Miss Frost Cracks A Caper: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost Book 4)

by Kristen Painter

  I dropped my hand and made a face at him. “You are not starving, I promise.” I was guilty of not topping off his dry-food bowl before going to bed last night, though. “I’m getting up. But I can’t do that with you standing on me.”

  He jumped down.

  Somehow, I dragged myself to the kitchen. His bowl of dry food was empty. Clearly, I was a bad cat mother. “Sorry,” I mumbled.

  I refilled it with kibble, gave him fresh water, then a bowl of the thing that I knew would get me back into his good graces. His favorite canned food. Chicken Party.

  If Purrfect Cat ever stopped making it, I was in serious trouble. “Here you go, Chicken Party.”

  He kneaded his front feet on the floor in a little dance, which was so cute it hurt. “Spider loves Chicken Party.”

  “So I’ve heard.”

  He made little happy noises while he ate, which lightened my mood considerably. If only my life were so easy. I thought about going back to bed, but if I did that, I wasn’t going to have any desire to wake up again in half an hour.

  Work beckoned. And don’t get me wrong, I loved my job. Loved the people I worked with even more. But today I felt about as worky as a hundred-year-old ice sloth. Which is to say not at all.

  My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn’t really eaten dinner. But the leftover burger and fries were not going to cut it for breakfast. Today, of all days, I needed sugar. It’s kind of a winter elf requirement to have a certain daily amount of sugar. Our high metabolisms can handle it, too, which is basically a superpower all on its own.

  Sadly, I was out of doughnuts. I was out of a lot of things, but I didn’t feel like getting dressed to go out to eat, even though a stack of Mummy’s chocolate chip pancakes sounded like heaven right now.

  Then the image of one of Mummy’s huge, gooey cinnamon rolls appeared in my brain. My mouth watered and my stomach growled again.

  Snowballs.

  Reluctantly, I pulled on jeans, a T-shirt, and a hoodie. Today was all about easy and comfortable. I brushed my teeth, scraped my hair back into a ponytail, threw on a ballcap and sneakers, and grabbed my purse and keys. On the way down to the first floor, I texted Cooper.

  Headed to Mummy’s for breakfast. Meet me?

  He didn’t reply until I was a block away. Sorry, just saw this. Already here.

  See you soon. I’m a couple minutes away.

  I looked around when I got inside. The place was jumping, but then, breakfast was one of their most popular meals. Cooper waved from a seat at the counter. I liked a booth, but I liked food more and I was too hungry to be fussy. His navy Nocturne Falls Fire Department jacket was slung over the stool beside him. He picked it up and patted the upholstery. It might have been the only free seat in the house.

  I joined him. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. And good morning.” A few bites of an omelet and scattering of home fries were all that remained on his plate. “I already ordered you a coffee and a cinnamon bun. I hope that’s okay.”

  So okay I almost wept. “Perfect. And good morning to you too.”

  They arrived seconds later by way of a server named Arty, whose slicked-back pompadour and rolled sleeves seemed more 1950’s than hipster. He had a pinup girl tattooed on one forearm and a heart bearing the word Mother on the other. I liked him already.

  “Heard you needed some sugar, sugar.” He set the coffee and cinnamon bun in front of me.

  “Yes. So much.”

  “Can I get you anything else?”

  Cooper snorted.

  I shot him a look. “Small stack of chocolate chip pancakes, side of bacon.” I’d learned from Birdie Caruthers that a woman couldn’t live on carbs alone. A little protein was a good thing.

  Arty tapped his finger on the counter. “Coming right up.”

  As he headed off to put my order in, I added cream and sugar to my coffee. “Thanks, Coop. I really need this.”

  “Don’t tell me you didn’t sleep last night.”

  “I did, but…just not as long as I would have liked.” I took a long sip of the coffee. It was hot and strong, and I swear I could feel it kicking in.

  He looked at me over the rim of his own cup. “You want to tell me about Lark?”

