When Liana returned to the front, she was pleasantly surprised to find Luke was still there.
“Did you change your mind about that cupcake?” she asked.
“Not exactly,” he replied. He pointed to his feet.
Liana stood up on her toes so she could see over the counter. When she caught a glimpse of Luke’s feet, she understood why he hadn’t left yet. Fluffy was sitting on them, sprawled out as though Luke’s shoes were the most comfortable bed in the world.
“That’s...odd,” Liana remarked as she struggled to make sense of Fluffy’s behavior.
She didn’t understand why her cat would do such a peculiar thing, but she was very grateful for it. If she didn’t know better, she would think Fluffy had somehow sensed how badly she wanted Luke to stay.
“He sat down and refused to get up,” Luke explained with a shrug.
“I guess somebody else has taken a liking to you,” Liana grinned.
The smile Luke gave her made it clear her word choice hadn’t been lost on him.
Feeling emboldened, Liana decided to take a risk.
She took a deep breath and then blurted out, “I’m going to Green City this afternoon. I have, er, some errands to run. Do you want to come along? I know you said you’re tired but you can sleep in the car. It...would be nice to have company. It would be nice to have your company.”
As soon as she got the words out, Liana panicked. What if Luke said no?
That was the problem with dating in a small town. One’s love life wasn’t private. Instead, it was the subject of all kinds of gossip and speculation. And in the event of a bad date...well, there was no pretending it hadn’t happened. Avoiding an ex, for example, simply wasn’t possible in a town the size of Sugarcomb Lake.
Liana had always felt she had to tread lightly.
The thought of being rejected terrified her. Maybe that was part of the reason why her love life had been so stagnant. Putting herself out there meant risking heartbreak and public humiliation. It also meant everyone would meddle in her business even more than usual. Everybody in town went nuts over a blossoming romance - or a juicy tale of unrequited love.
But Luke was worth the risk.
To her relief, he accepted her invite without hesitation.
“That sounds fun,” he told her, smiling so broadly that his eyes crinkled at the corners.
Liana wanted to do cartwheels. She was thrilled that she would get to spend the day with Luke. It was almost like a date, except with less pressure. Well, except for all that pressure Liana was already putting on herself, of course.
Maybe if she was lucky, she would get that kiss after all.
Liana’s trip to Green City was for investigative purposes. Earlier that morning, she had been obsessed with the idea of catching a murderer. But now that Luke had entered the picture, her sleuthing was taking a back seat to her emotions.
Hopefully her infatuation wouldn’t interfere with her quest to bring a killer to justice.
Chapter 14
“So what are we doing?” Luke asked.
It was mid-afternoon, and they had just arrived in Green City. Luke hadn’t wanted to sleep, even though Liana had assured him she didn’t mind. Instead, he had relied on coffee to keep him awake. They had talked the entire drive, reminiscing about old times and chatting about their families.
Liana snuck a peek at Luke. “You’re going to think I’m crazy,” she cautioned.
“Try me.”
She took a deep breath. “I’m investigating Chester Atkins’ murder,” she told him. Even as she said the words, Liana felt like an insane person. She could only imagine what Luke would think. She braced herself for his response.
“Interesting,” he said, sounding surprised. “I didn’t know you were an aspiring detective.”
“I’m not,” she assured him. “At first, I was doing Clarissa a favor. Any time there’s a death in Sugarcomb Lake, it’s big news...especially if the circumstances are suspicious. Clarissa wants to write a newpaper article about what happened. But she’s out of town right now, so it’s tough for her to do the legwork herself. I agreed to ask around and see what I could find out for her.”
“You’re a good friend.”
“Honestly, I got sucked into the investigation,” Liana admitted. “My dad knew Chester back when they were kids, so there’s a personal connection there. And the more I learn, the more fascinated with the case I become. Chester had a lot of enemies,” she confided.
“Like who?”
