by K P Stafford
“Someone will find me.”
“Maybe so, but by then, you’ll be burned to a crisp, along with this house and Orvel’s big secret. Although it’s a shame I won’t be around when all the news comes out. It will rock this horrid little town to the core. Would you like to know before you die?”
“I don't care what his secret was." I'd inched my way to the edge of the desk, it was almost a straight shot to door if I could just run fast enough.
"Oh, you should, my dear. A lot of people in this town would be interested in his secret." He held his arms out wide, "The secret this house holds."
He'd piqued my curiosity, but I didn't have time to play games. I knew he'd kill me if I didn't get out. I bolted towards the door. He lunged forward and tackled me into the bookshelves against the wall. My breath escaped me and pain radiated through my body. My arm came down with the flashlight and caught him on the side of the head. He staggered backwards. My vision growing darker. I was sliding down the bookshelf. He came at me again. I swung the light again, hitting him in the same spot. He fell backwards crashing into the solid round table behind him. I slid down the bookcase, my back felt like razor blades were gashing me open.
I closed my eyes tightly, trying to will the pain to go away so I could get up. I blinked my eyes open and saw Jake standing over me. Was he here to finish what Bernie had started? I didn't have the strength to fight him off. My last thought before everything went black was I would die in this house.
CHAPTER 25
I heard voices in the distance and finally forced my eyes to open. I was surrounded by red roses. At least heaven is beautiful I thought, but I didn't think it was supposed to come with a pounding headache. I tried to raise up and look around. I felt something on my arm and looked to find an IV attached to me. I wasn't dead. How did I get here?
As my vision began to clear, I looked around and saw dozens of vases of roses around my hospital room. A tear glided down my face at the thought of people caring for me that much. I turned my head to the left. Jake stood up, walked over and took my hand. "Hey you. I was wondering when you would wake up." His infectious smile beamed across his face. His eyes misty with tears.
"What happened? I thought you killed me."
He leaned forward and kissed my forehead. "Why would I kill you?"
"Because you were in on this with Bernie."
He pulled the chair up so he could sit by the bed. "I have some things to tell you about that."
I looked at him, trying to read his face. "What is it?"
He let out a sigh and squeezed my hand. "I'm an insurance investigator, Lexi."
"What? You led me to believe you were some sneaky bastard in with this scam with your uncle. Why did you do that? Why didn't you just tell me?"
"I've been undercover here for four months. I couldn't risk having my cover blown."
"Where is Bernie? Did you get him?"
"He's dead."
I gasped, "Oh no, did I kill him?"
"No, he fell and hit the back of his head."
"How did you find me?" I could buy the story of him being an investigator, but how did he know to look there for me?
He let out a soft chuckle. "Yeah, that. I hired someone to follow you."
"What? Who?"
"That guy, Charlie."
"The guy who's all over the place on his bike?"
"Yep. I knew since he liked to ride around all day anyway, you'd never pick up that he was following you."
I shook my head and laid back on the bed, my mind was reeling with everything he'd just told me. He noticed the concerned look on my face.
"What's wrong?"
"Was going out with me part of your undercover investigation?"
He smiled, "No, that was me going out with a woman who rocks my world."
My heart melted and relief washed over me knowing he wasn't the bad guy. I felt guilty for having so many suspicions about him, but at the same time, he had misled me into thinking he was in on it. I wasn't sure how I felt about that.
I awoke the next morning with sunlight beaming through the window. My head wasn't pounding as bad as it had the night before. That was a good sign. Maybe the doc would spring me from this joint today. I rolled over and stared out the window. So much had happened over the past month that I hadn't had time to breathe. After taking the job with John, I hadn't even had time to settle into my new life. I thought about Jake and secretly hoped he'd be a part of it. He had been on assignment in this town so he'd probably be heading back to his own world as soon as the state and federal investigation was over. My heart pinched at the thought.
I heard the door open and turned to see which nurse was coming in to poke around on me this time. My heart fluttered seeing Jake roll a cart through the door. I sat up in the bed, “What's this?”
He walked over and kissed my cheek. “You still owe me a date.”
I crinkled my nose. “So, hospital food counts as a date?”
He smiled. Yeah, I could get lost forever in that smile. “Well, it could, but you're in luck, I happen to make a pretty good breakfast.”
“You cook?”
“I can hold my own in the kitchen. You would have found out on our last date, but I had to leave town early. Remember?”
“I do,” I said as he helped me out of the bed and escorted me to the chairs he'd set up by the window with the cart between them as a table. I looked down at the hospital gown I wore. “I hope this is what you meant by casual. It's not exactly my best outfit.”
He stopped and looked at me. “You're beautiful.” He had a gleam in his eye.
I couldn't be sure but I think he really thought I was beautiful with my hair messed up and wearing ugly hospital garb. “You need an eye exam.”
He pulled the cloth cover from the cart and pulled out a vase and single yellow rose for the centerpiece. There were two covered plates, a bowl of fruit, coffee, and orange juice.