  “Sure.” I took a second to collect my thoughts. I was happy to have someone to talk to about the whole situation. Especially Cooper, who was such a big part of what had happened. “It boils down to she doesn’t want things to be uncomfortable if she gets the DJ job and has to be in the same town with me. Or us, I guess.”

  He seemed to ponder that a moment. Then his expression darkened. “So…she apologized because it suited her needs and her timing.”

  I knew Coop would get it. “In a nutshell, yes.”

  He muttered an impolite word. “She hasn’t changed.”

  I sighed. “I don’t know. Maybe she’s doing it on her timing, but she did still apologize. And she came here almost a year before she’ll be back to DJ the ball.”

  By the fresh light of day, I was feeling a lot more forgiving toward Lark. Everyone deserved a second chance, right?

  “I guess,” Cooper said.

  My pancakes arrived, gloriously golden brown and flecked with chunks of chocolate. Arty put the plate down, adding a small pitcher of syrup and a second plate that held my side order of bacon. “What do you think? That gonna do it?” He jerked his thumb toward the kitchen. “I can always have them whip up another stack.”

  I laughed. This guy was going places. “No, this will do it. Thank you. Actually, you know what? I’ll take another stack to go and a half-dozen cinnamon rolls too.”

  He grinned. “I like the cut of your jib, missy. I’ll get right on that.”

  I had no clue what a jib was or how it was cut, but I picked up my fork, ready to dig in. “Thanks.” I put the fork back down. I’d almost forgotten syrup. A heavy drizzle later and I was back in business. And back to the topic at hand. “So, anyway, Lark. She’s waiting on an answer from me. And I’m going to tell her that…yes, we can be civil. I’m not completely over what she did, but then, we’re not picking up where we left off or anything like that. It’s just what I said. Being civil.”

  I cut a big hunk of pancake off with my fork and devoured it while I waited for Cooper to respond.

  He shook his head. “You sure that’s what you want to do?”

  I chewed and thought. After I swallowed, I answered, “Everyone makes mistakes, Coop. Sure, hers was like a nine on the emotional Richter scale, but nobody died, nobody was maimed, and in the grand scheme of things, holding on to a grudge isn’t healthy.”

  He frowned. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m not feeling very forgiving, but I can be civil.”

  “She’s got a boyfriend now, too, so I’m pretty sure you don’t have to worry about another surprise naked visit from her. So, you know, there’s that.”

  He laughed a little. “Good to know.”

  I felt better already. Mostly because the sugar had hit my bloodstream, giving me a slight euphoria that lifted my mood.

  He checked his watch. “I hate to run, but I’m on duty in a few minutes. You’re sure you want to tell her everything’s behind us?”

  I stared at my pancakes, hoping for an answer there. “I don’t know if I’m going to tell her that, but I do know that I’m not going to stand in the way of her getting this job. If I even could.”

  “I’m sure you could. One carefully worded conversation with Elenora and Lark would be out.”

  “Well, I’m not going to do that.” I wasn’t going to keep someone from earning a living because she’d tried to steal my boyfriend once upon a time. “That would be petty.”

  He winked at me. “Look at you being all adult. And I agree. I might not be feeling it, but it’s the right thing to do. See you later, babe.”

  “Later.” The man was hot and smart and exactly what I’d needed this morning. I finished my breakfast in record time, including the cinnamon bun and the bacon, then got my to-g
o order, and paid, leaving a hefty tip for Arty. I might have to sit at the counter more often.

  I headed back to my apartment to shower and get ready for the day. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and it was shaping up to be a gorgeous fall day in Georgia. I made a mental note to open the blinds in the living room for Spider and crack the window a bit. He loved to look outside and sniff the fresh air.

  After my shower, I did my hair and makeup, then opted for the most comfortable work clothes I had that still looked professional, just in case Lark dropped in again. Even so, I was jonesing for my yoga pants an hour after being at my desk. Work was piling up, what with all the Christmas inventory we were getting.

  It was about to get real up in here. Real. Freaking. Busy.

  I was eyeballs-deep in spreadsheets and inventory comparisons from years past when a knock on my office door shook me back to reality. A dark figure was visible through the frosted glass. A man.

