by C A Phipps
“Does that mean they found a body?” Harvey looked a little green
Scarlett rubbed her chin. “Maybe. It’s odd that Sam would be here otherwise, and I can’t imagine anyone surviving being locked in there without power.” She looked around them. “And there’s no ambulance.”
Harvey’s eyes bulged. “Suffocation would be a gruesome way to go.”
“Mmmm. But who could have been in there last night?”
“No one that I know. Or at least no one I’ve given a key to.” He paced along the sidewalk. “I don’t know what to do while they’re investigating. Hanging around here is a waste of time when I should be working.”
“You’re right,” She agreed. “The sheriff won’t be giving out information anytime soon. I’m going back to the café and no doubt Nate will come by your office soon to ask his questions.”
Harvey sighed. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
“Why are you afraid?”
“Don’t look at me like that, Scarlett. I don’t know why the diner burned down or who did it, and I can’t be responsible for a dead person. But, you of all people have to admit having the sheriff around is not good for business.”
Scarlett grimaced. He was right, and she could empathize with him. When all the nasty business with Daisy was happening, the Cozy Café was almost brought to its knees. People got scared, and naturally, when food was involved, they thought twice about where to buy it from. Maybe in real estate, the fear that an agent could be implicated in a murder or arson would be just as daunting for the residents of Cozy Hollow.
“I hope for your sake that’s not the case. My only advice is not stressing too much until you find out who or what caused the fire.” She smiled encouragingly. “Nate will be working hard to do that.”
“Will he? It seems as though terrible things keep happening, and he’s not able to stop them,” the agent said morosely.
Scarlett’s blood boiled. “That’s unfair. Nate has a large area to patrol with his deputies. He can’t always be in Cozy Hollow when we need him.”
“Since you don’t have a shop burned to the ground, we’ll have to disagree on that.” Harvey stomped down the street and into his shop, banging the door behind him.
Harvey was a little highly strung, but she’d never seen him like this. Scarlett wondered as she strolled back to the café, what he was more upset by—not enough insurance, or the possibility of a dead body?
She was sympathetic, but Harvey had more than one iron in the fire—not an intentional pun—so he’d be okay financially. A niggling thought troubled her as she entered the café. Harvey wasn’t capable of being involved in the fire, or worse—was he?
Well?” Violet demanded as soon as she arrived.
The café had several customers, including a couple of the knitting club. Sensing juicy gossip, they stopped mid-sip or chew.
“I’m not sure how it’s going, but the sheriff called in Nate,” she told them, heading out to the kitchen.
“A paramedic at the diner? What on earth for?” Betty followed. “I thought the place was empty.”
Scarlett lowered her voice. “All I know is that they found something in the fridge.”
Standing in the doorway, Violet gasped loudly. “A body?”
Shock waves went around the café, and Scarlett could have slapped herself for not making her sister come further into the kitchen.
“I never said that,” she hissed.
Violet suddenly became aware of the interest behind her and grimaced as she belatedly came to stand next to Scarlett and Betty. “Sorry.”
“You should be. There’s no point in upsetting the town for no good reason.”
“So, you didn’t see a body?” Betty pressed.
“No, and the sheriff didn’t say there was one and isn’t ready to discuss the possibility,” Scarlett admitted.
Betty sighed. “That’s a bit of a relief. I’m sure he would have given you a clue if anyone was dead.”
Scarlett frowned. “Probably not at the moment. I suggest we carry on as normal, then our customers will too.”
They went back to the counter, and Betty smiled at the customers. “I don’t know how anyone else feels, but I wonder if all this drama is worthy of a piece of coconut ice? Just to get our equilibrium back.”
“Holding out on us?” Violet nudged her.
“I forgot I had it in my bag,” Betty protested. “Let me get it.”
“I hope we all get a piece,” Colleen called out across the room.
Betty laughed. “I could manage that if Scarlett doesn’t mind?”
“Samples are always good for business,” Scarlett forced a grin. Betty had diffused the situation and provided an avenue to change the topic.
“How’s this?” Betty brought with her a large container.
There were several oohs and ahhs.
Scarlett winked. “I was thinking that perhaps we could start selling your sweets in the café sooner rather than later?”
“Really? I would love that.” Betty grinned as she handed around the container. “You must all tell me what you think. The truth mind. Scarlett won’t want sub-standard confectionary sold here.”
Plenty of eye-rolls ensued accompanied by groans of delight.
“This is fantastic,” Violet licked her fingers, before heading back to the kitchen to wash up.
Scarlett didn’t like to say that she thought this batch a little drier because it was still very nice, so she too went to wash up and also make more coffee. Sweet things, like savory, made a person thirsty. She would have to cost out the ingredients for the coconut ice, but if it resulted in more cups of coffee sold, it would definitely be worth adding the sweet to their selection.
In the back of her mind, she was still thinking about the fire at the diner. Betty might want to cover up feelings about the kidnapping and her brother’s death, but what if there really was another body? If so, who could it possibly be? Another stranger to town or someone they knew?
She hoped Nate dropped by later so she could ask him these questions. Not that he’d want to answer her.