He pulled the cover off and revealed miniature pancakes, sausage links, and scrambled eggs. My stomach began to rumble. I was starving. I was skeptical about his cooking expertise, but it did look and smell good. I figured it was at least as good as hospital food. I prepared my pancakes and took the first bite. I was wrong in my assumption. The man had a knack for pancakes. I don't know what he did to boring eggs but they were divine. “Oh my gosh. These are delicious. What did you do to them?”
“It's a family secret.” He said as he winked.
“Some girl is going to be lucky when she catches you.”
Jake put his fork down and looked at me. “Is there a chance that girl could be you?” He had a sincere look in his eyes.
I felt uneasy, not sure how to reply. “Aren't you leaving here as soon as this case is wrapped up?” I turned my face towards the window, afraid the truth would hurt more than I wanted to admit.
“Not necessarily. The town still needs an insurance agent, and I seem to be qualified for the position.”
I turned to face him. I'd heard people talking about their hearts doing this pitter-patter thing, but I never much believed it, until now. I wasn't sure what I was feeling or why I was even feeling it. The thought of him staying in Cryptic Cove made me happy, happier than I expected.
“Are you okay with that?” He asked, breaking the silence.
“I like that idea.” I couldn't see myself, but I was sure my face had blushed.
The doctor came in after we finished eating. He said I only had a mild concussion and could go home. He also said I should take it easy for a few days. That would be great after the craziness of the past two weeks. The release papers were done by eleven and I was free to go.
As Jake pulled his car out of the parking lot to take me home, I started going over things in my head again. I looked over at Jake, "What was the big secret between Copeland and Haynes?"
Jake looked puzzled, "What are you talking about?"
"Bernie said he killed the mortician for not disposing of the bodies. He also said Orvel Haynes had s
ome big secret the whole town would be interested in."
Jake shrugged his shoulders, "I don't have a clue."
I tapped my fingers on the car door as we drove through town. I perked up, "Go to the mortician's house."
"Why?"
"There's something there. I know it."
"Lexi, you just got out of the hospital."
I waved my hand and blew him off, "I had worse injuries jumping rope as a kid. We need to go find that secret."
"You need rest."
"Fine, I'll go myself."
He looked over at me and shook his head. "What am I going to do with you?"
I grinned at him, "You're going to take me to the mortician's house."
CHAPTER 26
John was working on the investigation when we arrived at the mortician's home. Most of the evidence had been bagged and taken away. He was just looking around a bit more to make sure they'd left nothing behind.
I looked over to the window I'd seen the night before. It still seemed to glow and no sun was shining on it. I grabbed Jake's arm and told him I wanted to see the basement.
We went into the kitchen and found the door to the basement. It was full of boxes and furniture. Only a narrow path led through it. We wandered through the maze until we came to where the corner window should be. I looked at Jake, "There's a corner window on the outside of the house. It should be right here." I said pointing up to the corner.
A sheet of plywood stood in the corner. Jake pulled it out and discovered a door behind it. John came up behind us and startled me. I let out a gasp. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sneak in, just wondered what you two were doing down here."
I pointed, "We've found a hidden room."
John stepped up to help Jake get the metal door open. The hinges opened easily. John looked inside, "Oh my god!"
I peeked around him to see what he was looking at. A woman stood in the middle of the room, "Where's Orvel?" she asked.
John looked at me, shock spread across his face. He turned and stepped into the room. "Agatha? Is that you?"
My heart skipped a beat. Could my aunt be alive after all of these years? What was she doing locked away in the basement? My heart cringed at the thought of that creepy bastard keeping her all this time.
"Agatha, it's me, John Ballard." He stepped closer.
Her mouth fell open as she reached out to him, "My god John. I can't believe it." They embraced each other in a hug. She stepped back, "Where's Orvel?"
John looked at her. We could all see the concern on her face, she was lost. He finally spoke, "Orvel's dead. He was killed a few days ago."
Agatha sat on the bed and placed her face in her hands. She was clearly upset over the news. She looked up finally, "I knew something was wrong when he didn't return on Saturday."
We stepped further into the room. It was well decorated and cozy. If a prison can be cozy.
John walked over to her, turned and pointed at me. "This is your grand niece, Lexi."
Agatha looked up, "Katherine's daughter?"
"Yes," I said.
"Velda? Where is Velda?"
John reached out for her, "Come, she'll be so happy to see you."
Agatha took John's hand so he could lead her out the door. She stopped in the doorway and turned to look back. Tears ran down her face. "I've been here so long." She looked back to John. "I don't know what the outside world is like anymore."
John put his hands on her shoulders. "A lot has changed, but you have family who loves you and you'll get through it.
Agatha stood outside looking towards the sky with the morning sun on her face. She looked like an angel. An angel who'd been gone from the world far too long. She was finally going home, finally free. Baxter flew in and perched in a nearby tree. I saw her turn towards him and smile.