  It wasn’t Lark. I called that a win. “Come in.”

  The door opened and a vampire, who wasn’t Greyson, walked into my office.

  Hugh Ellingham’s smile was terse and closed-mouthed. He was not happy about this visit. My hackles went up. “Miss Frost. I’m sorry to interrupt. Do you have a moment?”

  I stood and brushed off the cinnamon bun crumbs. (What? Pancakes didn’t last forever.) “Of course, Hugh. And call me Jayne, please. We’re certainly well enough acquainted for that.”

  He smiled and nodded. “Of course.”

  Hugh Ellingham was one of the three brothers who ran Nocturne Falls. Elenora was their grandmother. From what I understood, when they’d bought the town decades ago, it had been bankrupt and crumbling. The Ellingham family had changed all that, building it into what it was today, a thriving mecca for Halloween-loving tourists—and a haven for supernaturals of every imaginable variety.

  They’d even orchestrated the bespelled waters that supplied the town and kept the tourists blissfully in the dark about, well, what was really in the dark.

  “What brings you by?”

  He shut the door and remained standing. He offered me a small box that I instantly recognized. “I brought you a little something from Delaney. Truffles. I hope you like them.”

  I snorted, unable to stop myself. “I don’t think that will be a problem. Thank you.” They were one of my favorite indulgences. “Please have a seat.”

  He nodded. “Very kind of you to let me interrupt your workday.” He sat stiffly, like relaxing was impossible. And he still hadn’t told me why he was here.

  I tucked the box of truffles away in a desk drawer as I sat, then turned my chair to face him. “Something’s troubling you.”

  I got a quick flash of a genuine smile, then it was gone. “Troubling might be too strong a word, but yes, there is something…concerning me.”

  I waited.

  He sighed. “It’s come to my grandmother’s attention that you are acquainted with a woman she’s considering hiring for next year’s Black and Orange Ball. Lark Bramble.”

  I nodded, not sure where this was going. “I know her. Pretty well, actually. Or I did. We were great friends in college but lost contact after that. Can I ask how your grandmother found out I know Lark?” If Lark was using me as a reference, that might help explain her need to make things right between us.

  “Greyson stopped by to inquire about Lark’s possible hiring, and Delaney asked how he knew Lark, and one thing led to another. I’m afraid Delaney questioned him until he had no choice but to reveal your past with Miss Bramble.”

  I laughed softly. “It’s okay. I take it you know about what she did to Cooper and me then?”

  “I do.” He frowned. “Terrible thing for a friend to do to another friend.”

  “I agree.”

  “Then you’ll understand why my brothers and I are concerned about Elenora hiring her. Is she trustworthy?”

  I started to answer, then hesitated. “I don’t know. I wish I could tell you more, but Lark and I have been out of touch since that whole mess in college. Yesterday was the first time I’d seen her in almost eleven years.”

  “I understand.” His mouth tightened like he was frustrated. “I don’t know why Elenora insists on a DJ for next year’s ball. It’s not like her at all.”

  “I was thinking the same thing. Obviously, I don’t know her that well, but she seems more the orchestra type. A nice string quartet, that sort of setup.”

  “She is. But something’s going on. She’s been very secretive lately. And strangely…gleeful.” He grunted. “Not that Elenora keeping secrets is so strange, but gleeful is not a word I believe I’ve ever used to describe my grandmother before.”

  “Does she always plan the ball this early? It’s almost a year until the next one.”

  “She does, but she also uses most of the same vendors year after year. It’s not like they’d dare book another event without making sure the date for the Black and Orange Ball was reserved for her. The DJ, though, that’s new. She’s also been talking about increased security. We’ve never had a problem at the ball, I assure you. But hiring the DJ must have been a detail she felt needed to be taken care of immediately.”

  “Makes sense.” I rested my arm on the desk and rapped my fingers on it lightly. “I wish I could tell you more about Lark. I can say that what happened between us, happened a long time ago. I’d like to think she’s a different person now.” I really didn’t want to stand in the way of her getting this job. “And from what I understand, she’s a very successful DJ. I’m sure she wouldn’t be if she was breaking commitments and letting clients down.”