“Chester’s son absolutely loathed him,” Liana replied. “But I’ve ruled him out as the killer; he was playing football the day Chester’s body was dumped by the lake. Chester’s former business partner is still a suspect. And so is the woman Chester was dating at the time of his death.”
“That is a long list,” Luke remarked. “He made all those people dislike him to the point where they wanted him dead? Whoa.” He looked out the window as Liana pulled into a parking lot. “We’re at a restaurant,” he observed.
“Chester used to be the co-owner of this place,” Liana explained as she parked the car. “He pulled out with no warning. He liquidated assets and nearly bankrupted his business partner, Nelson. I guess it was quite the betrayal, and there was a lot of lingering resentment.”
“So you think this Nelson guy may have killed Chester for revenge?”
“Possibly,” Liana shrugged. “To tell you the truth, Nelson seems like a nice enough guy. He’s an older, grandfatherly type. I have a hard time believing he’s a coldblooded killer. But then again, he did get awfully heated when Chester’s name came up.”
“Some people do crazy things when they feel wronged,” Luke pointed out.
“That’s true. And it’s not like I know Nelson well. I only met him once when I was here to eat with my parents. He was chatty...to the point of oversharing, even. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him when he talked about how selfish Chester was.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Nelson is getting to the age where he should be thinking about retirement. I mean, my parents are retired and he’s got to be older than them. But I don’t think he can. After talking with him, I got the impression he’s on the cusp of financial ruin.”
Luke considered what Liana had told him. “I’m not saying he’s innocent or guilty. I don’t even know the guy. But from an outsider’s perspective, it does sound like he had a reason to want Chester dead.”
“Yeah, maybe. That’s what I’m hoping to find out.”
Liana unbuckled her seatbelt. Luke followed suit and did the same.
“So what’s our game plan?” he asked as they walked toward the restaurant.
“I don’t exactly have one,” Liana admitted. “I’m hoping to talk to Nelson again. If I’m lucky, maybe I can find out where he was the day Chester’s body was discovered by the lake. Then I’ll know if I can rule Nelson out or if I should investigate him more closely.”
“Sounds good,” Luke replied, holding the door open for Liana. “Since we’re here anyway, why don’t we grab a bite to eat? Are you hungry?”
“I could eat.”
Liana’s head was spinning. Was this a dinner date, or a meal of convenience?
When she had asked Luke to drive to Green City with her, Liana had purposefully kept it casual. She had thought she was being clever, making the invitation seem like no big deal. It was safer that way. She was putting less on the line that way.
Now, though, she wished she had been upfront about her feelings - and her intentions. At least that way, she would know where she stood. All this guessing and wondering and wishing was stressful. All Liana could do was cross her fingers and hope her crush on Luke was reciprocated.
“This is a nice,” Luke said once they were seated at a quiet table.
“Ah, I thought that was you!” a familiar voice called out.
Liana turned to see Nelson approaching the table. He was wearing his white apron and a chef’s hat. This time, however,
he was moving very slowly. It was immediately evident that his back was giving him some trouble.
“Nelson! Hi!” Liana exclaimed.
She was relieved to see him. It meant she would have an opportunity to dig up some more information. Now she needed to figure out how to discreetly ask him where he was on the day Chester’s body was dumped by the lake.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t exactly a tactful way to tell Nelson she suspected him of committing murder. She decided to simply smile and make idle small talk while she tried to come up with a plan. It wasn’t ideal, but it was all she could think to do.
“It’s good to see you,” Nelson told Liana. “And this time, you’ve brought your boyfriend!”
Nelson’s innocent assumption left Liana mortified. She didn’t know if she should correct him or let the comment go. She didn’t dare look in Luke’s direction - especially since she was positive her face must be bright red. She grabbed her menu and practically hid behind it.
“There’s nothing like some good, old fashioned candlelight to set the mood. Let’s make things a little more romantic, shall we?” Nelson suggested. He pulled a lighter out of his apron pocket. Then he reached for the unlit candle that sat in the center of Liana and Luke’s table.