Chapter Twenty
As if she’d willed it, Nate came by as they were closing up. He sat at the kitchen table, taking a sip of the coffee Violet brought him. Then he nodded at the chair beside him.
“Betty, could you spare a few moments?”
She sat, hands clasped so tightly in her lap that her knuckles were white. The corners of her mouth drooped, and Scarlett quickly poured another coffee and handed it to Betty, who took it gratefully.
Nate placed his cup back on the table. “I’ll get straight to the point. The autopsy is done, so you can get Serenity Funeral Home to collect your brother whenever you’re ready.”
Betty’s mouth opened and closed, but nothing came out.
“I can see this is hard for you, but I’m sure your friends will help with arrangements.”
Scarlett nodded. “If you don’t have anyone else, we’d be happy to help in any way. Anything you need, we’re here for you,” Scarlett assured Betty.
This time Betty didn’t argue, or fuss and Nate continued.
“I wish I had good news about your alleged kidnapping. I can say that we’re doing our best, and we won’t rest until it’s resolved.”
“I believe you, Sheriff. Do you still have someone watching my house?”
“I’d like to say that it’s around the clock, but the reality is we have a spate of crimes happening across the county, so it is pretty sporadic.”
“Thank you for your honesty. I’ve felt so much safer with the new locks, and Scarlett’s been dropping me off home each night.”
Nate smiled. “I’m glad.”
“What about the things you found in the diner today?” Scarlett enquired.
Nate screwed up his face, “You know about them?”
“I saw that you’d found something,” she bluffed.
He frowned. “I’m afraid that’s classified information. The items haven’
t proved conclusive.”
“Why not? Surely they help otherwise, why would you collect them?”
“It’s my job to look at everything because you can never say what will be important. Putting the clues together to reach a logical conclusion without jumping to it—that’s the hard part.”
Scarlett took a direct hit with his barb while Betty looked miserable.
Nate saw it too. “Is something the matter?”
Her lips quivered. “We talked about it before, but it just occurred to me what it means that Saul would have no insurance. I don’t know how I can pay for his funeral.”
Nate came to the rescue. “The minister will be able to help. Cozy Hollow church has a fund for the homeless.”
Betty closed her eyes for a moment. “I guess that’s what he was, alright.”
“If you like, I’ll go see him tomorrow, and then you can talk to him if he says yes,” Scarlett offered.
“Would you? That would save me any embarrassment.” Betty gave her a grateful smile. “And for that, I’ll make fudge.”
Violet patted her arm. “You don’t need to do that.”
“I must pay my way somehow. If not financially, then by cooking. Although, goodness knows I can’t compare with your skills.”
“Nobody makes fudge as you do,” Scarlett assured her.
Nate had been about to leave. “Harvey tells me that the woman who was leasing the diner was seen around town yesterday. He tried to speak to her, but she drove off.”
“Harvey says silly things,” Betty blurted.
“Like what?” Nate asked. His eyes were now steely.
“Oh.” Betty’s cheeks reddened. “I shouldn’t have mentioned it, but you are the sheriff. I believe he’s a secret drinker.”
“Harvey?” Nate frowned. “He likes a beer from time to time, but I’ve never seen him drunk.”
“That might be true,” Betty mused. “He’s very good at hiding it, but being married to someone who did that as well as a brother who never bothered to hide it, I know the signs.” Then she put her hands to her face. “I shouldn’t have said anything. He’s a very nice man, otherwise.”
“Never feel like you can’t speak the truth, Betty. I’m grateful for any information you have, and I’ll keep an eye on him.” Nate assured her. “And, if any of you see a woman you don’t know around town, please call me.”
“But at this time of year, it could merely be a tourist,” Violet protested. “You’ve just said how busy you are.”
Nate regarded Violet with a frown. “I know what I said, but in this situation, it won’t hurt to check.”
Violet’s cheeks flared, and she went to the sink to finish the dishes.
Scarlett wished she could get the two of them out of this sparring mode. It made her uncomfortable, and Betty watched both of them warily.
Nate rubbed his chin. “There was something else I wanted to ask—about your husband.”
“Ex-husband,” Betty corrected. “What about Jimmy?”
“We found his wallet in the walk-in fridge at the diner.” Nate watched her closely. “And a watch.”
“I don’t understand. Why would Jimmy’s things be there?”
Nate was evasive. “We’re looking into that. Have you seen him since he kidnapped you?”
“Of course not!” Betty spluttered.
“You’ll appreciate that I needed to ask.” Nate raised an eyebrow. “If you do hear from him, please let me know, straight away.”
“If I catch eyes on him, I won’t need to call you because you’ll hear me yelling.”
Nate didn’t laugh, and Scarlett shivered at his cool expression. Okay, so the situation wasn’t amusing, but it was apparent that there was more to this. What was Nate holding back? Would he tell her? Maybe he’d tell Violet.
An odd feeling she’d been having for a while came back and made her nervous. It had nothing to do with the mystery and everything to do with the sheriff and her sister.