  “True. All of her references have been stellar. We just didn’t like what we heard about you and her. As you know, we are very protective of our citizens. If you or Cooper don’t want Elenora to hire her—”

  “No.” I held my hands up. “I do not want to be the reason Lark isn’t hired. If Elenora wants her, then by all means, Elenora should hire her. I’ve talked to Cooper about it too. I know he feels the same way.”

  “And you won’t be bothered by her presence in town? Or at the ball? Because, naturally, the family hopes you’ll attend.”

  I smiled. “I can’t say I’m going to love having her in town, but I have a year to get used to the idea. And she’ll be in her booth, or whatever DJs work out of, so it’s not like I have to mingle with her.”

  Hugh stood. “Very true. Your attitude is commendable, Miss—Jayne. But then, I shouldn’t be surprised by it. I know you were brought up with the grace and sensibility of royalty. Your good breeding shows.”

  “Thanks.” I repressed a laugh as I got to my feet as well. “Hey, tell that to my parents next time they’re in town, will you?”

  He’d started for the door, then paused. “Say, do you think they’d like to come to the ball?”

  “I don’t know. I can ask. But the months before Christmas are unbelievably busy for them.”

  “I’m sure. But please extend them an invitation. And I will make sure they receive a formal invite when those are sent out.”

  “I’ll let them know.”

  He opened the door. “Thanks again for your time.”

  “Of course. And thank Delaney for the truffles for me.”

  “Absolutely.” He left, closing the door behind him.

  I sat down and got the box of truffles out. It’s not like they’d stay fresh forever. It was my culinary duty to eat them, really. I opened the box and savored the delicious aroma of chocolate and sugar that wafted out. Then I picked the one that had a sliver of candied lemon rind on top and bit in. My taste buds did a little booty shake as the sweet tang of lemon and thyme and dark chocolate danced on my tongue.

  Delaney might be a vampire, but what she did with chocolate and sugar could be considered witchcraft. It was supernaturally good. I finished the truffle, leaning back in my chair with my eyes closed to really enjoy how incredible it was.

  A soft throaty laugh brought me upright again. “Am I interr
upting something?”

  I went upright immediately at the sound of that familiar Irish lilt. “Greyson, hi. No, I was just—”

  “Eating chocolates?” His gaze went to the open box of truffles on my desk.

  “Yes. Want one?”

  “No, thanks.”

  I looked longingly at the one with a coffee bean and crystals of sea salt on top. No doubt a salted mocha caramel. “I need the sugar. It’s all that’s keeping me going.”

  He took up residence on the same love seat Hugh had just occupied. “I’m surprised you’re here. Can’t you take the day off?”

  “I could. But then I’d just be even more backed up tomorrow. Christmas is right around the corner. This time of year is insane for us.”

  “I can imagine.” His brow wrinkled. “Anything I can do to help?”

  I thought for a minute. I was very willing to take him up on his offer, but nothing came to mind. “Not really. I’m getting two seasonal employees this year, and they show up next week, so I’ll have plenty of help.”

  “And then will you take a day off?”

  “I will. Oh! I know something you can do for me. If you really meant what you said about helping.”

  “I did. And I’ll do it. What do you need?”

  I smiled sweetly. “Could I talk you into grocery shopping for me? My cupboards are a little bare.”

  He laughed. “Yes, I can do that. Do you have a list?”

  “Not yet, but I could put one together in a couple minutes.”

  He sat back and kicked his feet up on the small coffee table. “Go ahead. I’ll wait.”

  I grabbed a steno pad and a pen and started writing. Chicken Party was at the top of the list. As was cat litter. And then doughnuts, both chocolate and powdered. Such were my priorities.

  He crossed his arms behind his head, really making himself comfortable. “I should tell you that the Ellinghams know about your past with Lark.” He sighed. “Delaney should work for the police as an interrogator.”

  “Hugh was here right before you were.” I kept scribbling. Two boxes mac-n-cheese. The kind with the sauce in the pouch. Four frozen pizzas. The ones with everything.