood eyeball-to-eyeball for a few seconds until Denise took a step back. Something that Denise didn’t want to do was to judge anyone, and especially one of her aunt’s best friends. For the first time Denise detected that Erna may have been jealous of her aunt. Erna’s face was far more wrinkled and she had a large boney bump on the bridge of her nose. Negative thoughts raged inside of Denise and the heat of the moment nearly consumed her. A tap on the shoulder from a customer broke the tension.

  “Miss, how much do you want for these tools?” A man asked.

  “I’ll be right with you, sir,” Denise replied turning back to Erna. “I have to keep an eye on people from walking off with items and not paying. You were supposed to help me.”

  Erna softened and exhaled deeply. “Oh Denise, your Aunt Elizabeth wouldn’t want us to argue. You’re so right, I’m sorry.” But about an hour later when the crowd thinned, Erna left again.

  ***

  The doorbell rang. Kay wasn’t expecting anyone except Gavin who could let himself in. She glanced out the window. It was that unpleasant woman who argued with her about the loveseat. Kay found it disturbing that this woman had secretly followed her back to Montvale. A demanding thump on the front door followed. Kay placed her hand on the doorknob and held her breath.

  The Visitor

  “Is something wrong?” Kay said with an icy tone while she looked the woman up-and-down. The woman smelled in need of a shower. Her grey hair was matted and her fingernails were unkempt. The woman stood about 4 inches taller than Kay.

  “My name is Erna Wilson and you know perfectly well why I’m here. I want what is rightfully mine,” the woman demanded. “There it is!” And she pushed past Kay straight toward the red velvet loveseat.

  “That’s sold!” Kay shouted just as Gavin enter from the backdoor with Cody on a leash.

  “What’s sold? Not me I hope because I belong to you,” he said wrapping his arms around Kay. She cleared her throat to call his attention to the unwelcome visitor.

  “Your wife stole my loveseat at a friend’s estate sale. My dear friend promised it to me years ago.”

  Gavin turned his attention to the loveseat unable to hide his disapproval.

  “Was this your shopping jaunt today?” He asked incredulously. “Why does it smell?” He ran his hand through his graying red hair.

  “She didn’t buy it, she stole it,” Erna said.

  Kay plopped herself on the loveseat folding her arms across her chest. “Gavin, this is our loveseat. It doesn’t smell. I bought it for Valentine’s Day.”

  “I need a scotch,” he said not knowing how to contain his reaction.

  “And I’m not his wife,” Kay added. Erna frowned at Kay while attempting to pull her from the loveseat. Gavin quickly turned around to intercede.

  “Ma’am, if Kay says this is our loveseat and she rightfully purchased it, I don’t see how you can claim it as yours. Please leave.” Gavin’s nose crinkled when he realized it was Erna who was odorous.

  With a glass of scotch in one hand and Cody by his side, Gavin opened the front door signaling with a jerk of his head for Erna to leave.

  Erna lowered her eyes mumbling to herself. Just before leaving she turned toward Kay and screamed, “The loveseat is cursed and it will bring you bad luck. Not love!”

  Gavin slammed the door and gulped the scotch. Cody whined and wouldn’t go near the loveseat.

  “So you bought this bright red Santa Claus chair and it’s cursed!” Gavin paced back and forth pouring himself another scotch. Kay’s eyes brimmed with tears.

  “I wanted to surprise you for Valentine’s Day.”

  “Oh you surprised me all right,” Gavin retorted.

  “And where were you, Gavin Murphy?”

  “I went out. I visited George.”

  “You’re such a poor liar. George is upstate because Peggy told me this morning.”

  “I don’t have to tell you my every move. We’re not married,” Gavin blurted and immediately regretted it.

  “Thanks, it’s not like I didn’t know that,” Kay rebounded.

  “I think we’re having a fight, Kay, and I don’t think it’s about this loveseat.”

  “Remember, it’s cursed. You just said it,” Kay snapped back.

  “I’m going upstairs to do some more writing. We’ll talk later, and don’t forget tonight is Saturday guy night at Norman’s.” He went upstairs with Cody close behind.

  Kay kicked the loveseat and punched its pillows several times splitting open the worn zipper. Out popped a crinkled piece of paper with what looked like a
map and a hand-written note.

  Boy’s Night

  Around the card table with Gavin sat George, Norman, and Norman’s neighbor, Carl.

  The men had managed to squeeze one Saturday night each month where they could bullshit, belch, swear and swig some beers without worrying about their ladies’ objections.

  “Your bid, Gavin,” Norman said impatiently.

  “I’m going to fold,” Gavin conceded.

  “Likewise, I’m out,” George followed.

  “What a bunch of wusses,” Norman complained. “I’m going to walk away with your money without a whimper from any of you guys?”

  “Not so fast, I’m still in,” Carl reminded him.

  “OK, I’ll see you and raise you five bucks.”

  “I’m out,” Carl said shaking his head. “So what did you have?”

  “Sorry, guys. I don’t have to show.”

  “Norman if you weren’t my friend I would dislike you,” Gavin remarked.

  “Where’s Gloria tonight?” George asked. “She usually brings us snacks.”

  “I think she may have met Peggy for dinner.”

  “Oh boy that means trouble for us,” Norman said. “Ever since you and Peggy got engaged all I’ve heard from Gloria is when am I going to pop the question.”

  Gavin rubbed his face and massaged his temples.

  “What’s the matter, Gavin, is this conversation making you nervous?” George joked.

  They stopped playing, cracked open more beers and chewed the fat about their women. Why aren’t women satisfied with the status quo? Why can’t women leave a good think alone? What’s the big deal about marriage? Norman stated that he wasn’t going anywhere because Gloria was great in the sack but he wasn’t sure if Gloria shared the same opinion of him. The guys laughed. Gavin complained about the garish red furniture Kay bought as if that was going to make him more romantic. They reminded Gavin that he had mentioned marriage to Kay in Ireland.