Chapter Twenty-One
The next morning, Arthur came into the café, taking his seat at the table by the door. He always had the same—black coffee. And he liked this table. It meant that everyone coming into the café got to see the mayor first, and since it was an election year, this was no doubt part of his plan to get re-elected.
Not so long ago, Scarlett and her sisters would have cringed just having him in the café. Now, they welcomed him and enjoyed his company.
“Coffee?” Scarlett held up the pot she’d been using.
He nodded. “Yes, please.”
She picked up a mug and brought it over, placing the full cup at his elbow. “Enjoy.”
“Do you have a minute?” he stalled her.
“Sure. What’s up?”
“Two things, but I want you to know that one has nothing to do with the other.”
Scarlett took a seat, nodding at Betty, who came and took the pot to serve other customers. “I’m all ears.”
He laughed. “I loaned you my van for a few weeks.”
“We knew you’d want it back one day and are thankful for the use of it for all this time.” Scarlett smiled sincerely.
“I’m not done.” He slid papers across the table to her. “Well, in light of our recent discussion, these are for my van. Signed over to you as of today.”
She beamed at him, not even slightly worried that he’d charge them too much. “Thanks so much, Arthur. It means a great deal that you’d sell it to us. Everything about it is perfect for the café. I’ll transfer the money today.”
“I’m glad you think so. After all, I don’t need it. Actually, this leads nicely into the thing that’s about to make both of us awkward.”
“Really?” she chuckled. “I’m intrigued.”
He tapped the papers. “I wish I could take back all the nastiness I’ve dished out for far too many years. If only I’d known there was something to be done or even that I had PTSD from my car accident, I assure you I would have sought help much earlier. Since I can’t change the past, I want to make amends. I want you to take the van as my apology.”
Scarlett gasped. “Take? As in free?”
Arthur nodded seriously.
Apart from Olivia helping out where she could, the sisters had never asked for a handout, and she didn’t want to start now. “We couldn’t possibly accept such a generous gift. Besides, you’ve apologized so many times already.”
“There will never be enough apologies to make up for what I said and did. I cringe every time I think about it and what your mom would say. Plus, it would make me very happy.”
Violet coughed from where she was wiping the table next to them, and Scarlett glared at her. There was no mistaking that Violet would take the van in a heartbeat, but was it right to do so?
“At least think on it?” Arthur urged, his eyes twinkling merrily.
He really seemed to want to do this, and reluctantly Scarlett nodded. “Okay. I’ll talk about it with Violet and Ruby. What’s the other thing?”
Arthur grinned as if he’d already won that argument.
“I’ve decided to have a birthday party next Tuesday. I realize it’s very short notice, but I’ve never been one for parties before, and I’ve been fighting myself over whether I should do it. Mid-week means that people won’t drink too much and won’t stay too late.”
“What a wonderful idea. Plus, it’ll give more people a chance to see the new you.” Scarlett put a hand across her mouth. It was no secret around town that the mayor had a change of heart, but it seems rude to remind him in light of his generous offer.
Arthur gave her a mock shocked expression. “You’re so right. Why didn’t I think about that?”
Naturally, this was Arthur’s plan all along, and Scarlett shook her head at him. With new medication, Arthur had not only got a whole lot nicer he seemed to have developed a wicked sense of humor. The teasing was taking a bit of getting used to.
“Did you want us to cater it?” She asked, ignoring his widening grin.
“If you wouldn’t mind?”
“After all you’ve done for us, it’s the least we can do. At no charge,” Scarlett insisted.
He was about to protest, but Scarlett put up a hand. Not so long ago, she wouldn’t have dared shush him this way, but after his eyebrows shot together, Arthur laughed heartily.
“I agree, on the condition that you take the van.” He pushed the papers closer to her hand. “I can see Violet’s keen, and since Ruby always agrees with you, let’s not quibble about it.”
Having to get in the last word still hadn’t changed, she noticed and she made a feeble protest. “But we have money now.”
“And I want you to use it for the café and for Violet. You’ll get more use of the van with deliveries and catering than my sporadic need for campaigning. If it makes you feel better, we could say that if I do need the van for anything, I could occasionally borrow it.” His matter-of-fact manner was offset by the gentle look he gave her.
Overcome by his generosity, Scarlett dabbed at the corner of her eyes.
“Say, thank you,” Violet teased, despite also being more than a little misty.
Gulping, Scarlett nodded. “It really is too much, but thank you, Arthur. I accept, on behalf of all of us.”
Arthur nodded. “I’m glad that’s all settled. Now, nothing fancy on Tuesday. I don’t need to give you a list, because you’ve done this a hundred times already, but I don’t want you to go crazy. And leave the drinks to me.”
Scarlett and her sisters weren’t big drinkers, so she was happy with this. “Are you having it in the hall?”
“Do you think that will be okay, size-wise?” he asked.
“It’ll be perfect. We can open the French doors and spill out into the walled garden if necessary.”
“What about decorations?” Violet asked.
Arthur snorted. “I don’t think that’s necessary.”
Violet gasped in mock horror. “A party needs decorations, and Ruby will pitch a fit if she can’t pretty up the hall a little.”