Suddenly Nelson froze. He let out a yelp of pain and twisted his torso in an unnatural way.
Luke immediately jumped to his feet and came to the older man’s assistance.
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” Nelson protested as Luke took him by the elbow. “It’s just this stupid back of mine. It’s an old injury from a car accident I was in a decade ago. I always have to baby it, making sure I don’t lift anything heavy. And even so, it still goes out on me from time to time.”
“Why don’t you have a seat?” Luke suggested, offering up his chair.
“Don’t mind if I do,” Nelson agreed, gratefully allowing Luke to help him. He let out an appreciative groan once he settled into the chair. “Ahh, yeah. That feels better already,” he murmured, breathing heavily. It was clear he was still uncomfortable.
“Is your back acting up again?” a server asked as she walked past with a tray of drinks.
She was a pretty woman in her thirties, with long brunette hair that was tied back in a braid. If her body language was any indication, she seemed to have a good rapport with her boss. She also seemed quite concerned about his well being.
“I’m afraid so,” Nelson grimaced. “My back has been extra temperamental lately.”
“It sure has been! That’s the second time it’s gone out on you this month!” the server exclaimed as she balanced the tray she was holding on her hip. “Maybe you should visit that chiropractor I told you about.”
“I don’t know,” Nelson said doubtfully. “It’s silly, but I’ve always been nervous about chiropractors. I’ve seen them on TV cracking people’s backs. It seems awfully violent. One wrong twist and they could sever my spine!” he exclaimed, eyes wide. “Internal decapitation!”
“Nelson, you’re being silly,” the server told him in a no-nonsense tone. “My chiropractor is excellent at what he does. In fact, he’s nothing short of a miracle-worker. When I slipped and fell on the ice last winter, he had me back on my feet in no time. You need to go see him.”
“Maybe I should,” the older man relented.
“You won’t regret it,” the server promised. “I’ll get you his contact information.”
“Would you mind getting me my painkillers when you have a minute?” Nelson asked. “They’re sitting on the corner of the desk in my office...can’t miss ‘em.”
“Will do,” the server replied. “I’ll be right back.”
“Maybe I’m a fool for being scared of the chiropractor,” Nelson told Liana and Luke sheepishly. “I’ve always gotten by on hot showers and the occasional ice pack. Doc prescribes me strong painkillers, too. But the downside is I can’t drive anymore on account of the painkillers. I let my license expire years ago.”
“I’d be lost without my car,” Liana replied.
“Yeah, but that’s because are no buses in Sugarcomb Lake. There’s no cab service either,” Luke pointed out. “I imagine in Green City, it isn’t quite as inconvenient to be without a car. There’s public transportation available.”
“That’s true,” Nelson agreed. “I don’t know how I would manage if I was living in a small town. Thankfully, everything I need is right here in Green City. Why, I can’t even remember the last time I left city limits,” he chuckled.
Liana and Luke exchanged a look.
The server returned to the table with a bottle of pills in her hand. “Here you go,” she said, handing them to Nelson. Then she put her hands on her hips and gave him a stern, no-nonsense look. “Don’t take too many. The last time you overdid it, you started serenading customers at their tables.”
“They liked it,” Nelson said defensively, though he had a big grin on his face.
“Nelson, I love you like a father, but that’s not true and you know it. Your singing was horrible. You couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket,” the server retorted. “Anyway, I’m going to go take my break now if that’s okay.”
“Yes, that’s fine. And call it what it is, Kay - I know it’s a smoke break. You and your filthy habits...you’re getting to be as bad as me! Go!” Nelson ordered, waving her away. Then he looked up at Luke, who was still standing next to the table. “I stole your seat, didn’t I?”
“I don’t mind,” Luke assured him, polite as always.
“Kay is my most loyal employee,” Nelson said, the affectation in his voice hard to miss. “I never had any kids of my own, you know. I consider her the daughter I never had. I wish she would stop smoking. I tell her that, but she always turns it back around on me and says I should take my own advice.”