We returned to the hospital with Aunt Agatha. John insisted she get checked out. The doctor took her in immediately and wanted to run a bunch of tests since she hadn't seen a real doctor in twenty-five years. The reunion between her and Grams was emotional. They hugged and cried and then cried and hugged some more.
Grams insisted I go get some rest because of the concussion. She'd been cooking all morning for my homecoming, but we decided to save the food for my aunt's homecoming instead.
Jake told Grams he'd watch after me. I expected that to mean he would stay at the house with me. Instead, he took me to his condo. He said I could stay as long as I needed to so Grams and Aunt Agatha could spend time together once my aunt was released from the hospital. I knew they would need time alone, but it would be strange staying with Jake. I didn't know what he would expect. Were we a couple? I didn't know. He'd been great, but I wasn't ready to jump into anything serious just yet. Luckily, he had a small guest bedroom I could stay in.
I stood staring out across the ocean. He had a great view. I heard movement behind me and turned to see Jake sitting on the couch, watching me. He patted the seat next to him, “You're supposed to be resting. Come sit down.”
I walked over and looked at it. “This couch was trouble the last time I sat on it.”
He reached for my hand and gently pulled me down to sit beside him. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and then kissed me on the nose. “You have a concussion. I promise to be a perfect gentleman. I can't promise not to kiss you though,” he said as he took my mouth with his.
He sat back and cuddled me into his arms. It was the right place to be.
PART TWO
MURDER & MENACE
MURDER & MENACE
A Cryptic Cove Cozy Mystery - Book 2
Copyright © 2016 by K.P. Stafford
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination. Any resemblances to persons, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.
Published by S&S Publications
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https://kpstafford.com
CHAPTER 1
I walked along the beach and watched the sunrise. It was a beautiful early spring morning. The temps had been unseasonably warm lately, so I enjoyed it. I looked up at the rocky cliffs and could see the walking path of the city park. I was trying to psych myself into climbing it. A lot of people climbed them. Kids had made pathways through the larger rocks over the years. It wasn't all that steep and had plenty of spaces to walk instead of climb. Jake and I had a bet to see who could reach the top fastest. This competition would occur in less than a week. I was here cheating, already looking for a good path to take in hopes that I could win the bet. Otherwise, I'd have to pay for dinner at Antonio's and I had no intentions of forking out that kind of cash.
Last night we held a big welcome home party for my aunt. She'd been missing for twenty-five years and we found her a few months ago, being held prisoner by a creepy mortician named Orvel Haynes, who was killed a few months back. It's been a struggle for Aunt Agatha to adjust back into normal life. She finally agreed to the party. The event took place at the city park, where I was about to make the climb up to. After all the food consumption last night, I needed a good workout.
I started up the embankment towards the city park. Baxter flew in and landed on the railing of the walk-path that was about ten foot above the only place I'd have to do any real climbing. He squawked at me. It was hard to tell if he was offering encouragement or laughing at me.
I tried to pick a path that would be easy to walk but kept finding myself in places where I had to do some climbing. I thought about back-tracking and finding another path, but I guessed an actual workout would be good for me. Close to the top, my breat
hing was heavy so I stopped and took a sip of water. I looked up at the large outcropping of rocks, trying to judge which way I should approach it, and noticed a small offshoot that looked like a good hand-hold towards the top. I made my way carefully through the smaller rocks, being careful where I placed my feet and hands. A good five feet or more from the big rocks I started wishing I hadn't attempted this path. I looked back down and decided this was a staircase built for giants, not for people who were less than twenty feet tall. I took in a deep breath and looked up to grab the next rock. Baxter swooped down to the ledge I was making my way towards and became fidgety. Maybe he was trying to inspire me and wish me luck. I grabbed hold and hoisted myself up over the ledge and almost fell backward when I came face to face with Will Hunter, except he didn't see me because he was dead. He was very dead. With all my strength, I pulled myself on up and leaned against a rock, staring at the dead man. This is the second time in six months I've found someone dead. My heart pounded as sadness and dread began to set in. Someone else in Cryptic Cove was dead. I put my face in my hands. Could he have fallen over the railing last night at the party?
I looked up at Baxter, "I wish you spoke English so I'd know what you were trying to tell me. Or maybe I need to learn crow-speak."
I looked back over at Will as I dug my cell phone out to call John.
Within twenty-five minutes John, some search and rescue guys, and Marcus Finche, the new county coroner, were there. The county sheriff showed up five minutes later. He stood against the railing, looking down. Most of the time he was a cold, stern man, all about the law and going by the books. A tear trickled down his cheek and his knuckles were white as he held onto the railing. He wiped his eyes, regained his composure and started walking towards me where I'd taken a seat on one of the park benches. As he walked up I told him I was sorry about Will. I had gotten to know Will better over the last few months. He was a good cop and took his job seriously. The sheriff acknowledged my condolences and then got straight to business. "So, Miss Danforth, you found the body."