“It’s clear that she cares about you,” Liana told him.
“She’s not afraid to tell me what she thinks...even when she knows I don’t want to hear it. She’s been after me to go to a chiropractor for ages,” Nelson admitted. “Deep down, I guess know she’s right. I’m just a stubborn old goat,” he joked.
“I hope you can get some relief from your back pain,” Luke said.
“Me too. Kay seems to think I will, and she’s usually right about that sort of thing. She’s an infuriating know-it-all,” Nelson smiled. Then he abruptly announced, “I think I’m going to buy her a session with a hypnotist.”
“A hypnotist?” Liana repeated, puzzled. That seemed awfully random.
“I mean one of those hypnotists that helps people quit smoking,” Nelson explained. “It sounds like a bunch of malarky to me, but maybe there’s something to it. If the hypnotism works, it would be good for her. Heck, maybe I’ll even book a session for myself. It can’t hurt, right?”
“My great-aunt actually used hypnotism to stop smoking,” Luke volunteered. “That was eight or nine years ago, and she hasn’t had a single cigarette since. She says it’s the best thing she ever did for herself.”
“Now that’s what I like to hear,” Nelson smiled. He leaned forward cautiously. Then, using the tabletop for support, he gingerly eased himself to his feet. “Well, I’ll let you two lovebirds get back to your date. Have a terrific evening,” he said with a wink.
Liana reached for her water glass and gulped from it greedily. It kept her from having to acknowledge what Nelson had said about her and Luke being on a date. But eventually, she had to come up for air.
“Well that was awkward,” she said with an apologetic smile.
“Maybe you were onto something,” Luke said at the exact same second. “Maybe he did it.”
Liana stared at him blankly. Then, when what he was saying dawned on her, her jaw dropped.
She leaned across the table and hissed, “Luke, did you just see what I saw? Nelson has a bad back! Chester’s body had been dragged through the mud. Someone physically dragged him, likely from a vehicle. There’s no way Nelson could have managed that.”
“Or,” Luke counter
ed, “Nelson might have thrown his back out by lifting Chester’s corpse! Think about it. In a weird way, it makes sense. Maybe the writing is on the wall and we’re not seeing it.”
“The man was really in pain,” Liana pointed out.
“Yes. I imagine singlehandedly moving a dead body is hard on a person’s back.”
Liana was still skeptical. “I completely agree that Nelson may have wanted Chester dead. He had every reason to be bitter....every reason to seek revenge. But Nelson is old and in poor health. Do you really think he would be physically capable of moving a body?”
“I’m not sure. I’m only trying to consider every possibility,” Luke shrugged.
“Well I don’t think he did it,” Liana declared. “Don’t ask me why. It’s just a gut feeling I have.”
“I trust your intuition,” Luke said.
Liana smiled, feeling her heart flutter.
Luke was someone who had grown into his appearance. He was decent looking in an average sort of way. But the better she got to know him, the more attractive he became to her. And tonight he looked extra handsome.
Maybe it was the candlelight...Liana wasn’t sure.
All she knew was it was difficult for her to stop staring.
Luke picked up his menu. “Do you know what you want?” he asked.
“You,” Liana replied without thinking.
He glanced up. “Pardon?”
“Stew,” she said, blushing wildly.
Chapter 15
“I’m stuffed,” Luke said, patting his stomach in satisfaction. “Dinner was delicious.”
“It was,” Liana agreed as they headed out of the restaurant. “But I didn’t expect you to pay,” she added, hoping he wouldn’t think she was an opportunistic golddigger. “Are you sure you don’t want to split the bill?”
“I’m positive,” Luke told her. “I wanted to treat you.”
“That’s really nice. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Luke cleared his throat nervously. “To tell you the truth, I feel like this dinner was long overdue. I’ve been wanting to take you out for a long time,” he admitted as he held the door open for Liana.
Strawberry Shortcake to Die For (A Liana Campbell Cozy Mystery Book 2) Page 10
